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Scovill Gardens

Scovill Gardens

Suburban Neighborhood in Decatur, Illinois

Macon County 62521
$171,915 Average Value
$153 Average Price per Sq Ft
2 Homes 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 locals head to the amazing Scovill Zoo that has over 400 animals.
Scovill Gardens has sculptures located in local parks.
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 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.
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 is a quiet community near the water
Scovill Gardens benefits from the nearby Decatur Airport.
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 also have detached garages with well kept lawns.
Scovill Gardens homes along Lake Decatur have private docks.
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.
Muffley Elementary School in Scovill Gardens helps kids start their school career.
Eisenhower High School near Scovill Gardens scored a C+ Niche rating.
Eisenhower High School near Scovill Gardens scored a C+ Niche rating.
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Isabel Butler
Written By
Isabel Butler
Stephen Mihalchik
Photography Contributed By
Stephen Mihalchik
Ennis Warlick
Video By
Ennis Warlick

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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 area? Reach out to Randy Grigg, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Scovill Gardens Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$94,900
Median Sale Price
$93,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$323,255
Median Change From 1st List Price
-10%
Last 12 months Home Sales
17
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-47%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$153

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
157
Number of Homes for Sale
2
Median Year Built
1966
Months of Supply
1.40
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,308
Above the national average
1,924
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
17,424

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

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.

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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
Scovill Gardens