Settled on the east side of the Prairie State, Mattoon attracts buyers with a relaxed lifestyle and easy access to urban amenities. “Mattoon draws people with affordability and proximity to several major cities,” says Angelia Burgett, Mattoon Tourism and Arts Director. Established as a city in 1861, Mattoon began as a transportation hub at the junction of the Central Illinois, Terre Haute and Alton railroads. While Amtrak is the only active line, the city still takes pride in its rail roots. Today, Mattoon is home to over 16,000 residents. Top employers, like Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center and Rural King, a farming equipment distributor, contribute more than 2,800 jobs to the workforce. “We’re currently in a strong growth phase,” adds Burgett, “And the city hosts an abundance of events throughout the year.” Local events like the annual Mattoon Lightworks emphasize a small-town feel and a larger sense of community.
Mattoon began as a transportation hub at the junction of the Central Illinois.
One of the top employers in Mattoon is Rural King, a farming equipment distributor.
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Ranch styles and expansive acreage
Low-cost housing options, mainly single-family ranch-styles on expansive lots, have a sense of seclusion that makes Mattoon desirable. The market is competitive due to low inventory, and most homes sell within 30 days, which is faster than the U.S. average. Multi-family condos and duplexes feature around the downtown area. There's little new construction; however, there are several restored Victorian styles with updated amenities on the market. Homes in eastern subdivisions like Lumpkin Heights and Crestview often have more acreage and come with higher price tags, starting in the high $200,000s. With a median sales price of $118,000, homes cost around $280,000 less than the national median. Prices range from as low as $50,000 for half an acre of land to $100,000 for a two-bedroom bungalow and upwards of $400,000 for a four-bedroom, two-story new traditional with expansive acreage.
Mattoon market is competitive due to low inventory, and most homes sell within 30 days.
Low-cost housing options have a sense of seclusion that makes Mattoon desirable.
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City parks and gatherings at Peterson Park
Mattoon has several parks for residents to explore year-round. Peterson Park is a primary gathering space. It has a playground, baseball field and picnic tables for on-the-go dining. Lawson Park is another option, with a modern jungle gym, four tennis courts and sports facilities for baseball, soccer and football. Mattoon Lanes on the north side offers 15 bowling lanes, arcade games and a full-service bar serving pub fare. On the east side, the private Mattoon Golf & Country Club offers an 18-hole championship course and a driving range for players of all skill levels. Mattoon residents experience all four seasons, with humid summers turning to cold winters with an average of 16 inches of annual snowfall.
Lawson Park offers sports facilities for baseball in Mattoon.
Peterson Park is a primary gathering space in Mattoon and offers tennis courts.
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The annual Mattoon Lightworks
Residents can check out the annual Mattoon Lightworks in Peterson Park from mid-November through Christmas Day. This display, by the Mattoon Tourism Department, features 1 million lights celebrating the holiday season. The first night is reserved for visitors to walk through the winter wonderland, while the rest of the season allows cars to drive through the park. It’s the most popular event in Mattoon and has attracted over 15,000 attendees since its establishment in 1991. “Families often work as volunteers at Lightworks, passing out candy and wishing participants well,” says Burgett. “It’s a great way for new residents to get to know the community.”
Residents can check out the annual Mattoon Lightworks in Peterson Park.
A branch of the Mattoon Tourism Department is in Peterson House in Peterson Park.
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Mattoon School District 2 and Lake Land College
Families in Mattoon are zoned for Mattoon Community Unit School District No. 2, which serves over 3,000 students and earns a B-minus from the review site Niche. There are three elementary schools, one middle school and one high school. Most students attend Mattoon High School, which earns a B from Niche and offers dual enrollment courses for higher education preparation. Those interested in pursuing a college degree can look to Lake Land College on the city's south side. It’s a public two-year university awarding associate degrees in over 40 subjects.
Most local students attend Mattoon High School, earning a B from Niche.
Arland D Williams Elementary is zoned for Mattoon Community Unit School District No. 2.
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Local grocers and eateries in downtown Mattoon
Most residents shop on the east side of Highway 16. Name-brand grocers like Walmart Supercenter and Aldi sit along the thoroughfare. Retailers like Marshalls, Rural King and JOANN Fabric and Crafts are available at Cross County Mall nearby. Downtown Mattoon is home to a mix of fast-food chains and family-owned eateries. Notable restaurants include Hubbartt's Downtown Diner, which offers home-style breakfast and lunch in a family-friendly environment.
Hubbartt's Downtown Diner serves home-style breakfast and lunch in downtown Mattoon.
Downtown Mattoon has a mix of fast-food chains.
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Nearby healthcare and access to U.S. I-57
U.S. Route 45 and Highway 16 intersect at the heart of the community, connecting residents to neighboring areas and U.S. Interstate 57 to the east. Those seeking public transportation can take the Dial-A-Ride bus, which operates throughout Coles County. Train service from the Amtrak Mattoon Station goes as far as New Orleans, Louisiana. Decatur Airport, 40 miles away, is the nearest commercial airport and offers regional flights to Chicago. For healthcare, the Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center is 6 miles away.
Crime
According to FBI data, the Mattoon Police Department’s violent and property crime rates remain well below national figures. Violent crime increased by 20% in 2023, while property crime fell by 16%.
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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.
