South Jacksonville’s residential streets are close to city amenities
South Jacksonville is a small village with well-kept homes and multiple sources of recreation, about 2 miles from the City of Jacksonville's downtown area. Most of the community's subdivisions are north of Vandalia Road, and farmland makes up almost everything to the south. “It’s a beautiful area, and the properties are more sought-after,” says Sue Ann Mullen, a real estate agent with Re/Max Results Plus, who has over 20 years of experience. “The taxes are a little bit cheaper than what we have in Jacksonville.” The village’s proximity to the city is convenient for sharing retail and recreational amenities.
The neighborhood has a mix of ranch, Victorian and traditional homes
Most homes in South Jacksonville are lined along residential streets, surrounded by mature trees and accompanied by grassy lawns and driveways. “There are some big, beautiful homes on Main Street, and there are a couple of really nice subdivisions,” Mullen says. Minimal traditional single-story homes with simple exteriors are common. These properties were built in the 1950s and cost around $60,000 to $120,000. Ranch-style homes and split-levels from the 1950s to 1990s are also available, and prices range between $110,000 and $300,000. Two-story Victorian homes from the 1910s to 1930s have similar prices. These properties often come with pointed roofs and a front porch.
The parks offer playgrounds, sports fields and a historic Ferris wheel
Godfrey Park is one of many green spaces in or near South Jacksonville. It has two playgrounds with a rock-climbing wall and a seasonal splash pad. Jacksonville Community Park is just north of Michigan Avenue and has multiple soccer fields and a skate park. The Big Eli Wheel No. 17 is an attraction within the park. Built in the early 1900s, the red, white and blue-themed Ferris wheel still spins today.
To the east, Nichols Park has a playground, baseball field and swimming pool. The Links is an 18-hole golf course in the park that’s open to the public. There’s also a recreational lake. “Lake Mauvaisterre was developed for cooling purposes, and it goes out to the park. You can fish in it, and they have kayak rentals, but that’s about it,” Mullen says. The Jacksonville Country Club is located on the other side of Lake Mauvaisterre and offers a private golf course, outdoor pool and tennis courts to its members. About 4 miles south is Lake Jacksonville, which allows boating, fishing and water sports. Outdoor enthusiasts can stay overnight at the seasonal campground and explore hiking trails in the area.
Jacksonville public schools offer trades and tech courses for teens
Children living in the area can enroll in schools in the Jacksonville School District. South Elementary School earns a B-minus grade from Niche. “It’s a very sought-after grade school for the children,” Mullen says. Jacksonville Middle and Jacksonville High School both have a C-plus. Students at the high school can take agriculture, metalworking and automotive technology courses within the trades and technology department. When it comes to higher education, Illinois College is a private institution located about 3 miles north.
There is limited retail on Route 67, but more options are nearby
Since South Jacksonville is primarily rural and residential, commerce is limited. A small selection of retail is found along U.S. Route 67 heading towards the interstate, including gas stations and an antique shop. Olive Branch Cafe is a casual restaurant known for its breakfast menu, and there are four hotel chains.
Morton Avenue’s commercial corridor provides more options, directly north of the village. Lincoln Square is a shopping center with national retailers like JCPenney and Famous Footwear. El Patron is an authentic Mexican restaurant. Farther west, past the Lincoln Avenue intersection, there are more stores, including Home Depot and Farm & Home Supply. There are also chain restaurants like McAlister’s Deli and fast-food eateries like McDonald’s and Little Caesars. Hy-Vee is the area’s grocery store. Downtown Jacksonville is about 2 miles north with additional shops and restaurants.
Museums and events celebrate South Jacksonville’s heritage
Illinois is known as the Prairie State, a geographical fact that South Jacksonville celebrates with pride. The Prairie Land Heritage Museum pays homage to the area’s agricultural roots through exhibits and regular auctions. In September, the museum hosts the Prairie Land Steam Show & Fall Festival, which features antique tractors, farming equipment, a flea market and food vendors.
Residents of the area also have access to events in Jacksonville. This includes everything from farmers markets and car shows to annual events like Oktoberfest and the Morgan County Fair.
Driving through South Jacksonville and beyond
In South Jacksonville, driving is the preferred method of getting around. U.S. Route 67 is the area’s main thoroughfare, traveling north and south. It connects to Interstate 72 directly south of the area. Commuters can use I-72 to reach Springfield, about 39 miles east. The Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport is about 38 miles away and offers direct flights to major U.S. cities.
