El Paso offers small-town living, a corn festival and easy commutes
El Paso, a central Illinois city in a rural setting, has a population of about 2,900, according to U.S. Census estimates. "It's our typical Americana kind of small-town living. The downtown is really cute, and it's just a nice place," says Emily Almeida, a Realtor with Re/Max Rising. The El Paso Corn Festival, first held in 1947, reflects the importance of agriculture in the community. Over three days in September, the festival has a parade, a carnival, a kiddie tractor pull and other competitions.
Interstate 39 runs through the west side of El Paso, which is considered a bedroom community for larger nearby cities. "I know people who work in Peoria who live there, and many people work in Bloomington . It's an easy commute," Almeida says. Bloomington is 21 miles to the south, and Peoria is about 32 miles to the west.
Vintage architecture and some new construction in El Paso
Though some areas have newer construction, many of the homes are vintage. "They have some of the character that older homes offer; a lot have natural woodwork," Almeida says. Victorians, American Foursquares and Colonial Revivals are examples from the late 19th to early 20th century. Later additions include ranch-style and contemporary homes. Some 2020s construction has gone in on the south and east sides of El Paso. Overall, prices range from about $83,000 to $650,000. Though most lots are smaller, some are on a 1/2 acre or more.
Railroad history, a Carnegie library and a voting-rights museum
El Paso, which grew around the railroad industry during the mid-1800s, has several historical buildings. The El Paso District Library, one of the Carnegie libraries established by philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, is on the National Register of Historic Places. The Legacy Building once housed a barber shop owned by David Strother, who, in 1870, became the first Black citizen to vote in Illinois. It's now the site of the Project XV Museum, which is dedicated to the history of voting rights. Grants from the Landmarks Illinois' Preservation Heritage Fund have helped with restoration as development of the museum continues. Project XV events include an annual gala and a block party.
Downtown is focused on independently owned businesses
Most of El Paso's businesses are independently owned; many are along Main and Front streets. "Everything is centered around that small part of the town. There's a grocery store, so you have all your life support," Almeida says. Kirby Foods is a block off Front Street. El Paso Mexican Restaurant, Topsy's Bar & Grill and Woody's Family Restaurant are among the places to eat out. Ruth's Garden Tea Room has hosted date night dinners, craft workshops, holiday parties and served as a stop on the El Paso Christmas Walk, which includes vendor fairs, a tree lighting and a light show. El Paso Antique Mall, west of I-39, draws shoppers from throughout the region.
Four highly ranked area schools, and three are in El Paso
The public schools for El Paso are fairly close together, except for the middle school, which is in Gridley, about 8 miles away. "But the kids don't have to travel far," Almeida says. "In a lot of other towns, they spend more time on the bus." Jefferson Park Elementary School serves kindergarten through second grade and earns an A-minus grade from Niche. Centennial School, for third and fourth grades, has a B-plus; and El Paso-Gridley Middle School receives a B. El Paso-Gridley High School, rated B-minus, offers dual language courses with Heartland Community College and specialized career education through a partnership with the Bloomington Career Academy.
A long walking trail, community parks and a recreation center
The El Paso Walking Trail, also used for cycling, stretches over a mile, often parallel to North Central Street. The trail passes the El Paso Dog Park and links to South Pointe Park, where it circles the pond and baseball field. The park has other athletic amenities, plus a playground, pool and the El Paso Recreation Center. The center offers an indoor gym, classes and youth sports programs. Other community spaces include Jefferson Park, home to the library; and Franklin Park, also known as Elephant Park for its elephant-shaped slide. The El Paso Golf Club is about 5 miles south of the center of town. It's open to the public and has an 18-hole course and a restaurant and bar.
Walkable streets and access to highways and medical facilities
Central El Paso has a gridded layout, with short blocks and a walkable downtown. On some residential streets, sidewalks are set back from the street, allowing ample room for trees. Other than a stroll or bike ride through town, most people will be driving. In addition to the interstate, there's access to U.S. Route 24 and state Route 251. Carle El Paso is an outpatient medical facility affiliated with Carle Eureka Hospital, which is about 13 miles to the west. Though freight trains pass through El Paso, the nearest Amtrak station is Bloomington-Normal, about 20 miles south of El Paso. The drive to General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport is about 40 miles.
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Robin Silberman
