$301,776Average Value$184Average Price per Sq Ft3Homes 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.
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"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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Written By
Tina Davis
Photography Contributed By
Corey West
Video By
Jonathan Bradley
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
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Agents Specializing in this Area
Joy Baez
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Starck Real Estate
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Plano, IL sell after 13 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Plano, IL over the last 12 months is $319,000, down 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to this expansive and well-appointed single-family home nestled in the desirable Lakewood Springs subdivision of Plano. Boasting over 4,000 square feet of living space, this 5-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home offers the ideal blend of comfort, functionality, and community living. Inside, you'll find generously sized rooms, central A/C, and energy-efficient solar panels to help reduce utility
Welcome to 506 W. Lee St. in Plano, IL This SPACIOUS RANCH STYLE home offers 4 bedrooms plus a 5th potential bedroom or flex space in the FULL, SEMI-FINISHED BASEMENT. With 2 full bathrooms, an UPDATED KITCHEN, and REMODELED (2020)*, this home is MOVE-IN READY and full of charm. You'll love the HARDWOOD FLOORS, NEW APPLIANCES (2020)*, new HVAC system (2023)*, and new water heater (2020)*, Water
Just Listed in Plano! Welcome to this beautiful 2-story home built in 2021, offering the perfect blend of modern comfort and thoughtful design! This spacious home features 4 bedrooms plus a versatile loft/office space, perfect for working from home, a playroom, or a cozy retreat. The first-floor laundry room adds everyday convenience, and the large kitchen with stainless steel appliances and
Welcome to 507 E Lee St., Plano | Move-in-ready half-duplex just blocks from downtown Plano and minutes to Rt 34. Single-level layout offers 2 comfortable bedrooms, 1 full bath, a bright living room, and an eat-in kitchen with generous cabinet space. In-unit laundry (washer & dryer stay) and a private driveway provide everyday convenience; note there is no garage. Enjoy easy access to Main Street
This property is professionally managed by AMH Living, a leading single-family rental company. We expect to make this property available for showings soon. We work to simplify your rental experience by offering self-guided tours and a streamlined leasing process you can complete all online, all on your own schedule. Once moved in, we provide maintenance support that you can rely on, so you can
What a great opportunity to rent. Here's your chance to get into this 3 Bedroom & 2.1 bath baths townhome. Newly updated with all New Floors, & New Vanities, New Toilets & New Quartz Kitchen Counters. Freshly painted and move in ready! In house washer and dryer. very airy and roomy.... great rent price. Close to shopping & parks. New Costco opening later this year in nearby Yorkville.
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