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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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On average, homes in Macomb, IL sell after 77 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Macomb, IL over the last 12 months is $104,000, down 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Redone from top to bottom! This updated 3BR, 2.5BA home with an open floor plan. Kitchen opens to living room, ideal for everyday living and entertaining. Updated bathrooms and newer flooring throughout. Major updates include drywall, insulation, plumbing, furnace (2022), cleanouts, and 200 amp electrical service. New roof scheduled for spring. Finished oversized garage. Deck off kitchen
Charming and move-in ready, this beautifully updated 2-bedroom, 2-bath home offers the perfect blend of character, comfort, and practical updates in the heart of Macomb. Conveniently located near Western Illinois University, Amtrak rail service, shopping, dining, and local amenities, this property combines small-town living with everyday convenience. Inside, you’ll find refinished hardwood
Rare opportunity for country living on approximately 3 acres with endless possibilities! This property features an attached 2-car garage, a large 25x64 detached garage, a 30x52 utility building with sliding doors, and an impressive 50x70 pole building with pull-up and sliding doors — perfect for equipment, hobbies, livestock, or storage. A pasture area adds even more potential for rural living.
Located in a peaceful rural setting just minutes from Macomb, this expansive two-story home offers the move-in ready lifestyle so many buyers are searching for! With 6 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and beautifully remodeled spaces throughout, this property delivers the perfect blend of space, comfort, and functionality. From the moment you step inside, the home feels warm and inviting. Rich hardwood
Step into a home where history doesn’t just whisper... it lives in the walls. Believed to be one of the first large residences built in McDonough County, this striking Federal-style home once sat on an expansive 80-acre property stretching from Piper Street to Grant Street. A rare blend of history and livability, the home welcomes you with a full-length porch featuring elegant Italianate
You can stay and play, all while it pays! Rare Macomb barndominium with income potential! This impressive property offers a spacious 3 bedroom, 2 bath loft featuring hardwood floors, vaulted ceilings, an open concept layout, and a large deck overlooking the backyard. Below, you'll find a massive workshop with an additional bathroom, laundry area, RV storage, and room for multiple vehicles or
Looking for a home with predictable monthly electrical costs? This wonderfully updated 3-bedroom, 2-bath brick ranch with an attached two-car garage offers comfortable one-level living and a solar energy system designed to reduce your environmental footprint. Inside, you'll find a spacious primary suite with a recently added en suite bath, an updated laundry room, and a remodeled guest bathroom.
If space and storage area two words that describe what you want to your next home, you better put this home on your list! This 4 bedroom/2 bath home has large rooms and additional storage opportunities on each floor. Outside you will appreciate the storage in the garage as well as 3 additional sheds that come with the property. Outside you can also enjoy the new deck (2026) or the covered patio
Escape the noise and embrace the freedom of country living at this spacious property just outside of Macomb. Set on 1.75 acres that offers a long stretch of open lawn and scenic rural views. This kind of space is perfect for bonfires, gardens, hobbies, animals, or simply enjoy the peace and tranquility. The front porch of this home is ideal for soaking up the calming effects of country living.
ONLY $179,900 for this 28.58 surveyed acres of mostly pasture and pond, with great build site areas and good hunting along the creek! Pull off of N 700th rd and the private lane takes you to the property, with the South Western point of the 4+- acre pond starting on the left and a cattle corral and cattle shed that could easily be turned into a horse stalls. You can drive around the pond and
This 10-unit multifamily investment opportunity is located just blocks from Western Illinois University in Macomb and currently serves a mix of both student and young professional tenants. With strong rental demand generated by WIU and surrounding employers, the property offers investors stable cash flow and long-term upside potential.The property consists of two adjacent buildings
Welcome home to this inviting 3 bedroom, 1.5 bathroom ranch offering single level living! This well-maintained home on the edge of town features a comfortable and functional layout. Through the front door you are greeted with a cozy living room that flows seamlessly into the dining room with walk-out patio doors. The stainless steel appliances and updated counter tops in the kitchen make for a
Lexington Concord Apartments offers high-quality, affordable apartment living in Macomb, IL. With spacious floor plans, private patios, a refreshing seimming pool, and a 24/7 fitness center, our community is designed for comfort, convenience, and connection. Whether you're a local professional, small family, or student seeking a peaceful lifestyle near downtown Macomb - Lexington Concord is the
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:-New pool - ready for June 2026 opening!-Pet friendly community ensuring every member of your family feels at
Aspen Court is Macomb’s finest apartment community. We have four convenient locations within walking distance to the Western Illinois University Campus. Go West, the free campus bus system, stops at our properties as well. Shopping, dining, and nightlife are equally as close. Our residents feel safe at home with the Macomb Police Department and the Macomb Fire Department only blocks away. Aspen
Smith and Royer Apartments is located three blocks from the local college in Macomb, Illinois. The property offers one, two, and four bedroom apartments, as well as two bedroom suites. Each apartment comes with a washer, dryer, stove, and refrigerator. Internet and the garbage bill is included with rent. Tenants pay for gas, electricity and water. Many tenants choose to walk to class due to the
Note: No Student Leasing Available. An income restricted property for senior citizens 62+ and those under 55 with special needs, Jefferson House Apartments is comprised of 115 1-Bedroom apartments. We have current availability. Contact us or stop by the leasing office to discuss your new apartment.
BEAUTIFUL SINGLE FAMILY family home in a QUIET RESIDENTIAL part of the townFEATURES:- Walking distance from University, Amtrak Station and City Center- Front yard and fenced tree lined large backyard- Large storage shed in the backyard- Off street parking- Newly painted exteriors with beautiful shrubbery framing the frontINTERIORS:- Hardwood floors in the
Welcome to GreySteele properties, located in the beautiful, Macomb Illinois JUST a convenient 4 min drive or 1.4 mile walk to Western Illinois University.
Welcome to GreySteele properties, located in the beautiful, Macomb Illinois JUST a convenient 4 min drive or 1.4 mile walk to Western Illinois University.
Treasure the opportunity to live in this charming 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom house located at 522 W Murray St, Macomb, IL. With 1032 sq ft of living space, this cozy home offers a comfortable and inviting atmosphere. The spacious bedrooms provide plenty of room for relaxation and personal space. The open floor plan allows for seamless flow between the living room, kitchen, and dining area, perfect for
Encompassing the epitome of comfort and convenience, this charming 1-bedroom apartment at 220 N Charleston Blvd Apt 5, Macomb, IL 61455 offers a delightful living experience. With a spacious 535 sq ft layout, this cozy abode boasts a full bath and plenty of natural light, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Situated in a prime location, residents can easily access nearby shopping, dining,
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