$309,169Average Value$189Average Price per Sq Ft24Homes For Sale
A quaint, pastoral feel and neighborly spirit
About 55 miles west of Chicago is the small city of Plano, Illinois. Established in the 1860s, this rural community first made its name as the birthplace of the Light-Running Plano, a grain-harvesting innovation since nicknamed the Plano Reaper. Today, many will recognize Plano as the stand-in for Smallville, Kansas, Superman’s hometown in the 2013 film “Man of Steel.” Plano’s roughly 12,000 residents appreciate its quaint, pastoral feel and neighborly spirit. “We didn’t think we’d be here this long, but it’s home,” says City of Plano Alderman Barb Nadeau, a 32-year resident. “I like how quiet it is — not too far from the city, not too far into the country.”
Plano is 58 miles west of Downtown Chicago.
The community of Plano emerges as the first pioneer settlers arrive to establish farms.
1/2
"A very proud and spirited business community"
Plano’s Main Street anchors the community with a few blocks of businesses adjacent to the train tracks. “We have a very proud and spirited business community, with a lot of small businesses in town,” Nadeau says. Main Street pedestrians can pop into a nearly 160-year-old furniture store, a pet supply shop, the local dentist’s office and more. Eateries on this drag include Uncle Lar’s Pizza, which has operated since 1983, and Ivana’s Café, a breakfast and lunch spot known for its Polish and German sausages. Just off Main Street is The Friendly Tap, a classic, wood-paneled downhome bar with a popular Friday fish fry. “They have the best burgers, plus specials all the time — a different one every night of the week,” Nadeau says.
Downtown Plano has great charm and a variety of businesses.
US-34 and train tracks run parallel to each other through the heart of Plano.
1/2
From back-to-school bashes to basketball tournaments
Locals have an easy time connecting with their neighbors in Plano. The Plano Area Chamber of Commerce hosts year-round events, from a kid’s color run and a back-to-school bash to golf and bowling tournaments. Plano High School hosts several jam-packed sporting events, including its annual football game against rival Sandwich High School. “The high school also puts on huge basketball and wrestling tournaments every winter,” Nadeau adds. “They bring in student-athletes from various communities to participate.” Every summer, the city sponsors a midweek live music performance downtown, with food trucks providing refreshments. Independence Day week typically starts or ends with a parade and a fireworks display.
Reaper Stadium is where students of Plano High School can root for their team.
Sandwich Community High School has 595 students in grades 9-12, and is located in Sandwich, IL.
1/2
Homes built from the 1800s to today
Most Plano homes are situated within the cluster of gridded, sidewalk-lined blocks flanking the railroad. Many New Traditional homes emerged starting in the early 2000s when the area saw a significant population increase. However, a few farmhouses date to the late 1800s, some having been restored in recent years. Ramblers from various decades, split-levels, bi-levels, and townhouses and duplexes with attached garages round out the housing stock. The average homebuyer will spend about $270,000 on a Plano property, which might buy a four-bedroom bi-level with about 1,100 square feet. Turnkey homes start in the high $100,000s for two-bedroom, single-story duplexes from the 2000s. Conversely, homebuyers could spend over $600,000 for a five-bedroom, 3,400-square-foot house on 8 acres on the outskirts of town.
The streets of Plano offer great walkability.
Plano has many beautiful historic homes to enjoy.
1/2
Home of the Reapers
Plano’s independent school district enrolls students based on grade level rather than location. Kids from pre-K through first grade start at P.H. Miller Elementary School, which has a B-plus from Niche. They attend two more elementary schools before reaching Plano Middle School, rated a B. Plano High School, also rated a B, hosts just under 800 teens, dubbed the Reapers after Plano’s claim to agricultural fame. Along with year-round sporting events, students can participate in extracurriculars like improv and Scholastic Bowl.
PH Miller Elementary is located off of North Lew Street in Plano.
Plano Middle School serves grades seven and eight in Plano.
1/2
Fishing, disc golf and $1 pool games
The 29-acre Foli Park is Plano’s largest green space. Here, visitors can fish in or stroll along the creek, play nine holes of disc golf and compete on the sand volleyball court. Plano City Park features a lighted softball field, a playground and creek views of its own. Indoor recreation is available on Main Street at Hometown Lanes & Sports Bar. This nostalgic bowling alley features original wood on its lanes, tournaments, leagues and $1 games of pool.
The play set at Plano City Park is shaded nicely by large oak trees.
Enjoy the scenic view on one of Foli Park's benches.
1/2
Work in town or commute to Chicago
Amtrak serves Plano’s train station with roughly hour-long trips to Chicago. Many residents work locally, thanks to the city’s Menards Distribution Center and the Plano Molding Company. The latter is a prominent producer of hunting and fishing gear and operates a warehouse and an outlet store in town. “If you own a tackle box, that’s probably where it comes from!” Nadeau says. Farmers producing corn, soybeans, beef and other products also call the area home.
Plano station is also known as the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad Depot.
Plano Molding is a large fishing and hunting store in Plano.
1/2
Written By
Tina Davis
Photography Contributed By
Corey West
Video By
Jonathan Bradley
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Anna Fattore,
an experienced agent in this area.
On average, homes in Plano, IL sell after 19 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Plano, IL over the last 12 months is $267,725, up 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome Home! This spacious 4-bedroom, 2.1-bath gem in Lakewood Springs offers the perfect mix of space, comfort, and peaceful surroundings. You'll love the view-your fenced backyard opens to wide-open cornfields with no homes behind you! The large kitchen has tons of cabinet and counter space, ideal for cooking and entertaining. All bedrooms are generously sized, and the unfinished full basement
Welcome to 3742 Pope Ct in Plano! This spacious 2-bedroom, 1.5-bath townhome is tucked away on a quiet cul-de-sac! Step inside to find soaring vaulted ceilings and a large, light-filled loft-perfect for a home office, second living area, or even a guest space. Upstairs you'll also find the convenience of second-floor laundry right by the bedrooms. The home features a new water heater (2024) plus
Welcome Home! This spacious 4-bedroom, 2.1-bath gem in Lakewood Springs offers the perfect mix of space, comfort, and peaceful surroundings. You'll love the view-your fenced backyard opens to wide-open cornfields with no homes behind you! The large kitchen has tons of cabinet and counter space, ideal for cooking and entertaining. All bedrooms are generously sized, and the unfinished full basement
It is rare that I use the word EXCEPTIONAL to describe a home but this one definitely deserves the accolades, the house is AMAZING!! No expense has been spared in the updating and upgrading of this home in the current years. From the fantastic Master Bedroom addition to the backyard oasis to the attention to detail in the interior accoutrements, the new owner of this ranch is truly lucky to score
Reduced deposit and 18-month lease option for a limited time. Pay just 75% of your base rent (taxes and fees not included) as your security deposit. This offer is valid for new applicants who sign a 12-month (or longer) lease by October 31, 2025. The 18-month lease option is valid for new applicants who sign an 18-month lease and is limited to the first 500 executed leases. Base rent will remain
Enjoy this Lakewood Springs spacious town home! This Community offers a Clubhouse, Pool, Tennis, Parks & Ponds. This fabulous 3-BR/2.1 Bath with a large loft area for additional living space is move-in ready. Nuetral and updated paint main level, New gorgeous Flooring on Main level and in Master BR. great natural lighting throughout the house. The Spacious living room opens to a well Lit dining
Reduced deposit and 18-month lease option for a limited time. Pay just 75% of your base rent (taxes and fees not included) as your security deposit. This offer is valid for new applicants who sign a 12-month (or longer) lease by October 31, 2025. The 18-month lease option is valid for new applicants who sign an 18-month lease and is limited to the first 500 executed leases. Base rent will remain
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the 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.
