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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Chris Jeong
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Macomb, IL sell after 80 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Macomb, IL over the last 12 months is $98,000, down 13% 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
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.
Desirable location! This cute 4-bedroom home offers plenty of room to spread out with both a spacious living room and a separate family room, providing tons of living space for everyday living and entertaining. The nice-sized yard offers room to relax, play, or garden, and the attached garage adds convenience. Bring your ideas and make it your own—this home is priced to sell and ready for its
Exceptional multifamily investment opportunity featuring a well-maintained apartment complex near Western Illinois University. This income-producing property offers three residential units with strong occupancy potential, ample parking, and convenient access to shopping, dining, schools, and major transportation routes. Property highlights include professionally managed grounds, attractive unit
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
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
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
Located in a quiet cul-de-sac, this home features a peaceful, wooded backyard setting that is abundant with wildlife. One of the coolest features about this home is all of the decks and patios from which you can enjoy this fantastic outdoor setting. Inside is equally impressive with approximately 2600 sf of finished living space. On the main level you have a large living room with a fireplace
Prime Class A Farmland | 65.69ac | McDonough County, ILA-1546McDonough County, Illinois – Land For Sale | An exceptional opportunity to acquire a highly productive, 100% tillable tract of some of the finest dirt in Western Illinois.Situated in the heart of McDonough County, this 65.79-acre farm represents the gold standard of investment-grade agricultural real estate. Boasting an
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
Are you looking for a nice one-level ranch home with an open floor plan? This home, built in 2010, has two bedrooms, two full baths, a large kitchen that is open to the living and dining areas, an attached oversized garage, and a mud room with lots of cabinetry. The dining room has a walkout to a deck with views of the fenced backyard, perfect for pets or little ones; both the kitchen and dining
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
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. Garbage included with rent. We offer internet with a one time fee per apartment and per lease. Tenants pay for gas, electricity and water. Many
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.
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
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.
Great for Professors, Students, and Professionals! Are you ready to end the endless search for the perfect place? Look no further! Grab the golden opportunity to claim a spectacular 1-bedroom apartment right across from Sherman Hall at Western Illinois University. Time is ticking, and your future home awaits rent and deposit today to lock in your sanctuary!Why is this hidden treasure the
MUST SEE! This is the perfect place to call home! Our 1 bedroom 1 1/2 bath 2 story Loft Apartments are move in ready. All stainless steel appliances including dishwasher and microwave, stack washer and dryer, jetted bathtub in the master bath, walk in closet. Exercise room available for tenant use.No smoking property. $850/month , security deposit required and application with references.
Welcome to your new home at our sought-after complex in Macomb, IL! This charming 1-bedroom apartment, conveniently situated on the first floor, offers a perfect blend of comfort and convenience. Step into spacious living with a walk-in closet for ample storage. Enjoy the ease of on-site laundry facilities, ensuring your chores are a breeze. Plus, indulge in the vibrant local dining scene with
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
Welcome to your new charming 1-Bedroom apartment in Macomb, IL with 535 Sq Ft! Convenient location!This delightful 1-bedroom, 1-bath apartment spans 535 square feet, offering a perfect balance of comfort and convenience. Nestled in a vibrant neighborhood, you’ll find yourself surrounded by the essentials for an enriching lifestyle. The thoughtfully designed layout maximizes every inch,
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