$272,106Average Value$120Average Price per Sq Ft31Homes For Sale
The "Crossroads of Opportunity"
Set at the intersection of two major highways, Effingham is a midwestern thoroughfare for business travel and vacation. As a result, the “Crossroads of Opportunity” has grown into a highlight of Central Illinois, with more attractions and annual events than might be expected for a city of 12,000. This atmosphere, combined with lower-than-average real estate prices and a variety of job opportunities, make this seat of Effingham County more than just a pit stop on the way to Chicago. “We have a unique community with a lot of amenities we wouldn’t have without the intersection,” says Jodi Theole, executive director of tourism for Effingham. “We still consider ourselves a small town despite that — it makes our community a fun place to work, live and play.”
Enjoy the history and convenience of downtown Effingham.
Find affordable homes of all styles and sizes throughout Effingham.
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Strong tourism and medical industries
The tourism industry employs many locals for attractions, not to mention the storefronts and restaurants that support it. The medical field is one of the top employers in the area, supported by HSHS St. Anthony Memorial Hospital and the headquarters for Heartland Dental. Other business headquarters in Effingham include The Equity, Kiefer Campgrounds and John Boos & Co. Manufacturing and distribution jobs are available with companies like Flex N Gate and Sherwin Williams.
The city's median price for real estate is in the low $200,000s, about half of the national median. Traditional red brick homes from the early 20th century are positioned around the town center, while midcentury-inspired houses from the 1980s and '90s fill the streets east of Lake Pauline.
Local shops like Baseball Card Connection offers visitors and residents all sorts of sports memorabilia.
Mid-century brick cottages can be found in the older downtown neighborhoods of Effingham.
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Festivities and the Cross at the Crossroads
One of Effingham's best-known attractions is the Cross at the Crossroads: a 198-foot-tall cross that overlooks the connection of Interstates 57 and 70. Made of 180 tons of steel plate, the cross stands just under 200 feet to avoid regulations from the Federal Aviation Administration that would require aircraft warning lights. Local hubs for culture and the arts include the Effingham Performance Center, the Effingham County Cultural Center and the MY Garage Museum, which offers an up-close look at rare Corvettes, Volkswagens and a wide variety of auto memorabilia. The venue is also responsible for two annual car shows: the VW Funfest and Corvette Funfest.
The Moccasin Creek Festival is a three-day summer music festival held yearly at Lake Sara. In addition to a variety of Americana acts, the festival offers food, family friendly activities and spaces for camping. “We have so many different annual events, and we draw people from all over the region for them,” says Theole.
Watch nationally recognized acts at the Effingham Performance Center.
Learn about Effingham and the surrounding area at the Effingham County Cultural Center.
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Indoor swimming at Workman Sports and Wellness Complex
Effingham's Community Park is a local hub, with residents coming to take advantage of its 18-hole disc golf course, baseball fields, tennis courts and outdoor ice skating rink. Handelmeyer Park is the home of the city's pickleball complex and skate park, while Evergreen Hollow Park is known for its scenic tree walk. In addition to two indoor pools and several athletic courts, Workman Sports and Wellness Complex hosts classes, guided exercise and youth league athletics.
Play tennis, baseball, and basketball at Effingham Community Park.
Swim a couple of laps at the Workman Sports & Wellness Center in Effingham.
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A hub for the intersection of I-57 and I-70
A major crossroads in Effingham has defined the city for generations. Interstate 57 stretches from Chicago to Missouri, while Interstate 70 runs from Utah to Maryland. Central Illinois Regional Airport at Bloomington-Normal works with four airlines, providing daily flights to cities like Atlanta, Denver and Chicago.
One of the county's top high schools
Effingham Community Unit School District No. 40 oversees six public schools in the area, including Effingham High School, which Niche considers the third-best public high school in the county. Niche gives the district an overall B-minus, with particular accolades for its teachers and food.
Effingham Junior High School prepares students for their journey into high school.
Sacred Heart School in Effingham serves 219 students in grades K-8.
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Boutique shopping downtown
The majority of shopping is done in the northwest section of town, where familiar franchises and big box stores are located. Downtown, however, has an assortment of locally owned storefronts and restaurants, including casual diners like Lucia's Italian Kitchen and Gabby Goat American Pub & Grill. “We have a charming, Hallmark-esque downtown,” says Theole.
Shops Country Peddlers and Rosebud Boutique offers residents of Effingham new-to-you finds.
Head to Gabby Goat American Pub & Grill in Effingham for great food and a drink.
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Important to know
According to FBI statistics, Effingham's violent and property-related crimes have been on the decline since 2020. However, the city's per capita violent crime rate is higher than the national average, while property crime is lower. Effingham 2050 is a comprehensive city plan that determines the city's long-term plans, including economic development, infrastructure and urban design. While it is still under development, city officials will allow the public to offer opinions and suggestions as details are finalized.
Written By
Phil Keeling
Photography Contributed By
Ethan Babor
Video By
Patrick Johnson
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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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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On average, homes in Effingham, IL sell after 49 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Effingham, IL over the last 12 months is $210,000, consistent with the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Directly across from the newly updated Bliss Park, this 5-bedroom historic home offers over 2,200 finished sq ft filled with character, space, and major updates buyers are searching for in Effingham, IL. Hardwood floors, a fireplace, formal dining room, bay window with built-in bench seating, and an updated main level create a warm, inviting feel throughout. The spacious kitchen, updated windows,
Located at 14411 N 1610th St in Teutopolis, this very spacious and well-maintained home, of only one owner, offers the perfect blend of comfort, functionality, and location. Built in 1990 and situated in a desirable neighborhood just minutes from Effingham, this property is located within the highly sought-after Teutopolis Community Unit School District No. 50. The home features 4 bedrooms with
Easy Living at its Finest in Mini Hills! You won't want to miss this Custom 3 bed 3.5 bath condo-sytle end unit home! It has all the high-end finishes one could want: granite countertops, wood floors, butler pantry, vaulted ceilings, and so on! Master Suite on the main floor with a large bathroom and walk-in closet. A Great Layout with lots of Natural Light! Two gas fireplaces, a great screened
A refined Lake Sara waterfront offering with the acreage, privacy, and lifestyle features buyers rarely find in one property. Set on approximately 1.57 acres in a private cove, this move-in ready Effingham lake home offers just over 3,700 finished sq. ft. across four finished levels, creating flexible space for guests, entertaining, remote work, hobbies, or multi-generational living. The
Directly across from the newly updated Bliss Park, this 5-bedroom historic home offers over 2,200 finished sq ft filled with character, space, and major updates buyers are searching for in Effingham, IL. Hardwood floors, a fireplace, formal dining room, bay window with built-in bench seating, and an updated main level create a warm, inviting feel throughout. The spacious kitchen, updated windows,
Buildable 0.70 acre lot in Effingham with water and electric available, offering a strong opportunity for new construction or investment. Ideal for buyers searching for a ready-to-build homesite with flexibility for layout and design. Larger than many nearby lots, this property provides space for a custom home, garage, and outdoor living. Located in an established area with convenient access to
Discover 31.13 acres of wooded & brush ground nestled between the Little Wabash River and the Country Club in Effingham, Illinois. This unique property combines two tracts of land, offering a peaceful retreat surrounded by mature woods and thick brush-creating the perfect habitat for abundant wildlife. Abundant Deer markings are everywhere, making this an ideal setting for hunters, nature lovers,
With some TLC this home could be a great starter home. The house needs some updating in flooring, paint and cabinets. It is livable as is so you could stay as you fix it up. Three bedrooms along with front and back enclosed porches. The house sits on .23 acres. One car detached garage with a dirt floor. Main road access from the front and an alley access from the back. The house has a newer
Waterfront lot at LAKE SARA! Approximately 110' of shoreline. Ready for your boathouse and private swimming area. The lot has large trees and is approximately 110' wide x 194' deep. Ready for YOUR NEW LAKE HOME in Effingham School District. About 10 min to one of 3 different 3 golf courses... and about 12 min to town! Water is about 8' deep. And beautiful new homes in the neighborhood!
.52 (+/-) Acre lake lot - touches the water and has add'l ground on other bank. Perfect for the kids for play area or picnic spot; Great lot for walkout basement
Welcome to this stunning 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home nestled in the highly desirable Richmond Heights Subdivision. Offering two generous living areas and a versatile bonus room, this property is perfectly designed for comfortable family living. The home sits on a sprawling .31-acre corner lot and boasts an oversized 624 sq ft two-car garage — providing abundant space for vehicles, storage, or a
This 1950 gem offers an impressive blend of space, comfort, and modern updates. With three spacious bedrooms and three full bathrooms, the home spans 2,944 square feet, perfect for families or entertaining guests. **Key Features:** - Prime Location Nestled in a desirable area, it's conveniently close to schools, parks, and shopping, making daily life easy and enjoyable.- Generous Lot Situated
Enjoy the best of both worlds hidden Lake sara property on one side approx 400 ft of shore line and with golf course on the other side,hidden wooded lot with almost 1 acre with ranch style home built in the 80's Remodel or remove and build new. Has endless possibilities would also make a great VRBO, Check out this hidden Lake Sara Treasure.
Great Interstate visibility on Interstate 70 in Effingham:Just down the road from QT, Heartland Dental, Midland States Bank, Network Centre, Lakeland College, Patterson Companies, The Harley Barn, and Tuscan Hills Winery, located on the frontage road that connects Effingham and Teutopolis!
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