$50,834Average Value$176Average Price per Sq Ft1Home For Sale
A renter-heavy neighborhood
Seeing its heaviest development in the 1940s to 1960s, Jasper Park was once filled with endless rows of bungalows, cottages and simple family homes. After losing nearly 400,000 manufacturing jobs, Decatur's population has steadily decreased since the 1980s, resulting in vacated houses and properties falling into disrepair. Though empty lots now divide the neighborhood's houses, Jasper Park's tall trees, cobblestone roads and sidewalks set far back from the streets remain. The neighborhood is popular with landlords who take advantage of its low housing prices then renovate and convert the properties into government-sponsored affordable housing. As a result, a diverse group of renters dominate the neighborhood and capitalize on of its transportation options, providing access to Downtown Decatur and Lake Decatur, as well as enjoy local shops and highly diverse schools nearby.
Jasper Park is bordered by train tracks and is a short trip from Lake Decatur.
Despite some homes falling into disrepair, they usually sell in three weeks in Jasper Park.
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High accessibility and ample transportation
Bordered by train tracks to the north, east and west, Jasper Park deals with passing trains daily. "Noise from the train tracks isn't the issue: it's the traffic," says Amanda Good, a Realtor at MTZ Realty Services who lived in the area for most of her life. "If you hit a train at some of the intersections, you'll be waiting for it to pass for a while." However, when the crossing gates are up, and the lights aren't flashing, it's quite easy to get around the area. Buses run throughout the neighborhood along East Eldorado Street, East Wood Street and East Prairie Street. Sidewalks are everywhere, and though their condition varies from street to street, they lead to Downtown Decatur – a mile west. The area has no designated bike lanes, so bikers must watch out for parked cars, potholes or missing cobblestones in the streets. The intersection of Eldorado Street and North 22nd Street is what some locals call "Five Points" due to five main roads and streets converging there. "There are grocery stores and shopping spots right near the intersection, but also main roads that lead to the rest of the city," Good says.
Homes sell between $25,000 and $70,000 in Jasper Park.
There are many affordable homes available in Jasper Park.
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Shopping at the nearby intersection
Save A Lot, Family Dollar and Dollar General are to the east, at the "Five Points" intersection. U.S. Route 36 leads southeast, across Lake Decatur, to a large shopping plaza just south of the Decatur Airport. Walmart and Kroger anchor the plaza with plenty of national fast-food chains. Back near home, Krekel's Dairy Maid and Krekel's Kustard serve ice cream cones, shakes and sundaes from classic, window-service hamburger joints. With one in the eastern part of the neighborhood and another in the west, every home is within a mile's walk or drive of juicy, topping-heavy burgers. East Eldorado Street is the busiest street in the neighborhood, with pawn shops, liquor stores and convenience shops. Also on the street is Helen's Corner Thrift Shoppe. Shoppers can dig through bins and roam the isles that tower with furniture, knickknacks and clothing that sells for as little as one dollar.
Jasper Park is bordered by train tracks and is a short trip from Lake Decatur.
Residents get their groceries at Kroger's in Jasper Park.
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Homes brought up to government standards
The gridded residential streets of Jasper Park are no stranger to construction and demolition. Remnants of empty driveways lead to many empty lots; some homes have boarded-up windows. The neighborhood has more renters than other Decatur areas and a large pool of cultural diversity as a result. "Because they aren't owner occupied, the homes are more likely to fall into disrepair," Good says. Bungalows, worker's cottages, simple Victorians from the 1920s and ranch-style homes sell anywhere between $25,000 and $70,000. Gravel alleyways intersect the gridded streets, leading to detached garages and small backyards behind the one or two-bedroom homes. Despite their condition, homes in the neighborhood sell after an average of three weeks on the market. This turnover is partly because they are quickly "bought by investors that turn them into grant housing for those who can't afford a mortgage," Good says. The houses must be brought up to government standards before they can be rented, so renovations are common. A few houses needing a total overhaul sell for as little as $8,000.
Despite some homes falling into disrepair, they usually sell in three weeks in Jasper Park.
Residents have a flair for decorating their homes in Jasper Park.
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Diverse public schools with language programs
Students of Jasper Park are zoned for Muffley Elementary School. Rated a C-minus by Niche, the school is across Lake Decatur. Stephen Decatur Middle School is next in line and is rated a C-minus. The school is in the top 10% of the most diverse public schools in the state. Eisenhower High School is a mile south and is rated a C-plus. Instead of attending the zoned elementary and middle school, students can choose to attend Johns Hill Magnet School for kindergarten through eighth grade. Rated a C, it is in the top 2% of most diverse public schools in the state. The district's English Language Learners program operates out of the building. Over 14 languages are spoken at home by the students.
Muffley Elementary School has 368 students in grades K-6.
Stephen Decatur Middle School has a student-teacher ratio of 16 to 1.
Eisenhower High School has 934 students in grades 9-12.
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New courts and fields at the nearby park
There are no painted lines on the basketball court at Jasper Park, but that doesn't stop it from being the neighborhood spot for a pick-up game. Kids can also play baseball or wiffleball on the large field with a backstop or climb on the jungle gym. Hill Park is south of Johns Hill Magnet School. Paved walking trails lead to recently updated tennis and basketball courts. A newly paved parking lot accompanies a brand-new baseball diamond with dugouts and a scoreboard. When not used by gym classes or after school sports programs, the football and soccer fields are open to the public.
Hill Park has many amenities including a newly renovated basketball court.
Nelson Park is the perfect park to work up a sweat.
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Written By
Heather Haggerty
Video By
Charles Kennedy
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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
Jasper Park
Nelson Park
Central Park
Hill Park
Jasper Park Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Jasper Park, Decatur sell after 118 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Jasper Park, Decatur over the last 12 months is $399,999, down 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
DECATUR - OMG! What a great price! Ditch the rental. Bring your financing approvals; this has been professionally and completely redone top to bottom! The interior is gorgeous, bright, and ready for you to move right in. There is an inviting covered front porch that welcomes you to chillax! Inside, everything is freshly painted, with new flooring, new doors, and new windows. Ceiling fans,
Investor Special – Flip or Rent Opportunity!Unlock the potential of this value-add property located at 1525 E North St in Decatur, IL. This 2-bed, 1-bath home sits on a deep lot with solid bones, making it a prime candidate for renovation. Whether you're looking to flip for profit or build long-term rental income, this property offers a strong upside in a growing rental market. Surrounded by
Corporate owned property. 2 bedroom, 1 bath property with lots of space for an investor. Has finished attic and 9 foot ceilings on the first floor, and includes abundant space for a potential investment opprotunity. ***Sold in as-is condition. No warranties on any appliances, mechanicals or physical condition of premises.
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 Renters
Demographics
Total Population
2,280
Median Age
35
Population under 18
29.8%
Above the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
13.8%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$27,821
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$40,661
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
75.3%
College Graduates
1.7%
Significantly below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
1.3%
% Population in Labor Force
51.1%
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®
46/ 100
Somewhat Walkable
Walk Score®
54/ 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.
