Hill Crest, small community between downtown and I-72
Hill Crest, a small community on the far west side of Decatur, offers a quiet and central location between downtown and Interstate 72. Proximity to the interstate and homes priced under $100,000 are the main attractions for most homebuyers. However, retirees are drawn to the neighborhood’s 55-plus community since it’s located away from the city’s energetic center. While the area is a few miles away from retail options, it is surrounded by nearby green space. Residents have their pick between sport-focused facilities, traditional playground experiences and expansive natural areas filled with interconnecting bike trails.
Hill Crest offers affordable homes, a quiet atmosphere, and easy access to I-72.
Nestled between Downtown Decatur and I-72, Hill Crest offers convenient living.
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Ball games at Sunnyside and biking at Rock Springs
While there are no parks within Hill Crest, there are a few within 2 miles. Sunnyside Park to the north is a favorite to watch ball games, while Kiwanis Park’s large, shady playground buzzes with afterschool energy. The neighborhood is also west of Fairview Park, which offers many activities, from tennis to tandem biking. Fido Fields lets pets run free, while D-Town Skate Park is open year-round to skateboarders, inline skaters and bicyclists. The park also has bike trails that connect to trails in the Rock Springs Conservation Area less than 5 miles south of Hill Crest. Jerry Culp, executive director at the Macon County Conservation District, says Rock Springs is probably the busiest preserve in the district. It’s also home to the conservation district’s central office. “We get to see firsthand how visitors interact with the space and what people’s needs are so we can figure out how to address them,” Culp says. Because of the department’s watchful eye, many improvements are coming. “We’ve written grants to get funding for more trail connections on the west side and to restore our current bike trails,” Culp says. “We also just received a grant to build an indoor/outdoor classroom at the nature center, which will hopefully be ready by summer 2025.” In the meantime, visitors still have access to a lengthy roster of programs and events at the nature center, and the park’s ponds and rivers are open for fishing and kayaking.
Fairview Park offers multiple covered seating options.
Hill Crest's proximity to bike trails makes commuting by bicycle easy and scenic.
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55-plus community tucked in North Scovill Court
Ranch-style homes are the most common in the neighborhood, but bungalows and bi-level homes are also offered. Most homes are clustered into small blocks, with less space between next-door neighbors but spacious backyards. Properties in the south have more space between them, and full-bowed trees add an extra layer of privacy. Prices usually range between $60,000 and $100,000. Inside the neighborhood is also a 55-plus community, but real estate agent Sherry Plain of Brinkoetter Realtors says, “It’s only along North Scovill Court. The street has all one-story, low-maintenance homes that are easier to care for. Outside of that cul-de-sac, the rest of the neighborhood is open to anyone.” These homes typically cost between $170,000 and $210,000, as they were built more recently and have homeowners’ association-provided services, like lawn care and snow removal.
Hill Crest features charming ranch-style homes with spacious backyards.
Hill Crest features charming ranch-style homes with spacious backyards.
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Nearest grocery store 3 miles east
The only retail store within Hill Crest is Dollar General, but the neighborhood is less than 3 miles from a shopping center. Restaurants like First Wok, Las Margaritas Mexican Restaurant and Wingstop sit beside clothing and beauty shops like Citi Trends and Fashion Divine Beauty Supply. About 1 mile west of the neighborhood are small-town eateries, like 121 Coffee Run and The Pizza Place on Main. Pop’s Place, a no-frills bar and grill, is a lunchtime favorite for walleye, billiards and blues. For groceries, residents have a bit of a trek. Plain, a Decatur native, says there used to be a Kroger on the west side, but now the closest grocery stores are Save A Lot 3 miles away and Krogers in South Shores and North Decatur 5 miles away.
Dollar General in Hill Crest offers convenient shopping for everyday essentials.
Citi Trends in Hill Crest provides trendy clothing options just a short drive away.
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Dennis Lab School partners with Millikin University
Students living north of West Main Street are zoned for Dennis Lab School, a kindergarten through eighth grade institution that regularly partners with Millikin University. College students come to Dennis Lab to complete student teaching, internship and service-learning project requirements, creating a diverse educational atmosphere. After eighth grade, students transition to MacArthur High School, which offers various college and career programs. Dennis Lab earns a C-minus rating from Niche, while MacArthur High has a C score. Students living south of West Main Street are zoned for the Warrensburg Latham School District. They attend Warrensburg-Latham Elementary, Middle and High School, which all have a Niche score of B.
Dennis Elementary School
The welcoming signage at Kiwanis Park invites visitors to explore its many amenities.
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Highway 36 connects to I-72 and downtown
Along the northern border, Highway 36 is the neighborhood’s main avenue around the city. It’s a straight shot to Downtown Decatur and leads to both Interstate 72 and Highway 51 in less than 3 miles. Plain says the proximity to the interstate is a major draw for buyers. While residents are only 4 miles from Downtown Decatur, I-72 connects to larger cities like Springfield, Champaign and Bloomington, which are commercial and entertainment epicenters. The closest bus stops to residents are along West Main Street, and the Decatur Airport is 9 miles east.
Hill Crest combines affordability with a peaceful setting, ideal for diverse lifestyles.
Hill Crest offers serene dusk views, combining peaceful living with central convenience.
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Two prominent houses of worship nearby
Outside residential streets, two large houses of worship sit in the neighborhood’s northwestern corner. These include Decatur West Side Church of the Nazarene and Decatur Sunnyside Seventh-day Adventist Church, one of only two Seventh-day Adventist churches in the city.
The war statue in Downtown Decatur honors local veterans and reflects the community's history.
121 Coffee Run in Hill Crest offers a cozy spot for coffee lovers with outdoor seating.
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Written By
Isabel Butler
Photography Contributed By
Michael Forbes
Video By
Jacob Branchaud
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Agents Specializing in this Area
Randy Grigg
Vieweg RE/Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate-Service First
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Randy Grigg,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Fairview Park
Central Park
Kiwanis Park
Preston Jackson Park
Garfield Park
Rock Springs Conservation Area
Sunnyside Park
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Hill Crest
US
Homicide
3
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
3
4
Robbery
3
4
Burglary
3
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
2
4
Larceny
3
4
Crime Score
3
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Hill Crest, Decatur sell after 21 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Hill Crest, Decatur over the last 12 months is $78,035, down 41% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Home Trends
Median Price (12 Mo)
$75,400
Median Single Family Price
$75,400
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$74
Last 12 months Home Sales
17
Median List Price
$77,500
Median Discount From 1st List Price
6%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-55%
Home Facts
Number of Homes in Neighborhood
137
Distribution of Home Values
Source: Public Records
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Randy Grigg,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
518
Median Age
46
Population under 18
21.4%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
27.6%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$69,609
On par with the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$73,292
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
95.8%
Above the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
28%
Advanced Degrees
12.3%
% Population in Labor Force
57.5%
Below the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
41''
Average Winter Low Temperature
20°F
Average Summer High Temperature
85°F
Annual Snowfall
3''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
43/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
7/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
