$274,847Average Value$181Average Price per Sq Ft6Homes 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
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Seneca, IL sell after 34 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Seneca, IL over the last 12 months is $230,000, up 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome home to this move-in ready 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath property perfectly situated on Cherry Street in the beloved Friday Night Lights town of Seneca. This well-maintained home offers peace of mind with major updates completed in 2025, including a brand-new HVAC system, new hot water heater, and a newly built back deck—perfect for relaxing or entertaining. Parking is a breeze with a spacious
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
Welcome to Lot 1093 within the popular Woodsmoke Ranch community! This flat vacant lot is ideally located at the end of a cul-de-sac, offering privacy and a peaceful setting. The lot backs up to open farmland, meaning you'll have no backyard neighbors and beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. A shed is already on site, providing convenient storage for your outdoor and camping gear. This
Well-maintained ranch home featuring covered front porch with space for rocking chairs. Located on a corner lot and built in 2008, this inviting home features an open-concept floor plan offering 3 bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms, and a heated 2-car attached garage. The spacious living room showcases vaulted ceilings, abundant natural light, and durable flooring, creating a bright and welcoming
A great oppurtunity in Seneca, MO ! This property includes 3 parcels for a total of 15.35 acres (+)(-) located in the City Limits (City Water & Sewer) on Little Lost Creek and is zoned Rural Residential/Agricultural. Features a Ranch Style Home, Large 60' X 30' Barn w/hay loft, Shop building 50' X 30' with a concrete floor/foundation with 220V power and a 50' X 20'' lean to. Pasture/Hay Fields
Looking for the perfect spot for for your travel trailer or park model while enjoying tons of amenities? Looking for a place to enjoy camper-living? Then check out lot 578 within Woodsmoke Ranch! Featuring a level grassy lot that backs to a ravine. Not too far from the amenities. This is a category 2 lot with yearly dues of 1832.43 which includes water, electric and garbage. Woodsmoke Ranch
Welcome to Lot 322 within the highly desirable Woodsmoke Ranch community! This property features a 1998 Canterbury Park Model offering 1 bedroom plus a loft for additional sleeping space. The bedroom includes a closet and built-ins for convenient storage. The spacious living room provides plenty of room to relax and includes a pull-out sleeper couch for guests. Enjoy the popular front-end kitchen
503 Peoria St. is a 3 bedroom, 1.5 bathroom home with remodeled bathrooms, new downstairs flooring, and several other updates already completed. Two separate living areas make it feel larger than expected and offer flexibility for a second family room, office, or hobby space. It's move-in ready as it sits, with room for additional improvements over time. A comfortable home with space and
Located within the gated community of Woodsmoke Ranch in Seneca, IL, Lot 605 features a beautifully remodeled 1992 Chariot Eagle Park Model that's truly move-in ready! Inside, you'll find fresh drywall with full insulation, new hardwood floors throughout, and a cozy electric fireplace in the living room. The updated kitchen shines with new cabinets, tile backsplash, granite countertops, and a
Charming home on a corner lot in Seneca School District. It has been remodeled with beautiful floors and a beautiful kitchen and bathroom. The master closet is huge and offers so much storage. There is alley access with a 2 car garage and a patio to enjoy. There is also a shed that has shelving for storage and a work bench. Come check out this home. It will not last long.
Located near Western Town in Woodsmoke Ranch, Lot 1417 features a beautifully remodeled 1998 Hampton Park Model on a spacious Category 5 lot. This one-bedroom unit offers a bright and open layout with high ceilings throughout, a generous living room, a large kitchen with ample cabinetry, and a full bathroom. Enjoy the outdoors with a brand new ramp in both the front and back, a large front deck,
Located in peaceful Seneca, this exceptional modern Victorian-style home dazzles from top to bottom. Built in 2014 using only the finest materials, this spacious two-story residence features 5 bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms, offering both elegance and functionality for its new owners. The main level boasts a large family room plus a den/game room, a comfortable bedroom, a full bath with a classic
Beautifully located - one of a kind property. Commonly known address is 3 Canal Road - One of 3 properties on one acre+ lots, surrounded by forest and ponds at the beginning of the walking/bicycle/snowmobile path on the historic I & M Canal between Seneca and Morris. One Story Modular Home located at entrance to the I & M Canal. 3 Large Bedrooms, 2 Full Baths, Large Kitchen -Separate Dining Room
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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.
