$278,532Average Value$154Average Price per Sq Ft5Homes 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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Reach out to
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Seneca, IL sell after 46 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Seneca, IL over the last 12 months is $227,500, down 8% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Lot 1052 at Woodsmoke Ranch is one you won't want to miss! Situated on this beautiful Category 2 lot backing to peaceful farm fields, this well-maintained 2009 Dutch Park Homes Park Model offers the perfect blend of comfort and outdoor living. Inside you'll find a spacious one-bedroom layout featuring abundant closet space, a huge double loft for additional sleeping or storage, and a large full
Looking for a packaged deal? Lots 1445 and 1446 at Woodsmoke Ranch are being offered together for $45,000-it's like getting a buy one, get one! Tucked away at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac, these side-by-side lots back to a beautiful wooded area, providing privacy, peaceful views, and plenty of space to enjoy the outdoors. Conveniently located near Pool 1 and Western Town, you'll have easy access
Lot 1001 at Woodsmoke Ranch is the perfect getaway, offering an incredible corner location with scenic ravine views and exceptional outdoor living space. This 1995 Summit by Cobra park model features 2 bedrooms plus a loft, providing plenty of room for everyone to relax and enjoy. The spacious kitchen offers a designated dining area and opens to a comfortable living room with newer wood-look
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
Welcome to Lot 1415 at Woodsmoke Ranch - a spacious, flat lot perfectly situated near Pool 1 and Western Town! This lot is ready for your travel trailer, RV, or Park Model of choice and offers the perfect setup for enjoying the camping lifestyle within this sought-after gated community. A storage shed provides additional space for your outdoor essentials, and the existing deck offers a great spot
Welcome to Lot 522 at Woodsmoke Ranch in Seneca, IL! Tucked away on a desirable cul-de-sac lot with a wooded backyard setting, this 1985 Kropf Park Model offers the perfect seasonal retreat. Inside, you'll find a spacious one-bedroom layout featuring a large closet for ample storage and a full bathroom with convenient access from both the hallway and the primary bedroom. The kitchen is designed
Welcome to Lot 198 in the highly sought-after Woodsmoke Ranch, where comfort, convenience, and thoughtful updates come together in this beautifully maintained 1991 Kropf Lynbrooke Limited Park Model. Recently remodeled in 2024, this property showcases a fresh, modern feel with new flooring, updated light fixtures, a new ceiling, fresh paint throughout, and a brand new mini-split system providing
Welcome to Lot 1376 in the desirable campground community of Woodsmoke Ranch in Seneca, IL. This 1994 Chariot Eagle park model offers a peaceful retreat with a spacious front-end kitchen, cozy living room, full bathroom, and a bedroom featuring built-in storage. The property is being sold fully furnished, making it move-in ready for your weekend getaways or extended stays. Enjoy the convenience
Welcome to Lot 1096 in the gated community of Woodsmoke Ranch, offering a great opportunity to enjoy seasonal living with this well-maintained 1999 Eagle Chariot Park Model. This unit features a functional layout with two bedrooms, a loft for additional sleeping or storage space, a comfortable living room, full kitchen, and bathroom. Recent updates include new flooring in the living room and
Welcome to Lot 1400 at Woodsmoke Ranch-featuring a charming and unique 2009 Breckenridge Park Model with a cozy cabin-style interior that sets it apart! This inviting property is ideally set back on the lot, offering a spacious front yard and a paved driveway for easy access and plenty of outdoor enjoyment. Inside, you'll find a comfortable main bedroom with a queen-size bed and ample built-in
Located in the sought-after RV campground community of Woodsmoke Ranch, this inviting retreat on Lot 1456 offers comfort, functionality, and abundant outdoor space. The 1987 Kropf Malibu Park Model features a bright, vaulted-ceiling living room filled with natural light from numerous windows and sliding glass doors that open to the front deck. The well-equipped kitchen offers ample cabinetry and
Rental Price per Month: $1,200.00Home is currently being vacated and will be available 1st of May.# of bedroom: 3# of bathroom: 2Parking: streetIncome Requirements: Household monthly income must be thrice the monthly payments**All applicants will undergo the screening process, including background check.***Pets are allowed with a non refundable fee
$1,050 per month
Charming 2-Bed, 2-Bath Mobile Home Retreat in Seneca!
Step into comfort with this gorgeous, newly constructed 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom mobile home! Whether you are a small family, roommates, or a couple looking for a guest room, this layout provides the perfect balance of space and affordability.Rental Price per Month: $1,150.00# of bedroom: 2# of bathroom: 2Parking: streetIncome Requirements: Household monthly
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and 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.
