Eldorado is centrally located with a peaceful small-town feel
Eldorado is a primarily residential community in southern Illinois, offering rural charm and open space without sacrificing conveniences like highway access. “I joke a lot about Eldorado being in the middle of nowhere but close to everything,” says Ayn Bartok, an Eldorado resident, broker and owner of All In One Real Estate Company. “We’re about an hour from Paducah, Evansville and Carbondale. High-speed internet is pretty widely available too, so that’s not a barrier.” Locals also enjoy proximity to recreation, including things like hunting and hiking trails, along with a small selection of popular local restaurants.
Homes mostly date to the 20th century, some with large lots
Mid- to late-20th century ranch-style homes and cottages are common in town and often feature minimalist vinyl siding and Craftsman-influenced elements like wide front porches and dormer windows. Most homes sit on at least a quarter-acre of land, lined by narrow country roads and shaded by mature evergreen trees and other foliage. The majority of properties typically range from $50,000 to $225,000, depending on the home's age and condition. Some fixer-upper cottages can sell for as little as $8,000. Larger properties with more than 2,500 square feet and lots larger than an acre can range from $170,000 to $419,000. Manufactured homes can go from $20,000 to $65,000.
Nearby playgrounds, hunting and hiking within driving distance
Mahoney Park, Eldorado’s only public park, encompasses a sprawling field, mature shade trees, picnic pavilions and a playground. The park is also home to Eldorado’s community pool, which opens from May to August and has a splash pad. Saline County Golf Club is located on the banks of Eldorado Reservoir, about 4 miles outside of town. Its 18-hole course is open to the public. Karel Park, also located near the reservoir, has playgrounds and a small fishing pond. Less than 15 miles away, Saline County State Fish and Wildlife Area is a popular destination for hunting and hiking, with about 10 miles of multiuse trails. “Recreation is big in our area,” Bartok says. “We don’t have as much space for water sports, but there’s a lot of hiking, hunting and biking.”
Highway access to many nearby towns
Harrisburg is less than 10 miles away on Route 45, and Carbondale is about 45 miles away. Evansville and Paducah are about 55 and 60 miles away, respectively. Saint Louis, the nearest major city, is about 130 miles away. Ferrell Hospital serves the community, while Evansville Regional Airport is about 60 miles away.
Community public schools score in the C range
Eldorado Elementary earns a C-minus from Niche, while Eldorado Middle earns a C-plus. The C-plus-rated Eldorado High offers more than 15 extracurricular activities, including business, chess and science clubs. Athletic programs are available to middle and high school students, with seasonal basketball, cross country and volleyball teams.
Locals gather for the annual Eldorado Town and Country Days
The Eldorado Town and Country Days, an annual celebration held downtown in September, features four days of carnival rides, live music and local food vendors. There are activities for all ages, including tractor pulls, 5k races and beauty pageants.
Restaurants and shops along the highway
Commercial areas and businesses are focused along U.S. Route 45, including grocery stores like DG Market. Dad’s BBQ, a locally owned staple, serves southern comfort food in a café setting. Los Reyes Mexican Restaurant is another casual favorite, offering authentic cuisine and cocktails.
