Jacksonville, Illinois: where portable Ferris wheels were born
Home to a famous stop along the Underground Railroad, Jacksonville, Illinois, is the site of one of the Midwest’s first higher-learning institutes. Today, the city is home to more than 17,500 people and major employers like Reynolds Group Holdings, Nestle Beverage Company, and Eli Bridge Company, inventor of the portable Ferris wheel and manufacturer of amusement park rides. In January of 2025, the city began its 200th anniversary celebration, and City Clerk Angela Salyer says the festivities will last throughout most of the year. “We just had our kickoff celebration, which was a gala to celebrate the year,” Salyer says. “There were about 400 people there, and our final event will be October 4th. That will be a downtown celebration with lots of things to do.”
Major employers like Nestle Beverage Company support Jacksonville’s strong local economy.
Woodlawn Farm is a historic site in Jacksonville, known for its role in the Underground Railroad.
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Historic and modern homes
“Jacksonville is known for its Historic District and beautiful older homes,” says Scott Eoff, managing broker at Re/Max Results Plus in Jacksonville. “Most of the newer development is on the outskirts of town, in small subdivisions or in and around some of our golf courses.” The city’s mix of homes ranges from Greek revivals built in the 1800s to modern estates built after 2000. Homes with around 1,000 square feet needing substantial repairs commonly sell for around $50,000, while updated homes with more than 4,000 square feet can sell as high as $500,000. Eoff says condos and townhomes usually sell between $75,000 and $300,000. In 2024, the median home price was $135,000, 8% higher than the previous year. In comparison, the national median home price at that time was around $420,000.
Craftsman-style homes in Jacksonville blend charm with modern updates for comfortable living.
Greek Revival architecture adds grandeur to Jacksonville’s historic neighborhoods.
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Jacksonville School District No. 117
Jacksonville School District No. 117 serves over 3,200 students and earns an overall C-plus on Niche, with an average graduation rate of 73%. The city is also home to the Illinois School for the Deaf and the Illinois School for the Visually Impaired. Post-secondary learners can attend Illinois College in the heart of Jacksonville, which offers more than 45 degree programs. “We also have a school for the hearing impaired and a school for the visually impaired,” Salyer says.
Jacksonville's Illinois School for the Deaf caters to individual learning styles.
Athletics at Illinois College build teamwork, discipline, and school spirit in Jacksonville.
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City parks and nearby Lake Jacksonville
There are eight parks in Jacksonville with amenities like playgrounds, a disc golf course, an Olympic-size pool and a golf course. “We have a Ferris wheel in Community Park,” Salyer says. “And we have Nichols Park, which has an 18-hole golf course. It has a pool, too, and we just finished a multimillion-dollar renovation. That’s going to be reopening this summer.” Nearby Lake Jacksonville is the city’s drinking water source and a popular spot for boating and fishing, and has been named one of the top fishing spots in Illinois.
Foreman's Grove Disc Golf Park's frisbee golf course offers fun and fresh air for all skill levels.
Anglers flock to Lake Jacksonville, named one of Illinois’ best fishing destinations.
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A quaint downtown area
“Jacksonville has a thriving downtown that is currently undergoing some economic development and infrastructure updates,” Eoff says. “It’s kind of a Hallmark movie downtown area.” Surrounding Central Park, Jacksonville’s downtown holds bookstores, boutique clothing shops, coffee shops and an upscale Italian market and wine bar. National chains like Burger King and Walmart sit along West Morton Avenue in the city’s southside. The Jacksonville Area Museum preserves the area’s history, while the Illinois Theater provides residents a place to see the latest blockbusters. History buffs can explore nearby Woodlawn Farm, a famous stop on the Underground Railroad.
Jacksonville Area Museum is a top destination for history buffs and families.
The Big Eli mural celebrates Jacksonville as the birthplace of the portable Ferris wheel.
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Car shows and seasonal festivities
Downtown Jacksonville hosts community events like the fall Pumpkin Festival, the Jacksonville Main Street Downtown Summer Concert Series and the Downtown Plaza Car Show and Summer Cruise Nite. For the holidays, homeowners deck the halls and open their doors to the public for the Annual Pilot Club Holiday Home Tour and Tea celebration. The city is also home to the Morgan County Fairgrounds, which hosts the annual Midwestern County Fair.
Streets to walk or drive
Residential streets are mainly laid out in a grid fashion, and sidewalks line at least one side of most streets. Public transportation is limited to the West Central Mass Transit District ride-on-demand service. Main Street leads drivers south to Interstate 72, which they can then take 35 miles east to Springfield, Illinois. Main Street also offers a direct route 83 miles south into downtown St. Louis. Jacksonville Municipal Airport services charter and private flights 3 miles north of the city, while travelers will need to head to Springfield’s Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport for commercial flights.
Fluctuating crime rates, mild weather
FBI data indicates Jacksonville’s property and violent crime rates generally remain lower than state and national averages. Environmental data suggests Jacksonville’s roads and infrastructure face a moderate risk of flood impact over the next 30 years should the Mauvaise Terre overflow its banks, and some residential properties may be at risk. The city's weather tends to be mild, with high temperatures peaking around the mid-80s in July, lows dropping to the low 20s in January, and minimal, easily manageable snowfall throughout the average year.
Written By
Konrad Solberg
Photography Contributed By
Jarrod Bock
Video By
Chris Freeman
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Jacksonville, IL sell after 33 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Jacksonville, IL over the last 12 months is $152,250, up 14% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
It's time to fall in love & step into a restored 1857 Italianate brick residence where historic craftsmanship and modern comfort meet in a way that feels both grand and livable. With 8,000+ sq ft, the home offers a flexible layout suited to everyday life, including space for multi-generational living, private guest quarters, and work-from-home offices or studio rooms. Multiple living zones create
What a unique opportunity and tract of land on the edge of Jacksonville, IL! These 32.03 acres are situated between Illinois Avenue and Strawns Crossing Road at the Northeast corner of town. Approximately 26.0 acres are tillable and carry a Productivity Index Rating of 130.7. Of the tillable acreage, 18.0 acres are Class A soils Osco, Lawson and Ipava. Tenancy is open for 2026 subject to
This 3 bedroom house is being sold as-is, please use as is form. The house has a quaint porch on the front and hardwood floors in the living room & bedrooms. For a house this age, there is good closet space. The house sets on 2 lots and contains 2 sheds for additional storage. The larger shed is 20 x 12 with a concrete floor.
Charming home on brick street full of character and modern updates! This beautiful home features refinished hardwood floors that shine, as spacious living room, formal dining room, and an inviting kitchen. Upstairs offers three comfortable bedrooms and a full bath, with a convenient half bath on the main level. Major updates include a newer roof, furnace, AC, siding, soffit, and gutters. Fresh
Welcome home to this adorable and move-in ready 2-bedroom gem! Step inside to find a spacious living room filled with natural light — perfect for relaxing or hosting friends and family. The updated kitchen features sleek stainless steel appliances, offering both style and functionality for everyday living. The home includes one beautifully updated bathroom with a tiled shower/tub combo, giving it
Discover the potential in this inviting 3-bedroom home located in the heart of South Jacksonville. Positioned on a spacious corner lot, the property offers an impressive amount of yard space along with an attached 2-car garage—perfect for storage, hobbies, or everyday convenience. With a little personal touch, this home can truly shine. Major updates have already been taken care of, including a
A charming Victorian with impeccable street presence enhanced by and unexpected 3-car oversized garage and a custom stamped massive driveway and walkways that lead to the welcoming wrap around porch. The interior blends classic charm with modern updates featuring a striking gourmet kitchen +cute breakfast nook both feature striking hickory cabinets & gorgeous granite, staintless appliances, a
1 acre lot located in a prime kinda country seconds from town on MOUND ROAD . Thinking of building a home ..take a drive west at the edge of town .. dreams do come true .. sunrises and sunsets better when across road is fields of farming ground .. 1 acre ... well on the property .. buy it as an investment .. rare find .....
Welcome to this adorable 3-bedroom, 1-bath home tucked away on a quiet cul-de-sac in Jacksonville. The home offers a large backyard with a privacy fence, providing a great space for outdoor enjoyment. You'll also appreciate the 1.5-car garage and full concrete driveway for added convenience. Recent improvements include new outdoor and indoor condensers installed in 2022. A wonderful opportunity
Once a school building, this one-of-a-kind property offers incredible potential with both residential and commercial spaces under one roof. The main floor is currently zoned residential and features tenant-occupied units, while the lower level—complete with a full gymnasium, locker rooms, and commercial zoning—opens the door to countless opportunities for business or community use. Plenty of
Opportunity knocks! This 2-bedroom, 1-bath home is perfect for investors, flippers, or anyone ready to take on a project. Offering a great layout and tons of potential, this handyman special is being sold as-is. Some hard work could go a long way — don’t miss your chance to transform this property.
Approx 1.22 acres off Morton. Seller to have a survey prior to purchase. Currently farmland and zoned B3. Great visibility and location on Jacksonville's west end! Call today!
Laborers’ Home Development IV (LHD IV) at 1335 S. Diamond in Jacksonville, Ill., offers independent living for persons age 62 or older and those with disabilities*.An active Tenant Council hosts monthly meetings and organizes activities such as potluck dinners, crafts, and musical entertainment to encourage participation and fellowship among residents.Local area programs providing
Freshly Updated 2 bed 1 bath apartments available. Pictures coming soon. Contact management for availability. To get top priority, and see all listings available portfolio wide, please click the website link and fill out an application for your preferred unit.
Newly Renovated 48 unit complex offering 1-3 Bedroom units ready to occupy, the perfect place to make your next home in Morgan County at 800 Illinois Avenue, Jacksonville, Illinois. We offer flexible leasing terms and large rental space as per the market standards with new appliances and amenities on the premises.Touring now available on newly renovated units! Call today to schedule!
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