Known for producing athletes who dominate state football championship games and Olympic competitions, East St. Louis is planning a comeback. Located on the East side of the Mississippi River, East St. Louis has navigated through widespread unemployment and depopulation as a result of major industrial employers fleeing to other cities in the ‘60s and ‘70s. Beyond the headlines of decline are the lifelong residents who wouldn’t dream of leaving the “City of Champions.” A drive through East St. Louis will reveal some abandoned buildings, sporadic empty lots and an underdeveloped commercial sector. But homes here are budget-friendly and projects like Lansdowne Park and other initiatives offer a bright future for residents. “There are dynamic, loving and caring individuals in the city — We do have lifelong residents who are proud to be from East St. Louis,” says Latitia Williams, East St. Louis native and Realtor with Coldwell Banker Brown Realtors.
ina Turner moved to East St. Louis when she was a teenager and attended high school there.
The St. Louis Downtown skyline can be seen from East St. Louis, IL.
1/2
Craftsman bungalows and neighborhood development
The East St. Louis housing market is a prime example of the city’s new direction. Many homes were constructed in the early 1900s and often feature brick facades — maintaining their character through the occasional brick roadways. East St Louis is primarily industrial, with single-family housing spread throughout. While the majority of the homes are single-family, renters dominate the area. Homes usually sell for less than $100,000, however, community development nonprofit Lansdowne Up broke ground on a 20-home subdivision in 2022. When these homes are finished, they’re expected to cost upwards of $300,000. While this is not typical in East St. Louis, this is a favorable sign for the future of the surrounding market. East St. Louis features a variety of home styles ranging from single-story Ranch-styles and Craftsman bungalows to two-story American Foursquares. With a median sales price of $32,000, homes range from around $5,000 for a four-bedroom full-rehab to upwards of the low $100,000s for a brick facade Ranch-style. “Home values here have continued to increase since 2020 — East St. Louis is often overlooked, but it’s a gold mine when it comes to location, offering immediate access to major highways and quick commutes into downtown St. Louis,” says Star Harris with RE/MAX Results Realty. Streets are lined with paved sidewalks. Lots are small and homes typically feature small yards with enough room for shrubbery and ornate barriers for added seclusion from neighbors.
One of many delightful homes nested in the East St. Louis area.
A couple of the many charming homes located in the East St. Louis area.
1/2
Local healthcare and St. Louis commuting
East St. Louis residents rely on Missouri Avenue for easy access to U.S. Interstate 55 towards downtown St. Louis and neighboring areas like Cahokia Heights and Washington Park. When seeking public transportation options, residents can hop on the Metro St. Louis Bus or the Metro Light Rail at the JJK Center Station. Residents interested in traveling further outside the community can visit St. Louis Lambert International Airport 20 miles away. For healthcare, the Touchette Regional Hospital is only 3 miles from the neighborhood.
The Metrolink train help provide needed transportation to the East St. Louis area.
A commuter waiting for the Metrolink train at the Emerson Park station.
1/2
Education in East St. Louis
Students in East St. Louis can attend schools within School District No. 189, like Annette Officer Elementary, East St. Louis-Lincoln Middle and East St. Louis Senior High School, which have respectively received ratings of C-minus, D-plus and C-minus from the educational review site, Niche. Annette Officer Elementary serves kindergarten through Grade 4 and offers a variety of after-school activities and clubs from basketball and cheerleading to technology and chess club. East St. Louis-Lincoln Middle School serves Grades 5 through 8 and offers a student-teacher ratio of 10:1, which is better than that of the district. East St. Louis Senior High School offers a well-known athletic department that has claimed 10 state football championships, including its most recent title in 2022.
Annette Officer Elementary School is a respected educational institution located in St. Louis.
East St. Louis Senior High Scholl serves about 1,438 students grades 9 to 12.
1/2
Shopping along State Street
Residents in East St. Louis can shop along State Street for groceries and everyday essentials at stores, like Save A Lot, Gateway Market and Walgreens. While other department stores and retailers, like JWG Beauty, Rainbow Shops and Family Dollar are also nearby. When dining in the area, locals can visit Taystee Burger for classic American fare and a seared burger topped with fresh tomato and crisp lettuce. Or check out Maui Seafood for a relaxed dining environment and a wide variety of seafood combinations. For authentic Chinese cuisine, head to Young's Chop Suey for fried rice, noodles and combination plates. While there aren’t many sit-down options in East St. Louis, the eateries downtown across the Mississippi River are within a short 4-mile drive from the community.
Marko’s Fish has been in business for over 95 years serving great food to the community.
Residents can shop along State Street for stores, like Save A Lot.
1/2
Stop at Malcolm W. Martin Memorial Park for views of the iconic Gateway Arch in the Metro-East.
Gateway Arch views at Malcolm W. Martin Memorial Park
When seeking time outdoors, residents can visit Jones Park for paved walking and bike trails with pond views and a large open green space. Or serve a few tennis matches at Lincoln Park, which features paved tennis courts and shaded picnic tables for dining on-the-go. Golf enthusiasts are in luck with the semi-private Grand Marais Golf Club nearby, offering an 18-hole course available for daily rates and clubhouse amenities available to members only. For views of the iconic Gateway Arch, locals can head to Malcolm W. Martin Memorial Park, which features the Gateway Geyser fountain and riverfront views at the Mississippi River Overlook. NASCAR enthusiasts can head to World Wide Technology Raceway, which hosts a variety of stock car and drag racing throughout the year for over 57,000 fanatics to enjoy in the stands.
Olympian invests in Jackie Joyner-Kersee Community Center
Founded by three-time Olympic gold medalist and USA Track and Field Hall-of-Famer, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Community Center is a notable cornerstone of the East St Louis community. The center promotes education and wellness through after-school and summer camp programs dedicated to advancing the skills of students in subjects ranging from math and reading to areas of interest like robotics. Local children can also participate in youth sports programs in basketball, football and volleyball.
Jackie Joyner-Kersee Community Center’s goal is to provide kids the opportunity to Win in Life.
A colorful mural found at the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Community Center.
1/2
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Charlene Brennan,
an experienced agent in this area.
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
On average, homes in East Saint Louis, IL sell after 67 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in East Saint Louis, IL over the last 12 months is $90,000, up 29% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This charming all-brick ranch, conveniently located directly across from Illini Elementary School, is one you won't want to miss! Move-in ready and beautifully updated, this 2-bedroom, 2-full-bath home offers the perfect blend of classic character and modern style. Original hardwood floors, fresh contemporary paint colors, updated lighting, and ceiling fans create a warm and inviting atmosphere
Check out this cute and functional 3 bedroom 1 bath home close to shopping, the interstate and Scott Air Force Base. Renovated just a little over a year ago, this home would be great for a starter or someone looking to downsize. Schedule you showing today. Check out this 3D walkthru -
Adjacent residential lot available in Cahokia Heights. Can be purchased individually for $10,000 or together with the neighboring parcel (MLS 26010400) for a discounted package price of $15,000. Positioned near downtown St. Louis and major highway access, this lot presents a strong opportunity for new construction, investment, or long-term land holding. Parcels sit side-by-side and may allow
Investor Special – Full Rehab or Tear Down Opportunity!Property Type: Single-Family ResidenceCondition: Extensive Repairs NeededAccess: Use caution — unsafe structure This property presents a prime opportunity for seasoned investors or builders looking for a challenging but rewarding project. The home has suffered severe neglect and will require a complete interior and exterior
Turnkey cash-flow opportunity with immediate income in place! This professionally managed 3-bedroom, 1-bath ranch has just been leased at $850/month with a tenant scheduled to move in on 6/22, making this an ideal low-hassle addition to any investment portfolio. Major capital improvements have already been completed, including a brand-new furnace, new A/C unit, and a new water heater being
Residential building lot available in Cahokia Heights with an additional adjacent lot also available. Purchase this lot individually for $10,000 or package with the neighboring parcel (MLS 26010403) for $15,000 total. Located just minutes from downtown St. Louis with convenient access to I-255 and Route 3, this property offers an affordable opportunity for a builder, investor, or buyer looking to
INVESTOR SPECIAL!Opportunity awaits with this 2-bedroom, 1-bath home ready for your vision and renovation. This property is a full remodel and ideal for investors, flippers, or buyers looking to build equity. Features include a functional floor plan, solid potential, and endless possibilities to restore or redesign to your liking. Property is being sold AS-IS with no repairs by seller. Bring
This cozy 3-bedroom ranch is nestled on a quiet cul-de-sac in Cahokia, offering a peaceful setting with convenient access to local amenities. The functional floor plan provides comfortable living space, making it an excellent opportunity for first-time homebuyers, those looking to downsize, or investors. Don't miss your chance to make this home your own!
Great opportunity for investors or flippers! This 2-bedroom, 1-bath home offers strong potential with solid bones and plenty of room for updates. Ideal for renovation, rental, or resale. Conveniently located near shopping, schools, and major highways. Bring your vision and make this property shine!07-08.0-105-022 and 07-08.0-105-023
At Winchester Place Apartments our goal is to provide you with a lifestyle that meets your comforts and needs in the Fairview Heights, IL area. Our community is located less than a mile from St. Clair Square shopping mall, and ten minutes from Scott Air Force Base. All of this and still only twenty minutes to all that down town St. Louis has to offer. You will be surrounded by beautifully
Visit Fairfield Place Apartments in O'Fallon, IL just minutes from downtown Saint Louis, Scott Air Force Base, and St. Clair Square. Luxurious Fairfield Place is comprised of 120 two bedroom apartments scattered over 10 acres. No steps for first floor units, and only one flight for 2nd floor, which is the top floor. Your new apartment will have washer and dryer connections, a gas fireplace and
td { border: 1px solid rgba(204, 204, 204, 1) }br { }Storyboard on Park Terrace offers comfortable and quiet apartments in a convenient suburban setting in Fairview Heights, IL. Akin to the peaceful residential neighborhoods that surround it, Storyboard on Park Terrace is an inviting retreat designed for everyday comfort and ease. Our one- and two-bedroom apartment homes feature one to
Welcome to Cantwell Crossing, your dream home awaits! Choose from renovated or standard apartments, featuring plank flooring, stainless steel appliances, washer/dryer and more. Enjoy spacious 2-bedroom/2-bathroom garden apartments and bi-level townhomes with patio/balcony, fully equipped kitchen and electrical fireplaces. Experience our community amenities, including a renovated clubhouse with a
Come join our great community and friendly residents. Beautifully new rehabbed units are now available. ******SECTION 8 OK ********** LIVE APT INTERVIEW TAVAILABLE VIA ZOOM, INQUIRE Think you would you be a good tenant? Then we are looking
Parsons Place Apartments in East St. Louis offers one- and two-bedroom apartments and two- and three-bedroom townhomes with washers and dryers, walk-in closets, and energy-efficient appliances. Enjoy a pool, clubhouse, playground, and easy highway access.
Property Id: 2763749 Why keep renting when you could own? This home offers: • Affordable monthly payment • Move in right away • No traditional bank financing required • A chance to build ownership instead of paying rent Perfect for someone ready to take the next step toward owning a home but who may not qualify for a traditional mortgage. Opportunities like
Property Id: 2719160 Why keep renting when you could own? This home offers: • Affordable monthly payment • Move in right away • No traditional bank financing required • A chance to build ownership instead of paying rent Perfect for someone ready to take the next step toward owning a home but who may not qualify for a traditional mortgage. Opportunities like
Property Id: 2470558 Why keep renting when you could own? This home offers: • Affordable monthly payment • Move in right away • No traditional bank financing required • A chance to build ownership instead of paying rent Perfect for someone ready to take the next step toward owning a home but who may not qualify for a traditional mortgage. Opportunities like
Act Fast! Move In Special! Move in and enjoy a limited time rent incentive. Apply by August 14th to qualify. Ask us for details today, don't miss out! Restrictions apply. This 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home for rent in Fairview Heights offers a warm beige interior complemented by a mix of carpet, tile, and wood flooring, creating a comfortable blend of style and practicality throughout. The
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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.