$279,084Average Value$182Average Price per Sq Ft2Homes For Sale
Less than 3,000 people live in Seneca, an Illinois River village
The Village of Seneca is on the Illinois River, a 273-mile-long historic waterway linking Lake Michigan to the Mississippi. Part of LaSalle and Grundy counties, the village is about 15 miles east of Ottawa and 73 miles southwest of Chicago. The surrounding area is rural, and much of the economy is based on agriculture. About 2,500 people live in Seneca, according to U.S. Census estimates.
Residents enjoy peaceful streets and open spaces in Seneca’s rural Illinois setting.
Seneca’s riverbank is a peaceful spot for outdoor recreation and wildlife watching.
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The Prairie Shipyard helped outfit the U.S. Navy during WWII
The village took the name Seneca in 1957, after being called the Village of Crotty since its incorporation in 1865. The area had developed around the railroad industry and commerce on the Illinois and Michigan Canal. During World War II, Seneca became known for its manufacturing contributions to the U.S. Navy. The Prairie Shipyard produced over 150 landing ship tanks, which are vessels built for transporting tanks, cargo and troops. Seneca's population temporarily ballooned with an influx of 27,000 shipyard workers.
The Illinois River in Seneca supports local farming and transportation industries.
The historic Prairie Shipyard building is a reminder of Seneca’s World War II legacy.
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Farmhouses, ranch-style and contemporary homes
Seneca’s oldest homes include late 1800s and early 1900s farmhouses and Craftsman bungalows. Ranch-style, split-level and contemporary homes were added over the years. Single-family homes range from about $130,000 to $390,000. Some on the high end are within Mariner’s Village, which offers custom homes in a resort-style community with a marina, pool and clubhouse. Mariner’s Village also has condominiums, though an up-to-date price range is unavailable. On the south side of the river, Country Acres Estates has mobile or manufactured homes, which are also limited in number and without current pricing data.
Seneca’s residential streets feature classic farmhouse and bungalow homes.
Families in Seneca appreciate the single-level living and friendly community atmosphere.
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Low risk in terms of crime, but high risks for flooding
The CAP Index Crime Score is 2 out of 10, compared to the national average of 4. Areas closest to the river, the Illinois and Michigan Canal and Rat Run are susceptible to flooding. In 2021, flash flooding caused by heavy rain partially collapsed a bridge on River Road and made roads south of the river impassable.
Community parks, events, marina amenities and a site for off-roading
Crotty Park has a playground, a walking path and baseball fields, and hosts events like crafting, a foam party, a back-to-school night, the Cocktails at Crotty summer music series and a fall festival. Members of the Hiddencove Marina of the Seneca Yacht Club can make use of slip rentals, a launch ramp and a fitness facility. Several miles to the west on U.S. Route 6, the Cliffs Insane Terrain Off Road Park provides trails for dirt bikes, ATVs and UTVs.
Crotty Park's meandering walking path is a leisurely favorite of Seneca residents.
Boaters in Seneca appreciate the easy river access and peaceful setting at Hiddencove Marina.
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Seneca has the essentials, plus venues for food and fun
Some village businesses, like Seneca Food Mart and Seneca Ace Hardware, are on Main Street. It's a fairly sprawling commercial strip, though it has sidewalks. Seneca Family Restaurant offers homestyle cooking for breakfast, brunch and lunch. On the south side of the river, Boondock’s Food & Spirits Restaurant & Tiki Bar is a popular waterside venue for food and musical entertainment.
Seneca Family Restaurant on Main Street is known for homestyle cooking and friendly service.
Residents enjoy homemade treats and friendly service at Seneca’s local bakeries.
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A two-campus grade school and a high school with lots of activities
Seneca Grade School has the North Campus for pre-kindergarten through fourth grade and the South Campus for fifth through eighth grades. Both campuses are on Oak Street, with the lower-level campus earning a B-plus grade from Niche, and its counterpart receiving a B. Seneca Township High School, with a B-plus, has more than a dozen athletic programs. Extracurricular groups include Bass Fishing Club, Spanish Club and Auto Club.
Seneca High School scores a B+ on Niche for above average test scores.
Seneca Grade School's South Campus host the middle school students.
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Convenient highway access, buses and a state trail used by cyclists
Major roads include U.S. 6 and state Route 170, which run through Seneca. To the north, there’s access to Interstate 80. North Central Area Transit (NCAT) offers door-to-door bus service to Streator, La Salle and Peru on select days of the week for $10 fares. The Illinois and Michigan Canal State Trail, frequently used by cyclists, stretches over 60 miles.
The Seneca Station, a depot of the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad, was rehabilitated and reopened in 2016 as the Seneca Area Heritage Museum. Passenger train service is no longer available, but freight trains still pass through. Seneca Healthcare Center of Morris Hospital is in the northern part of the village.
Written By
Robin Silberman
Photography Contributed By
Matt Pangman
Video By
Taylor Gilbert
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GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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On average, homes in Seneca, IL sell after 32 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Seneca, IL over the last 12 months is $230,000, up 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Brookfield Estates is a single family development in Seneca, IL. The development is found on the south side of the Illinois River. Many boating and recreational opportunity along with the highly regarded Seneca school district. Lots 19-40 have frontage on Wehrli Dr. and Fessler Ct. with approximately 22 total acres when you combine all 22 lots. Several of these lots are wooded as you can see from
Brookfield Estates is a single family development in Seneca, IL. The development is found on the south side of the Illinois River. Many boating and recreational opportunity along with the highly regarded Seneca school district. Lots 4-18 have frontage on Meadow Court with approximately 15 total acres when you combine all 15 lots. The lots are wooded as you can see from the aerial photographs.
Experience endless possibilities with this stunning 3,050 sq. ft. engineered log home situated on +/- 38 acres just north of Seneca, IL and minutes from I-80. Built in 2010, this property was a labor of love for the current original owners and no expense was spared making their dream become a reality for you to enjoy! With roughly 27 acres of the +/-38 acre parcel currently being utilized as
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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.
