Monmouth is a small college town in rural Illinois
In the countryside of Warren County, nearly 9,000 people live in the small city of Monmouth, a working-class community with a college-town vibe and a thriving Main Street. “People typically move here to work in the factories or at Monmouth College,” says Annette Thompson, a Realtor with Western Illinois Realty who has been selling homes in Warren County for more than 25 years. Smithfield Foods is the largest employer, followed by the private liberal arts college founded in 1853, 22 years after the city was founded and established as the county seat. Nicknamed the “Maple City,” Monmouth is dotted with towering maple trees about 15 miles from the Iowa state line.
Monmouth is home to 8,500 residents.
The plethora of mature maple trees in Monmouth is celebrated in a festival every summer.
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Early to mid-1900s houses with an uncompetitive market
Single-family homes closer to downtown are from the early 1900s, while those farther out were mostly built in the mid-1900s. Fully renovated ranch-style houses sell for as much as $290,000, and mobile homes go for as low as $15,000, with a median home price of $113,000. There isn’t a high demand in Monmouth, as houses stay on the market for an average of 84 days compared to the national average of 47 days.
Many historic Monmouth homes have been renovated and modernized.
New Traditional homes can be found in small pockets throughout Monmouth.
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A local park, nature center and community pool
Monmouth’s Parks & Recreation department maintains several green spaces. Monmouth Park features athletic fields, a playground and a scenic gazebo between two hills frequently used for weddings. There are also many pocket parks with ball fields used by Monmouth Little Lions Baseball. LeSeur Nature Preserve, owned by Monmouth College but open to the public, has more than 16 acres of nature to explore. For fun on the water, Citizens Lake is popular for fishing and boating, and the Pattee Foundation YMCA Water Park has an outdoor community pool with a tall, twisting water slide and a splash pad.
Monmouth Park is home to a playground, golf course, and a popular gazebo.
Several bridges cross the creek at LeSuer Nature Preserve in Monmouth.
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Nearly 2 miles of stores and restaurants on downtown Main Street
Main Street runs through downtown and is lined with nearly 2 miles of local businesses, big-box retailers and chain restaurants. The busiest section is near Public Square, a roundabout with a green space. Century-old brick buildings surround the square and continue down Main Street, which includes the county courthouse, city hall and several bars that stay open late, some until midnight. “There’s definitely some nightlife because of the bars,” says Thompson. “A lot of college kids like to hang out in that area.”
Monmouth's Public Square is the central hub of the city.
Abner's Bar and Lounge offers ample outdoor seating in a quiet pedestrian mall.
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Public schools, a private catholic school and Monmouth College
Kindergarteners and first graders attend Lincoln Early Childhood School, which receives a B-minus from Niche. Harding Primary School, rated C, serves second and third graders, followed by fourth through sixth grade at Central Intermediate School, rated C-plus. Monmouth-Roseville Junior High, rated C, is 20 minutes away in Roseville. Meanwhile, Monmouth-Roseville High is in Monmouth and receives a B-plus. Immaculate Conception School, which is currently unrated, provides private Catholic education for kindergarten through eighth grade. Monmouth College, a private Presbyterian institution, offers more than 50 programs. The Monmouth Fighting Scots compete in NCAA Division III men’s and women’s sports. “It’s like your typical college town where everyone goes to the football games,” Thompson says.
Monmouth students go through Monmouth-Roseville schools, eventually graduating from Monmouth-Roseville High School.
Monmouth College is a small private college with rich and proud history.
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Annual events and history museums
The Warren County Prime Beef Festival has been going strong since 1948, celebrating the area’s longtime relationship with the livestock industry. The weeklong event features several activities, including a parade, livestock shows, fair rides, a demolition derby and the crowning of the prime beef princess. The parade runs down Main Street, where other events are held throughout the year, including the Maple City Street Machines Car Cruise and the annual Christmas Tree lighting at Public Square.
Residents can learn about local history at the Warren County History Museum. Several historic figures have lived in Monmouth, including Ronald Reagan, who lived there for a few years as a kid, and Wyatt Earp, a legendary lawman of the Wild West whose birth home has been transformed into a museum.
The Warren County History Museum showcases the past of Monmouth and surrounding countryside.
The home that Wyatt Earp was born and raised in is now a museum and rental home.
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Monmouth is connected to nearby cities and towns by Highways 34 and 67.
A primarily car-dependent community with access to two highways
While there is no public bus route system, Warren County Public Transportation offers shuttle services to pick up residents at home. U.S. 34 runs east and west, while U.S. 67 runs north and south. Locals can take U.S. 67 less than an hour north to the Quad Cities International Airport.
Written By
Nicolas Stuart
Photography Contributed By
Drew Davis
Video By
Lucas Dyke
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On average, homes in Monmouth, IL sell after 78 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Monmouth, IL over the last 12 months is $121,700, up 8% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Enjoy lake life today!! While this property is across the road from the lake, there are great views of the lake that can be seen from inside the home sitting in the kitchen at the breakfast nook, or in the living room! Many updates have been recently done here at this 3 bedroom, 1 bath home, which include, converting the garage into a primary bedroom suite with walk-in closet, mostly new flooring
With lots of the bigger ticket items replaced in 2022 and 2023, you can focus with ease on this home full of character! This home offers four bedrooms (2 up/2 down), one bathroom (main floor) and an updated kitchen with center island and original built in hutch. This home has been lived in and loved (& well cared for!) for over 29 years, and is walking distance to Monmouth College! Backyard is
Discover peaceful country living just minutes from town in this well-maintained 2-bedroom, 1-bath ranch home, located on the southeast side of Monmouth in a rural setting. Built in 1968, the home offers 988 square feet on the main floor and sits on a spacious lot of just over 1.5 acres, providing privacy, open space, and flexibility for a variety of uses. The home features a functional
Looking for a property with seclusion, income and endless hunting and recreational opportunities? Look no further! This property sits just minutes outside Monmouth off of 100th Street. The property has deeded easement access off the roadway on the west side near the center of the property. However, the seller has maintained a nice grass lane on the northwest corner and have used it by mutual
This well-kept 3-bedroom, 1-bath home in Monmouth checks a lot of boxes. The main floor offers a bedroom for added convenience, and the upstairs landing makes a natural home office or flex space. The kitchen features ample cabinet space and room for a dining table. The living room includes crown molding and a ceiling fan. Every bedroom has double closets for plenty of storage. Outside, you'll
This solid, cozy home with natural woodwork trim, staircase and french doors between living room and foyer, offers affordability and has just the right updates making it move in ready. Renovated bathroom 2024 (new tub/shower surround, vanity, toilet and flooring), upgraded electrical panel 2024, all new ceramic tile flooring on main level 2024. Roof 2019. Agent related to seller.
Enjoy lake life today!! While this property is across the road from the lake, there are great views of the lake that can be seen from inside the home sitting in the kitchen at the breakfast nook, or in the living room! Many updates have been recently done here at this 3 bedroom, 1 bath home, which include, converting the garage into a primary bedroom suite with walk-in closet, mostly new flooring
Freshly painted with neutral colors, this 2 bedroom home is bright and welcoming with updated kitchen and bathroom. The entire interior of the home has been freshly painted, with newly added luxury vinyl plank flooring (w/exception of 1 bedroom remaining hardwood), some new insulation, brand new kitchen cabinets, countertops and sink, new gas range, plus updated bathroom with tile flooring, and
THIS WAS THE SITE OF THE ADAMS OIL STATION (BUILT 1943) THE TANKS AND CONTAMINATED SOIL HAVE BEEN REMOVED AND AN EPA CORRECTIVE ACTION COMPLETION REPORT WAS FILED IN 2015. AT THIS TIME THERE IS NO WATER OR SEWER ON THE LOT AND IS NOT CONSTRUCTION READY. BEING IN THE ENTERPRISE ZONE, ALL PERMIT FEES ARE WAIVED BUT INSPECTION, AND TAP FEES WOULD BE APPLIED PRIOR TO ANY PERMITTING UNDER THE PLAN
This 2 bedroom home sits on a corner lot. it includes a living room, den, kitchen, dinging nook, and full bath. The 1980 garage is 22' X 23'. Call for your showing! The home is currently rented.
This Warm and Inviting Home may be just the right home for YOU! Welcome Home to this attractive brick-front ranch, perfectly nestled in a quiet, desirable cul-de-sac. Offering the perfect blend of neighborhood tranquility and exceptional convenience, this property places you just moments away from a popular public park and 18-hole golf course.Designed for seamless daily living and elegant
Linda Gavin DoyleMonmouth Farm and Home Realty LLC
Adorable and cozy cottage style 2 bedroom, 1 bath home with lots of natural light located north west of town. The backyard is fenced - great for kids or pets! This home would be a great starter home, income property or even for those looking to downsize and ready for retirement on a budget! You'll enjoy the character and charm of the arched doorways plus hardwood flooring in the living and dining
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