Rantoul is a suburban village about 15 miles north of Champaign. Between 1917 and 1993, it was home to the Chanute Air Force Base, but when the base closed, the community lost residents and tax income. In 2023, Rantoul received grant funds from T-Mobile, which kickstarted a revitalization effort. The village is working to replace sidewalks and build a central plaza downtown. “Lots of businesses are redoing their buildings too,” says Jeanette During, the designated managing broker of Town & Country Realty, who has lived in the area her whole life. “The community has so much potential.”
Though many locals currently commute into Champaign for work, plans are in place to build the Illinois Autonomous and Connected Track, a research and testing facility for self-driving vehicles. The facility is expected to create thousands of jobs and boost Rantoul’s economy.
The former Chanute Air Force Base in Rantoul has development opportunities.
Rantoul is seeing an effort to revitalize the downtown, making it more accessible and walkable.
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Relatively low home prices, but the selection is limited
Rantoul’s median housing price is around $125,000, lower than Champaign’s median and significantly below the national figure. There are quite a few compact, midcentury homes that were originally built for airmen, During says. “These are really nice for first-time homebuyers.” Ranch-style houses and two-story Colonial Revival-style residences generally provide a little more living space. Along the golf course, buyers may find midcentury brick condos, and on the old Air Force base, former officers’ quarters have been converted into townhouses. During says that there is not much new construction, and that housing availability is fairly limited.
Ranch homes are a popular style in Rantoul.
Condos are available throughout the City of Rantoul.
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Two public school districts and a private Catholic school
The village has two school districts: Rantoul City Schools SD 137, for prekindergarten through eighth grade, and Rantoul Township High School District 193, which serves ninth- through 12th-grade students. Rantoul City Schools earns an overall C-minus on Niche. It offers special education services and bilingual support for students whose first language is Spanish.
The high school district gets a B-minus rating. High school students can take Advanced Placement courses as well as dual-credit programs through Parkland College. Families also have the option of a private education through St. Malachy School, which runs from prekindergarten through the 8th grade.
Rantoul Township High School offers a wide variety of academic programs.
J.W. Eater Junior High School is a highly rated school in Rantoul.
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Sports fields, walking paths and golf courses
Rantoul is home to several parks and recreation facilities. The Rantoul Family Sports Complex spans more than 60 acres, and it often hosts baseball, softball and soccer tournaments on its synthetic turf fields. Golfers can play the 18-hole course at Willow Pond Golf Club or drive a few miles north to the Brookhill Golf Course. “They’re both challenging courses. Brookhill is more open, and Willow Pond has some big, old oak trees and a clubhouse with a nice restaurant,” During says.
At Wabash Park, there’s a playground, skateboard ramps and sports courts. In summer, residents head to the Hap Parker Family Aquatic Center, where they can take water aerobics classes or zip down the waterslides. A 9-mile system of multi-use trails winds around the village, connecting parks and community spaces. “When the city first put it in, I thought, why are they spending so much money on a sidewalk? Now it’s one of my favorite places,” During says.
Wabash Park hosts the Rantoul baseball league.
Rantoul residents can play the public 18-hole course at Willow Pond Golf Club.
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Rantoul has restaurants and stores, additional options in Champaign
A few restaurants and small businesses line Sangamon Avenue, and the revitalization campaign aims to bring even more retail and dining. During recommends ET’s, which serves American classics like burgers and buffalo wings. Ott’s Drive In, along North Century Boulevard, is a popular breakfast spot.
Residents do their grocery shopping at County Market or the Walmart Supercenter. During the growing season, local farmers sell produce at the Rantoul Farmers Market on East Congress Avenue. Nearby Champaign has additional stores and indoor malls, including Market Place Shopping Center.
Rantoul residents love Ott’s Drive In that serves breakfast all day.
ET’s restaurant is one of the most popular in Rantoul.
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Cars, trains, C-Carts and more
Rantoul has several transportation options, though car travel is the most common. Both Interstate 57 and U.S. Route 45 run through the village, connecting drivers with Champaign. Residents can also catch Amtrak trains or ride the Champaign County Area Rural Transit System, better known as C-Carts. C-Carts is a minibus service with routes around Rantoul and downtown Champaign. The closest emergency rooms are the Carle Foundation Hospital and OSF HealthCare Heart of Mary Medical Center, both in Champaign. Willard Airport is about 30 miles south of Rantoul, and it offers direct flights to Dallas and Chicago.
Amtrak makes regular stops in Rantoul making it easy to get to Chicago.
Residents can ride the C-Cart buses that can be found throughout the city.
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Community events organized by the chamber of commerce
The chamber of commerce organizes a variety of events that bring the community together. Each year, there’s a Fourth of July parade, complete with homemade floats, firetrucks and local sports teams. Independence Day fireworks are usually launched at the airport. In summer, there are sometimes glow golf nights at Willow Pond Golf Course, as well as concerts and family-friendly activities in the downtown area.
Rantoul residents can grab healthy produce at the Champaign Farmers Market.
Rantoul Adults and kids alike hula hoop during Friday Night Live in Champaign.
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Addressing environmental concerns in the village
Rantoul Foods, a pork processing facility, is located on the western edge of the village. Some residents have expressed concerns over the smell and potential environmental risks caused by the plant’s organic waste disposal procedures.
PFAS were used in firefighting operations at the former Chanute Air Force Base and have been found in groundwater around the base. The village’s drinking water quality is monitored regularly, and PFAS concentrations consistently fall below minimum reporting levels.
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Rantoul, IL sell after 28 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Rantoul, IL over the last 12 months is $125,125, down 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to 817 Park Drive in Rantoul, an inviting 3-bedroom, 2-bath ranch that offers just under 1,500 square feet of living space, an open floor plan, multiple living spaces, and a relaxed, country-like feel while still being right in town. The vaulted ceilings and hardwood floors give the main living areas a warm, spacious vibe, while the wood-burning fireplace adds a cozy touch for cooler
This beautifully remodeled 3-bedroom, 1-bath brick ranch offers comfort, style, and functionality all in one. Renovated approximately four years ago, the home features an updated kitchen with granite countertops and appliances that are also around four years old. Major systems including HVAC, central air, and water heater were replaced at the time of the remodel. Enjoy the oversized two-car
Welcome to this charming home located in Rantoul, IL. This property offers a spacious layout with multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, appropriate for comfortable living. The kitchen features modern appliances and ample counter space. Enjoy the cozy living room with plenty of natural light. The backyard provides a serene space for outdoor relaxation. Conveniently located near local amenities and
South Pointe Commons offers spacious townhomes and duplexes for rent with on-site laundry, stylish plank flooring, central heat and air conditioning, and updated kitchens. Were just a nine-minute drive from Downtown Rantoul and a short distance to the Rantoul Library, Forum Fitness Center, and Rantoul Recreation Department. Looking for a comfortable 3, 4, or 5 bedroom townhome or duplex in
Each apartment home features amenities such as washer/dryer hookup options, large pantry storage, cozy interiors, and more. Once you become a resident of our Rantoul apartments, you will have access to our fitness center, courtyard, and dog park. Our apartments are conveniently located off of Veterans Parkway, near the Rantoul Airport. Come see your new home today!
Falcon Way Townhomes offers 1, 2, and 3-bedroom rental homes with stylish vinyl plank flooring, spacious floor plans, new kitchen appliances, washer/dryer hookups, and a private patio/balcony. Outside, residents enjoy spending their free time at our on-site playgrounds, dog park, courtyard, and individual garden plots. Residents value our on-site laundry facility and convenient off-street
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