Macomb is a slice of small-town Illinois that can appeal to an assortment of people
The city of Macomb, Illinois, attracts homebuyers for various reasons. On the one hand, Western Illinois University and major manufacturers, like Pella Windows and Doors, provide nearby employment opportunities for the city's 15,000 residents. Conversely, self-starters can pursue agricultural opportunities in surrounding rural areas or open small businesses downtown. The city's real estate market also affords options, from lower-priced homes requiring renovation and investment to move-in ready houses with competitive prices to surrounding areas. According to Curt Myers, a Realtor and land specialist with Base Camp Country Real Estate who grew up in the region, what unites the community, is its small-town spirit. “I just love the close-knit community. Everybody’s willing to help everybody for the most part. If something goes wrong, if somebody posts a Facebook post about missing a dog, the whole community is looking for it.”
The city of Macomb, Illinois is a community with a small town spirit.
Modern ranch style homes are newly built in Macomb, IL.
1/2
From Blevins to Hillcrest, the city offers homes for a value
Midcentury ranch-style homes and bungalows prevail in Macomb subdivisions like Blevins and Riverdale. Houses requiring remodeling and investment start at around $30,000, while more spacious and well-maintained options cost up to $400,000. Construction since the turn of the 21st century has been comparatively limited but can be found in developments like Hillcrest and Woodland Estates, where prices fall between $120,000 and $500,000. “We got a variety,” Myers says. “If you want to spend $80,000 on a house you can, and get something that’s really decent for that price. But then, if you got a $300,000 budget, we’ve got homes in the area suitable for that, too.” The median price here is $115,000, which is on par with Canton, a comparatively sized city in the region.
New construction is available in Macomb at Woodland Estates featuring spacious lots.
Hillcrest Estates is a neighborhood in Macomb, IL where prices can reach $500,000.
1/2
Western Illinois has a wide influence
Myers says Macomb's biggest draw is Western Illinois University, a public school with about 6,300 students. It’s the city’s largest employer by far, employing 1,800 people. Among its features is a School of Agriculture with a 400-acre campus farm. “Our biggest thing in this area is, other than the university, we’re a farming community,” Myers says. The area's agriculture sector contributes to Illinois’ standing as the nation’s top soybean producer. Companies, including Pella and NTN-Bower, a roller bearings producer, provide manufacturing opportunities. The 48-bed McDonough District Hospital is another significant employer.
WIU's campus is in a northwest pocket of Macomb and has more than 100 programs.
Macomb's agriculture contributes to Illinois’ standing as the nation’s top soybean producer.
1/2
A day at Spring Lake is available within the city
Macomb’s urban core unfolds into rural expanses on the city’s outskirts. That’s where locals find attractions like Spring Lake Park, along the 230-acre Spring Lake. The lake is open to fishing and boating, including kayaking and canoeing. The park space offers playgrounds and 12 miles of biking trails. Within the city, the Macomb Parks District operates several parks for youth sports, and the organization oversees programming for the community. Further, spots like Chandler Park and Veterans Park host some of Macomb’s community events. In the city’s downtown, Chandler is home to the Macomb Farmers Market on Thursdays and Saturdays from May to October. Veterans Park, on the north end of town, has Friday-night movies in the park once a month from June to August.
The YMCA of McDonough is an option for indoor recreation for a fee. It has a racquetball court, an indoor pool and an indoor track — amenities that can come in handy in an area where the weather can vary greatly. “It’s hot and humid in the summer and has the potential to be really cold in the winter, even though it seems like they’re getting really mild,” Myers says.“ January and February can be really cold times. Spring and fall are beautiful here. You can see all four seasons in one day here.”
Chandler Park hosts many of Macomb's community events.
Spring Lake Park in Macomb is open to fishing and boating, including kayaking and canoeing.
1/2
Historic downtown has received modern improvements
Macomb’s historic downtown orbits around its courthouse square, which includes the McDonough County Courthouse, built in 1871, and other buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The area has received millions of dollars in improvements in recent years, especially to sidewalks and light fixtures. Downtown has a mix of local restaurants and businesses. It’s also the site of multiple events, including Heritage Days, a four-day festival in late June with music, rides, a car show, and more. “There’s always something to do there,” Myers says.
Downtown Macomb has a mix of local restaurants and businesses.
Enjoy the historic buildings centrally located in Downtown Macomb.
1/2
Dual credit opportunities at Macomb High cross multiple disciplines
Macomb School District carries a B-minus rating on Niche. B-rated Macomb Senior High has dual-credit courses in fields ranging from welding to political science.
WIU's campus is in a northwest pocket of town and has more than 100 programs. Law enforcement and justice administration and elementary education are among the most popular undergraduate majors. Spoon River College, a two-year community college, also has a campus in Macomb.
Spoon River College, a two-year community college, also has a campus in Macomb.
Macomb Senior High is home of the Bombers.
1/2
Go West helps locals get around
A bus service dubbed Go West has more than a dozen routes around the city. There’s also an Amtrak station downtown with two trains running daily between Chicago and Quincy, Illinois. The Southeast Iowa Regional Airport is a 50-mile trip to the Iowa-Illinois state line and operates two daily flights to Chicago and St. Louis.
Crime
According to the Illinois Uniform Crime Reporting database, crime rates dropped significantly across multiple offenses from 2023 to 2024, including aggravated assault and battery, burglary, theft, and motor vehicle theft.
Written By
Wayne Epps Jr.
Photography Contributed By
Chris Jeong
Video By
Jonathan Bradley
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Curt Myers,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Macomb, IL sell after 79 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Macomb, IL over the last 12 months is $115,000, up 16% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Discover this fantastic 3-acre property, perfect for those seeking a peaceful rural lifestyle with farming income potential. Located in a great deer hunting area, it offers outdoor fun and plenty of hunting opportunities. At the center is a cozy 2-bedroom, 1-bath ranch-style home with beautiful cedar siding. This welcoming house provides a perfect retreat for families and friends. The open
Welcome home to this cozy and completely renovated 3-bedroom, 1-bath beauty! Perfect for families, first-time buyers, or anyone looking for move-in-ready comfort with stylish upgrades. ? Features include: – Gorgeous quartz countertops – Durable and stylish engineered hardwood flooring – Bright, open living space with modern finishes – Private deck perfect for relaxing or entertaining – Spacious
Welcome to this very well-maintained 2 bedroom, 1.5 bathroom attached single family home sitting on a desirable end lot. Enjoy outdoor living on the spacious back deck, perfect for relaxing or entertaining, also with a shed for backyard storage! The property features beautiful landscaping and great curb appeal. Located in the Georgetown subdivision, you'll have access to fantastic amenities
Lexington Concord Apartments can be your perfect home next to campus! Conveniently located to Western Illinois University and Spoon River College in Macomb, IL, we are also located on the "Go West" bus service. Enjoy our pool, 24-hour business/study center, and 24-hour fitness center! Pets welcome with permission! *Utilities included vary per unit and per property.* Ask for details!
Nestled just South of the La Moine River and North of Patton Park, Creekside Park offers a prime location for easy access to public transportation and an array of amenities that make it an ideal living destination. Here's what sets us apart:Some Community Features:-Pet friendly community ensuring every member of your family feels at home.-Stay active with our well-equipped fitness
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
