$47,317Average Value$29Average Price per Sq Ft1Home For Sale
An up-and-coming downtown neighborhood
Johns Hill is East of Downtown Decatur, separated only by a train track. Proximity to the magnet school and the park behind it are a big draw to the area named after the school itself. Single-family houses, small shops and community organizations line the gridded streets that surround the school. "It's an up-and-coming area thanks to remodeling and all of the outreach programs," says James Carney, a Realtor at Glenda Williamson Realty who has lived in Decatur for 13 years. The magnet school and many of those outreach programs came together and passed a proposal for a community garden. Longtime residents, renters and young families can tend to the garden and reap the fruits of their labor with free flowers, fruits and vegetables. West Dawson, a lifelong resident and employee at Johns Hill Magnet School, says, "It's an older community where people tend to stay for a while, but that doesn't mean there haven't been changes." With opportunities for neighbors to come together, renovated parks and schools, it's no wonder residents stick around.
Johns Hill is a residential enclave in Decatur, IL which has a population of nearly 70,000.
Johns Hill has very affordable housing with easy access to parks and Lake Decatur.
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Investment opportunities with some historic charm
Come autumn, mature trees shed their leaves, seemingly all at once, in Johns Hill. A colorful burst covers the ground in front of the area's modest homes. One-story bungalows with shed dormer windows sit on long, narrow yards in Johns Hill. The bungalows, ranch-style homes and workers' cottages built as early as 1920 sell between $40,000 and $60,000. Some larger houses, usually American Foursquares or Colonial Revivals with Dutch influences, are available and range in price from $65,000 to $85,000. Gravel driveways lead to small, detached garages for off-street parking. Many houses are listed as investment opportunities and require repairs or remodeling. While there are fewer investors flipping houses into rental units than in Jasper Park, there are still a few in the neighborhood.
Some residents enjoy spacious front lawns in Johns Hill.
Beautiful flowers hang from bungalow porches in Johns Hill.
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Renovated courts and fields
Hill Park shares the same city block as Johns Hill Magnet School. The park recently underwent renovations and now boasts brand-new tennis and basketball courts. A freshly paved parking lot sits behind the impressive baseball diamond with dugouts, an electric scoreboard and metal benches for fans. "Now that the park has been redone, community events are held there more often. People will set up pick-up games on the courts or gather under the pavilion," Carney says. One of those annual events is National Night Out. In August of every year, residents of Decatur come together over free activities, food and music. The event allows the community to talk with members of the local police department and discuss ways to reduce crime in the area. Mueller Park is less than a mile south of the neighborhood, near Lake Decatur. With many of the same features as Hill Park, the spot is where kids can head for a pick-up basketball game when the courts closer to home are full.
Hill Park has newly renovated basketball courts.
Johns Hill has very affordable housing with easy access to parks and Lake Decatur.
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A leg up for getting into the nearby magnet school
While families in Decatur once had a choice of where to send their students to school, they are now zoned for designated schools based on location and population. An exception, however, is Johns Hill Magnet School, a C-rated school by Niche. Located right in the middle of the neighborhood, the public magnet school accepts students based on application. "Many parents want their kids going to Johns Hill," Dawson says. "It's much harder to get into now, but they prioritize kids who live close by." Students not attending the magnet school can begin learning at South Shores Elementary, followed by Stephen Decatur Middle School. Both schools are rated a C-minus and feed into Eisenhower High School, a C-plus school with a high level of diversity.
Johns Hill Magnet School is a public, magnet school.
Johns Hill is a residential enclave that contains a public high school and Johns Hill Park.
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Government-sponsored programs close to home
Though small, Johns Hill is home to many of the city's community organizations and outreach programs. "When I was a kid, the area wasn't the best place," says Dawson. "While every city still has its crime, Johns Hill is much safer now than it used to be. People will sit out on their porches and listen to music while kids ride their bikes on the streets." Organizations such as the Department of Human Rights, Dove-Homeward Bound Inc. and the Homework Hangout are at work in the neighborhood. The Department of Human Rights is a government office that, among many public services, assists in fair housing initiatives and works against employment and financial loan discrimination. Dove-Homeward Bound works to reduce housing insecurity in Macon County with assistance in case management and referrals. Since 1991, Homework Hangout has been an educational establishment for afterschool students, career apprentices and formerly incarcerated individuals.
Residents appreciate their front yards in Johns Hill.
Homes sell between sell between $40,000 and $60,000 in Johns Hill.
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Surprisingly quiet for its location
The neighborhood faces little noise pollution despite being less than a mile from downtown. Except for those along South Martin Luther King Jr Dive, sidewalks are set back many feet from the street and provide an easy walk to nearby schools and parks. Buses run along Martin Luther King Jr Drive, heading north to downtown and south to Lake Decatur. The nearest hospital, St. Mary's Hospital, is 1-1/5 miles southeast, while Decatur Airport is 5 miles east, across the lake. The small airport only hosts one airline and limited flights, so most head to Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport in Springfield for long-distance travel.
Residents appreciate their front yards in Johns Hill.
Homes sell between sell between $40,000 and $60,000 in Johns Hill.
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Where kids grab a treat after school
The 1950s come back to life at Krekel's Kustard. The hut serves floats, shakes and classic soft-serve cones out of the walk-up windows along East Wood Street. Illuminated at night by a neon ice cream cone, the restaurant also serves hamburgers, chicken strips and fries. Kids stop by Maffit Market on their way home from school or while riding their bikes to grab chips, candy or a soda. Homerun Meat & Grocery sells chicken parts by the pound, but online reviewers rave about the place's pizzas and prepared meals. Residents can walk to Dollar General for pantry staples and groceries, but most head to the Kroger 2 miles south along U.S. Route 51 for more comprehensive trips.
Residents love Krekel's burgers and shakes near Johns Hill.
Locals can chat at a table outdoors at River Coffee Company in Johns Hill.
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 neighborhood?
Reach out to
Randy Grigg,
an experienced agent in this area.
Parks in this Area
Nelson Park
Central Park
Hill Park
Lincoln Park
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Johns Hill
US
Homicide
9
4
Sexual Assault
6
4
Assault with Weapon
9
4
Robbery
7
4
Burglary
6
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
5
4
Larceny
5
4
Crime Score
7
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Johns Hill Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Johns Hill, Decatur sell after 26 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Johns Hill, Decatur over the last 12 months is $36,100, down 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to this beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 1-bath home that’s move-in ready and perfect for both families and investors! Enjoy a completely remodeled kitchen and bathroom with modern finishes. The home features new plank vinyl flooring throughout, offering durability and style. Step outside to a freshly built front porch – perfect for relaxing or entertaining. Just less than 5 minutes from
Don't miss this 4 bedroom, 2 bath home with incredible investment potential! Located just minutes from shopping, restaurants and downtown. Find plenty of space to play and enjoy the gorgeous sunshine in the large back yard! Sold as is. Prefer to sell as a package with 1728 College, 1074 Forest, 1103 Cottage Hill & 1615 Lawrence Schedule a showing today!
Interested in learning more about homes in this neighborhood?
Reach out to
Randy Grigg,
an experienced agent in this area.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has Equal Renters and Owners
Demographics
Total Population
1,012
Median Age
40
Population under 18
26.6%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
17.4%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$32,209
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$39,213
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
85.4%
College Graduates
0.1%
Significantly below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
0.1%
% Population in Labor Force
50.6%
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®
44/ 100
Somewhat Walkable
Walk Score®
52/ 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.
