$140,465Average Value$78Average Price per Sq Ft1Home For Sale
Quiet homes on the eastern shore of Lake Decatur
Set against the western shore of Lake Decatur, the neighborhood of Homewood shares many of the same traits found in other communities: a natural quiet, onshore breezes and driveways crowded with canoes and pontoons. What sets it apart, however, is the price tag. “I don’t know of any other place in the country where you can get a house on the lake at these prices,” says Patrick McDaniel, city councilman for Decatur. This level of affordability on well-maintained homes in the area has attracted potential homeowners from all over Illinois, let alone Decatur.
Lakeside property for lower than average prices
“There’s a home for anyone along Lake Decatur,” says David Horn, city councilman of Decatur. “It has a wide range of prices and styles. Starter homes, retirement homes, you name it.” Winding streets cut past modest homes on quarter-acre lots with mature oak and pine trees that stretch over second-story roofs. Most construction was completed between the 1950s and 70s, and mid-century designs, such as ranch-style and split-level, reflected that era. Smaller homes found further inland start in the high $70,000s and rise into the mid-$100,000s as they gain size and proximity to the lake. Waterfront homes start in the high $200,000s and peak in the low-$400,000s as they increase in size and gain amenities like docks and boathouses. Condos are also popular, falling in the low $40,000s to high $50,000s price range.
Homewood is covered by lush greenery and serene streets.
Homewood's large homes are set alongside Lake Decatur.
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Fishing on Lake Decatur
Lake Decatur stretches for 30 miles through the southeastern corner of the city for which it was named. At nearly 3,000 acres, it’s the largest lake on the Sangamon River and a popular spot for locals who love being out on the water. Anglers are particularly fond of the river, which stays stocked with bass, walleye and catfish. Fish caught are generally safe to eat but limited by species based on advisories by the Illinois Department of Public Health. Water sports like boating and sailing are also popular, though swimming is limited to no-wake areas such as a dock or within 25 feet of a boat. Scovill Garden’s Scovill Zoo is on the east shore of the lake. It features over 400 different animals from six of the seven continents.
Lake Decatur in Homewood is perfect for fishing.
Homewood nature friends love their lakefront homes.
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Classes at the GT Church
The Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater is an outdoor venue that has presented everyone from KC and the Sunshine Band to Blues Traveler. Set on the shoreline, this 3,000-person capacity amphitheater also hosts Movies Under the Stars: a summertime series that includes screenings of family-friendly movies for free. The GT Church offers pay-what-you-can dinners along with different classes and seminars every Wednesday night. “The classes are free, and we cover a wide variety of subjects,” says Charity Miller, Production Pastor of the GT Church. “Everything from bible study to finance to how to deal with grief.”
GT Church in Homewood offers great fellowship for locals of all ages.
GT Church holds classes for children in Homewood.
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Seafood at Beach House
The Beach House offers seafood favorites like Chilean sea bass, gulf shrimp, and Atlantic salmon, and it has a relaxed atmosphere and a view of the shoreline. Boaters are invited to dock right outside of the restaurant on the pier. Whit’s End features no-frills barroom favorites like burgers and wings in a family-friendly environment. Fast food and shopping necessities are 3 miles southeast in the nearby neighborhood of Scovill Gardens, featuring a Kroger, Walmart Supercenter and more.
Homewood's famous Beach House is a popular restaurant for lunch and dinner.
Homewood is beautiful at dusk and filled with natural beauty.
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The Prep Academy at Eisenhower High
Students can begin their education at Michael E. Baum Elementary before heading to Stephen Decatur Middle School, both of which rate a C-minus with Niche. From there, they can enroll at Eisenhower High School, which has a C-plus and works with the Prep Academy, which allows students to work on their Associate’s Degree as they finish their high school diploma.
Eisenhower High School provides a safe environment for Homewood students.
Stephen Decatur Middle School creates an inspiring atmosphere for learning in Homewood.
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Easy access to St. Mary's Hospital
The neighborhood is bordered to the north by Illinois Route 105, which provides easy access to St. Mary’s Hospital, some 3 miles southwest. Sidewalks aren’t common in the area, so most residents must travel by car. Those who prefer public transportation use the Decatur Public Transit System, which offers a bus line all over the city with stops along East Williams Street Road.
Homewood is part of the Decatur Public Transport System.
Homewood has St Mary's Hospital nearby that is ready to respond to emergencies.
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Written By
Phil Keeling
Photography Contributed By
Stephen Mihalchik
Video By
Marcus Rosendoll
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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
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Reach out to
Randy Grigg,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Homewood
US
Homicide
4
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
5
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Homewood, Decatur sell after 48 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Homewood, Decatur over the last 12 months is $127,110, up 18% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Home Trends
Median Price (12 Mo)
$95,000
Median Single Family Price
$158,000
Median 1 Bedroom Price
$48,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$78
Number of Homes for Sale
1
Last 12 months Home Sales
30
Months of Supply
0.40
Median List Price
$124,900
Median Discount From 1st List Price
5%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-1%
Home Facts
Number of Homes in Neighborhood
236
Median Year Built
1981
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,397
Significantly below the national average
1,936
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
840
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
631
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
13,068
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
823
Median Age
47
Population under 18
19.1%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
25.4%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$52,742
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$60,613
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
91.5%
College Graduates
15.8%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
3%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
56.9%
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®
26/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
21/ 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.
