Southmoreland
Suburban Neighborhood in Decatur, Illinois
Macon County 62521
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.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.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.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.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.

Agents Specializing in this Area
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Kevin Fritzsche
Responds QuicklyBrinkoetter REALTORS®
(217) 859-8589
372 Total Sales
1 in Southmoreland
$322,500 Price
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Jillian Williams
Responds QuicklyMain Place Real Estate
(217) 615-5822
120 Total Sales
2 in Southmoreland
$100K - $360K Price Range
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Colleen Brinkoetter
Responds QuicklyBrinkoetter, Realtors
(217) 615-5474
125 Total Sales
1 in Southmoreland
$298,900 Price
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Zachary Oyler
Responds QuicklyKeller Williams Premier Realty
(309) 822-4531
196 Total Sales
1 in Southmoreland
$160,000 Price
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Blake Reynolds
Responds QuicklyMain Place Real Estate
(217) 462-8079
183 Total Sales
1 in Southmoreland
$152,500 Price
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Tony Piraino
Brinkoetter REALTORS®
(855) 539-8326
658 Total Sales
5 in Southmoreland
$110K - $285K Price Range
Schools
Interested in learning more about homes in this neighborhood? Reach out to
, 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
On average, homes in Southmoreland, Decatur sell after 136 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Southmoreland, Decatur over the last 12 months is $321,500, up 34% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Housing Trends
Neighborhood Facts
Distribution of Home Values
Interested in learning more about homes in this neighborhood? Reach out to
, an experienced agent in this area.Average Home Value
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Finances
Education and Workforce
Weather
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
Car-Dependent
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.
Nearby Neighborhoods

South Decatur community with lakeside estates and a nearby elementary school

Waterside community with a bridge connection to Decatur’s city center

Neighborhood undergoing revitalization that’s home to the Decatur Parks District

Affordable homes and lake access near Saint Mary's Hospital

Investors take advantage of affordable prices in this near-downtown neighborhood

An old neighborhood, revitalized by community programs and a remodeled school