$185,560Average Value$112Average Price per Sq Ft15Homes For Sale
Princeton is an active town in central Illinois
The charming central Illinois city of Princeton is known for its historic architecture and community activity. This community keeps a busy year-round schedule of events and boasts two historic Main Street commercial districts. Princeton is also the county seat of Bureau County. Traditionally an agricultural community, it is surrounded by farmland while being conveniently located to Interstate 80. “It’s a really friendly town,” says Roxana Noble of BHHS Central Illinois Realtors, who lives in Princeton and is a lifelong resident of the area. “If you don’t know people when you come here, you sure will in a week. Princeton has a lot of things going for everyone. We have art exhibits, a beautiful library and fairgrounds that have lots of different activities and attractions from spring through the fall. It’s a medium-sized town that has an intimate feel or can feel like you are in the city.”
Princeton features a small downtown area with plenty of shops and restaurants to enjoy.
Princeton residents have no shortage of nature trails to explore.
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Historic architecture stands out
The community features a collection of mostly older homes, several of which have recently been renovated. The Colonial Revival style is most common, and bungalows are also prominent. However, Victorian-style homes stand out the most for their striking architecture. Most homes are found on traditional neighborhood streets shaded by mature trees. Midcentury ranch-style homes and contemporary homes with driveways and attached garages are found in other residential settings, including dedicated subdivisions. Acreage homes and manufactured homes can be found on the outskirts of town, and multi-family alternatives include townhouses and condos. Prices typically start around $90,000 and can approach $400,000. Residents can expect a climate featuring hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters.
Sidewalks provide convenient walking paths for Princeton residents.
Colorful vintage homes can be found in parts of Princeton.
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Homestead Festival celebrates the community's roots
The signature event here is the annual Homestead Festival, a week that honors Reverend Owen Lovejoy, a noted abolitionist and key figure in the growth of the Republican Party on the state and national level. “It’s kind of a celebration of the founding of our town,” Noble says. “There’s a huge parade, and lunch in the park by the courthouse.” Lovejoy’s Princeton home, a stop on the Underground Railroad, is now a museum. The community is also home to the Bureau County Historical Society. Other popular Princeton events include the Bureau County Fair and the Z Tour Bike Ride, a charity fundraiser that begins and ends at Zearing Park. Proceeds benefit the Zearing Child Enrichment Center. Several cultural events are sponsored by the Prairie Arts Center.
Main Street features two commercial districts
Local stores and restaurants are concentrated along Main Street. “There’s the north end district and the south end district,” Noble says. “The north end is more historic. It has shops that cater to people who come in from the city. They sell a lot of unique items, and the shopkeepers highlight a lot of the town’s history. The south end is more of a modern commercial district.” The south end of Main Street is anchored by a town square that is the site of the county courthouse and Soldiers and Sailors Park. More shopping and dining options can be found north of downtown heading toward Interstate 80.
Princeton residents can get lunch at Niel & Shorty's.
Princeton residents can head to nearby downtown Ottawa for additional dining options.
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Parks, nearby river are popular destinations
Zearing Park features athletic fields and a fishing pond. The pool at Alexander Park is a popular seasonal attraction. Bureau County Metro Center offers even more recreational amenities in an indoor setting. Big Bureau Creek and the Illinois River are local waterways that cater to anglers and other outdoors enthusiasts. Golfers can play on nearby courses.
Field trips have a blast Starved Rock State Park near Princeton.
Come fly a kite in the fields at Zearing Park.
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School district includes five community schools
“We have a wonderful school system,” says Noble, a retired teacher. “There are multiple elementary schools, a junior high, and a high school with lots of sports activities.” Douglas Elementary and Jefferson Elementary schools, which serve students through second grade, do not have Niche scores. Lincoln Elementary School, which serves third and fourth graders, earns a B from Niche, and Logan Junior High, which serves fifth through eighth graders, earns a C-plus. Those four make up Princeton Elementary School District 115, rated B-minus by Niche. Princeton Township High School, which also earns a B, is rated as the second-best high school in Bureau County. Students can transfer out of district, but parents would have to cover the costs, including transportation and tuition fees.
Educational opportunities abound at Logan Junior High School.
After school programs at Princeton High School are plentiful.
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Amtrak connection to Chicago is a popular amenity
OSF Saint Clare Medical Center is a convenient community hospital. I-80 and nearby I-39 provide access to points of interest nearby, such as the La Salle-Peru region. Peoria is a little over 50 miles away via Illinois Route 29. That city is home to General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport. I-80 offers access to Chicago, about 115 miles away. The city is also an Amtrak stop. “We can hop on the train and be in Chicago in about an hour and 45 minutes,” Noble says. “The ladies love it, because they can go there for shopping and be back the same day.”
Written By
Matt Pallister
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On average, homes in Princeton, IL sell after 34 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Princeton, IL over the last 12 months is $166,250, down 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This is more than just a home, it's a way of life. This custom built home is set on 3 wooded acres and overlooks a peaceful creek bed. You can't help but be in awe of the beauty inside and out. Floor to ceiling windows provide breathtaking views all year long. The wood burning fireplace provides a cozy space for those cold winter nights. Plenty of space to spread out between the front living
A distinguished landmark of Princeton history, the Watts A. Johnson Home (circa 1900) is a rare offering where architectural heritage meets refined modern living. Once featured in the May 4, 1904 Bureau County Republican as the "New Residence of Mayor Watts A. Johnson," this extraordinary home stands as a testament to timeless design and enduring quality. The meticulous restoration of the home
Who says you can't have space AND be right in town? This 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath home sits on nearly an acre, giving you the elbow room you want without sacrificing the convenience of town living. Inside, you'll find updates galore, including a gorgeous chef's kitchen that might just inspire you to start a cooking show. Featuring granite countertops, a farmhouse sink, and a breakfast bar, it's the
One of the last lots available in Fox Creek Subdivision. Nice buildable lot on a quiet cul-de-sac street. Over 1/2 acre single family residential building lot. Flat in the front of the lot and at the timbered rear it slopes down to PeeWee creek. Fully improved with city water to property line as well as a city sanitary sewer stubbed to property line.
Welcome to this charming and spacious 2-bedroom, 1.5-bath townhouse offering comfort, flexibility, and thoughtful features throughout. With two stories plus a full basement, this home provides plenty of room to live, relax, and grow. Inside, you'll find generously sized rooms, including a bright and inviting living room highlighted by a beautiful brick gas fireplace-perfect for cozy evenings. The
Completely renovated and move-in ready, this charming 1-bedroom, 1-bath home has been thoughtfully updated from top to bottom with quality craftsmanship and modern finishes throughout. Every major system has been replaced, offering peace of mind for years to come. The home features a brand-new roof, new furnace, and central air conditioning system, ensuring year-round comfort and efficiency. All
Welcome to this spacious bi-level home located in the desirable and quiet Birdhaven subdivision. Offering approximately 2,240 square feet of living space, this well-maintained residence provides flexibility and comfort with 3 to 5 bedrooms, 2 separate living areas, and 2 full bathrooms - perfect for a variety of living arrangements. The home features a functional layout with generous living
Located in a highly sought-after stretch of habitat, this 5.93± acre tract offers a rare opportunity to own a proven hunting property nestled between the Hennepin Canal and Big Bureau Creek. This natural pinch point creates an ideal funnel for whitetail movement, making it a consistent rut travel corridor for mature bucks. The property features an established food plot that helps hold and attract
This is more than just a home, it's a way of life. This custom built home is set on 3 wooded acres and overlooks a peaceful creek bed. You can't help but be in awe of the beauty inside and out. Floor to ceiling windows provide breathtaking views all year long. The wood burning fireplace provides a cozy space for those cold winter nights. Plenty of space to spread out between the front living
Check out this charming three bedroom home close to Princeton's Historic Downtown. The dining room has a lovely built-in china cabinet and the kitchen has an original built-in hutch for extra storage. The outside is low maintenance with vinyl siding and thermal windows. Come sit on the covered front porch and make yourself at home!
Welcome home to this spacious and thoughtfully designed 3-bedroom, 2-bath residence in Princeton, offering a flexible layout and plenty of room to grow. The inviting main level features an open-concept kitchen that flows seamlessly into the large living room, highlighted by a stunning wall of windows overlooking the backyard and filling the space with natural light. Elegant crown molding accents
With a perfect blend of historic charm and modern updates, this extraordinary 6-bedroom, 3.5-bath Italianate masterpiece offers both a rich past and an exciting future as your next home. Set gracefully back from the street, the 1.46-acre corner lot showcases a welcoming asphalt circular driveway, and an impressive 38-foot open front porch-an ideal spot to relax on a porch swing and enjoy peaceful
Welcome home to this beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath two-story located in the desirable Birdhaven subdivision! This home offers the perfect blend of modern updates and peaceful surroundings. The completely updated kitchen (2023) is the heart of the home, featuring gorgeous quartz countertops, white shaker cabinets, and stainless steel appliances-a clean, timeless space that's perfect for
Fresh, Modern Efficiency – Move-In Ready ?Looking for a clean, simple space without the hassle? This newly remodeled efficiency apartment has everything you need — and nothing you don’t.
Come check out this nice & bright unit! Located near Princeton's downtown shopping and restaurants. The unit has 3 upstairs bedrooms & 1.5 bathrooms; there is an attic providing ample storage! There is not laundry, but if you have your own washer and electric dryer, there is a hookup in the basement. Tenant is responsible for all utilities. There is an online application, for a fee. 1st, last,
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