$254,406Average Value$101Average Price per Sq Ft3Homes For Sale
Lakeside living and bridge access
Lost Bridge, a quiet waterside neighborhood on the east side of Decatur, gives its residents a little bit of lakeside living within the city's suburbs. Private docks jut out onto Lake Decatur, but inland locals can also get their boats in the water via the marinas on the other side of the lake, which can be reached via the neighborhood's bridge. Besides a day on the lake, city parks and the Scovill Zoo are hotspots for outdoor fun. The area is also within 3 miles of multiple retail centers, an airport and Downtown Decatur.
Lost Bridge is aptly named for the road that runs through it, East Lost Bridge Road in Decatur.
Many homes in the Lost Bridge community have private boat launches on Lake Decatur.
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Ranch styles and private docks
The neighborhood mainly offers ranch-style homes, but some multi-story options are available. They can be raised ranches, Colonial-inspired homes, custom builds or split-levels to accommodate the area's low-incline hills. In the northeast corner, there is also an apartment complex flanked by two houses of worship. Homes typically cost between $130,000 and $300,000, but larger and lakeside homes can sometimes cost between $425,000 and $750,000. Buyers are better off buying quickly if they see a lakeside listing on the market. "There are more listings inland that become available than on the lake, but of course, houses immediately on the water come with a higher premium," says Brittany Lamb, area local and Realtor at Brinkoetter Realtors. Although they carry a higher price, these homes have higher square footage, more lot acreage and private docks on either Basin 1 or 2. Lamb says that while homes might be close to the shoreline, flooding is rare and minimal when it does occur. The area's streets are quiet throughout the day, even with cars coming and going from the bridge. Foot traffic is also low because of the lack of sidewalks.
Ranch style architecture is common in the Lost Bridge community of Decatur, IL.
Larger homes & those on the lake fall between $425,000 & $750,000 in Decatur's Lost Bridge area.
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Docking boats at Lake Decatur Marina
While only homes along the lake have private boat launches, inland residents can still hit the water. Under 2 miles west are Commodore Decatur Yacht Club and Lake Decatur Marina. Also known as Pier 36, Lamb says, "Anybody can use the marina's boat ramps as long as you pay for a daily or season pass and have your boat checked by the boat patrol." About 60 new floating docks were put in by G&H Marine, Inc. in 2024 and are now available to rent. While boaters are the most common sight on the lake, Lamb says that people can swim, jet ski, tube and wakeboard. Back on the east side, locals can look out at the glimmering water of Basin 1 from Ivy Hill Park's dedicated benches. For a more traditional park experience, Sinawik Park features multiple ball fields, sports courts, a playground and a picnic shelter. Lost Bridge is also directly south of Scovill Gardens, which offers walking paths, a sculpture park, a fully enclosed playground and the Scovill Zoo. The garden's amenities are free to the public, while admission to the zoo is typically under $10, although select days are also free. Visitors can view and interact with over 400 animals from March through August. Next door is the Children's Museum of Illinois, open year-round for science and art exploration.
An aerial view of Lost Bridge in Decatur highlights the ample green-space and lake.
Lost Bridge residents enjoy a day of fishing on Lake Decatur in Decatur, IL.
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Walking to Muffley Elementary School
As of the end of 2023, Illinois school districts no longer offer school choice, so students attend their assigned schools within their district's zoning. Some students can walk to Muffley Elementary School, which is directly east of the neighborhood. Students then move to Stephen Decatur Middle School across the lake, which offers a yearly Career Day and Healthcare Expo to expose students to diverse career paths. Both schools earn a C-minus rating from Niche. Students attending the C-plus-rated Eisenhower High School can participate in a program called District 61 Explorer. The program offers students training and real-world experience that prepares them for public safety careers.
Muffley Elementary School creates an inspiring atmosphere for learning.
Stephen Decatur Middle School creates an inspiring atmosphere for learning.
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Back and forth on East Lost Bridge Road
Lost Bridge is aptly named for the road that runs through it, East Lost Bridge Road. The avenue becomes a bridge as it crosses Lake Decatur, delineating Basin 1 and 2. While it may be smaller than Highway 36's bridge to the north, Lamb, who lives in an adjacent neighborhood, says the bridge is just as relied on. "It honestly just depends on which side of town you're on or where you're headed. I use both probably equal amounts." However, East Lost Bridge Road is the obvious choice for residents who want to get to the city center or HSHS St. Mary's Hospital quickly. It also has a pedestrian path separated from street traffic by a safety barrier. Most locals get around by car, as East Decatur has minimal public transportation options. However, the Decatur Airport is only 3 miles away.
Highway 36 is a major thoroughfare near the Lost Bridge neighborhood of Decatur, IL.
The sun set colors the sky near Lost Bridge Road in Decatur, IL.
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Big bass and Wild Dog
Having bridge access means residents can easily stay in East Decatur or head toward the city center for shopping and dining. On the east side, locals are under 2 miles from a small retail center featuring a Dollar General, Circle K and a few restaurants. Another mile east is a larger retail corridor along Illinois State Route 121. There are brand names like Walmart, Five Below, Kroger and Aldi, as well as chain restaurants and an AMC Classic. For more locally owned spots to grab a bite, residents head 2 miles west across the bridge to South 22nd Street and Pier 36. Beach House sits by the water, serving surf and turf dishes from its sunny outdoor patio. A colossal bass welcomes patrons to Wild Dog Saloon for a beer, a round of pool and weekly live music. Next door, Waterfront Café is the area's mom-and-pop, known for its crispy catfish and walleye. For some entertainment, Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater in nearby Nelson Park is renowned in Decatur as a go-to spot concert venue.
Waterfront Café is the area's mom-and-pop, known for its crispy catfish and walleye.
A colossal bass welcomes patrons to Wild Dog Saloon for a beer or a round of pool.
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Written By
Isabel Butler
Photography Contributed By
Otto Rascon
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.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Lost Bridge
US
Homicide
3
4
Sexual Assault
3
4
Assault with Weapon
2
4
Robbery
2
4
Burglary
2
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
2
4
Larceny
2
4
Crime Score
2
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Lost Bridge Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Lost Bridge, Decatur sell after 42 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Lost Bridge, Decatur over the last 12 months is $209,900, down 8% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Lakeside family retreat awaits you here! Beautiful sunsets and Gorgeous sunrises await you! Lake lot with 139ft of water frontage complete with seawall, sundeck and boat hoist. Well maintained home with an abundance of upgrades including new roofs on the boat dock, house along with all new skylights. Spacious open floor plan with vaulted ceilings. Gourmet kitchen boasts granite tops, custom
Abby GolladayVieweg RE/Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate-Service First
Western lake views on Basin One of Lake Decatur offer stunning sunsets in all seasons! Upon entering, you'll notice the durable acacia wood floors. The kitchen is a chef’s dream with LG appliances, a double oven, granite countertops, and instant hot water. The primary suite is a sanctuary, featuring a bath with a relaxing tub and walk-in shower. The bedroom is a wall of windows, and the spacious
Come check out the best sunset views on Lake Decatur! This home has so many updates with open concept living with custom kitchen cabinets and gorgeous accent stone wall with fireplace in the living room that steps out to the large deck for entertaining. The main floor also includes 2 bedrooms and updated full bath. The master bedroom suite has a huge walk in closet and beautiful walk in custom
Located on the beautiful Lake Decatur next to Scovill Zoo, Timber Cove Apartments is the premier apartment community in Decatur. Community features include a Junior Olympic-sized pool, an oversized playground, peaceful walking grounds, views of Lake Decatur, and controlled entry doors to every building. Our Decatur apartments are also pet friendly and offer a dog park for our furry residents.
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
996
Median Age
47
Population under 18
18.3%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
27.7%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$76,495
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$86,165
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
95%
Above the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
32.8%
Advanced Degrees
12.3%
% Population in Labor Force
59.5%
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®
35/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
3/ 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.
