$51,863Average Value$54Average Price per Sq Ft6Homes For Sale
Revitalization in Lions Park
As part of various neighborhood revitalization programs, Lions Park is slowly getting a new lease on life. Homebuyers are being incentivized by the city to reinvest in the area, which has increased owner occupancy and stabilized the condition of existing properties over the years. The improvements are greatly welcomed, as current residents see the value of Lions Park and its location. The neighborhood is next to Nelson Park, a major recreational destination in Decatur. At locals’ fingertips are a state-of-the-art amphitheater, a multifaceted adventure park and a $13 million water park, among other amenities. Residents are also roughly 1 mile from Downtown Decatur and Highway 36, a hub for citywide travel.
Live bands and water slides around the corner
Lions Park, located in the eastern section of the neighborhood, is the neighborhood’s primary green space. The park’s acreage is small but within walking distance of most homes, making it a frequent hangout spot for neighborhood kids. Its amenities include open field space, a small playground and two basketball half-courts. However, a significant feature of Lions Park is that it sits adjacent to Nelson Park, a significant outdoor destination in Decatur. The park has some of the most diverse amenities of any green space in the city and is home to several entertainment hubs. Clay Gerhard, executive director at the Decatur Parks District, says Overlook Adventure Park and Splash Cove water park have been overwhelming successful additions to the green space. Another hotspot he mentions is the Devon Amphitheater, which regularly hosts touring musical acts. Kristi Mullinix, a lifelong Decatur local and principal at South Shores Elementary School, agrees, saying, “The Devon is probably the best thing to happen to Decatur. The other day, they had a Taylor Swift impersonator, and the little kids just loved that. I also know other faculty members take their kids to the free movie screenings they have, and some nights, you can see a band for only $5.”
Nelson Park is a great place to exercise nearby Lions Park.
Lions park is a nice green space in the heart of the neighborhood.
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Government revitalization increasing owner occupancy
Lions Park has a history of blighted properties, but the city’s commitment to neighborhood revitalization around Downtown Decatur has helped to stabilize the area’s housing market. From 2019 to 2022, the conditions of existing structures in the neighborhood noticeably improved as the number of owner-occupied residences increased. Programs like the Owner-Occupied Residential Rehabilitation Program, the Owner-Occupied Small Home Improvement Program and the Landlord Loan Program incentivize homeowners to continually reinvest in Lions Park. Homes needing renovations are priced between $15,000 and $40,000, while move-in options needing less tender loving care upfront can range from $40,000 to $70,000. Buyers can choose from Craftsman-style and split-level homes, bungalows and the occasional two-story home with Cape Cod and Dutch Colonial aesthetics. Homes sit along gridded streets lined with narrow sidewalks and mature trees that add a layer of privacy to front lawns.
Homes in Lions Park come in a variety of sizes and shapes.
Classic craftsman and bungalow style homes line the streets of Lions Park.
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Neighborhood bars and mom-and-pops
Local dives line the borders of Lions Park. Kennedy Fried Chicken sits in the western corner, offering on-the-go meals from a casual counter-serve establishment. In the east, Los Sauces Mexican offers south-of-the-border fare, while Flashback Lounge is locally considered the go-to cocktail bar. Along South 22nd Street, the neighborhood’s eastern border, the mom-and-pop Waterfront Cafe serves Southern-style cooking, like crispy fried catfish. Next doors, customers pack into Wild Dog Saloon’s patio and bar for a drink and monthly live music. About 1 mile from the neighborhood is a Save A Lot, as well as downtown’s main strip of boutique shops and high-end restaurants.
The Gin Mill is downtown, just a short drive from the Lions Park neighborhood.
Lions Park residents head to Save A Lot for everyday needs.
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Business routes and a hospital within 1 mile
While Decatur is a car-dependent city overall, Lions Park residents can access many public bus stops. Most are located along the neighborhood’s borders, but a few streets within the neighborhood also have stops. For those who drive, South 22nd Street connects to Highway 36, a major east-west thoroughfare connecting most of the city. Lions Park is also within 1 mile of Business Route 51, a north-south avenue that passes through Downtown Decatur, and HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital. For flights, residents are under 5 miles from the Decatur Airport.
Residents of Lions Park can use the buses to get to the downtown transit hub.
St. Mary’s Hospital is just south of the Lions Park neighborhood.
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Two elementary schools for one neighborhood
A small portion of students living on the west side of Lions Park are zoned for South Shores Elementary School. All other students attend Muffley Elementary School. Both schools earn a C-minus rating from Niche. Older students attend Stephen Decatur Middle School, which hosts an annual healthcare career day, followed by Eisenhower High School, which has a specialized public safety career program. Stephen Decatur Middle earns a C-minus rating, while Eisenhower High has a C-plus.
Eisenhower High School provides a safe environment for students from Lions Park.
Stephen Decatur Middle School creates an inspiring atmosphere for students from Lions Park.
Muffley Elementary School creates a welcoming environment for students from Lions Park.
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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to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Lions Park
US
Homicide
4
4
Sexual Assault
6
4
Assault with Weapon
6
4
Robbery
6
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
5
4
Crime Score
7
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Lions Park Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Lions Park, Decatur sell after 46 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Lions Park, Decatur over the last 12 months is $52,500, up 35% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Investor alert! House needs work (roof leaks, ceilings need repair, mold present). This would make an excellent rental property once brought up to condition. No steps. 2 large bedrooms. Compact, fenced yard. Cash offers only. Electricity and heat are on. Selling As-Is - Submit As-Is Addendum with offers.
INVESTOR ALERT - $294,897 FOR A PACKAGE OF 6 HOMES. - 2152 E DECATUR ST $800/MONTH - 2039 E WHITMER $700/MONTH - 1976 E WILLIAM ST $450/MONTH - 936 E MOORE $625/MONTH - 1720 N GULICK $710/MONTH - 621 W SAWYER $625/MONTH. MAJORITY OF TENANTS ARE LONG TERM TENANTS, UP TO 17 YEARS. MOST ARE UNDER RENTED, HUGE OPPORTUNITY FOR UPSIDE POTENTIAL.
INVESTOR ALERT - THIS IS A 6 PACKAGE DEAL AND WILL ONLY BE SOLD AS SUCH - NO CHERRY PICKING OF INDIVIDUAL PROPERTY - $294,897 FOR A PACKAGE OF 6 HOMES. -2152 E DECATUR ST $800/MONTH-2039 E WHITMER $700/MONTH-1976 E WILLIAM ST $450/MONTH-936 E MOORE $625/MONTH-1720 N GULICK $710/MONTH- 621 W SAWYER $625/MONTH MAJORITY OF TENANTS ARE LONG TERM TENANTS, UP TO 17 YEARS. MOST ARE
Property Id: 2190581(NEGOTIABLE) Rent to Own/ Owner financing - handyman special - NO credit check. Homeownership OPPORTUNITY 3 minute away from Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater.Ideal for handymen, contractors, and cleaners.Needs tlc in the living room, kitchen, and bath.STOP renting. Be a homeowner. Act now; a down payment secures keys today!30-year
?? Decatur, IL Seller Finance Property Available! No Bank qualifications / Steady Income + Down payment RequiredOwn this home today as low as $695 / monthThis is a house for sale! Property being sold AS IS.Address:1524 E Whitmer St Decatur IL 62521? 1 bed and 1 bath? Will need some cleanup. Recently occupied ?$2000 down payment? No credit
2 Bedroom 1 bath home OWNDER FINANCE. RENT TO OWN. You can own your own home instead of throwing away money on rent that will never be yours. $2000 down, $800 per month
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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.
