$274,251Average Value$155Average 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
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Shawn Hornsby,
an experienced agent in this area.
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 33 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 $228,750, down 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to timeless charm reimagined at 436 Oneida Street in Seneca, Missouri--a beautifully restored 1900 historic home offering the perfect blend of character, modern updates, and peaceful creekside living. Spanning approximately 2,190 square feet, this fully remodeled 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home was completely renovated in 2023 with attention to every detail. From the moment you walk in, you'll
Welcome to Lot 773 in the gated oasis of Woodsmoke Ranch in Seneca, IL - a truly one-of-a-kind setting perched high above a tranquil ravine. Hear the gentle rush of water below as you unwind on an expansive 50-foot deck, complete with a built-in bar, wraparound seating, and fire pit-ideal for entertaining or peaceful evenings under the stars. Added in 2021, the new shed offers convenient storage.
Ideally located within walking distance to downtown Seneca dining, shopping, banking, the public library, and all three Seneca schools, this well-maintained 2-bedroom, 2-bath home offers comfort, convenience, and flexibility. The main level features a cozy layout with an open living area that creates an inviting space for everyday living and entertaining. The full, partially finished basement
Lot 376 is an absolutely stunning corner lot in Woodsmoke Ranch offering a rare combination of convenience, functionality, and upgraded living! This beautifully landscaped property features a highly desirable horseshoe pull-through driveway, making it effortless to navigate with any size trailer, plus two built-in steel plates for secure and stable trailer jack placement. The lot is enhanced with
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Come look at this beautiful 5 bed, 3.5 bath Pool home in desirable Seneca. New furnace (12/2025), gas log fireplace, extra insulation(2017) and garage heat keep you and your vehicles warm. Hardie Board siding (2017) and multi level Timber Tech composite deck (2022) make for low maintenance. 4.5 car heated garage can easily store your 35' boat. Home is 1 mile from Illinois River and several
Location does not get any better than this. Situated in the center of town you can watch high school track meets from your back door. A short walk to every school, the library, and convenience stores you will love this property! When you step in the front door you will be greeted with hardwood floors and your kitchen with a table area. Just off the kitchen there is a formal dining room and living
Completely renovated and move-in ready, this beautifully updated 1989 Raven Park Model on Lot 1481 offers a rare opportunity to own a turn-key retreat in Woodsmoke Ranch. Over the past several years, this home has been thoughtfully redone from top to bottom, showcasing quality craftsmanship and attention to detail throughout. The stunning kitchen features full-size stainless steel appliances, a
Where history meets home. Originally built as a church, this thoughtfully reimagined property has been transformed into a bright, unique four-bedroom residence full of character and charm. The striking architecture-with its dramatic rooflines and original form-offers a one-of-a-kind backdrop for modern living. Inside, the layout has been adapted to accommodate four bedrooms and comfortable living
START BUILDING YOUR DREAM TODAY IN THIS LOVELY CUSTOM HOME SUBDIVISION! SERENE WOODED LOT! SENECA SCHOOLS - CLOSE TO ILLINOIS RIVER AND SENECA YACHT CLUB! PEACE AND PRIVACY AND A PLACE TO BUILD MEMORIES THAT WILL LAST A LIFETIME!
Melissa GarciaLegacy Properties, A Sarah Leonard Company, LLC
Situated on a spacious and well-positioned lot in Woodsmoke Ranch, Lot 992 offers a great opportunity to enjoy campground living with a 1991 Quail Ridge Park Model that is fully furnished and ready for immediate use. This unit features a comfortable primary bedroom with closet, a loft providing additional sleeping space, a roomy living room, and an eat-in kitchen highlighted by a charming bay
Build your perfect getaway at Woodsmoke Ranch with this ready-to-enjoy vacant lot offering a true "plug and play" setup! Lot 683 is perfectly suited for your travel trailer, 5th wheel, RV, or destination trailer, making it easy to start enjoying the campground lifestyle right away. The property features a spacious deck ideal for entertaining or relaxing outdoors, complete with a gazebo for added
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.
