A quiet residential neighborhood on Decatur’s east side, Lakeridge puts its residents in the middle of abundance. Within a few miles, locals can hit the waters of Lake Decatur or take to the skies at the Decatur Airport. Within reach is also a prominent member-only country club, and students are within walking distance of an elementary school. Groceries and quick bites are on Highway 36, from the retail corridor off Illinois State Route 121 to Downtown Decatur.
Lakeridge is less than 1/2 a mile from the shoreline of Lake Decatur’s Staley Basin, but boaters and kayakers must head 1 mile north to Fishing Spot Boat Launch. The public dock is open all day, every day, without fees. The launch is across the street from the Country Club of Decatur, a prestigious golf course and clubhouse with sports courts and pools. Membership comes in tiers, determining access to select amenities and voting privileges. However, all members receive reciprocal privileges at seven other country clubs around Central Illinois. For a traditional park experience, Baker Woods Estate Park is just east of the neighborhood, offering a shaded playground and concessions stand. More excitement can be found 1-1/2 miles away at the Scovill Zoo or 2-1/2 miles away at Nelson Park. Nelson Park features a large public marina, a water park, an amphitheater and an adventure park.
Due to the minimal public transit available in Lakeridge, having easy access to major thoroughfares is vital. The southern border of Lakeridge runs along Highway 36, a main thoroughfare for locals to access the rest of the city. “Highway 36 is a straight shot to Downtown Decatur and Interstate 72, our main pathway to Springfield,” says Lori Eaton, Decatur local and Realtor at Glenda Williamson Realty. “Highway 36 also stretches all the way to 57, which connects to Chicago.” Traffic typically flows freely between the neighborhood and 36, although cars are occasionally stopped by the industrial train that runs parallel to the highway. The neighborhood is also 1 mile west of the Decatur Airport, a regional airfield that connects to Chicago O’Hare International Airport.
Neighborhood streets are cushioned on either side by sprawling green yards dotted with stately shade trees. Homes are set farther back on lawns, and canopies behind and to the side of homes add a layer of privacy between neighbors. Ranch-style homes dominate the landscape, but the occasional split-level home, traditional-style two-story and bungalow appear. Listings usually sell between $100,000 and $200,000, with a handful of properties priced between $70,000 and $100,000. While these prices are noticeably below the city’s average, Eaton says low prices do not reflect the condition of homes. Properties are all around very well-kept and improved frequently, so many buyers are happy to buy houses on the market in their current state.
Students are zoned for Baum Elementary School, which is within the neighborhood’s boundaries. Even children living on the opposite end of the area can walk to school in under 20 minutes. The school teaches kindergarten through sixth grade. Seventh and eighth graders attend Stephen Decatur Middle School. Both schools earn a C-minus score on Niche. Select students at Eisenhower High School can join the Jerry J. Dawson Civic Leadership Institute, which prepares young minds for law enforcement, public safety and emergency services careers. The school earns a C-plus Niche score.
A few retail options are nearby for residents looking to shop and dine. To the south is a small shopping center, home to the Chevrolet Hall Of Fame Museum. Inside the museum is a laidback restaurant called Stix on 36. It features a full-service bar and kitchen serving casual American fare, as well as pool tables and arcade games. Next door to the museum is El Corral Mexican Restaurant, a few service providers and a Dollar General. More shopping can be found along Illinois State Route 121, 1-1/2 miles away. Brand names like Walmart, Aldi and Walgreens sit beside various chain restaurants. 121 leads down toward Mount Zion 4 miles south, or locals can head toward Downtown Decatur via Highway 36. “Downtown is mostly a business center, but there is some shopping, like boutique stores and niche restaurants,” Eaton says.
Randy Grigg
Vieweg RE/Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate-Service First
(217) 672-5060
279 Total Sales
2 in Lakeridge
$120K - $155K Price Range
Hope Williams
Keller Williams Pinnacle - MTV
(618) 754-1298
391 Total Sales
1 in Lakeridge
$159,897 Price
Tony Piraino
Brinkoetter REALTORS®
(855) 539-8326
651 Total Sales
5 in Lakeridge
$70K - $260K Price Range
Kevin Fritzsche
Brinkoetter REALTORS®
(217) 859-8589
361 Total Sales
3 in Lakeridge
$107K - $211K Price Range
Tim Vieweg
VIEWEG REAL ESTATE LLC
(217) 672-4684
539 Total Sales
3 in Lakeridge
$66K - $83K Price Range
Nicole Pinkston
Vieweg RE/Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate-Service First
(217) 859-8571
275 Total Sales
2 in Lakeridge
$110K - $240K Price Range
Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to , an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
| 1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime | Lakeridge | US |
|---|---|---|
| Homicide | 2 | 4 |
| Sexual Assault | 3 | 4 |
| Assault with Weapon | 3 | 4 |
| Robbery | 2 | 4 |
| Burglary | 2 | 4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 4 |
| Larceny | 3 | 4 |
| Crime Score | 2 | 4 |
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to , an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Bike Score®
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.
East Decatur community with Central Illinois’ only public Montessori school
Lakeside views and access to a prestigious country club on Decatur’s east side
An inland neighborhood near Lake Decatur with an eponymous elementary school
Home to the Scovill Zoo and the Children’s Museum of Illinois
Strictly residential area next to a highway, a country club and Lake Decatur
Neighborhood characterized by its massive country club and next-door airport
