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Southmoreland

Southmoreland

Suburban Neighborhood in Decatur, Illinois

Macon County 62521

$266,549 Average Value
$108 Average Price per Sq Ft

Sought-after homes along the banks of Lake Decatur

Just two miles south of downtown Decatur, Southmoreland has the feel of an exclusive lakeside community. "It's an older neighborhood that's been very well-kept," says Linda Ray, a broker with Brinkoetter Realtors who has sold homes in the neighborhood. "Especially along the lake, there are some really nice, unique houses." Residents enjoy easy access to outdoor recreation at Nelson Park, and home prices are some of the most expensive in the city. Properties usually spend less than a week on the market, encouraging a sense of neighborhood pride among those who manage to snag a home here. "There's a sort of status associated with the neighborhood; it's a very sought-after place," Ray explains. "They even have their own special streetlamps in that area, which kind of plays into that idea."

Large yards at some of the city's highest prices

Though the area south of East Lake Shore Drive is considered one community, it can also be split into the Southmoreland and Eastmoreland neighborhoods. In Southmoreland, streets are named "Road 1" or "Road 2," and yards often exceed half an acre, creating a sense of privacy. All streets to the east are named some variation of "Eastmoreland," and homes are much closer together, with yards less than a quarter-acre. All homes in the area were built around the 1940s, with a few additions as late as the 1970s. Home styles are mainly midcentury ranch, though the larger properties along the water can come in more unique, contemporary designs. Prices are some of the most expensive in Decatur, ranging from $175,00 to $300,000. Lakeside homes typically go for $400,000 to $600,000 and can have more than 4,000 square feet.
Some homes in Southmoreland sit right on Lake Decatur with private boat slips.
Some homes in Southmoreland sit right on Lake Decatur with private boat slips.
Mid-Century ranch homes are the most common style in Southmoreland.
Mid-Century ranch homes are the most common style in Southmoreland.
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Open green space with possible development to come

There isn't a public park in the neighborhood, though there are a couple of open green spaces. "There's a common grassy area down by the lake that is only for Southmoreland residents," Ray says. "It's not like an official public park; there are no picnic tables or parking or anything, but it has nice lakeside views." Chandler Park, to the east of the neighborhood, is designated as a nature area with open land but no actual park amenities. In Decatur Park District's 2018 Master Plan, they outline a plan to turn Chandler Park into a mixed-use residential, retail and waterfront recreation space. As of 2024, construction has yet to begin on the project. For now, if locals want to experience a lively public park, they head up to Nelson Park, just over a mile away. With an outdoor amphitheater, water park and regular boating events, Nelson Park is the biggest lakeside recreation hub in the city.
Kids from Southmoreland head to Nelson Park for the great fishing.
Kids from Southmoreland head to Nelson Park for the great fishing.
The Southmoreland neighborhood offers homes with views of Lake Decatur.
The Southmoreland neighborhood offers homes with views of Lake Decatur.
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Public school zoning and Decatur's private options

Students in the neighborhood attend Muffley Elementary School and Stephen Decatur Middle School, which both get C-minus grades from Niche. Then it's on to Eisenhower High School, rated C-plus. The high school offers AP courses and dual enrollment with the local Richland Community College. Decatur also has a few private options, primarily faith-based schools. St. Patrick's Catholic School for kindergarten through eighth grade is just 2 miles away and provides each student with an iPad or Chromebook. St. Teresa High School, 4 miles away, has an A grade from Niche and has a 100% graduation rate.
Muffley Elementary School provides a safe environment for students from Southmoreland.
Muffley Elementary School provides a safe environment for students from Southmoreland.
Near Southmoreland Stephen Decatur Middle School offers plenty of fun after school activities.
Near Southmoreland Stephen Decatur Middle School offers plenty of fun after school activities.
St. Teresa High School is a short drive from Southmoreland.
St. Teresa High School is a short drive from Southmoreland.
Eisenhower High School offers a space where students from Southmoreland can thrive.
Eisenhower High School offers a space where students from Southmoreland can thrive.
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Boat storage and flooding risks associated with lakeside living

Southmoreland is located on the banks of Lake Decatur, and homes along the shore usually have private docks. For those who don't live lakeside, there are a few community access points to the late, like the Commodore Decatur Yacht Club, less than a mile from all homes and offering sailing lessons, seasonal events, regattas and rentable boat slips. An annual Commodore membership and boat slip rental fee comes to around $400. A mile north, Nelson Park's Pier 36 has more extensive boat slip options, but prices are higher, usually around $1500 annually. Living along the lake also comes with a slight flood risk. Homes along the water's edge are in FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area AE, which means they have a 1% annual chance of flooding, and flood insurance is usually required.
Fishermen at the Decatur Marina near Southmoreland get ready for the Bassmaster competition.
Fishermen at the Decatur Marina near Southmoreland get ready for the Bassmaster competition.
The Commodore Decatur Yacht Club near Southmoreland is a great place to sail from and dock.
The Commodore Decatur Yacht Club near Southmoreland is a great place to sail from and dock.
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Quick access to St. Mary's Hospital and Lost Bridge Road

Southmoreland is located right across the street from St. Mary's Hospital, a significant employer for the city. The hospital is undergoing a $90 million renovation project, expected to be completed in 2026. Southmoreland's mature tree cover helps shield the neighborhood from emergency vehicles and construction noise. The neighborhood is also conveniently located at the start of Lost Bridge Road, one of the five bridges across Lake Decatur. The bridge leads towards Mt. Zion and the Decatur Airport, which has regional-only flights.

Head into downtown Decatur for dining out

The neighborhood has no restaurants, so residents travel 2 miles into downtown Decatur for a dinner out. In the heart of the city, The Gin Mill has a dimly lit interior filled with cozy booths, swanky chandeliers and leopard-print carpeting. It's on the pricier side but is one of the most popular spots in Decatur for steak and seafood. Right next door, Coney McKane's has a more low-key vibe, with comforting American fare and a standout selection of homemade pies. For grocery runs, residents are less than 2 miles from the south-side Kroger but must hop onto the highway to get there. There's also a Kroger and Walmart less than 4 miles away across Lost Bridge Road.
The Gin Mill is a popular restaurant with residents of Southmoreland.
The Gin Mill is a popular restaurant with residents of Southmoreland.
Coney McKane’s is known for its warm environment is loved by residents of Southmoreland.
Coney McKane’s is known for its warm environment is loved by residents of Southmoreland.
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Catherine Lashley
Written By
Catherine Lashley
Trevor Stevens
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Trevor Stevens

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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 Southmoreland US
Homicide 7 4
Sexual Assault 4 4
Assault with Weapon 7 4
Robbery 5 4
Burglary 4 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 4 4
Larceny 3 4
Crime Score 5 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Southmoreland Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$271,250
Median Sale Price
$321,500
Median Single Family Sale Price
$274,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
4%
Last 12 months Home Sales
8
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
34%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$108

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
101
Median Year Built
1954
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,218
Above the national average
1,933
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
26,136

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

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 Owners

Demographics

Total Population
240
Median Age
48
Population under 18
19.6%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
27.5%
Above the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$44,062
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$65,794

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
99.4%
Above the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
30.2%
On par with the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
9.5%
% Population in Labor Force
65.3%

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®

31 / 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.

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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
Southmoreland