A historic neighborhood where neighbors know each other's names
One of the oldest neighborhoods in Decatur, West End is known for its historic architectural styles and access to public parks. A good portion of the neighborhood was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2002, ensuring the protection of many vintage homes and the area's quiet residential makeup. The commute to downtown Decatur is only 2 miles, and locals can avoid the bustle and train noise of the city center. There's a sense of community along these storied streets, too. "We get to know our neighbors here," says Patrick McDaniel, a Decatur City Councilman who has lived in West End for over 50 years. "There's a sense of community in each block — we will get permission from the city to close off the streets for Fourth of July parties or other events."
Houses in West End's historical area are well kept and spacious.
West End residents can enjoy the quiet peace of suburban life.
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Unique architecture on charming streets
The streets of West End are a collage of vintage homes, with many built in the early 1900s. Smaller bungalows have front porches and larger colonial revivals stand out with stately front columns. There are some ranch-style and split-level homes from the 1950s and 60s, too. "West End is the top pick for people looking for unique architectural styles," says Shelby Younker, a Realtor with Agency One & Real Estate who has over five years of experience selling in the city. "Each one has individual character." With this range of styles comes a range of prices. Fixer-upper homes start around $50,000, and more renovated properties go in the mid $100,000. Properties with more than 3,000 square feet can get up to $250,000. "The streets are really charming," Younker says. "They are lined with mature trees, and you see people walking their dogs or playing with their kids outside."
West End has many Colonial Homes, especially within the Historic District.
West End has many midcentury homes.
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Direct access to the largest park in the city
West End is surrounded by a network of trails, ponds, and public parks, which provide an outdoor escape within minutes of every home. Kiwanis Park is a neighborhood park with a playground, sports courts, and trailheads that connect for miles across the city. However, the most notable attraction in the area is Fairview Park, which has 185 acres of recreational activities. There are tennis and pickleball courts, a skate area with ramps, and the Fido Field dog runs. "Fairview has a small lake that only young kids can go fishing on, and when it freezes over, people sometimes go skating," McDaniel says. The park's playground is undergoing a $1.2 million renovation to install more modern and accessibility-friendly structures, expected to be finished in late 2024. In addition to renovations, there's been a push to hold more events there. In 2024, the parks department had a roller derby and a Mac 'n Cheese Festival.
Families gather at the Kiwanis Park playground, where fun and adventure await young ones.
The West End Bike Trail is the perfect place for a quiet and peaceful walk.
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Renovations at Fairview Park to mitigate flooding issues
The neighborhood is surrounded by the Sangamon River and Stevens Creek, two watersheds that FEMA categorizes as Special Hazard Flood Zones, meaning there is a 1% annual chance of flooding. However, only a few homes in the neighborhood are in these at-risk areas. Fairview Park has flooded in the past, but a complete overhaul of the storm sewer system in early 2024 has significantly reduced the chance of water build-up.
Birds gather near friends feeding them at Fairview Park’s serene water's edge.
Fairview Park has ample trails and space for West End locals looking to run or cycle,
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Project-based learning at Dennis Lab School
Local kids are zoned for Dennis Lab School, which serves kindergarten through eighth grade and gets a C-minus rating on Niche. It's the only school in the district to use project-based learning, a teaching technique where kids create a real-world solution to a problem of their choosing every year. Students also enjoy learning outdoors in the school's community garden. The Dennis Lab School building is usually walkable for many kids, but it is undergoing renovations that are expected to be done in 2025. During the renovations, kids have been relocated to Garfield Learning Academy on the city's south side. The neighborhood's older kids are zoned for MacArthur High, which gets a C rating.
Maranatha Christian Academy creates an inspiring atmosphere for learning.
West End residents can send their students to Dennis Lab School.
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Performances at Millikin's arts center and fitness classes at the DISC
The West End neighborhood borders Millikin University, a private institution with less than 2,000 undergraduate students. The college has a few attractions for West End residents, like music, dance and performing arts events at the Kirkland Fine Arts Center. The Kirkland Center showcases student talent and world-renowned performers and is less than a mile from most homes. In terms of university sports, the baseball games are a standout, with a field that was freshly renovated in 2019. "Having the events at Millikin University right next door is fantastic," McDaniel says. "We also really enjoy being so close to the Decatur Indoor Sports Center, which everyone calls the DISC." The DISC is not affiliated with the university and is open to any Decatur residents for fitness classes, open gym and children's summer camps.
West End locals can watch local baseball games at the Millkin Baseball field.
West End locals can visit Kirkland Fine Arts Center's gallery.
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College dives and a 2-mile drive to the grocery store
The Fairview Shopping Center, about a mile north, is the closest retail hub. Unfortunately, the center's Kroger closed in 2018, meaning residents now have to drive a bit farther for grocery options. The center still has a Dollar Tree, and a few small restaurants, but the nearest Kroger is about 2 miles south. There's another small restaurant hub outside Millikin University, often frequented by college kids. Sky City Grill is known for its wings, and Winery Bar has smash burgers and a late-night dive atmosphere.
West End's I-84 acts as the main thoroughfare for West End commuters.
Don't be fooled, the Winery near West End has some of the best burgers in town.
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Quick trips to downtown and bus lines
Downtown Decatur is 2 miles away, about a 20-minute ride on the public bus. West End is also well-positioned close to Interstate 72. Getting on the interstate from the neighborhood takes about five minutes, and the major road heads straight out to Springfield, 40 miles away. For air travel, Decatur does have its own airport on the other side of the city. But it's a small regional airport, and most flights connect through O'Hare Airport in Chicago.
West End locals can commute to Downtown to catch a flick at Lincoln Theater.
Decatur Brew Works donwtown is the spot for great music and drinks for West End Residents.
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Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
West End
US
Homicide
3
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
3
4
Robbery
3
4
Burglary
3
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
3
4
Larceny
3
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
West End Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in West End, Decatur sell after 36 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in West End, Decatur over the last 12 months is $132,750, down 10% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
West-End Decatur - known for its traditional style older homes and this ALL brick 2 story home will not disappoint! Full span sun porch on the back w windows pm 3 sides that over look the fenced back yard. This home had a lot of updates in the past 2 years and has a modern decor that showcases features like the fireplace in living room. Leave the mess behind and enjoy meals in the dining room.
Charming stone-front home nestled on a picturesque, tree-lined street in Decatur's sought after West End! This home has been thoughtfully remodeled and upgraded to honor its original character. The gorgeous living room is filled with natural light from newer windows throughout the entire the home and features a cozy gas fireplace. A formal dining room with gorgeous shutters and a generous kitchen
Well-maintained 3-bed, 2-bath ranch located on Decatur’s sought-after Historic West End, walking distance from Fairview Park, Kiwanis Park, and the Macon County bike path. This nearly 1,900 SF main floor home offers beautiful hardwood floors, large living spaces, and a cozy living room with a wood-burning fireplace plus gas hookup. The home has been pre-inspected and features numerous updates
Charming stone-front home nestled on a picturesque, tree-lined street in Decatur's sought after West End! This home has been thoughtfully remodeled and upgraded to honor its original character. The gorgeous living room is filled with natural light from newer windows and features a cozy gas fireplace. A formal dining room with gorgeous shutters and a generous kitchen add to the home's timeless
Experience timeless West End charm in this beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath 2-story home near Millikin University, Fairview Park, DISC, and the Fairview Trail. Tall ceilings and spacious rooms create an inviting atmosphere, while the primary suite offers a flexible bonus space ideal for an office, nursery, or dressing area. Updates include a new roof on the home and garage, fresh interior
**PLEASE SEE BROKER REMARKS**Home is part of 6 properties that can be purchased together. Designed for both seasoned investors seeking immediate cash flow and those looking to expand their single-family holdings in growing Illinois markets with a steady demand from tenants seeking accessible housing close to employment centers, interstates and amenities. In quiet Westend neighborhood. Newer wood
Presenting a well-maintained duplex featuring two fully occupied units on month-to-month leases, offering immediate cash flow and long-term upside. Located at 2140 W. Main St. ($975/mo) and 110 Edgewood Court ($900/mo), this property has seen only a modest 10% rent increase over the past eight years, leaving room for future growth.Originally purchased in December 2014, the property has no
Tim ViewegVieweg RE/Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate-Service First
This West End charmer offers a clean slate and is ready for your personal finishing touches. Priced to sell by out-of-state owners, the home is being offered in as-is condition, presenting a great opportunity for customization. The main-floor den off the living room features built-in bookshelves and can easily be reimagined as a formal dining room or work-from-home office. A sliding glass door
Brenda ReynoldsVieweg RE/Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate-Service First
Classic West End all brick 2 Story, located in a unique neighborhood with a private pool. Just the 2nd owner since 1987. Freshly painted inside. Ceramic tile entry foyer with beautiful wood staircase. Large living room with fireplace with a marble hearth. Formal dining room. Hardwood floors and crown moulding. Kitchen with opening to family room addition featuring a barn siding section that could
Perfectly situated near the walking/bike path, DISC, and Millikin University, this home offers both convenience and potential. Inside, you’ll find a living room with a cozy fireplace, a formal dining room, and a family room with sliders leading to the backyard and deck—ideal for relaxing or entertaining. Featuring three spacious bedrooms, this home is ready for your personal touch. With a little
West-end charmer with a 2 car ATTACHED garage, a 3 season porch on the front and a fenced back yard! Updated kitchen and master bathroom. MB has a gorgeous walk-in shower. Two bedrooms on main and two on upper level.
This beautifully maintained West End two-story blends timeless character with thoughtful modern improvements. Situated on a charming cobblestone street just steps from Fairview Park and Millikin University, the home features three second-floor bedrooms including a primary suite with attached bath, two additional bedrooms with a shared full bath, and conveniently located upstairs laundry. A
Completely remodeled home located in the lovely West End. Spacious 5 bedroom, 3 bathroom home that comes with fridge, stove, dishwasher, garbage disposal, and washer/dryer. Pets are okay with a pet deposit and additional monthly pet rent, limit to two.
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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.
