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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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Mattoon, IL sell after 44 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Mattoon, IL over the last 12 months is $135,000, up 10% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Experienced Investors Only: Prime value-add opportunity in Mattoon, IL, deeply discounted to $35,000 against an estimated $105,000 market value to reflect active tenant challenges. This 2-bedroom, 1-bath home (936 sq ft on a 50x120 lot with central air and partial basement) offers massive built-in equity for an investor equipped to navigate the post-closing eviction process. Terms are strictly
Welcome to this inviting 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom condo at 520 Wabash Ave, Unit 4 in Mattoon! Offering a comfortable layout and easy-care living, this home is a great opportunity for anyone looking for convenience and functionality. The spacious living areas provide a welcoming place to relax and unwind, while two well-sized bedrooms offer plenty of flexibility for guests, a home office, or everyday
Welcome to this inviting 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom condo at 520 Wabash Ave #14 in Mattoon! Offering a comfortable layout and easy-care living, this charming condo is a wonderful opportunity for anyone looking for a low-maintenance place to call home. With two bedrooms, a full bathroom, and inviting living spaces, there is plenty of room to relax and enjoy everyday living. Conveniently located in
Fully renovated and ready for its next owner. This 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home in Mattoon offers 1,560 square feet with a brand new kitchen and fresh paint throughout. Two full bathrooms at this size is a real advantage, and the layout flows well for everyday living and entertaining. LVP flooring runs through the main living areas for durability and easy upkeep. Situated close to local shopping,
This charming 2 bedroom, 1 bath home offers comfortable living on a huge corner lot with plenty of space both inside and out. The spacious living room opens to a kitchen featuring plenty of cabinetry, while the bonus room adds valuable storage and workspace. The recently updated bathroom adds a fresh, modern touch. Enjoy relaxing or entertaining on the back patio overlooking the fenced backyard.
Great location to build your dream home!! 1/2 acre lot, convenient location to all the surrounding amenities!! Covenants are available at the listing office!
Huge and spacious three car garage with large workshop up front. Great for homebase business or hobby. Easy alley access to the garage.TAKE A LOOK! 3 bedrooms!Master bedroom has new carpet.ALL appliances included! No more laundromat.No more storage bills.fenced yard.Make your appointment soon!
A Fabulous Find! Welcome to this stately Federal Colonial-style executive home, beautifully situated on a 1-acre lot adjoining Meadowview Golf Course. Offering 5 bedrooms, 4 full baths, exceptional square footage, and an abundance of quality features, this impressive property delivers the space, elegance, and versatility today's discerning buyer is looking for. The main level is designed for both
Great lot to build your dream home, .85 of an acre, end of a cul-de-sac, convenient location to the Mattoon Golf and Country Club for a round of golf or a day at the pool! Covenants available at the listing office!!
Welcome to this beautiful corner lot offering peaceful surroundings and the perfect opportunity to build your dream home. Enjoy the tranquility of rural living just outside Mattoon. Rural water meter is already in place, with CIPS available for gas and electric.
Located adjacent to the NEW EMERALD ACRES SPORTS COMPLEX in Mattoon, Illinois – 140,000 SF indoor fieldhouse with family entertainment center, 8 basketball/16 volleyball courts with flexible space to accommodate many other sporting activities. Coupled with the 150 acre, $100 million outdoor complex with 7 multipurpose fields, 3 championship- fields, 20 diamond sports fields and 12 full sized
Affordable living with unbeatable move-in incentives! Secure your beautiful new home today and enjoy waived lot rent for the first 3 months along with a reduced $100 security deposit. FINANCING AVAILABLE! All credit situations considered! All cash offers considered! Check out this beautiful new home! 3 bedrooms and 2 baths. Contact our Home Sales Specialist today for more information.
When you call Coles Crossing Apartments home, you’ll find yourself surrounded in a park-like setting nestled in a quiet community. Our spacious units include one, two and three bedroom apartment floor plans along with a variety of great amenities. Our professional on-site management and 24-hour maintenance team will assist you in meeting all of your needs.
Welcome to Mattoon Tower Apartments! All of our apartments have resident controlled heating and air conditioning, full-sized kitchen appliances, and wall-to-wall carpeting. The building offers security entry doors with a key access system and an intercom entry system. Mattoon Tower is a privately owned housing development for low income persons, under the Section 8 program. Rent is based on
Welcome to Lake Land Living Apartments, which is second to none, and is the ONLY rental community located next door to the college!Our student apartment rentals offer a cozy, convenient, and welcoming place to call home during your college journey. With fully furnished apartments, modern amenities, and a vibrant community, you’ll have everything you need to focus on your studies and make
Excellent Location, modern amenities, quiet location, excellent neighbors. Plenty of parking available, 1 block from downtown. Units are all-inclusive. Property owner pays electric, gas, water, trash.
Recent interior renovation on this studio apartment. Upkeep manages this project as well as this lease's needs. Upkeep prides itself on having some of the nicest finishes as well as fastest response times in town. This building is undergoing interior and exterior renovations. This apartment is complete and ready to go. Exterior will be a modern dark american farmhouse style - black with
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