$98,495Average Value$54Average Price per Sq Ft6Homes For Sale
Where convivence and charm collide
Placed between the downtown area of Decatur and the residential neighborhoods on the outskirts, Near West blends the city's history with the calm lifestyle of the suburbs. Sidewalks pass historic homes on red brick roads. Tall trees provide shaded walkways and drop leaves on little free libraries. "It's more of a homebuyer and homeowner neighborhood," says James Carney, a Realtor at Glenda Willamson Realty who has lived in the area for 13 years. "Sure, there are still investors and rental units, but not as many as in neighborhoods east of downtown." Like in many Decatur neighborhoods, a train track runs through, but the sound is minimal. Despite being only one mile from the business district, the area is relaxed and quiet along the Sangamon River to the south. Above-average schools are within walking distance, as are bike paths to the city's most popular parks. With restaurants and shopping a short drive or bus ride away, it's no wonder residents who move to Near West tend to stay a while.
Discover the calm charm of Near West, where historic homes meet tree-lined streets.
Experience the charm of Near West with this row of inviting homes and tree-lined streets.
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Historic brick buildings and roads
In 1901, James and Anna Millikin founded Millikin University, located just north of the neighborhood. The private, four-year university has popular nursing, business and performing arts programs. One of their most notable alums is Jodi Benson, who voiced Ariel in Disney's 1989 release of The Little Mermaid. The James Millikin Homestead is also nearby with preserved furniture, clothing and housewares. The Italianate mansion is open to the public and offers a peek into living in the late 1800s. Though not as well-preserved, slivers of the historic times are all around the area. Brick roads and carriage houses reflect a time when the means of transportation was a horse-drawn buggy. Century-old trees state their claim with roots that protrude from driveways and rock walls.
Classic Colonial Revival homes grace the streets of Near West, blending history with charm.
Historic red brick streets add character and charm to the picturesque Near West neighborhood.
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Bike paths around rivers and parks
Lake Decatur was formed creating a dam and intentionally flooding the Sangamon River, which flows east to west along the neighborhood's southern border. Past that dam, following the flow of water, is Lincoln Park. The lush green space is best for fishing and hiking since there are no fields or play areas, but the Lincoln Park Bike Path leads to other parks with plenty of athletic outlets. "The parks are one of the best parts of Decatur," Carney says. "Almost all of them, including Lincoln Park, are connected by bike paths around the river and lake." Fairview Park is one of those accessible parks just 2 miles west. A playground, tennis courts and a skate park comprise some of the 185 acres. People can take photos of butterflies in the rose garden, let their dogs run around at Fido Fields dog park or have a picnic in the shade of a pavilion. Those under age 15 can cast a fishing line at Dreamland Pond, stocked with fish annually.
Enjoy leisurely walks with your dog in the many parks of Near West, perfect for pets and people.
Friends sit beside the lake in Fairview Park, feeding geese while soaking up the view.
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Distinct decades of architecture
Victorian mansions from the 1890s, Colonial Revivals from the 1920s, and ranch-style homes from the 1940s fill the residential streets of Near West. "It's a great place to raise a family," Carney says. "There are a lot of historic homes in that area, which are much bigger than the houses they're building around the city today." The area's largest, most maintained houses sell anywhere from $100,000 to $250,000. Except for a few closest to the Sangamon River, lots are uniform in size, and the amount of available yard space depends on how much square footage the homes take up. Bungalows and Dutch-inspired cottages offer more open yards and range in price from $40,000 to $80,000. The homes closest to the river, along the winding Monroe Street and Powers Lane, fall within the higher price range. Mediterranean-style villas, Tudors and sprawling ranch-style homes sit at the end of long driveways under towering oak and maple trees.
The statue and plaque at Preston Jackson Park honor history while inviting reflection.
Colorful bungalows in Near West provide inviting spaces for families and friends.
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Start the day with a latte
Coffee lovers come to The River Coffee Company to sip their morning brew and read a book at the reclaimed wood tables and bar top. Dried flowers adorn the tables in the beautiful brick building with walls of windows. After their original location was destroyed in a fire in 2019, the company moved spots to keep serving some of the highest-rated lattes and pastries in the city. The Winery Bar is ironically lit with the red glow of beer signs. Patrons can have a burger and a pint while sitting at the leather bench booths of the minimalist, cozy location. The neighborhood lacks markets, grocery or convenience stores, but Save A Lot, Dollar General, Kroger and Walgreens are all within 2 miles of the neighborhood.
The River Coffee Company serves up delicious brews in a cozy setting, perfect for relaxing.
Save-A-Lot provides convenient grocery options just minutes away from the heart of Near West.
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Schools close to home
Students can attend Dennis Lab School from kindergarten to eighth grade. Rated a C-minus by Niche, the school is divided into two campuses. The elementary-level campus, called the Mosaic Campus, is less than a mile west. The middle school campus, called the Kaleidoscope Campus, is in Near West and within walking distance for many students. MacArthur High School, rated a C, is northwest of the neighborhood.
Benches in Central Park provide a peaceful retreat where couples can relax and enjoy the view.
Near West offers a serene suburban lifestyle with historic homes, parks, and a tight community.
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Getting around near downtown
Though Near West is only 1 mile from Downtown Decatur, the neighborhood is highly residential and quiet. Houses along the river are in an especially calm area where little to no through traffic exists. There is a higher chance of flooding along the river and the creeks near the Greenwood Cemetery in the east and train tracks in the west. Illinois Route 48 connects to the greater metro area, and buses run along West Main and West Decatur streets. The nearest hospital, St. Mary's Hospital, is 2-1/2 miles southeast, while the closest airport with multiple airlines and many flights to choose from is 42 miles west in Springfield.
Merchant Street features a variety of restaurants and retail shops.
Enjoy serene river views in Near West, where nature meets suburban living.
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Written By
Heather Haggerty
Photography Contributed By
Michael Forbes
Video By
Francisco de la Vera
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On average, homes in Near West, Decatur sell after 23 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Near West, Decatur over the last 12 months is $102,250, up 156% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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