Gillespie has a lower cost of living and commuter lifestyle
Gillespie is a small rural city that’s part of a larger township in Macoupin County. When it was first established in the 1850s, the coal mining industry had a huge impact on its population, with at least five mining sites in the surrounding area dominating the workforce. Since then, Gillespie has become a bedroom community. “Macoupin County has a cheaper living arrangement. They have a lot of public money, so it has a lot of services for lower income,” says Sue Pirok, a real estate agent with Cisler and Associates Real Estate, who has over 20 years of experience. Many residents commute about 10 miles east to Litchfield, or even roughly 53 miles north to Springfield, for work and commerce.
Cost-effective single-family homes spanning decades
Homes in Gillespie are found along gridded residential streets with gravel alleyways. Most are accompanied by grassy lawns surrounded by mature trees. Minimal traditional single-story homes and bungalows with front porches are common. Most of these properties were built between the 1920s and 1950s, though there are a handful of contemporary single-stories from the 2000s. Prices range from $60,000 to $190,000, depending on age and condition. “It’s reasonably priced homes. There’s a whole row of duplexes for senior citizens,” Pirok says.
Ranch-style homes from the 1950s to 1970s are another popular housing style, along with split levels. These properties cost around $110,000 to $250,000. American Foursquares from the 1920s to 1940s go for similar prices. Most of these multistory homes have a front porch overhang, pointed roofs and front gables.
Getting educated at Gillespie public schools
Children can attend schools in the Gillespie Community Unit School District, which enrolls students from Benld as well. Ben-Gil Elementary School and Gillespie Middle School both earn C grades from Niche. From there, students can head to the B-rated Gillespie High School, which offers Career and Technical Education pathways for agriculture, business, construction trades and graphic communications. Students can also earn dual enrollment credits at Lewis and Clark Community College’s Macoupin County Community Education Center, about 14 miles away in Carlinville.
Staying active at city parks and local lakes
A handful of green spaces offer recreation in Gillespie. Big Brick Park is outfitted with a playground, tennis courts and an open field. There’s also Welfare Park, with its two baseball fields and a concession stand. A sports complex on Illinois Avenue has multiple soccer fields. About 4 miles northwest of the city are Gillespie Lakes – Old Gillespie Lake is a popular fishing spot, and New Gillespie Lake has multiple outdoor amenities, including a boat ramp and dock area. A small beach allows swimming, and a campground nearby has tent sites and electric hookups.
Downtown Gillespie and nearby cities for commerce
Downtown Gillespie has dozens of small businesses and restaurants lined along Macoupin Street. Miner’s Family Restaurant serves comfort food in a casual setting, and Mi Casita specializes in traditional Mexican cuisine. There are also two pizzerias and a handful of bars. More options are found farther south along Illinois state Route 4. “There’s no grocery store in Gillespie, so they have to go to Benld. Or they go to Litchfield and get a bigger store,” Pirok says. Randy’s Market is Benld’s grocery store, about 3 miles south of Gillespie. Litchfield is around 10 miles east with national retailers like Walmart Supercenter and Aldi.
Traveling in and out of Gillespie by car
Downtown Gillespie’s gridded streets, sidewalks and crosswalks are both pedestrian and cyclist-friendly. When it comes to commuting, driving is the preferred mode of transportation. Illinois state Route 16 travels east and west through the area and can be used to reach Litchfield. Illinois state Route 4 is another main road in the city, traveling north and south. Commuters can use Route 4 to reach Staunton, about 9 miles south. The St. Louis Lambert International Airport is roughly 62 miles away.
