$156,332Average Value$102Average Price per Sq Ft9Homes For Sale
Get your Pontiac kicks on Route 66
While named after the Ottowan chieftain who led Pontiac’s rebellion in the 1760s, Pontiac, IL, is largely influenced by the addition of Route 66 when it was established in 1926. Today, this community hub of over 11,000 people is rated the best place to live in Livingston County by Niche.com and has become a popular tourist destination for its automobile shows, public murals and historical attractions. “We’re well known for our tourism around Route 66,” says Liz Vincent, city director of community enrichment. “I like to think this is the quintessential Route 66 stop."
Pontiac is considered a quintessential stop on the historic Route 66.
Nearly every building in Pontiac has a mural for residents to enjoy.
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Diverse and affordable housing
With its cost of living rated an A-minus on Niche.com, Pontiac has a median sale price of $141,250, well below the state and national median. Most of the available housing has traditional architecture and vinyl-siding exteriors, although there are also a few bungalows and manufactured homes as well. “There are newer subdivisions with more higher-end luxury homes, but then there are some areas that have old, beautiful historic homes,” Liz says. “It’s very neighborhood-based.”
Pontiac homes come in a variety of architectural styles.
The downtown area in Pontiac features a number of high-end custom homes.
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Museums about America’s Mother Road
Pontiac is notable for having nine museums in its city limits. The biggest of these is the Route 66 Hall of Fame & Museum, which has thousands of memorabilia from Will Rogers’ highway. The Pontiac-Oakland Automobile Museum features several antique and classic cars, and the life of Route 66 cartographer Bob Waldmire is immortalized forever in the Pontiac Museum Complex.
Pontiac's Auto Museum is a favorite among locals and tourists.
People come from all over the country to visit Pontiac's Route 66 Museum.
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A booming historic downtown
Centered around the 19th-century Livingston County Courthouse, Downtown Pontiac has over 75 local businesses ranging from apparel stores to antique shops. It also has around 35 bars and restaurants, with establishments ranging from smokehouses to family-owned pizzerias. “Our downtown is walkable and very beautiful,” Liz says. “We’ve got some great boutiques in town – great places to get presents.” Local grocery stores include Aldi, Walmart and County Market. Specialty items are also available at the Acres Inn market.
Downtown Pontiac features a number of restaurants including the popular Acres Inn.
Colorful boutique shops line the streets of Downtown Pontiac.
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Public spaces for community festivals
There’s a festival to look forward to for every season in Pontiac. Every May brings the Swinging Bridges Arts Festival, a two-day event where local artists lead live demonstrations and sell their handcrafted pieces, while the annual regional car show is one of the largest in the area with over 200 vehicles. Local dining gets the spotlight in the Taste of Pontiac event every October, and special events are held at the Eagle Performing Arts Center, a multi-use venue that used to be the first movie house in the city. “We utilize that space for whatever you can think of – weddings, receptions, conferences, meetings, community theater,” Liz says. “It’s a great public space and a great asset for our community.”
Your kids will love the playground at Humiston-Riverside Park.
Baseball is available for all ages at Pontiac RecPlex Baseball Fields.
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A Pontiac education
Overseeing four elementary campuses and one middle school campus, the Pontiac School District 429 was rated a C on Niche.com, earning its highest marks on its diversity and food offerings. Pontiac High School earned a B on Niche.com and was rated the second-best high school in Livingston County. There’s also plenty of private education options nearby, including St. Paul School, St. Mary’s School and Grace Christian School.
The athletics at Pontiac Township High School are some of the best in the area.
Students are the highest priority at Central Elementary School.
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Transportation services from Chicago to St. Louis
The city has its own Amtrak station, with the Lincoln service starting at Chicago Union Station and running through to St. Louis, Missouri. The SHOW Bus also provides public transportation and serves Livingston and surrounding counties. The OSF Saint James – John W. Albrecht Medical Center offers 24-hour emergency care for local residents, and the closest commercial airport is the Central Illinois Regional Airport in Bloomington.
Weather & Crime
Pontiac sees mild summers and freezing winters, with average summer high temperatures being 83 degrees and average winter low temperatures being 22 degrees. The area also sees an average of 24 inches of snowfall every year, with city crews cleaning the streets when it builds up to more than 2 inches. Both violent and property crime is below state and national averages, and the city has a correctional center that houses around 1,600 inmates.
Written By
David Dunn
Photography Contributed By
Patrick Kelley
Video By
Francisco de la Vera
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Benny Collesano,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Pontiac, IL sell after 48 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Pontiac, IL over the last 12 months is $143,500, up 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This stunning property truly needs to be seen to be fully appreciated!Highlights include over a mile of scenic walking trails, thousands of newly planted trees, and a beautiful mix of mature oak, hickory, and maple trees. A seasonal stream winds gently through the land, adding to its natural appeal, along with approximately 15 acres of pasture currently leased for cattle
This beautiful brand new 2026 home features three bedrooms, two bathrooms, open floor plan. This home has a true master suite with a big walk-in closet as well as a master bathroom with a soaker tub. Home includes refrigerator, dishwasher, stove, microwave, and central air conditioning. Summer savings are heating up! NEW RESIDENT SPECIALS: 1 month FREE Site Rent $100 OFF Site Rent for 6 months
Carroll LamILOG Oglesby MHP Manufactured Home Community
Beautiful lot sits on 2.95 Acres of land in Johnson Acres, surrounded by mature trees, directly next to Rooks Creek. The north and east side of the property is abundant with wildlife along the creek and is far enough away from neighbors for sufficient privacy. The south side of the property has easy access to Rt. 116. This is a very unique property only 2 miles from Pontiac and is ready for your
This beautiful brand new 2026 home features three bedrooms, two bathrooms, open floor plan. This home has a true master suite with a big walk-in closet as well as a master bathroom with a soaker tub. Home includes refrigerator, dishwasher, stove, microwave, and central air conditioning. Summer savings are heating up! NEW RESIDENT SPECIALS: 1 month FREE Site Rent $100 OFF Site Rent for 6 months
Set along one of Pontiac's historic brick roads, this remarkable late 19th century Victorian stands as a rare surviving piece of craftsmanship from an era when homes were built with permanence, detail, and pride. From the moment you arrive, the home carries a presence that feels impossible to recreate today. Inside, the original woodwork immediately commands attention. Towering ceilings,
This wonderful ranch in Prairie Garden Sub. offers 2-3 Bedrooms, 2 Full Bathrooms, & open concept living, dining, & kitchen. Substantial updating was completed in 2015/16, including the kitchen, flooring throughout much of the home, light fixtures, & paint. The kitchen was opened up to the living room & dining area, & includes an island w/breakfast bar, pantry, & all SS Appliances. Wonderful gas
Vacant lot in town with 2 parcels making this .21 acre property. Nearby electricity and gas. Pontiac has access to I-55 and high speed rail for commuting.
Affordable, move-in ready, and full of potential! This charming 2-bedroom, 1-bath home has been recently updated with fresh paint and stylish new flooring, creating a clean and inviting feel throughout. Enjoy a spacious yard that's perfect for entertaining, relaxing, or creating your own outdoor oasis. Whether you're a first-time buyer, downsizing, or looking for an investment opportunity, this
Excellent Investment Opportunity - 6-Unit Multifamily Property Don't miss this strong cash-flowing investment property featuring 6 total units, including 3 one-bedroom apartments and 3 studio apartments. This well-maintained building offers an attractive opportunity for both new and experienced investors looking to start or expand their rental portfolio. Recent improvements include refreshed
This beautiful brand new 2026 home features three bedrooms, two bathrooms, open floor plan. This home has a true master suite with a big walk-in closet as well as a master bathroom with a soaker tub. Home includes refrigerator, dishwasher, stove, microwave, and central air conditioning. Summer savings are heating up! NEW RESIDENT SPECIALS: 1 month FREE Site Rent $100 OFF Site Rent for 6 months
Affordable one-story ranch on the south side offers comfortable living in a desirable location. Inside, you'll find 2 bedrooms, 1 full bath, a kitchen with dining area, and a spacious 13' x 24' living room with plenty of room for a home office or workstation. A convenient utility room off the kitchen includes a stackable washer and dryer. Recent updates provide peace of mind, including fresh
This stunning property truly needs to be seen to be fully appreciated! Highlights include over a mile of scenic walking trails, thousands of newly planted trees, and a beautiful mix of mature oak, hickory, and maple trees. A seasonal stream winds gently through the land, adding to its natural appeal, along with approximately 15 acres of pasture currently leased for cattle grazing. Thoughtfully
Pontiac Towers Apartments is both a home and a community. It offers gracious one-bedroom apartment homes for senior adults, age 62 and older, and/or handicapped persons. Many of our residents move here for the convenience of our location, and our beautifully landscaped courtyard. Yet, before long they appreciate what is even more special about Pontiac Towers – the active, vital people who create
Phoenix Apartments is located on Illinois Route 116 in historic Pontiac, IL, just off Interstate 55. Pontiac, a town of just under 12,000, was once a major stopover along Route 66 and still contains many monuments and structures memorializing “the Mother Road.” The town’s location alongside I-55 means that Pontiac has retained its importance as a modern travel hub while still retaining the
Recently remodeled unit. New bathroom, floors, and paint. Walk To Everything And Across From Park. No pets. 1 Year Lease With 1 Month Security Deposit. Call Today!
SPACIOUS 2 BEDROOM, 1 BATH APARTMENT. ALL NEW FLOORS, NEW KITCHEN, NEW BATHROOM VANITY, NEW DOORS, ETC. PRIVATE ENTRANCE AND OFFSTREET PARKING. $825 RENT PLUS 1 MONTH SECURITY DEPOSIT. NO PETS. CALL TODAY!
Pontiac, IL: 2 bedroom, 1 bath brick duplex at 605B W. North St. Clean recently remodeled home with wood vinyl plank floors in all rooms, dishwasher, newer stainless steel kitchen appliances, washer/dryer in unit, fresh paint, and off street parking. Elementary school bus stops right in front! All on one level - no stairs to climb. However, this home is NOT WHEELCHAIR FRIENDLY due to standard
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