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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
John Wisniewski,
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 59 days on the market compared to the national average of 57 days. The median sale price for homes in East Saint Louis, IL over the last 12 months is $87,000, up 36% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Price listed is Starting Bid Only. Bidding starts closing 6/16/2026 @ 5 p.m. Great opportunity as an addition to any real estate investor’s portfolio or fist time home buyer! This 2BR/1BA home offers approx. 904 sq. ft. of living space and has a newer roof and gutter system, a newer furnace, and newer laminate flooring. The home is situated on a spacious corner lot just minutes from I-255 and all
Adam JokischAdams Auction & Real Estate Services Inc.
***COMBO Package****** COMBO DEALThe property 404 Garden Street, Cahokia, with an additional lot (406 Garden Street), can be purchased for 136k. Both lots are next to each other. If sold as a package deal, the owner of 404 Garden will have access to the two-car garage at 406. If you do not want the additional lot with an isolated 2-car garage, the price for the property is 118k. If you want
Price listed is Starting Bid Only. Bidding starts closing 5/20/2026 @ 5:30 p.m.Rare opportunity for either commercial or residential use with this versatile 1,734± SF building situated on a spacious corner lot in Fairview Heights! Currently utilized as a single family residence, the property was formerly operating as a hair salon and offers a flexible layout well suited for a variety of
Adam JokischAdams Auction & Real Estate Services Inc.
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
Charming and affordable 3-bedroom, 1-bath ranch offering strong investment appeal and excellent value for first-time buyers alike. This well-laid-out home features a spacious living area, functional eat-in kitchen, spacious detached garage providing additional storage and flexibility. Situated on a generous lot, the property includes a large detached garage, adding significant desirability for
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
This charming 3-bedroom, 1-bath home offers a fantastic opportunity for homeowners and investors alike. Featuring low-maintenance vinyl siding, a one-car garage, and a spacious lot, this property combines practicality with room to grow. The unfinished basement provides a clean slate, perfect for future renovation, added living space, or storage. Located just off the main road, the home offers
Solid 1950s brick bungalow full of charm and architectural detail. From the covered front porch to the original wood trim throughout, this home showcases craftsmanship you don’t often find today. Inside, you’ll love the rich wood-paneled dining room featuring a coffered ceiling, detailed trim work, and elegant French doors that open into the spacious living area. Large vinyl-insulated windows
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
Interested in this property? Call, text, or email us today for more details!(540) 824-3372Feel free to visit the property any time, no need to set up an appointment, this property has no address.Subscribe to email alerts by texting your e-mail address to (541) 375-0012 and be the first to know when we get a great deal in.By texting (541) 375-0012 you authorize Country Land
3 bedroom 1 bath home with off street parking. Tenant paying $995 per month. 17 Property Package . No showings without approved contract. Add this to your portfolio today. Close to Shopping Areas, Schools, Public Transportation and Interstate Highways. This is a Must See!!!!! Buyer to verify all Listing data including but not limited to sq. ft., measurements, features, lot size, taxes/exemptions,
Adorable 3-bedroom home with so much to offer! This charming property features a large living room perfect for relaxing or entertaining, along with a spacious backyard ideal for outdoor enjoyment. A convenient carport provides covered parking, adding to the home’s functionality. Located close to shopping, dining, and schools, this home offers both comfort and convenience. Don’t miss your chance
This is the perfect opportunity! This 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom single-family home already has a reliable tenant with a strong rental history, providing immediate income. Don’t miss out on this turn-key investment property!
Spacious and well-maintained townhouse available in Fairview Heights, located within the highly desirable O'Fallon school district. This two-story home offers a comfortable and functional layout with 3 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms upstairs, plus a convenient half bath on the main level—perfect for guests. The main floor features an open living and dining area filled with natural light, ideal for
We would be happy to help you find your next home! We are in Fairview Heights with easy access to the I-64 and Highway 159. Our "must-see" apartments are very spacious with 9-foot ceilings and an open floor plan. They include fully equipped kitchens with a stove, dishwasher, garbage disposal, built-in microwave and a refrigerator with an ice maker. They are all electric, no gas bill! We
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
Park Terrace Apartments is COMFORTABLE LIVING. Our apartments homes feature one bedroom and two bedroom floor plans, that give you the extra space you need - perfect for a home office. Amenities like private patios and balconies, oversized windows, walk-in closets, exterior storage room, and a washer and dryer inside every apartment cater to your busy lifestyle. You can also relax next to our
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
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: 2376110Beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 1-bath home in Cahokia featuring fresh paint and new flooring throughout. Conveniently located near schools, shopping, and a park. Enjoy a good-sized yard and off-street parking. Move-in ready! Section 8 Welcome!!QDM Real Estate, LLC
Property Id: 2504544Why 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 rentPerfect 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: 2457046Why 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 rentPerfect for someone ready to take the next step toward owning a home but who may not qualify for a traditional mortgage.Opportunities like
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