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.
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.
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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 37 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in West End, Decatur over the last 12 months is $139,000, up 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome home to this charming 3 bedroom, 2 bath brick ranch nestled in the heart of Decatur’s historic West End! Filled with character and warmth, this home features large windows that flood the space with natural light, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere throughout. Updated flooring in many areas of the home adds a fresh touch while maintaining its classic appeal. Featuring a new roof
Step into timeless charm with this beautiful 3-bedroom, 1-bath home full of original character and warmth. As you arrive, you’ll immediately notice the home’s classic appeal and welcoming presence. Inside, you’ll find original hardwood floors throughout, a stunning all-wood grand staircase, and a cozy wood-burning fireplace framed by custom built-in wooden bookcases that create the perfect
Spacious full brick home located in Decatur’s historic West End offering 5 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and a great blend of character and updates! You’ll love the engineered wood flooring throughout the main level along with the freshly painted kitchen and cabinets that give the space a bright, refreshed feel. The beautifully updated sunroom is a standout feature with abundant natural light and a
Completely renovated from top to bottom, this stunning 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath home in Decatur's sought-after Historic West End offers the perfect blend of classic charm and modern updates—all just minutes from Kiwanis Park and the area's popular walking and biking paths. Step inside and you'll immediately appreciate the fresh, move-in-ready feel with new paint throughout, luxury vinyl plank
Welcome to this spacious 3-bedroom, 2-bath tri-level home offering a fantastic layout and endless potential. The upper level features three generously sized bedrooms, while the main floor boasts an open-concept design with vaulted ceilings, abundant natural light from skylights, and a welcoming living space perfect for gathering with family and friends. The backyard features a unique conversation
Discover a prime investment opportunity with this multifamily property located within walking distance of Millikin University. Boasting 18-bedrooms : 16 tenant bedrooms fully furnished with queen and/or twin bed, mattress and dresser. 2 of the bedrooms with full baths used for facility director located on main floor. 4.5 tenant bathrooms-all full baths have showers and were remodeled in the last
Classic charm meets fresh modern updates in this brick Cape Cod! Featuring classic dormers, timeless curb appeal, and cottage-style character, this home has been beautifully refreshed with new flooring throughout, fresh paint, new windows, new kitchen cabinets, quartz countertops, and a completely updated main bathroom. Major updates include a new AC, furnace, and water heater, plus a roof that
Welcome to the West End! This beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 1-bath home combines timeless charm with modern finishes throughout. The inviting living room features a cozy fireplace, creating the perfect space to relax or entertain. Downstairs, enjoy your very own movie theater in the basement! Picture family movie nights or hosting friends. There is also a fenced backyard that provides plenty of
Charming West-End attractive brick front Home Full of Character and Timeless Appeal Welcome to this well-maintained four-bedroom, bungalow home on a desirable corner lot in the West End. Owned and cared for by the same owner for 35 years, it offers classic charm, quality craftsmanship, and modern updates. Inside, you’ll find warm natural wood details, spacious rooms, and a cozy fireplace. The
West End, across street from Millikin University Baseball Fields. 5 bedrooms / 2 bathrooms, wood floors, original woodwork with high ceilings. Property includes vacant lot at 1315 W Macon St which would be great for events and extra parking or more! Has been a great rental for 1950/month incl utilities. Property to sell in as/is condition. Owner is a Licensed Broker in the State of Illinois.
Located in the quiet and desirable West End neighborhood, 417 S. Westlawn is ready to welcome its next owner! This charming all-brick home offers 4 spacious bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, and a thoughtfully designed layout perfect for comfortable living. The eat-in kitchen features a cozy breakfast nook, stainless steel appliances, and plenty of space for everyday meals. A welcoming foyer showcases
Introducing a prime multifamily investment opportunity in Decatur, Illinois. The property consists of 35 units across four parcels, featuring four freestanding buildings, including a duplex that contains the superintendent unit. Constructed between 1964 and 1967, the buildings are a combination of brick, mortar, and frame construction and are zoned B-2 with multifamily permitted use. The property
? Sign a 13-month lease with us and get one month FREE! ?? Welcome to Reserve at Brickhaven S. Elder Ln – where comfort meets convenience in the heart of Decatur, IL!? Charming Studio Apartments? Located in the vibrant 62522 ZIP code, our 897 sq. ft. apartments are designed with your lifestyle in mind.Features You'll Love:?? Essential appliances: Refrigerator,
? Welcome to Reserve at Brick Haven S. Elder Ln – where comfort meets convenience in the heart of Decatur, IL!? Charming Studio Apartments? Located in the vibrant 62522 ZIP code, our 897 sq. ft. apartments are designed with your lifestyle in mind.Features You'll Love:?? Essential appliances: Refrigerator, range, and dishwasher?? Convenient on-site laundry
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