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Wabash Crossing

Wabash Crossing

Suburban Neighborhood in Decatur, Illinois

Macon County 62521, 62523

$83,526 Average Value
$34 Average Price per Sq Ft

Wabash Crossing is small but filled with opportunity

Wabash Crossing may be among the smallest of Decatur's neighborhoods, but a lot happens within its borders. "The neighborhood was built to accommodate blue-collar workers," says Randy Grigg, broker associate at Vieweg Real Estate. "Decatur had a lot of factories in the middle of the 20th century, and many people relocated here for employment." The neighborhood's multifamily and renter-friendly homes still offer quick access to employment opportunities downtown and in the city's northern industrial district. Having downtown next door also means expanded shopping and dining options and access to annual city events. Students are close to public schools and the city's four-year university, and all residents are within a few blocks of several community organizations.

Most of the neighborhood's residential properties are for renters

While a good portion of the community has industrial businesses and private institutions, the neighborhood is mainly residential. Apartments, New Traditional duplexes and townhouses are the most common offerings along Wabash Crossing's lush green streets. The neighborhood's proximity to downtown and Millikin University make it an attractive option for renters, but "other residents have lived here all their lives – some even in the houses they were raised in," Grigg says. Homes rarely go up for sale, but when they do, prices usually range between $48,000 and $112,000.
Homes in Wabash Crossing run along well maintained sidewalks with mature trees.
Homes in Wabash Crossing run along well maintained sidewalks with mature trees.
Most duplexes in Wabash Crossing are rental homes.
Most duplexes in Wabash Crossing are rental homes.
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Nearby shopping and dining include downtown Decatur's busy streets

The neighborhood has limited retail options, but a few shops and restaurants are nearby. Tennessee Meat Market offers a small butcher and deli counter, and Hope's Attic has thrifted goods. Next door, APOLLO CAFE is known for its fried catfish and slot machines. East Cerro Gordo Street has a row of antique stores, including Firehouse Flea Market. Wabash Crossing is beside downtown Decatur, expanding residents' access to locally owned restaurants and boutique stores. Doherty's Pub & Pins serves traditional Irish pub fare, while The Gin Mill offers an upscale steakhouse dining experience. The Original Del's Popcorn Shop might seem like a tourist spot, but locals love this old-school confectionary, too. "During the fall, they make a ton of caramel apples that people just go crazy for," says Sherry Plain, real estate agent at Brinkoetter Realtors. "People are all about the apples." Plain also says that while downtown stays busy year-round, business peaks around the winter holidays. "There are carolers on the streets, all the stores stay open late with special promotions and businesses serve seasonal drinks, like spiced hot cider," she says.
Debbie's Diner is an old-fashioned eatery serving hot coffee and American breakfast classics.
Debbie's Diner is an old-fashioned eatery serving hot coffee and American breakfast classics.
The Gin Mill has a stunning interior with a bar near Jasper Park.
The Gin Mill has a stunning interior with a bar near Jasper Park.
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Public schools and Millikin University are within 2 miles

Students can walk to Hope Academy, a kindergarten through eighth-grade school inside the neighborhood. The school has a C-minus rating on Niche and offers comprehensive programs in athletics, social development and the arts. The neighborhood is roughly 2 miles from MacArthur High School and Eisenhower High School, both of which have C-plus ratings. Millikin University is also within 2 miles, serving over 1,800 students seeking four-year degrees. The university has a C-plus Niche score.
Hope Academy is an excellent school for all types of students.
Hope Academy is an excellent school for all types of students.
MacArthur High School has over 1,000 students in attendance.
MacArthur High School has over 1,000 students in attendance.
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Community centers offer support, and Central Park hosts events

Several organizations support the neighborhood. The Northeast Community Fund has everything from a food pantry to a clothing room. At Empowerment Opportunity Center, kids get a head start on their education while adults receive assistance with transitional housing and employment. The Boys & Girls Club of Decatur is connected to Hope Academy, letting students easily transition from the classroom to after-school programs. The closest parks are downtown, with Central Park being the go-to for community events. "Central Park is such a cool spot," Plain says. "It's always really busy with something going on." Bands play on the weekends, and the park hosts many of the city's festivals, like the annual art fair and the Smokin' BBQ Festival. From June to October, The Decatur Central Park Farmers' Market opens every Saturday morning.
At Empowerment Opportunity Center, kids get a head start on their education.
At Empowerment Opportunity Center, kids get a head start on their education.
Northeast Community Fund helps provide necessary resources to residents of Wabash Crossing.
Northeast Community Fund helps provide necessary resources to residents of Wabash Crossing.
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Martin Luther King Junior Drive is a main commuter thoroughfare

Although Wabash Crossing is within walking distance of downtown, Plain says most people drive to get around. Business Route 51 and Martin Luther King Junior Drive are the community's primary thoroughfares, leading to higher noise levels. Bus stops are mainly along Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and East Grand Avenue. Residents are less than 2 miles from Decatur Memorial Hospital and under 6 miles from Decatur Airport.

City grant helps address crime

Wabash Crossing has an overall CAP Index crime score of 7 out of 10, higher than the national average of 4. Some categories of violent crime score as high as 9 out of 10. The City of Decatur police department received a grant in 2023 to fund increased officer presence in high-crime areas.
Isabel Butler
Written By
Isabel Butler
Chris Jeong
Photography Contributed By
Chris Jeong
Anne Sheridan
Video By
Anne Sheridan

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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 Blake McWilliams, an experienced agent in this area.

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Wabash Crossing US
Homicide 9 4
Sexual Assault 6 4
Assault with Weapon 9 4
Robbery 7 4
Burglary 6 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 5 4
Larceny 5 4
Crime Score 7 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Wabash Crossing Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$29,900
Median Sale Price
$25,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$25,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
16%
Last 12 months Home Sales
2
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$34

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
4

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Interested in learning more about homes in this neighborhood? Reach out to Blake McWilliams, an experienced agent in this area.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
815
Median Age
21
Population under 18
48.8%
Above the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
5.3%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$22,416
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$35,252

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
88.8%
College Graduates
0.3%
Significantly below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
0%
% Population in Labor Force
44.4%
Below the national average
65.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
41''
Average Winter Low Temperature
20°F
Average Summer High Temperature
85°F
Annual Snowfall
3''

Area Factors

Bikeable

Bike Score®

53 / 100

Somewhat Walkable

Walk Score®

53 / 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
Wabash Crossing