$254,468Average Value$225Average Price per Sq Ft2Homes For Sale
North Utica is an active Illinois community in an attractive setting
The riverfront village of North Utica is anchored by a charming downtown and offers access to outdoor activities and a packed social calendar. The north-central Illinois community of 1,300, known to locals as simply “Utica,” celebrates everything from holidays to history and witches to wine. “It’s a lovely little town,” says Tom Guttilla, broker co/owner at Coldwell Banker Today’s Realtors and Utica resident. “It’s a very welcoming community. When we moved here, we found people to be very open and friendly. It’s also a beautiful area with lots of nature and recreation.”
Starved Rock State Park covers about 2,630 acres and features waterfalls, trails, and more.
The riverfront village of North Utica, affectionately known as “Utica,” features a walkable downtown surrounded by scenic bluffs and natural beauty.
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Burgoo Festival is a highlight of a busy social calendar
The La Salle County Historical Society sponsors many events, including Wild Bill Days, a celebration of frontiersman and folk hero Wild Bill Hickok, and the Burgoo Festival, a signature celebration and fundraiser that began in 1969. “It’s probably one of the biggest fall festivals in northern Illinois,” Guttilla says. “Thousands and thousands of people fill up the streets, and there’s vendors and events.” Visitors can also enjoy a hearty bowl of Burgoo stew. Holiday-themed events have included a Witches Walk and parades for Mardi Gras and St. Patrick’s Day sponsored by the Utica Business Association.
A banner promoting the annual Burgoo Festival, one of North Utica’s largest and longest-running events, hosted by the La Salle County Historical Society.
The La Salle County Historical Society and Museum in North Utica, which preserves the region’s heritage and sponsors community favorites like Wild Bill Days and the Burgoo Festival.
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A mix of older homes on neighborhood streets and modern subdivisions
Colonial influences can be seen in many of the homes on quiet, walkable streets in the heart of the community. Large Victorian-style homes stand out. Some of the area’s subdivisions feature ranch-style and contemporary homes with driveways and attached garages. Midcentury homes in wooded settings can also be found, and townhomes offer a multi-family alternative. Prices typically range from around $125,000 to around $375,000. “The market is attractive to people coming down here from the Chicago area,” Guttilla says. “A lot of people come here and buy because of the affordability.” Safety is another perk of relocating to Utica. The community’s Cap Index Crime Score of 1-out-of-10 is the lowest possible crime rate. The national average is 4. Residents can expect a climate that includes hot, humid winters, and cold, snowy winters. The region is susceptible to tornadoes. In fact, a tornado hit Utica in 2004, and that spurred community revitalization efforts. “They revamped the whole downtown area after that,” says Wendy Fulmer, an agent at Coldwell Banker Today's Realtors, who has sold dozens of homes in Utica.
Colonial-inspired homes like this one line the quiet, walkable streets of North Utica.
Victorian and Colonial-style homes stand out in North Utica’s established neighborhoods, offering spacious layouts and timeless architecture at prices that remain attractively affordable for Chicago-area buyers.
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Mill Street is the heart of the downtown district
The local businesses along Mill Street are a highlight of the community’s dining and drinking options. This community recently celebrated the grand opening of the Market on Mill retail plaza. Nearby Canal Market hosts a gathering of vendors every weekend from May through September. Canal Market also hosts Vintage Illinois, a wine festival that dates to 2003. More shopping and dining destinations are concentrated along the Clark Street commercial corridor, which runs through the community.
The newly opened Market on Mill retail plaza adds fresh energy to North Utica’s Mill Street, featuring local shops, outdoor seating, and a lively community atmosphere.
The La Salle County Historical Society’s Canal Market hosts weekend vendors from May through September and events like Vintage Illinois, North Utica's long-running wine festival.
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Starved Rock State Park is the top state park in the state
The Illinois River and its tributaries wind their way through the rural landscape on the south side of town, offering an array of recreational destinations and outdoor activities. “We’re considered the gateway to Starved Rock State Park,” Guttilla says. “It’s the premier state park in Illinois, in my opinion.”
Starved Rock, the most visited of the state’s 290 state parks, is known for its waterfalls and 13 miles of trails. “When people think central Illinois, they think cornfields, but we’re a little oasis of canyons, woods and rivers,” Guttilla says.
The community is home to the Illinois & Michigan Canal and State Trail, another option for outdoors enthusiasts. The area’s waterways are known for their walleye fishing. Carey Memorial Park offers traditional athletic spaces.
Carey Memorial Park is a community park featuring a playground, a baseball field, and more.
The Illinois River and its tributaries in North Utica are known for their Walleye fishing.
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Well-rated community Waltham Schools serves PK-8.
The Waltham School is the lone school that makes up the Waltham Elementary School District. The community’s PK-8 institution is rated B-plus by Niche. It offers a variety of sports activities and cheerleading. Graduates typically attend La Salle-Peru Township High School, also rated B-plus. The high school offers Career & Technical Education courses. Students can apply for out-of-district transfers, but parents are liable for the full cost, including tuition in the receiving district.
The Waltham School has 254 students and a student-teacher ratio of 12 to 1.
La Salle-Peru Township High School has 1,191 and an overall B grade according to Niche.
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Nearby I-39, I-80 provide access to Peoria, Chicago
Residents have easy access to Interstates 39 and 80, which intersect northwest of the community. The highways’ presence makes the region a hub for logistics and distribution. I-39 offers access to Peoria, about 65 miles away, and I-80 offers access to Chicago, about 95 miles away. Peoria is home to General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport. North Central Area Transit offers on-demand public transportation within LaSalle County. OSF Saint Elizabeth Medical Center in Peru is about 8 miles away.
An hour from North Utica, General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport opened in 1932.
20 mins East of North Utica, OSF Saint Elizabeth Medical Center is a 97-bed hospital that has provided care since 1895.
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Written By
Matt Pallister
Photography Contributed By
David Strayer
Video By
Chris Freeman
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Rafay Qamar,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in North Utica, IL sell after 170 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in North Utica, IL over the last 12 months is $164,000, down 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Enjoy the charming village of Utica in this 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom villa in Grand Bear resort, located in the heart of Starved Rock State park. Open kitchen, dining and living room with gas fireplace. Laundry room is on the main level. Both bedrooms on the second floor. Master bedroom suite has gas fireplace, whirlpool tub, separate shower. Unique front and rear balconies. Refrigerator, stove,
Welcome home to this spectacular one of a kind vacation Villa townhome. Located in the highly sought-after Grand Bear Resort Subdivision at Starved Rock! This is true maintenance-free living resort style within a vibrant community. When you enter this unit you will be snugged by all the natural sunlight. You will see that being an end unit makes a big difference. Open concept on the main level
Welcome to historic and charming Utica! FULLY FURNISHED 1800 sq ft 2 BEDROOM, 2 BATH TOWNHOME villa in one of the most private spots of Grand Bear resort in the heart of Starved Rock area. This beautiful well maintained town house features an open floor plan including kitchen, dining and living room. Two gas fireplaces. Balconies on each bedroom, in-unit main floor laundry; WIFI, Cable and
1.09 ac portion of existing self storage facility currently operating at the Cubby Hole Storage. Existing property is entirely fenced complete with a security gate entry located on US Rt 6. A portion of the existing Parcel will be dedicated to a new public roadway entering off of US Rt 6 and require the relocation of the entry gate to the proposed internal roadway. The existing 4800 sf wood and
Richard FaltzColdwell Banker Commercial Real Estate Group
Welcome home to this charming one-story, three-bedroom, one-bathroom ranch bungalow ideally located within walking distance of downtown Utica's shops and dining, just minutes from Starved Rock State Park, and with easy interstate access for commuters. The inviting living room is filled with character, featuring a gas fireplace, original hardwood floors, and beautiful light fixtures. Off the
Approx. 8.32 acre parcel available. Currently used as Ag., this would be a wonderful building site. Located near golf course development. Close to Interstates and downtown Utica and Starved Rock State Park.
Nestled in a lovely tranquil setting, this charming 3-bedroom, 2-bath home sits on approximately 10 scenic acres featuring a peaceful creek, mature wooded surroundings, and abundant privacy. The property offers incredible potential for future development with approximately 7 acres of open ground that would make a stunning future building site, conveniently located directly across from Oak Ridge
Nicely located! This duplex or a single-family residential building lot is walking distance to downtown Utica and near Starved Rock and Matthiessen State Parks. City water available. Waltham and LP school District.
Nicely located! This duplex or a single-family residential building lot is walking distance to downtown Utica and near Starved Rock and Matthiessen State Parks. City water available. Waltham and LP school District.
Like-new custom-built home loaded with upgrades in one of the area's hottest neighborhoods! Situated on two lots totaling 1.37 acres in a sought-after subdivision. This spacious home offers an ideal open layout that perfectly marries luxury with functionality for everyday living and entertaining. Inside, you'll find hand-scraped hardwood floors throughout, a stunning custom fireplace, quartz
68.67-acre development opportunity in the heart of LaSalle County's growing I-80/I-39 logistics corridor. This property consists of two contiguous parcels (19-09-403-000; 19-16-200-000) with excellent access, strong frontage along Towpath Road, and direct adjacency to an active CSX Transportation rail line, offering potential for future rail-served uses (subject to CSX approval and applicable
LUXURY CABIN IS LOCATED AT GRAND BEAR RESORT, NICE 2 BED 2 BATH FULLY FURNISHED CONDO. OVER 1700 SQ FT, 2 FIREPLACES, MINUTES FROM STARVED ROCK. NO PETS ALLOWED.
Discover this beautifully renovated 2-bedroom, 2-bath home in charming Utica. Featuring new flooring and fresh paint throughout, this residence offers a seamless blend of modern updates and comfortable living. The first-floor primary suite provides convenience and privacy, while the spacious kitchen shines with quartz countertops and brand new appliances. Enjoy the ambiance of the living room
Escape to Nature: Fully Updated Cabin at Grand Bear Lodge Excellent opportunity to rent this unique and fully updated cabin and interflow with nature! Located at Grand Bear Lodge in Utica, IL-home to the beautiful Starved Rock State Park-this property is a great place for vacation rentals, extended stays, or a serene work-from-home alternative. Property Highlights: Layout: Open floor plan
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