$267,609Average Value$222Average Price per Sq Ft1Home 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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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
Sandy Ortiz-Ramirez,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in North Utica, IL sell after 157 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in North Utica, IL over the last 12 months is $259,500, up 55% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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
Solid all-brick 3-bedroom, 2-bath ranch offer high potential in a convenient north Peru location close to schools and shopping. The single-story layout features a large living room and an eat-in kitchen equipped with updated appliances, an island, and ample cabinet space. Essential big-ticket improvements are already complete, including newer vinyl windows throughout. All 3 bedrooms, including
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
Picture yourself relaxing and enjoying your beautiful villa surrounded by nature. This Villa can be your new home, your second home, or an exceptional investment opportunity. Ideally situated directly across from the breathtaking Starved Rock State Park and next to Grand Bear Resort, this property is nestled in one of the most desirable tourist destinations near Illinois, offering a truly
Charming Creekside Retreat Near Starved Rock - Walk to Downtown Utica. Tucked along a charming creek in the heart of Utica, Illinois, this beautifully updated home offers the perfect blend of comfort, simplicity, and natural surroundings-ideal as a full-time residence or a relaxing weekend escape. Just minutes from Starved Rock State Park and Matthiessen State Park, and within walking distance to
RARE OPPORTUNITY TO OWN A FULLY FURNISHED, MOVE-IN OR RENT-READY CABIN AT GRAND BEAR LAKES! This cabin has been thoughtfully prepped and equipped with everything you need to close and start hosting guests. Upon entering, you'll be drawn to the vaulted great room, with a back wall of windows and plenty of room for relaxation and gathering. All throughout the home, you'll note the rustic touches
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.
Be a part of Grizzly Jacks Grand Bear Lodge. This unit has been well cared for. Furniture is in good condition, all appliances will stay, includes stove, refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher, washer, and dryer. The hoa fees are 266 a month. At the lodge there is still the indoor swimming park, there's a miniature golf course, a walking trail, and let us not forget you are within walking distance
Completely reimagined in 2025, this beautifully updated unit stands out from the rest! Thoughtfully refreshed with new COREtec flooring, fresh paint, updated lighting, roof, and siding in 2025, plus a new furnace and AC in 2022. The light and airy open floor plan creates a warm, welcoming feel throughout. The spacious kitchen features white cabinetry, new sink, wood beamed ceiling, an extended
Kira Miskowiec@properties Christies International Real Estate
Your retreat in the Illinois River Valley awaits. Nestled inside the gated Grand Bear Resort subdivision, this 2-bed, 2-bath villa delivers true resort-style living just minutes from Starved Rock, Matthiessen, and Buffalo Rock State Parks - surrounded by miles of scenic canyon trails, waterfalls, and year-round outdoor recreation. The open main level flows from a well-appointed kitchen with
STOP THE CAR! We have a 3 bedroom, 2 bath duplex with a 2 car attached garage, fireplace, main level laundry room with washer and dryer hook-ups and a utility sink; great layout in a great location and near a golf course in Utica. Stainless Steel appliances and ceiling fans galore! HUGE full basement with tons of storage and the unit has tons of closets! A nice little patio out back to relax on~
Rent is negotiable and can be based on term of contract/lease. Enjoy this beautiful, newly constructed townhome in the heart of Starved Rock. Located behind the Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock. Close access to I-80 and I-39. . Across the street from Starved Rock State Park. Fully furnished home with beautiful , well stocked kitchen with in home laundry. Three fireplaces (electric). Two
A rare find - Duplex with 3 bedrooms, 2 full bath, fireplace and Granite counter tops in kitchen. Appliances include refrigerator, stove and dishwasher. Updated flooring, tons of storage and closet space and a huge, unfinished basement with laundry hook-ups. There's a nice small community park within steps. Credit check is required for all adult tenants at $35 per person. Pets are considered on a
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
