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Millikin Home

Millikin Home

Historic Neighborhood in Decatur, Illinois

Macon County 62522

$114,675 Average Value
$45 Average Price per Sq Ft
2 Homes For Sale

Rich history preserved at Millikin Home

In the Millikin Home neighborhood, the depth of Decatur’s rich history is preserved through architecture, historical landmarks and museums. The area houses the homestead of James Millikin, founder of Millikin University, which is directly west of the neighborhood. While students must live on campus until their senior year, investors have renovated some homes into rentable multi-family units. Residents live in architecturally diverse historic homes along brick-laid streets that lead to recreational destinations and downtown dining. Transportation is also widely available via a major highway and many public bus stops.

Step back in time at the Governor Oglesby Homestead, a historic gem in Millikin Home.
Step back in time at the Governor Oglesby Homestead, a historic gem in Millikin Home.
Visit the historic James Millikin Mansion, a landmark rich in local history in Millikin Home.
Visit the historic James Millikin Mansion, a landmark rich in local history in Millikin Home.
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Architecturally diverse historic homes with style

Millikin Home’s historic housing dates from 1870 to 1940. No two homes are the same, although some shared architectural features include Cape Cod-style dormer windows, American Foursquare floorplans, Italianate-style roofing and columns and Craftsman-style porches. Bungalows sit beside sizable two-story homes with prominent bay windows, and some estate-style properties are converted into multi-family units. Shade trees that turn deep shades of orange and red in autumn tower over the neighborhood’s red brick streets. Investors who want to rent to off-campus students often buy properties closer to the university or multi-family listings. Most houses cost between $50,000 and $85,000, while very large homes sell above $100,000, typically in the $170,000 to $200,000 range.

Delight in the charm of bay windows that add character to Millikin Home's historic residences.
Delight in the charm of bay windows that add character to Millikin Home's historic residences.
Enjoy the architectural diversity as you explore this row of historic homes in Millikin Home.
Enjoy the architectural diversity as you explore this row of historic homes in Millikin Home.
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Next door to Millikin University

The neighborhood sits directly east of Millikin University, a private, four-year institution with roughly 2,000 students. The university is well-known for its performing arts, nursing and championship NCAA DIII athletics programs. It receives a B-minus rating from Niche. Neighborhood kids attend kindergarten through eighth grade at Dennis Lab School, which has a C-minus Niche rating. The school is the oldest historic school in the Decatur Public Schools District and works closely with the university. Many college students complete teaching requirements, internships and service-learning projects by volunteering at Dennis Lab. High schoolers attend MacArthur High School, which receives a C-plus rating.

Explore diverse restaurants and retail options along Merchant Street in Millikin Home.
Explore diverse restaurants and retail options along Merchant Street in Millikin Home.
At Fairview Park, friends toss breadcrumbs to the geese gathering by the shore.
At Fairview Park, friends toss breadcrumbs to the geese gathering by the shore.
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Rock climbing at Decatur Indoor Sports Center

Residents meet most of their recreational needs at the Decatur Indoor Sports Center at Millikin University. “Anyone in the area can belong to the rec center, not just university students,” real estate agent Michael Sexton of Brinkoetter Realtors says. “The university’s rec center has a partnership with the Decatur Parks District, and they’ve got all sorts of amenities, like an indoor track, pickleball courts and an indoor climbing wall.” Memberships offer varied access to the center’s fitness studios, fitness classes, tracks, courts, pools and batting cages. Children can participate in day camps and after-school programs, while older members can join indoor sports leagues. For outdoor fun, Millikin Home is under 2 miles from Fairview Park. The green space has something for just about everyone. Pets run free at Fido Fields dog park, kids have fun at the playground and people bike around the park and beyond via Stevens Creek Bikeway. There are tennis courts, a swimming pool, tandem bicycle rentals and a skate park. Tuesdays and Thursdays are reserved for bicyclists only at D-Town Skate Park, while all other days are open to just skateboarders and inline skaters.

The October National presents Fall Into Autumn.
The October National presents Fall Into Autumn.
Millikin Home blends rich history with modern community life, featuring diverse architecture.
Millikin Home blends rich history with modern community life, featuring diverse architecture.
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Fine dining at The Gin Mill

Restaurants skirt around the neighborhood’s borders. To the west along Oakland Avenue, Lock Stock & Barrel serves southwestern-inspired bar grub and cocktails. Throughout the month, the eatery hosts live bands and karaoke nights. Nearby, University Dogs is the spot for Chicago-style hot dogs and an ice-cold soda, and Winery Bar is considered the neighborhood’s go-to dive bar. To the north along Highway 36 are chain restaurants, and to the east is the city’s central business district, also known as Downtown Decatur. “Downtown is only 5 minutes away by car, or you could easily walk or take the bus,” Sexton says. Decatur Club and The Gin Mill offer fine dining experiences, while The River Coffee Club satisfies the morning rush for caffeine. Inside Millikin Home, Blessingdales Thrift Shop and Franci’s Vintage Boutique are popular spots for a wardrobe refresh. A few blocks over, Speakeasy Records & Oddities draws in customers with its massive vinyl collection and eclectic, hole-in-the-wall styling. About 1-1/2 miles north is Save A Lot, the nearest grocery store.

Savor a delicious steak dinner at The Gin Mill, a local favorite in Millikin Home.
Savor a delicious steak dinner at The Gin Mill, a local favorite in Millikin Home.
Relax at outdoor eateries like The Brass Horn, perfect for enjoying meals al fresco in Millikin.
Relax at outdoor eateries like The Brass Horn, perfect for enjoying meals al fresco in Millikin.
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Buses, highways and pathways on foot

Driving is the primary way residents get around Decatur, so having access to Highway 36 makes for an easy commute to major employers like ADM and Caterpillar. Public transportation is plentiful, with many bus stops lining most roads. Locals rarely walk or bike to their destinations, but it is possible to reach Millikin University and Downtown Decatur by foot. An industrial train track separates Millikin University from the neighborhood, occasionally causing excess noise when locomotive wheels come rolling by. The closest airport is Decatur Airport, slightly over 5 miles east.

The fountain at Central Park creates a serene backdrop for family outings and walks.
The fountain at Central Park creates a serene backdrop for family outings and walks.
Stroll along brick-lined streets to see the unique historic homes of Millikin Home.
Stroll along brick-lined streets to see the unique historic homes of Millikin Home.
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Millikin’s and Staley’s legacies

The neighborhood holds several historic landmarks within its borders. One of the most notable is James Millikin Homestead, the former home of James and Anna Millikin, the founders of Millikin University, Millikin Bank, Anna B. Millikin Home and Millikin Estate Trust. Sexton, who is on the James Millikin Homestead Board of Directors, says, “The original mansion is just 1/4 of a mile from the university. It’s now a local history museum that holds tours and events throughout the year. It also rented out for holiday parties and fundraising galas.” The 19th-century estate stands out against the neighborhood’s landscape due to its ornate Italianate architecture and meticulously preserved stained-glass windows. A couple blocks northeast is the Staley Museum, which preserves the life and legacy of A. E. Staley. Staley and his manufacturing company were driving forces behind the creation of Lake Decatur and the Staley viaduct, as well as the Decatur Staleys football club, now known as the Chicago Bears. Other historical landmarks in Millikin Home include The Edward Irving House and Governor Oglesby Mansion.

Discover Millikin Home, where historic architecture meets vibrant community life.
Discover Millikin Home, where historic architecture meets vibrant community life.
Experience the blend of history and community in Millikin Home with diverse architecture.
Experience the blend of history and community in Millikin Home with diverse architecture.
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Isabel Butler
Written By
Isabel Butler
Michael Forbes
Photography Contributed By
Michael Forbes
Andrew Perrius
Video By
Andrew Perrius

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Schools

Source:
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 Dana Price, an experienced agent in this area.

Parks in this Area

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Millikin Home US
Homicide 9 4
Sexual Assault 6 4
Assault with Weapon 7 4
Robbery 7 4
Burglary 5 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 5 4
Larceny 5 4
Crime Score 6 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$74,500
Median Single Family Price
$87,450
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$45
Number of Homes for Sale
2
Last 12 months Home Sales
17
Months of Supply
1.40
Median List Price
$98,500
Median Discount From 1st List Price
12%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-17%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
132
Median Year Built
1923
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,595
Significantly above the national average
1,937
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
838
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
8,276

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this neighborhood? Reach out to Dana Price, an experienced agent in this area.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
1,329
Median Age
38
Population under 18
22.6%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
15.5%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$37,008
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$39,239

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
81%
College Graduates
15.1%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
2.9%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
61%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
41''
Average Winter Low Temperature
20°F
Average Summer High Temperature
85°F
Annual Snowfall
3''

Area Factors

Bikeable

Bike Score®

64 / 100

Very Walkable

Walk Score®

73 / 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.

Reviews

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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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Millikin Home