Johnston City offers small-town living outside Marion
Although the larger Marion region of southern Illinois is one of the fastest-growing areas in the state, nearby communities like Johnston City still offer classic small-town living. “This area of Williamson County is developing fast, but Johnston City is still a small town,” says agent Alec Childers with House 2 Homes Realty, who was born and raised in southern Illinois. Johnston City’s residential blocks and old-fashioned main street were established during an early-1900s coal boom, and the character of the period remains. “It’s close to all the benefits of Marion, but Johnston City is a small community,” Childers says. “It’s got these early-1900s homes and that classic hometown feel.”
Early-1900s homes in town and multiacre properties outside
Homes on Johnston City’s small grid sit on grassy lawns, surrounded by trees that’ve grown with the town. The median home price is $125,000. Updated 1910s bungalows, 1920s Foursquares and midsize midcentury ranch-style homes are close to the median. Many smaller bungalows, ranch-style homes and updated early-1900s homes can cost between $65,000 and $100,000. Small fixer-uppers can even be found for under $65,000. Prices in town reach $140,000 to $220,000 for ranch-style homes on spacious corner lots, and 2020s New Traditional homes in newer tracts. In the countryside between Johnston City and Herrin, there are ranch-style homes on multiacre lots and New Traditional homes in small developments ranging from $230,000 to $430,000.
Fishing and remote-controlled boat racing on Arrowhead Lake
Arrowhead Lake is Johnston City’s main source of recreation. The lake is on the northeast corner of town, and it has a popular campground and a launch for small boats, kayaks and canoes. Fishing is a go-to activity, but the lake has become especially popular among remote-controlled boat enthusiasts. Every spring, racers mark their calendar for Little Thunder on Arrowhead, a remote-controlled regatta hosted by the Thunderboaters of St. Louis and Southern Illinois. It usually spans two days, with races for each style and size of boat. The Johnston City Baseball and Softball Fields are a short walk from the lake, and the Johnston City Park Amphitheater was recently added to the space. The amphitheater is now the viewing point for the annual Independence Day Celebration Fireworks Show. Finally, there’s Johnston City Michael Dean Memorial Park, the town’s central recreation area. It has a playground, picnic shelters, lawn space and a community center.
Career-focused clubs at Johnston City High School
Local students are served by the Johnston City Community Unit School District No. 1, which earns a C-plus overall grade from Niche. The district has two elementary schools. Lincoln Elementary, rated a C-plus, is a few miles east of town, but most kids in town start at Jefferson Elementary, which receives a B-plus. All continue to Washington Middle, which gets a C. They finish at Johnston City High on the north end of town, rated a B-minus. Johnston City High students can pursue their career passions in clubs like Educators Rising and Future Farmers of America that involve specialized coursework and experiential learning opportunities.
Downtown businesses on Broadway Boulevard
Broadway Boulevard runs east to west on the south end of town, but it’s the center of downtown Johnston City. The blocks between Follis Avenue and Barham Avenue are home to the local post office, city offices, banks, churches and local businesses. Andresen’s Café is a favorite eatery, and Linemen’s Lounge is a popular watering hole across the street. Grand Avenue — state Route 37 — is the town’s north-to-south throughfare. It’s home to fast-casual chains and a few local businesses. Food Shop, a small supermarket on Grand, is Johnston City’s only grocery store. Residents drive 7 miles south to Marion to shop at national big-box stores like Walmart, Target and Kroger.
Gatherings for Halloween and Christmas
Downtown is the community’s meeting ground for holiday events. The Downtown Halloween Trail of Treats takes place on Broadway Boulevard every Halloween. In the early afternoon, while it’s still light out, kids arrive in their costumes to collect candy from tables up and down Broadway. Kids also have plenty of entertainment at Downtown Christmas, usually held in late November or early December. It’s also on Broadway and has stations for pictures with Santa, cookie decorating and caroling.
State Route 37 leads to hospitals in Marion and Herrin
State Route 37 runs north to south through the center of Johnston City, and Interstate 57 runs parallel on the west side of town. Many residents take Route 37 the 7 miles south to Marion for work. Marion is the seat of Williamson County, and it’s home to hospitals like the Marion VA Medical Center. There’s also SIH Hospital in Herrin, 7 miles west. It’s one of the area’s largest health care facilities. St. Louis is the nearest major city, about 110 miles away.
