Spaulding offers quiet residential living and shared Riverton services
Spaulding is a bedroom community just east of Springfield , a bustling state capital. The village encompasses less than 1 square mile and blends almost seamlessly into the neighboring community of Riverton . "Spaulding and Riverton are basically the exact same town because they share a lot of amenities, like the school district," says Dominic Campo, managing broker at Campo Realty Inc., who's familiar with the area. "A lot of people who live in Spaulding say they live in Riverton, and vice versa, since it all feels interchangeable." The area distinguishes itself only by its slightly more spacious residential lots, but beyond that, the two villages are content to work as one. Residents still enjoy quick access to commercial centers, Springfield jobs and primary highways. The village's CAP Index Crime Score is 2 out of 10, below the national average of 4.
Less dense neighborhoods priced far below Springfield’s suburbs
Spaulding and Riverton are both primarily residential suburban areas, but Spaulding's neighborhoods are less densely packed by comparison. Shade trees speckle sprawling lawns, and basketball hoops overlook driveways. Sidewalks are uncommon. The village mainly has ranch-style and New Traditional homes, but some houses have colonial, Victorian and bungalow designs. The village's median price is $160,000, notably below Springfield's median price of $360,000. Spaulding's figure is also much lower than Springfield's less expensive eastern suburbs, which Campo says makes the village a desirable option on the east side.
Students attend school district in neighboring Riverton
"If a family wants to stay on the east side but get outside the Springfield school district, Spaulding or Riverton are usually the first choice since they share a sought-after school district," Campo says. Students attend Riverton Community Unit School District No. 14, which has a B-minus rating from Niche. High schoolers in their junior and senior years can take specialized courses through the Capital Area Career Center or Lincoln Land Community College.
Nearby parks offer military memorials, sports fields and river access
Spaulding Veterans Memorial Park is the village's only park. Visitors can sit at the shaded picnic pavilion beside the well-kept memorial space or walk around the surrounding grassy areas. In neighboring Riverton, Center Park and Riverton Field of Dreams offer several facilities for baseball, soccer, football, pickleball and more. Riverton also has Veterans Memorial Park, which features a stocked fishing lake. Wheeland Park off Third Street has public access to the Sangamon River and an RV campground.
The Sangamon River and a few creeks pass by the village. According to First Street, despite its proximity, Spaulding faces a minor flood risk.
Limited retail options means exploring surrounding communities
The village has very few businesses. Docker's Tavern is a longstanding spot for cold beers, shuffleboard and pool. Hilltop Nursery meets many gardening and landscaping needs. All other nearby retail options are in Riverton. Kent's IGA Supermarket is the closest grocery store, and the area has a few fast-food chains, casual dining establishments and bars. Even more shopping and dining options are a quick drive away in Springfield.
Route 54 connects commuters to state capital businesses
Since Spaulding offers few employment opportunities, Campo says nearly every resident commutes. Main Street leads into neighboring Riverton, but state Route 54 is the community's direct line into downtown Springfield, about 9 miles away. Downtown has a wide variety of businesses and offices, as well as two hospitals. Residents are also less than 9 miles from Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport. An active Canadian National railway passes through the village, but Campo says industrial trains only roll through a few times a day, rarely bothering residents.
