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
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Morris, IL sell after 38 days on the market compared to the national average of 57 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.
Move in ready 2 bed 2 bath apartment in Saratoga school district. This spacious unit has been freshly painted and is ready for the next owners to move in and enjoy. Conveniently located near shopping, restaurants and Interstate 80. This is the perfect unit for a multitude of people. There is a main entrance with a doorbell to each unit, or you have a private exterior entrance. When you step the
Where stone, timber and light meet Colorado-inspired privacy in Morris, IL. The moment you arrive, you'll feel as though you've escaped to your own serene sanctuary. Just 9 minutes from popular downtown Morris, nestled amongst mature trees, this stunning 6-acre wooded property features a beautifully landscaped setting with a 1/3 acre stocked pond. When opening the front door, you are greeted by
Lot #12 in Oak Grove Subdivision offers the perfect opportunity to build your dream home in a beautiful, upscale neighborhood. This spacious 0.27-acre corner lot is ideally situated within a quiet cul-de-sac surrounded by attractive, high-end homes, creating a welcoming and established setting. With no time limit to build, you have the flexibility to plan and construct your home on your own
Discover the perfect place to build your dream home on this beautiful .48-acre wooded lot, nestled within a subdivision known for its scenic, tree-lined homesites. Surrounded by nature, this rare nearly half-acre parcel offers privacy, tranquility, and the ideal setting for your custom home. With no time limit to build, you have the flexibility to plan and construct at your own pace while
Discover the perfect place to build your dream home on this beautiful .33-acre wooded lot, nestled within a subdivision known for its scenic, tree-lined homesites. Surrounded by nature, this rare nearly half-acre parcel offers privacy, tranquility, and the ideal setting for your custom home. With no time limit to build, you have the flexibility to plan and construct at your own pace while
Nestled in a prime location next to a serene wooded state park, this charming brick and stone ranch home offers a perfect blend of tranquility and convenience. Situated on over half an acre lot, the property is adjacent to Gebhard Woods State Park with direct access to walking trails, a picnic area, a playground, and fishing spots-ideal for nature lovers and those seeking outdoor recreation. The
Welcome to Rockwell Estates in Morris! This well-maintained half duplex offers space, functionality, and a layout that just makes sense. Step inside to a soaring two-story foyer that creates an inviting first impression. The main level features a living room that could also serve as a den or home office, a spacious family room, and a kitchen with breakfast bar and large dining area-ideal for
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!
Cozy ranch *very* close to downtown Morris, huge yard - just needs some TLC and you're good to go! This home is set back on one of the biggest lots on the street, with additional alley access. This house has recently been improved with a kitchen and bathroom refresh, but awaits your personal touch to make it a home! 2 beds, 1 bath could make a nice starter home, could be good for down-sizing,
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!
2 Bedroom Ranch with a 1-car garage, full basement, large front porch and an enclosed rear porch located near the Illinois River! Other features include: a basement family room, a patio and sheds. ***Attention Buyer Agents: Shut sliding door onto rear porch before leaving. Leave heat off. ****Seller has multiple offers. Please submit your Highest and Best offers no later than noon on 5/4/26***
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!
Property Id: 2512342Cozy and spacious 2 bedroom/1 bath home on an oversized lot and within walking distance to historic downtown morris! Just steps away from restaurants, retail, etc! The front door leads to a three seasons room/enclosed porch. From there you'll enter the living room that's also open to the massive dining room/additional den area! The bedrooms also boast original
Clean second floor 2 bedroom with flowing layout & lots of storage space. New carpeting in bedrooms and living room! Private balcony, off street parking and in building laundry. Available for immediate occupancy with approved application
Apartment features an enclosed kitchen, lighted closets with hardwood floors, carpeted living room, hall, and bedroom. Stove, refrigerator, water, and garbage service is furnished. Tenant must pay for all other utilities. Unit is semi-furnished containing some furniture and kitchen items. Great short-term accommodations for working local chemical plant contractors and area nuke
$1,700 per month
2 Beds
1 Bath
868 Sq Ft
All utilities included & Internet, Beautifully lighted property with new windows, Sunroom, Enormous Yard with firepit, Washer/Dryer. Just blocks away from downtown Morris. quite spacious and this unit features hardwood flooring. This unit is perfectly situated within walking distance to the William G. Stratton State park, walking trails and an abundance of shopping, dining and entertainment in
Luxury 1 bedroom apartment in historical building in downtown Morris. High ceilings, hardwood floors, carpet in bedrooms and living room, large closets, arched doorways laundry on same floor in building. Second floor unit, off street parking, garbage included Historical building in downtown Morris.
Discover comfortable living in this charming 2-bedroom, 1-bath apartment on the second floor int he heart of downtown Morris. Featuring amenities including a pantry, ceiling fan, refrigerator, laundry on site, same floor. A 12-month lease term provides stability and peace of mind. Schedule a tour today to experience this delightful home firsthand. No pet property. Tenants pay all utilities.
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