$155,964Average Value$102Average Price per Sq Ft10Homes 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
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Pontiac, IL sell after 45 days on the market compared to the national average of 57 days. The median sale price for homes in Pontiac, IL over the last 12 months is $142,000, up 2% 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
Great ranch home in a cul-de-sac with open floor plan layout. Large great room with vaulted ceilings and wood beams across. Lots of closet space, laundry area combo, living room and dining room combo as well. All newer stainless steel appliances included, including almost new washer and dryer. One car attached garage and a large detached carport with extra room attached. Sits on a very large lot.
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. Choose the Light Side of Savings: $199 Security Deposit TWO MONTHS FREE Site Rent **Homes over $25,000 qualify
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
Tucked along the 15th fairway at The Oaks at River's Edge, this one-of-a-kind brick home offers a rare combination of space, privacy, and extensive upgrades. From the moment you enter, you're welcomed by a grand two-story foyer, dual-sided fireplace, and thoughtfully designed living spaces that balance everyday comfort with effortless entertaining. The fully remodeled kitchen serves as the heart
Beautiful tri-level home located just outside the city limits offering city water and private septic, all situated on 1.16 acres. This well-maintained home features 4 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms with a spacious and functional layout. Gorgeous hardwood flooring installed throughout main level of home in 2023! The convenient kitchen offers custom cabinets, updated quartz countertops with
Limited time only-join our community and find your forever home today! New Year. New Home. Discover comfortable, affordable living in the friendly Redwood Community! This beautiful 3-bed, 2-bath mobile home offers the perfect blend of convenience and modern comfort. Step inside to find an open-concept layout with bright living spaces, a spacious kitchen with ample storage, and cozy bedrooms
Carroll LamILOG Oglesby MHP Manufactured Home Community
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.
2 Bed, 2 Bath mobile home built in 1996 located in Redwood Manor Mobile Home Park. Large living room with wood burning fireplace open to dining area and kitchen. Spacious primary bedroom with full bathroom. Another bedroom and full bathroom on the other side of home offers great privacy. Utility with washer and dryer and side entry. All appliances stay. Lot rent of $564 includes your lot,
Charming Ranch with Great Potential in Pontiac! This 3-bedroom, 1-bath ranch offers a solid foundation and plenty of opportunity to make it your own. Recent updates within the past five years include a new roof, furnace, AND central A/C, along with a fully remodeled bathroom and updated kitchen flooring. The kitchen features granite countertops and plenty of storage-- all ready for your personal
Updated 3 bedroom 1 bath cute bungalow with enclosed front porch . New(2026) LVP flooring, kitchen with new(2026) cabinets(slow close, dove tail) quartz tops, updated bathroom, windows, plumbing, electrical, HVAC and water heater, and fence. This property may qualify for special financing options.
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
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
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
FULLY RENOVATED UNIT. SPACIOUS 2 BEDROOM HAS NEW FLOORS, KITCHEN, BATHROOM, AND PAINT. TONS OF STORAGE SPACE AND OFF-STREET PARKING. NEAR PARKS AND SCHOOLS. NO PETS ALLOWED. CALL TODAY!
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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.
