$153,397Average Value$91Average Price per Sq Ft7Homes For Sale
Hillsboro has historic homes, new development and lake access
Surrounded by greenery, open space and farmland, Hillsboro is a quiet, rural city serving as the county seat of Montgomery County. Century-old homes are scattered throughout the downtown area, where the Historic Courthouse Square often operates as a community gathering place. “Hillsboro has come a long way in the last couple of years, and we still have a lot of things we plan on doing,” says Melissa Smith, economic development and community planner for the City of Hillsboro, who also sells with MCR Realty Professionals. “There has been an increase of businesses that have come to the area, and a lot of development.”
Outside of the city center, Hillsboro offers many housing options with large lots.
Residents love to see travelers visiting their hometown of Hillsboro.
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Single-story homes spanning decades and centuries
Most homes in Hillsboro are found along tree-lined streets with grassy lawns and alleyway access. Traditional single-story homes and bungalows built between the 1900s and 1960s are common close to downtown. The area also has ranch-style homes from the 1960s to the 1980s. These smaller properties cost between $40,000 and $180,000, depending on age and condition. Multistory Victorian homes are also popular, sporting simple exteriors, a steep pointed roof and a front porch. Colonial homes are another option. Prices range from $100,000 to $220,000.
Outside the city limits are larger properties that sit on acreage. Midcentury, ranch-style homes and raised ranches go for $150,00 to $500,000. “We do have housing on the lakes. A lot of people from the Saint Louis area whose boats aren’t big enough for those lakes, they come here for their second homes because its close,” Smith says.
Unique two story homes offer bold housing choices in downtown Hillsboro.
Hillsboro offers a huge variety of homes, such as smaller white washed cottages.
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Staying active at city parks and lakes
Central Park is the city's primary recreational space. It has an all-inclusive playground, three pickleball courts, a basketball court and a field for baseball. Most of these facilities were recent additions from community fundraising in 2024. The Central Park Pool offers daily and seasonal passes. Across the street, Challacombe Park is the site of the historic Challacombe House, which was built by Hillsboro’s first mayor. The area also has a fenced-in dog park and walking paths.
Hillsboro’s proximity to two lakes is a huge draw for outdoor enthusiasts. Lake Hillsboro is about 2 miles northeast of the city and is referred to as “the old lake” by locals. A park area on its northern shoreline has picnic pavilions and a public boat launch. “There is a 10-miles-per-hour speed limit, so it’s more of a leisurely fishing lake,” Smith says. Nearby is the Sherwood Forest Campground, which has over 125 camping sites. The Hillsboro Country Club is also located along Lake Hillsboro and has a private 9-hole golf course. Farther north is Lake Glenn Shoals. Its North Access Area sits adjacent to the Meisenheimer Avenue Bridge, roughly 6 miles away, and is outfitted with two boat launches, a fishing dock and a kayak launch.
Have a picnic or enjoy the sun at Lake Glenn Shoals.
Residents love the all-inclusive playground at Central Park.
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Shopping and dining downtown and along Main Street
Downtown Hillsboro starts at the courthouse square and continues down Main Street. There are dozens of small businesses, gift shops and specialty stores – The Sweet Spot is a candy shop, and The Story Emporium sells books. Hillsboro Garden Family Restaurant is a casual eatery specializing in comfort food. More options are found farther south as Main turns into Vandalia Road. The Smokin Barrel is a newer restaurant serving barbeque. Capri Market is the area’s grocery store. Fast-food options include McDonald’s, Dairy Queen and Hardee’s.
The Hillsboro Farmers Market takes place on the second Saturday of every month during the summer, selling local produce, baked goods and handmade products.
The Sweet Spot in downtown Hillsboro has walls lined with candy and treats.
The Holiday Shop is one of many local retailers along Main Street in Hillsboro.
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Getting educated at Hillsboro public schools
The city is served by the Hillsboro Community School District. Beckemeyer Elementary School earns a B-minus grade from Niche and offers an afterschool program. From there, students attend the B-rated Hillsboro Junior High School. Hillsboro High School receives a B-minus and offers a teaching internship for students participating in the Child Care Career and Technical Education program. For higher education, Lincoln Land Community College has a satellite computer lab in Hillsboro, which is connected to the Litchfield outreach campus.
Hillsboro Junior High School is home to 327 students in grades 6-8.
Hillsboro High School prepares students for their journey to college and beyond.
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Celebrating Hillsboro’s annual community events
Multiple events are celebrated in Hillsboro. The Annual Harvest Market is a festival held at Hillsboro’s Historic Courthouse Square in October, featuring handmade and homegrown products. The event also has live entertainment and a cornhole tournament. Hillsboro’s annual Small Town Christmas sets up a holiday-themed vendor market, petting zoo and carriage rides. “They’ll close downtown off and do a block party, and they’ll have fake snow,” Smith says. There are also contests for cookie decorating and gingerbread house building.
Driving in and around Hillsboro
Hillsboro’s rural landscape requires a vehicle to navigate. Illinois state Route 127 is the city’s main thoroughfare, traveling north and south. The road merges with Illinois state Route 16 in the city, which commuters can use to reach Litchfield to the west and Vandalia in the southeast. Hillsboro Health is the area’s general hospital, located along Tremont Street. The Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport is roughly 54 miles away in Springfield.
Written By
Brittany Bell
Photography Contributed By
Ethan Babor
Video By
Colleen Carey
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
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On average, homes in Hillsboro, IL sell after 80 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Hillsboro, IL over the last 12 months is $106,000, down 12% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity awaits hunting enthusiasts, outdoor lovers, and those seeking an exceptional country retreat! Offered publicly for sale for the first time in years, this remarkable 29.12 +/- acre property has been maintained as a private hunting preserve, creating outstanding wildlife habitat just approximately 1/4 mile from Lake Hillsboro. Now, the next owner has the rare
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Priced below appraised value!! Move right in to this beautifully updated brick-front ranch! It offers a bright, open layout and modern finishes throughout. From the moment you arrive, you’ll appreciate the concrete driveway and attached 2-car garage with additional workshop space. Enjoy low maintenance with the brand new roof and vinyl siding. Inside, the spacious living room flows seamlessly
Rachel FullerTarrant and Harman Real Estate and Auction Co
8.76 acres located approximately 2 miles from Glenn Shoals beautiful boating and fishing Lake. Also this property is close to the boat marina and bridge. Deer and turkey roam freely. A 30x12 cabin and 30x26 pole barn are also part of the package! Cabin and pole barn need TLC. (There is a tank for hauling water to the cabin, but is not installed. No septic. 2 large overhead doors on the pole
TIMELESS CHARACTER, incredible space, and endless potential! Step into this stunning historic home where original craftsmanship meets opportunity. From the moment you enter, you'll be captivated by the gorgeous original woodwork, coffered ceilings, hardwood floors, built-in window seats, French doors, and beautiful architectural details that are nearly impossible to find in newer homes. The main
Attention Investors, flippers and handy buyers! If you are looking for a solid property where you can put the finishing touches on and build instant equity this one story ranch is the perfect canvas. Featuring a highly functional, single level layout, this 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom home has a fantastic head start. The heavy lifting on the floors is already done for you, boasting brand new flooring
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Dreams do come true! Imagine waking up every day in your beautiful log home, surrounded by nature and all these luxurious amenities! Whether you're playing a round of golf on your private 6-hole course with putting green, taking a refreshing dip in the pool, or enjoying time with your horses, this place has it all! The spacious layout has 4 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, open concept eat-in kitchen/living
Location, woods, scenery, and acreage if that is what you are looking for, this is it! Approximately 8.29 acres of private, scenic country living with a truly distinctive cedar sided octagon home. This 3 bedroom, 2 full bath residence offers a rare blend of architectural character and natural beauty, featuring soaring ceilings, stunning tongue and groove wood floors, and an open concept layout
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Conveniently located between downtown Hillsboro and the Sports Complex where the new city pool is being built, this lot offers great potential for your next home or investment project. With utilities nearby and a water spigot already available on-site, this property provides a solid starting point for building or placing a home. Buyer to confirm availability and tap-on fees for water, sewer,
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