Sought-after schools and tranquil streets draw families to Mount Zion
Mount Zion, a village near the southern lakeside communities of Decatur, offers a relaxed lifestyle within its varied subdivisions. Residents can live closer to their neighbors in cozy older homes or opt for larger lots that offer increased privacy and, oftentimes, newer architecture. A sought-after school district also attracts many to the area. The village’s central road connects people with local commercial options and the city of Decatur, where major employers are. Nearby parks keep residents active, from exploring mature woodlands to boating along Lake Decatur. The village’s CAP Index Crime Score is 2 out of 10, below the national score of 4.
Varied subdivisions have new and old homes side by side
Mount Zion has several subdivisions with varying layouts. Some neighborhoods put lots closer together and have ample sidewalks, creating less space between neighbors but increasing walkability. Other communities are far more spread out, offering sprawling lawns and more privacy. Yet, mature shade trees are throughout the village. Some neighborhoods only have new homes, while others have a blend of mid- to late-20th-century homes and recent construction. “New properties often pop up in the established areas where there are open lots,” says Brittany Lamb, Realtor at Brinkoetter Realtors with experience in the area. Architectural styles range from ranch-style homes and split-level houses to contemporary and custom properties. Pricing is just diverse. Some older homes sell for less than $100,000, while new and custom construction near Lake Decatur can cost as much as $865,000. However, the village’s median price is around $210,000, about half the national median of roughly $420,000.
The school district is sought after and has consistent Niche ratings
Compared to nearby districts, “Mount Zion has a very highly sought-after school district,” Lamb says. Students attend McGaughey Elementary and Mt. Zion Grade schools for prekindergarten through third grade, followed by Mt. Zion Intermediate School for fourth through sixth grade. The grade and intermediate schools have B-plus ratings from Niche, while McGaughey Elementary has a B score. Next is Mt. Zion Junior High School, which has a B-plus. The B-rated Mt. Zion High School has a vocational and visual arts department, which offers graphic design, accounting and agriculture courses.
People enjoy neighborhood parks, lake recreation and forest trails
Fletcher Park is the hub for recreation. Its playground and splash pad are frequently busy on warm days, and the park’s stocked lake attracts anglers. The park also has a recreation center, open-air stage and several tennis courts. Other, smaller neighborhood parks include Goodwin Park. Just outside the village, Spitler Woods State Natural Area offers old-growth forest trails, picnic pavilions, sports facilities and a group camping area. Although parts of Mount Zion’s village limits border Lake Decatur, there are no public access points in the community. Cannon Park and Sportsmans Park offer access to Lake Decatur for boating and kayaking less than 4 miles away.
Local diners, pizza pubs and sweet shops line Route 121
State Route 121 is the village’s commercial corridor. Four Star Family Restaurant is a classic breakfast diner, while Crawford’s Pizza & Pub has shareable pizzas and a slot machine section. Del’s Popcorn Shop is a favorite for sweet and salty treats, and The FourNine serves American fare with drink flights. Locally owned retail shops include The Hidden Lair, a game and hobby store. Dollar General offers some grocery items, but the community is within 4 miles of Aldi and a Walmart Supercenter.
The main highway connects to Decatur’s employers and airport
State Route 121 is the village’s core throughfare. It is the primary way drivers connect with Highway 36 and enter Decatur. “People often travel to Decatur for work,” Lamb says. The city also has the Decatur Airport and the nearest hospital, HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital, about 7 miles away. An active railroad passes through Mount Zion. Lamb says residents don’t often complain about accompanying noise, but passing trains occasionally stop traffic along a few roads.
Annual events include rummage sales and three-day Lions Club festivals
In August, residents celebrate the annual Mt. Zion Lions Club Pony Express Days. Crowds gather to enjoy three days of live music, vehicle mud drags and bags tournaments. The festival also has mud volleyball, a carnival and a big steak dinner. At the Mt. Zion Convention Center, people attend the Harvest Fest Craft Show, Crafter’s Paradise events and the Mardi Gras casino night. Smaller events around Mount Zion include village-wide rummage sales and occasional celebrations at Fletcher Park.
