$155,209Average Value$110Average Price per Sq Ft19Homes For Sale
Waterside location is still a boon for LaSalle
LaSalle developed in the 1830s because of its location by what became the Illinois & Michigan Canal, an offshoot of the Illinois River that provided a connection to Chicago. The canal has been closed for almost 100 years now, but this community’s spot near water is still a draw. Modern-day residents enjoy LaSalle’s proximity to the riverside Starved Rock State Park, part of what’s colloquially known as Starved Rock Country. When they’re not exploring the outdoors, locals can peruse the area’s historic downtown, full of restaurants and other businesses. “It’s really up and coming,” says Robin Wilson, a local Realtor at Starved Rock Living of HomeSmart Realty Group, with over seven years of experience. “They’re really trying to revitalize the downtown, which a lot of the towns here have.”
LaSalle residents can head downtown for numerous shopping and dining options.
Starved Rock State Park is the perfect place for an afternoon hike.
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Parks and waterways allow for a range of outdoor activities
Starved Rock State Park is a 2,630-acre magnet, 5 miles east of LaSalle. It attracts over 2 million visitors every year. Wilson says hiking is popular, with 13 miles of trails here. The park offers Illinois River access for fishing and boating, and four of the area’s 18 canyons are open to ice climbers in the winter. Locals also like to walk and bike along the Illinois & Michigan Canal Trail. Closed to commercial traffic since 1933, the canal and surrounding area have been repurposed for recreation. LaSalle’s Hegeler Park features a pair of playgrounds, four tennis courts, athletic fields and Veterans Memorial Pool, open from May to August.
LaSalle residents enjoy miles of hiking trails at Matthiessen State Park
Your kids will love the playground at LaSalle Rotary Park.
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Well-established homes offer architectural character
Established in 1838, LaSalle’s housing stock was largely built from the mid-1800s through the 1960s. “There are a lot of very beautiful historic homes,” Wilson says. “We don’t see many of those come on the market, but occasionally we do.” The community’s wide, sidewalk-lined residential streets feature examples of Craftsman, Cape Cod and ranch-style architecture. Homes needing updates go for $30,000 to $70,000. Move-in ready options fetch $80,000 to $400,000 based on square footage. The median sales price here is $132,450, about one-third of the national median. “It’s an area where you can find a smaller home at a very affordable price,” Wilson says.
Bungalows are common in LaSalle.
LaSalle features a number of large, high-end homes.
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Festivals are a regular occurrence across seasons
About 9,600 people make their home in LaSalle. Festivals and other events throughout the year bring people together. In May, the Music & Art Festival at Pulaski Park includes live bands, food trucks and a pavilion with local art. The Third Thursday Concert Series takes over the West Lawn at the Hegeler Carus Mansion once a month from May to September. The Second Empire-style home, completed in 1876, is a National Historic Landmark. The annual Hometown Halloween event features trick-or-treating through downtown LaSalle and a costume parade. Celebration of Lights offers an elaborate display of holiday decorations in Rotary Park from mid-November to New Year’s Day. “That's a big one,” Wilson says. “You drive through with your car and look at all the lights. It’s pretty impressive."
Uptown Grill is a popular lunch spot in LaSalle.
LaSalle residents can head to the recently updated Downtown Utica for more dining options.
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Downtown LaSalle is an eclectic hub of attractions
LaSalle’s downtown district, located close to the canal, is on the National Register of Historic Places. Rows of brick Italianate-style buildings line First Street, downtown’s main thoroughfare. Their glass storefronts house businesses like Nina’s Market, a popular Mexican grocery store with a restaurant inside. The Dog House across the street serves up Chicago-style hot dogs. The broiled whitefish parmesan is a draw at Uptown Grill. The Detour Tap is a bar with expansive outdoor seating. “They have outdoor music on the weekends,” Wilson says. “It’s a really nice little place.” Speciality shops include men’s clothing store That Guy’s Secret and Canal Cargo Market, a spot with furniture and other home decor. Locals head to the neighboring city of Peru for big-box stores, from Hy-Vee to Target.
St. Patrick's Catholic Church, on Fourth Street, is among the area's houses of worship. Completed in 1848, it is known as the state's oldest active parish church.
LaSalle's downtown area features numerous unique restaurants.
Canal Cargo Market is a popular thrift shop in LaSalle.
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An active PTA backs area schools
LaSalle Elementary School District 122 includes Northwest Elementary and Lincoln Junior High, both with C-minus grades on Niche. The district is rated D-plus, but it is supported by an active PTA that meets monthly. The PTA organizes fundraisers and events like a Halloween trunk-or-treat. The B-plus-rated LaSalle-Peru Township High makes up LaSalle-Peru Township High School District 120 and offers anime and bass fishing clubs.
Students are the highest priority at Northwest Elementary School.
Lincoln Junior High School offers plenty of AP and Honors courses.
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Pair of interstates can carry drivers through the region
Interstates 39 and 80 intersect in LaSalle. I-39 connects to the Chicago Rockford International Airport, 70 miles away. Chicago is a 95-mile trip using I-80 and I-55. Locals don’t have to hit the highway for medical services, as the OSF Saint Elizabeth Medical Center has a 24-hour emergency department in nearby Peru.
Written By
Wayne Epps Jr.
Photography Contributed By
Patrick Kelley
Video By
Mary Desmond
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
James Goudreau,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in LaSalle, IL sell after 27 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in LaSalle, IL over the last 12 months is $131,250, up 11% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Old World charm in this large 2 story home. Property is located on a corner lot. Property has 4 bedrooms and 2 baths with a 4-car garage. Property has 2 lots. They are both 60 x 120. Owner has new vinyl fence enclosing a virtual oasis of privacy. All new gutters, down spouts and gutter guards in 2021. Original hardwood floors were recently refinished. Original woodwork and trim. Lots of closet
2 bedroom bungalow in north LaSalle. Natural woodwork. Hardwood flooring in bedrooms. Newer wood laminate flooring in living room and dining room. Fenced back yard. 1 car detached garage. Stove, refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher, washer and dryer, water softener and TV in garage included.
Enjoy this lovely scenic setting on 5+acres. Live in this neat 3 bedroom ranch home with 2 full baths (one in the primary bedroom), newer carpeting, spacious eat-in kitchen that comes with appliances, cabinets galore, a kitchen island and sturdy hardwood flooring. The washer & dryer hook up is in the kitchen closet. There is a sliding door to the bright & cheery 4 season sunroom that overlooks
This home is loaded with lots of original character! It has 3 bedrooms and 2 baths inside! There are some original hardwood floors, original woodwork, and original built-ins. Plenty of storage throughout the home. Many of the ceiling fans are newer in the home periodically since 2009, roof in 2019 (both home & garage), C/A 2021, water heater approx 6 yrs old, toilets around 2024. In the back you
Remodeled 2 bedroom apartment in the heart of downtown LaSalle. Join the vibrant and bustling scene of the revitalized LaSalle business district. 3rd floor and above enjoy cityscape views. Close access to retail stores, restaurants and shopping. One year lease required.
Affordable one bedroom apartment in the heart of downtown LaSalle. Join the vibrant and bustling scene of the revitalized LaSalle business district. 2nd floor and above enjoy cityscape views. Close access to retail stores, restaurants and shopping. All utilities included in rent. One year lease required.
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