Cornfields and local businesses define life in Hoopeston
Vast farmlands stretch out in every direction around Hoopeston, creating the very picture of small-town living in rural Illinois. The city was built on corn, from growing to canning, and agriculture and manufacturing remain at the core of the local economy. The nearest major cities are at least 20 miles away, so residents rely on a small but mighty collection of locally owned businesses and community spaces in town. Parks offer plenty of recreation, and neighborhoods line tranquil roads. Annual events, like the Sweetcorn Festival, help neighbors connect and celebrate the city’s roots.
Agriculture is just one of Hoopeston's major industries.
Downtown Hoopeston is home to a variety of local businesses.
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Neighborhoods have 20th-century homes at low prices
Streetlights and power lines line most residential roads. Some streets retain their original brickwork. Whether compact or spacious, yards are grassy and shaded by mature trees. Neighborhoods primarily have 20th-century single-family homes, particularly from the 1920s to the 1970s. Common architectural styles include bungalows, ranch-style houses and American Foursquares. Some homes have Victorian and colonial designs. Prices range between $15,000 and $215,000 depending on a home’s age and condition, but most properties sell on the lower end of the range.
Many homes in Hoopeston have large, grassy yards.
Many Hoopeston homes were built in the mid-1900s.
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Renewable energy joins farming and manufacturing as a major industry
Hoopeston may be rural, but it is not without employment opportunities. Agriculture has remained a major industry since the city’s corn canning days. Teasdale Latin Foods, Silgan Containers and ADM are the city’s major manufacturers. In 2015, Apex Clean Energy built Hoopeston Wind Farm. While it is far outside city limits, it is still considered a valuable part of the economy.
AMD is one of Hoopeston's major employers.
The Hoopeston Wind Farm is outside city limits, but it is a valuable industry for the area.
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Cornjerkers school mascot reflects the city’s agricultural roots
Students attend Maple and John Greer grade schools from prekindergarten through fifth grade. The schools have B-minus and C-plus Niche scores. Hoopeston Area Middle has a C-minus, while Hoopeston Area High earns a C-plus. The schools are well known for their mascot, the Cornjerkers. The name refers to the farmers who picked and shucked corn by hand before automated processes became the norm. The city also has a Danville Area Community College campus. The college offers various majors, from agricultural studies to manufacturing.
Maple Elementary School in Hoopeston serves grades PK, K-2.
John Greer Elementary School serves Hoopeston and has a student-teacher ratio of 12 to 1.
Hoopeston Area Middle School has an overall niche.com grade of C-.
Local students can graduate from Hoopeston Area High School.
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McFerren Park is a key community space for recreation
McFerren Park is popular for its versatility. It has many athletic facilities, like tennis courts, baseball fields and a skate park. The swimming pool and splash pad open during summer, while the mini golf course is open year-round. The park is also a popular meeting place for local organizations. It has a Girl Scout house, a civic center and shelters for the local American Legion and Lions Club. The city has three other parks offering playgrounds and green spaces. First Street states that Hoopeston is at major risk of flooding. The city’s Emergency Management Agency provides residents with resources during extreme weather, such as flash flooding and heavy storms.
McFerren Park in Hoopeston is home to a classic skate park.
Hoopeston's McFerren Park has a mini golf course that is open year-round.
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Hoopeston has local businesses, chain restaurants and a downtown
The city’s downtown surrounds Market and Main streets. 112 Wine and Coffee Shoppe serves wine by the glass, lattes and breakfast sandwiches. Boxcar Books and Vinyl stuffs its shelves with new and old releases, and the historic Lorraine Theatre screens a single movie per day every Thursday through Sunday. The rest of the city has fast-food restaurants, other local businesses and retailers like Dollar General and CVS. Kirby Foods Hoopeston and Longfellows Gardens offer groceries.
Lorraine's single-screen shows a movie Thursday through Sunday every week.
Hoopeston residents can get wine and breakfast at 112 Wine and Coffee Shoppe.
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Rail and road access support long-distance travel and local industry
Most people drive cars, but golf carts are permitted inside the city. “We are a golf cart community for sure,” says Trish Stebbins, the city’s administrative supervisor. State routes 1 and 9 connect to Danville about 25 miles and Champaign roughly 50 miles. The city is also less than 120 miles — or about 2 hours — from Chicago and Indianapolis. The closest airport is the University of Illinois Willard Airport, which is 60 miles away. Hoopeston relies on the Carle Hoopeston Regional Health Center for primary and emergency care. A railroad still operates in the community. Stebbins says traffic delays are generally infrequent. “They may block an intersection if they’re loading grain at the ADM, but that’s more in the fall around harvest time,” she says.
The Sweetcorn Festival and downtown events include music and markets
Residents celebrate Hoopeston’s agricultural roots during the annual Sweetcorn Festival. On Labor Day weekend, crowds enjoy a demolition derby, the Miss National Sweetheart pageant and live music. “A lot of people love the free buttered sweet corn we give out,” Stebbins says. Downtown Hoopeston hosts Spring and Autumn fests, which feature free concerts. Smaller downtown events include summer farmers markets and a holiday shop hop.
Written By
Isabel Butler
Photography Contributed By
Brandon Flash Craigie
Video By
Jacob McAllister
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Laura Heiser,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Hoopeston, IL sell after 42 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Hoopeston, IL over the last 12 months is $77,900, down 15% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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Cute 2 Bedroom 1 Bath Ranch with newer garage. MOVE IN READY!. Brand new furnace, water heater & Central A/C recently. All appliances will stay inc. a gas stove. Rear deck and covered front porch. New carpet and lighting. Nice bathroom and kitchen layout. Hard to find price.
Imagine the serenity of a secluded countryside Ranch NE of Hoopeston. Situated on 3.74 acres, this charming Ranch has 3 spacious bedrooms, & 2.5 baths. Extra Large living room, and a spacious family room. Huge kitchen and beautiful country views await you on your covered composite front porch. How about a 5,000 sq' Morton building for all of your big boy toys. 2 car attached garage, + a bonus 1
Charming and thoughtfully updated, this delightful 2-bedroom, 1-bath home perfectly blends comfort and convenience. Step inside to find a bright open-concept living area that flows seamlessly into a spacious kitchen, designed for both cooking and entertaining. The kitchen offers ample countertop space, making meal prep a breeze, and plenty of room for storage. Recent updates include stylish new
Discover this charming 4-5 bedroom, 2-bath farmhouse on 4.2 acres in the BHRA school district! Enjoy a 40x30 barn, 1.5 car detached garage/shed, insulated and heated 3-car garage with 9 x 24 office space with heat and new AC—ideal for hobbies, remote work or rental income opportunities. Upgrades include newer appliances, windows, well, water heater, and a 10-year-old roof. Relax on the spacious
Affordable move in ready 2 story in Hoopeston. New kitchen cabinets. New lighting. Brand new spacious deck on the rear. Covered front porch. Refinished beautiful hardwood inside. Fresh remodel inside and out. Central air, basement, big yard, with 4 spacious bedrooms, and 1 1/2 remodeled baths. Laundry room is on the main level. Call today for a showing
ARE YOU READY FOR A 3-BEDROOM RANCH HOME ON A CORNER LOT? THIS HOME HAS HAD SOME GREAT UPDATES, INCLUDING BRAND-NEW CARPET, UPDATED BATHROOM, AND A NEW SLIDING DOOR FROM THE FAMILY ROOM. LARGE LIVING ROOM WITH HARDWOOD FLOORS AND 3 NICE-SIZED BEDROOMS. THE KITCHEN CABINETS HAVE BEEN UPDATED AND NICE TILED FLOOR. THE FAMILY ROOM HAS PLENTY OF SPACE THAT CAN BE USED FOR OFFICE, IN-HOME BUSINESS,
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Large 4-bedroom, 2-bath two-story home offering substantial square footage and original architectural character. Features include a dramatic staircase, original woodwork, pocket doors, built-ins, and generously sized rooms throughout. Full unfinished basement, attached garage, and functional layout provide strong renovation potential. Property requires significant updates and repairs and is being
Are you looking for an updated 3-bed, 2-bath home that is move-in ready? This home has been repainted and floors redone. With a full bathroom on the first floor next to the added laundry room. The upstairs offers 3 large bedrooms and another full bathroom. The owner has had a large tree removed and others have been trimmed, landscaping done, and steps redone to the basement. A large front porch
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