A small city close to everything off of Interstate 80
Morris is a small city of about 14,000 people, 61 miles southwest of Chicago. “For better or worse, everybody knows everybody," says Realtor Sarah Short. "There’s a cute little downtown area that people really like, and they’re adding new things all the time. There’s a bunch of stuff there now that wasn’t there when we moved out this way a couple of years ago. They got a Starbucks that wasn’t in the grocery store, so people were happy about that.” Short explains the city’s growth simply: “People are moving that way because the property taxes are lower than in Saratoga Township, and you still have close access to everything off of [Interstate] 80,” she says.
The area’s top employers include the Lyondell Chemical Company and Exelon Corporation, which operate three nuclear power plants that generate energy for Chicago and the surrounding region.
61 miles southwest of Chicago, Morris is a small city of about 14,000 people.
Exelon Corporation operates three nuclear power plants in Morris.
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Lower taxes than in Shorewood and Plainfield
Morris’s median housing price is $285,000, about $120,000 below the national median. Single-family home options are typically ranch-style or new traditional, and land listings are frequently available. “There’s a decent amount of agricultural land, but they’re running out of land for new construction,” Short says. The average home value in Morris has steadily risen since 2020. “The prices have certainly gone up, but it still seems to be more affordable than further north,” Short says. “Taxes in Morris are quite a bit lower than in the Shorewood/Plainfield area and certainly lower than in the rest of the county.”
Ranch homes are a common sight in Morris.
There are many homes with new traditional influences in Morris.
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City parks, state parks and the Illinois and Michigan Canal State Trail
Morris has 13 city parks, including one for dogs, and four state parks offering hiking, birdwatching, fishing and various other outdoor activities. William G. Stratton State Park has public boat ramps for fishing and water sports, while the 30-acre Gebhard Woods State Park is a destination for hiking, camping and canoeing.
William G. Stratton State Park has public boat ramps for fishing and water sports.
The 30-acre Gebhard Woods State Park is a destination for hiking, camping and canoeing.
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Public schools, private schools and Joliet Junior College
Several school districts operate in the city. Morris School District No. 54 gets a C rating from Niche, Nettle Creek CCSD 24 receives a B and Saratoga School District 60C gets an A. The B-rated Morris Community High School ranks as Grundy County’s second-best public high school on Niche. Morris is home to the private Immaculate Conception School for preschoolers through eighth graders and Premier Academy, a state-funded school for sixth through twelfth-grade students with learning differences. Joliet Junior College’s Morris Education Center offers credit and non-credit courses, English as a Second Language and the opportunity to earn the State of Illinois High School Diploma.
Immaculate Conception School serves grades PK and K through 8 with 156 students.
Morris Community High School has 946 students with an overall B grade according to Niche.
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Dining in downtown Morris
“The downtown area is pretty much all local businesses,” Short says. “I don’t think there are any chains at all. There are restaurants, boutiques, candy shops and a little painting studio where you can do paint nights.” She recommends dining at Maria’s Ristorante & Pizzeria, a family-owned Italian restaurant, or Turtles Tap, a local bar and grill serving American fare.
Turtles Tap is a relaxed bar and grill featuring comfort food staples.
Maria’s Ristorante & Pizzeria is family-owned with delicious Italian options.
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The National Flood Insurance Program and the Morris Police Department
Morris has average high temperatures in the 80s in the summer and average lows in the teens in the winter. Its annual precipitation hovers between 35 and 40 inches. Morris' location along the Illinois River makes homes here susceptible to flood damage. Morris participates in the National Flood Insurance Program, meaning homeowners here are eligible for federally-managed flood insurance. FBI data shows that Morris has seen a decrease in property crime since 2020, while its violent crime rate has remained about the same.
Interstate 80, Grundy Transit System and Chicago airports
Interstate 80 runs through the city and connects it to Chicago, and there is no Metra station in Morris. Residents can schedule rides with Grundy Transit System to get anywhere within the county. Chicago Midway International Airport is 54 miles away, and Chicago O’Hare International Airport is 61 miles away.
Grundy County Corn Festival
Morris held the 75th Grundy County Corn Festival in 2024, an annual celebration of the county’s agricultural history. The five-day festival includes carnival games, craft shows, live music and a farm fair. It wraps up on Sunday with a parade through town with floats, bands and horse-drawn carriages.
Written By
Ellen Daly
Video By
Maurice Boone
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Morris, IL sell after 42 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Morris, IL over the last 12 months is $395,000, consistent with the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
An absolute GEM in the heart of Morris, just steps away from Goodwill Park, Immaculate Conception Catholic School, and downtown amenities - this SOLID RANCH is being sold for the FIRST time after being lovingly-cared for nearly 40 years by its original owners! ~~ Set on a corner lot, the property includes a NEW maintenance-free, composite covered deck, concrete driveway, updated shed, and newer
Come and see this solid home in a great location and make it your own! 3 bed, 1 bath ranch home. Rehab in 2015. Newer solid oak kitchen cabinets. Washer-Brand new! Water heater-New (2025) Dryer new as of 2018. Central air-2017. Heated Garage extra-deep for additional storage with newer garage door/opener in 2016. Fenced in backyard for pets or children. Not far from historic downtown Morris and
Located in the desirable Deer Ridge Subdivision, this pristine two-story 1/2 duplex offers the perfect blend of country charm and convenient access to everything you need. Pride of ownership shines throughout this like-new home. The property features 3 bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms, and 1 half bath, along with spacious living and family rooms ideal for both everyday living and entertaining. The
Low price offered as Pre-Spring Sale to close out developer owned lots on Oak Grove Court. Perfect place to build your dream home on this .27 acre corner lot in subdivision of wooded lots. No time limit to build. Protective covenants in place. Saratoga school district. Broker owned.
Welcome to this immaculate two-story home, perfectly blending comfort and style in a sought-after Morris neighborhood. Boasting attractive vinyl siding and a new roof installed in 2024, this exceptional property offers three bedrooms, and two tastefully updated bathrooms, including a powder room off the master bedroom. Step inside to discover a recently remodeled interior featuring a bright,
This is your chance to own a unique multi-unit property in the thriving community of Morris, IL. This dual-building property, sprawled over a substantial 0.47-acre lot with a single PIN, offers exceptional income potential and is now available for sale after being owned for over 45 years by the seller. Featuring four rental units, the property includes a side-by-side ranch-style duplex and a
HUGE PRICE DROP! GOOSE LAKE! WATER ACCESS FROM YOUR OWN DOCK! Just walk out your back door! This adorable and spacious home has been well cared for. Featuring newer appliances, laminate floors, and refinished cabinets in the kitchen. All appliances stay and even some of the furniture! 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, huge 2 and a half car garage with a/c and heat! If you need more storage... there's
A commercial site with many possible uses. There is visibility on Route 47 and Route 80. Zoned B-3 (General Business District), which allows many potential uses. It is priced based on the buildable/useable acreage. There are 100 lineal feet of frontage on to Gore Road and there are approximately 300 lineal feet to be used for the ingress/egress roadway. The approximate buildable area, less an
Great location to build your dream home! This location is nestled within a well established and desirable neighborhood and is close to schools, shopping, restaurants and easy interstate access. Morris offers small town living at it's best!
NEW PRICE - GREAT PRICE NEAR I-80 EXCHANGE. 1.069 acre PRIME COMMERCIAL LOT WITH VISIBILITY ALONG RT. 47, I-80, AND ACCESS TO RT. 6 AT MISSION PARKWAY LIGHTED INTERSECTION. LOCATED ACROSS FROM CAR WASH, SUPER WALMART, ALDI AND GOODWILL. CITY WATER, SEWER, CURB, GUTTERS, NICOR GAS, COMED. LOCATED IN THE CITY MORRIS TIF DISTRICT. CUSTOM SIZED LOTS AVAILABLE FROM 1.06 to 8.00 ACRES IF
1.290 acre PRIME COMMERCIAL LOT WITH VISIBILITY ALONG RT. 47, I-80, AND ACCESS TO RT. 6 AND MISSION PARKWAY LIGHTED INTERSECTION. LOCATED ACROSS FROM CAR WASH, SUPER WALMART, ALDI AND GOODWILL. CITY WATER, SEWER, CURB, GUTTERS, NICOR GAS, COMED. PRICED AT LOCATED IN THE CITY MORRIS TIF DISTRICT. CUSTOM SIZED LOTS AVAILABLE FROM 1.06 to 8.00 ACRES IF COMBINED WITH ADJACENT PARCELS. Call L/A for
Escape to your own waterfront paradise! Enjoy lower taxes and the freedom to create your ideal lifestyle without the constraints of traffic and noise. Embrace outdoor adventures like boating, fishing, snowmobiling, and hunting, all while enjoying a charming small-town atmosphere. These estate lots on a secluded street offer the perfect location to build your dream home, complete with a private
NEW PRICE - GREAT PRICE NEAR I-80 EXCHANGE. 1.245 acre PRIME COMMERCIAL LOT WITH VISIBILITY ALONG RT. 47, I-80, AND ACCESS TO RT. 6 AT MISSION PARKWAY LIGHTED INTERSECTION. LOCATED ACROSS FROM CAR WASH, SUPER WALMART, ALDI AND GOODWILL. CITY WATER, SEWER, CURB, GUTTERS, NICOR GAS, COMED. LOCATED IN THE CITY MORRIS TIF DISTRICT. CUSTOM SIZED LOTS AVAILABLE FROM 1.06 to 8.00 ACRES IF COMBINED
COMING SOON! Join our waiting list now!Coming soon to Morris, IL, Avalon at Morris is a 30 unit Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Development. Leasing anticipated to begin early 2025. Please send us a message to learn more about the qualifications or to join our waiting list!
THE HOLIDAYS ARE HERE! RING IN THE NEW YEAR NOW! STUNNING RANCH DUPLEX HAS IT ALL! IMMACULATE CONDITION INSIDE WITH 1950 SQ FT OF LIVING SPACE AND A FULL BASEMENT!! OPEN CONCEPT FLOORPLAN WITH BRIGHT AND SUNNY EAT IN KITCHEN WITH ABUNDANT CABINETRY AND WORKSPACE - FANTASTIC 19X19 VAULTED FAMILY ROOM! PRIVATE SPACIOUS PRIMARY SUITE WITH WALK IN CLOSET AND FULL BATH... PLUS 2 ADDITIONAL GENEROUS
Discover the charm of small-town living with modern convenience at Ravine Woods Apartments in Morris, Illinoishome of the beloved annual Cornfest! Nestled in a peaceful, wooded setting near scenic Gebhard Woods State Park, Ravine Woods offers affordable, pet-friendly living just minutes from downtown Morris and top-rated schools.Each apartment features central air, high-speed internet, large
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