$171,915Average Value$153Average Price per Sq Ft2Homes For Sale
Access to the lake, the highway and the zoo
Scovill Gardens, home to the popular Scovill Zoo, sits along Basin 2 of Lake Decatur and below a major highway connecting the east and west sides of the city. While only 4 miles from Downtown Decatur, residents are well accommodated with various hubs for recreation and entertainment, as well as retail centers nearby. The community offers homes of many different price points, catering to a diverse crowd of potential buyers. Children are within walking distance of an elementary school.
Visiting the animals at Scovill Zoo
Scovill Gardens shares its name with its sprawling park along the lakeshore. It features bike trails, a floral garden, a contemporary-style sculpture park and Scovill House, a respected events venue. It's also home to the Scovill Zoo, a major Decatur attraction. "The zoo is used on a daily basis by locals," says Colleen Brinkoetter, Realtor at Brinkoetter Realtors and a 25-year local. "One day a week, they offer free entry. When you buy a membership, you can use it at other zoos nearby and get discounts, but you can also just get a day pass." She says while the park also attracts tourists, it's not overrun by people. Visitors can interact with over 400 animals and attend special events, from ice cream socials to seasonal celebrations, like Boo in the Zoo. "They even have summer programs where kids can help assist with the animals at the zoo." Children and adults alike can ride on the zoo's train, which takes a leisurely path over a bridge overlooking the glistening lakeshore. The bridge leads right to the Children's Museum of Illinois next door. Kids can explore art and science exhibits there, participate in summer camps or attend themed events. Directly south of Scovill Gardens is Sinawik Park, which offers traditional amenities like playgrounds and sports fields. Across Lake Decatur, boaters can cruise around the waters of Basin 2 and dock their vessels at Lake Decatur Marina. The marina is connected to Nelson Park, which Brinkoetter says has many attractions. "There's a great restaurant called Beach House, an outdoor amphitheater for live concerts, a putt-putt golf course and Splash Cove water park." The mini golf course, known as Overlook Adventure Park, also features ziplining and batting cages. All of these amenities are 2 miles away via Highway 36.
Scovill Gardens locals head to the amazing Scovill Zoo that has over 400 animals.
Scovill Gardens has sculptures located in local parks.
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Juicy burgers from the Dairy Maid
At the eastern end of Scovill Gardens is a small retail center, home to the Chevrolet Hall of Fame Museum. Visitors can peruse an expansive display of classic cars and stop in for a bite at Stix on 36. Dollar General, Circle K and a Mexican restaurant are also in the shopping center. For more options, a larger retail center is 1-1/2 miles east along Illinois State Route 121. Brand names like Walmart, Five Below, Kroger and Aldi sit beside chain restaurants and an AMC Classic. Restaurants also line Highway 36. Under 2 miles west is Lu Lu's Pizza & Gaming, a classic pizza parlor, and Krekel's Dairy Maid, a kitschy, red-and-white striped hamburger joint sporting a giant metal rooster beside its entrance. Another 2 miles over is Downtown Decatur and all its locally owned stores.
Scovill Gardens billiard players head to Stix on 36 for great food and recreation.
Scovill Gardens residents can visit the Chevrolet Hall of Fame and view classic cars.
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Smooth sailing on Highway 36
South Country Club Road is a main north-south road for the area, but Highway 36 is the community's gateway to the rest of the city. Although it is a major thoroughfare that crosses Lake Decatur, the route is fairly quiet and easy to navigate. "Even during rush hour, the traffic flows freely," Brinkoetter says. Residents are also within 1 mile of East Lost Bridge Road, which offers another way over the lake. Downtown Decatur is just 4 miles away via either passageway. The area has minimal access to public transportation, but 2-1/2 miles northeast is the Decatur Airport, which connects to other major airports.
Scovill Gardens is a quiet community near the water
Scovill Gardens benefits from the nearby Decatur Airport.
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Starter homes and expansive lakeside properties
Ranches and bungalows are very common in Scovill Gardens, but a few two-story houses are also sprinkled throughout the neighborhood. Prices usually range between $100,000 and $170,000, with a handful of homes priced at less than $100,000. These are typically well-maintained starter homes with less than 1,200 square feet. Between properties are lush, mature trees, and front lawns are reasonably large, as homes are set farther back on their lots. A few larger homes sit along the lake's shoreline, featuring private boat docks and at least 2,000 square feet. These homes typically come at a higher price, ranging between $190,000 and $300,000. Some can even cost over $400,000. Despite being on the water, these homes do not experience flooding.
Scovill Gardens homes also have detached garages with well kept lawns.
Scovill Gardens homes along Lake Decatur have private docks.
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Muffley Elementary within walking distance
At the end of 2023, Illinois lawmakers discontinued the state's school choice program, so students now attend their assigned schools within their zoning. Students are zoned for Muffley Elementary School, directly south of Scovill Gardens. They move on to Stephen Decatur Middle School, which hosts a Career Expo annually to expose students to new and exciting career paths. Both schools earn a C-minus rating from Niche. At the C-plus-rated Eisenhower High School, students can earn an associate degree while they complete their high school diploma by enrolling in dual enrollment courses.
Muffley Elementary School in Scovill Gardens helps kids start their school career.
Eisenhower High School near Scovill Gardens scored a C+ Niche rating.
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Written By
Isabel Butler
Photography Contributed By
Stephen Mihalchik
Video By
Ennis Warlick
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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.
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Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Randy Grigg,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Nelson Park
Scovill Park
Scovill Gardens Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Scovill Gardens, Decatur sell after 36 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Scovill Gardens, Decatur over the last 12 months is $93,000, down 47% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to your next home or investment opportunity in Decatur! This charming 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom ranch offers a comfortable and inviting living space. The spacious living room features a built-in bookcase and seamlessly connects to the dining area, perfect for entertaining. The kitchen is conveniently located adjacent to the dining area and offers easy access to the attached 2-car garage.
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
555
Median Age
51
Population under 18
16.9%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
33.2%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$77,005
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$73,028
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
86.4%
College Graduates
18.7%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
6.9%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
61.8%
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®
42/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
19/ 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.
