Springfield

Tucked in the corner of the Bunn Golf Course, the gridded streets of Bunn Park are home to some of the city's most affordable properties. Many of the houses which were built around the turn of the twentieth century require renovations and updates. The neighborhood appeals to homebuyers seeking a quieter area than Harvard Park, located next door and a bit closer to the city. Yet, residents don't sacrifice proximity to Springfield as Bunn Park has direct commutes into the heart of the city. "Bunn Park is convenient to get to downtown and the city's hospitals, and the prices are more affordable than what you see on the west side," says Realtor Xuna Hu, with The Real Estate Group, who has over five years of experience in Springfield. Due to the neighborhood's older homes and high renter population, there's a more lived-in feel and a more transient population, which contributes to lower prices. However, Bunn Park has the support of several community organizations advocating for more city support to improve infrastructure and provide services. In addition, the local schools are working to meet the community's needs. Most homes in Bunn Park were built from the 1880s to the 1940s, showcasing vintage styles throughout the decades. Bungalows with front porches sit next to midcentury Cape Cods and simple Victorians. Prices here are some of the lowest in the city, starting around $40,000 and getting up to $80,000 for newer renovations. Fixer-upper houses can get down to $30,000 and under. Most properties are around 1,000 square feet and have a detached garage. "Homes in Bunn Park often appeal to the first-time homebuyer," Hu says. "There are also homes purchased there as rental investments." The neighborhood has a semi-urban feel with streetlamps and paved sidewalks in some places, while others don't even have curbs, just turning from asphalt into front yards. Despite the city feel, there are no major roads running through the neighborhood, giving it a quieter atmosphere than places closer to downtown. Bunn Park has an active neighborhood association that collaborates with the Independent Coalition for Our Neighborhoods (ICON). ICON is a group of neighborhood leaders that combine forces to address residential concerns. "We focus mostly on advocating for issues that affect older neighborhoods, like Bunn Park, Harvard Park and Enos Park," says Mark Mahoney, the president of ICON's Board. "We want to build infrastructure — from road and sidewalk maintenance to a more comprehensive system for garbage pickup. We believe that every neighborhood should be safe, clean and livable." In particular, the issue surrounding more comprehensive trash service is an ongoing effort for Springfield's older areas. The green space to the southeast of Bunn Park has a history almost as old as the neighborhood. In the early 1900s, it functioned as a privately owned amusement park with rides and a swimming lagoon. Today, the swimming lagoon is a central lake for the Bunn Golf Course, an 18-hole course that is open to the public. The city does not officially sanction it, but residents sometimes walk over to go sledding there when the course is covered in snow. There isn't a traditional park within walking distance, but there are a few options within a short drive. Hobbes Park has baseball and softball diamonds about 1 mile south, and Iles Park's pickleball courts and skate park are about 1 mile northwest, across the train tracks. Kids are zoned to start at Harvard Park Elementary School, which gets a C-minus grade from Niche. The school offers a grocery pickup on Fridays to ensure no child goes hungry on the weekends. Older students are zoned for Jefferson Middle School, rated C, and Southeast High School, rated B-minus. Both schools offer free breakfasts and lunches to kids of all ages during summer. Southeast High School is home to the Health & Science Academy, a district-wide magnet school specializing in medical science. The academy partners with the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine and the Memorial Hospital to create an advanced education for kids interested in pursuing a healthcare career. Bunn Park is about 3 miles from downtown Springfield and the medical district. The trip hardly takes more than 15 minutes, even during rush hour. There is no direct bus route to either location, but bus rides with one transfer take about 30 minutes. A bike ride takes about 20 minutes, but most of the main roads in Springfield do not have designated bike lanes. For longer trips, Interstate 55 is 3 miles away, stretching between Chicago and St. Louis. In the north of the neighborhood, there are a few small convenience stores, like Jamal's Groceries, which has hot food and essentials. Dollar General in the northwest corner is another go-to stop for quick errand runs. For a bigger selection, Humphrey's Market is less than a mile from most homes. Neighbors can also walk over to the locally owned Felber's Tavern for lively bar bingo and drinks among familiar faces. This local dive has poker machines, horseshoe pits and a down-to-earth attitude.

The C. Lee Carey Neighborhood Association was named to honor Springfield's first Black superintendent of recreation. Today, kids can enjoy Carey's legacy by attending city recreation programs at the nearby Eisenhower Park. However, the main draw for the neighborhood is affordable home prices and a chance to join an engaged community. Many of the homes are rentals, and a sense of community is found in local churches and organizations. The neighborhood also has direct access to some of the west side's most popular restaurants and sits only 2 miles from downtown Springfield. One of the biggest sources of community in the C. Lee Carey community is local churches. Zion Baptist Church is almost 200 years old, making it the oldest historically Black church in the city. Today, it serves the community through Vacation Bible School, a summer camp for local kids. St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal is nearly the same age and hosts events like prayer breakfasts. And Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church is the first stop for the NAACP unity march on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. There's also an established neighborhood association that serves the area. "The association does a neighborhood cookout every year," says Mark Mahoney, president of the Independent Coalition for Our Neighborhoods (ICON), a group dedicated to encouraging neighborhood pride, especially on the city's east side. "We advocate for things like better garbage service, more landlord registrations and increased large item pick-up," Mahoney explains. Just a mile down South Grand Avenue, another local resource is the All in One Laundry Service & Center, which offers free laundry services to low-income families. Homes in C. Lee Carey, at an average price of $60,000, are some of the most affordable in Springfield, where the city average is $250,000. "There's a starter home price point in that area," says Sarah Quattrin Coombe, a Realtor with Keller Williams Capital who grew up in Springfield. "There's also been an influx of investors who buy rental properties but live outside the city." Even though most residents rent, there are still a few opportunities to own. Homes were built from the 1890s through the 1950s, mainly in low-slung bungalow and ranch styles. Many need updates and repairs, with fixer-upper homes starting at $25,000. Newer renovations are priced up to $90,000. Homes often have front porches and chain link fences, and most streets still have sidewalks. Depending on home location, neighborhood kids are zoned for three different elementary schools: Sandburg Elementary, rated B-plus by Niche; Southern View Elementary, rated C-plus; or Harvard Park Elementary, rated C-minus. Then it's on to Franklin Middle, rated B and Southeast High, rated B-plus. Located about a mile from most homes, Southeast High provides breakfast and lunch to kids of all ages in the summer. Right within the neighborhood, the private St. Patrick's Catholic Church for kindergarten through fifth grade is known for its small class sizes and affordability options. "We never turn anyone away for financial reasons," says Kristin Cavanagh, the school's advancement director. "We provide an opportunity for people who thought a school like us was a good fit but thought they couldn't afford it." Every year, the Illinois Times releases a "Best of Springfield" list of top restaurants according to reader votes. Several spots within walking distance of C. Lee Carey regularly make the cut. In 2023, Carter's Fish Market picked up an award for the best fried fish — and has been an undefeated champion since the category was introduced. Carter's is primarily a takeout place, and it's not uncommon to see a line as people wait for their fish, hand-battered in an old family recipe. Also in 2023, The Old Luxemburg Inn was recognized for its steak, which is served up in a wood-paneled restaurant reminiscent of an old supper club. PT's Barbecue is another popular grab-and-go place, drawing customers in with the smell of smokers in the parking lot. And Boyd's New Generation is an unfussy diner specializing in soul food and breakfasts. For grocery runs, the Humphrey's Market off of East Laurel Street is conveniently located a few blocks from most homes. However, for more retail and big-brand shopping, locals head over to the west side of Springfield. There are no parks within the neighborhood, with the closest green space being Eisenhower Park, about 1 mile away. The park has a playground and several baseball fields. The Springfield Southwest Baseball Association hosts its high school league at Eisenhower because of the proximity to Southwest High School. Just across the road, the Eisenhower Aquatic Center is a public indoor pool that is the only city pool open year-round. Those who want access to the pool must purchase a membership pass, which includes swimming and diving classes. Downtown Springfield is just over 2 miles away, accessible via a public bus line. The bus takes about 15 minutes to get downtown. For those who work in the city's medical district, a bus ride to work means transferring lines, so it's a less convenient trip. The neighborhood is also home to several railroad crossings, which can hold up traffic when the train goes by. The train brings some noise to the area, as it is required to sound its horn when passing cross streets.

With orderly streets and scenic ponds, Cobblestone Estates feels like a modern suburb but sits only 6 miles west of Springfield city center. A homeowners association keeps everything looking its best, and well-maintained sidewalks are often filled with kids on their way to the local elementary school. "Cobblestone Estates is a safe, friendly place where people look out for each other," says Ralph Hanauer, the local Alderman for Ward 10. Hanauer lived in the neighborhood for 18 years, and one of his favorite aspects was the location. "You have so many shops out here, plenty of restaurants and bars, nearby parks — so you don't have to drive across town for anything." Development on Cobblestone Estates began in 1993, and a few lots are still being added today. These newer properties feature New Traditional architecture and amenities like in-ground pools and gas fireplaces. The neighborhood's north side is all single-family homes with quarter-acre lots and prices from $300,000 to $450,000. The south side is made up of ranch-style duplexes with smaller yards, which cost anywhere from $200,000 to $300,000. "There's a relatively low cost of living in Springfield," Hanauer says. "The houses in Cobblestone Estates would be twice or three times as expensive in a larger city." Residents are part of the Cobblestone Estates Homeowners Association, which charges around $10 for monthly dues. The association ensures a standard of neighborhood appearance and cares for all common areas, most notably the four ponds. They also plan an annual block party and a holiday lights competition for the best-decorated house. There are numerous restaurant options within a few blocks of Cobblestone Estates. The colorfully lit Mimosa has Asian-fusion cuisine, and Papa Frank's serves homey Italian food. Nearby sports bars include Finley's Tap House and Corner Pub & Grill. Just south of the neighborhood, there's an AMC Theater for a movie after dinner. For shopping options, the massive retail corridor along State Route 4 is just a mile east. Strip malls contain big-name brands like Ulta Beauty, Barnes & Noble and Best Buy. Harvest Market is a unique grocery spot because it also has a sit-down café and regular live music nights. About 2 miles down Route 4, there's a shopping center with Walmart, Target and Aldi. "Ward 10 is where most new development is happening, and there's always a new shop or restaurant coming in," Hanauer says. White Oaks Mall is located in this area, too, though some of its stores have been closing down in recent years. Neighborhood kids are zoned for Lindsay Elementary School, which gets a B-minus grade from Niche. Lindsay Elementary is less than a mile from many homes, and kids who walk to school can avoid crossing any major roads to get there. According to Jennifer Hanson-Russell, the principal of Lindsay Elementary, the school has a 92% attendance and 97% teacher retention rate. The Lindsay staff also works hard to encourage an active parent community with family paint nights and parent nights. Older kids are zoned for Franklin Middle, rated B, and Springfield High School, rated A. Springfield High has a robust academic selection with AP and dual-enrollment courses. In the summer of 2024, the school embarked on a $100 million renovation project, which included a new gymnasium and a redesigned library. Also less than a mile from most homes, The Goddard School of Springfield is a private daycare for infants and toddlers. In warm Illinois summers, the ponds within the neighborhood are popular spots to teach kids how to fish. Use of the ponds is restricted to residents only. Rotary Park is only a couple blocks away and is often used for children's baseball, with three diamonds and public restrooms. The park also has tennis courts and a small playground. The Gus and Flora Kerasotes YMCA is also a few blocks from most homes, offering swim lessons, sports teams and summer camps. But for the largest outdoor recreation hub in the immediate area, Centennial Park, 2 miles away, is the go-to. Centennial Park has sports courts, a skate park and a dog park. It also connects to the Sangamon Valley Trail, a paved 11.5-mile path for biking and long walks. For commuting workers, getting into the heart of Springfield is a 6-mile drive, and getting to the medical district is a 7-mile drive. There are no bus stops within the neighborhood, and most residents use cars. Route 4, just a mile away, connects up to 8 miles to the Abraham Lincoln Airport. Interstate 75, just south of the neighborhood, is the first stretch of road before heading north or south to Chicago or St. Louis.

Four miles west of downtown Springfield, the Country Club neighborhood is conveniently positioned between the sprawling Washington Park and the commercial corridors around White Oaks Mall. "It's a quiet neighborhood of well-kept single-family homes," says Ernie Slottag, the President of the local neighborhood association and resident of over 30 years. "People talk to each other here, and there's a great diversity of age ranges." Families are drawn in by walkable schools, and older residents enjoy the accessibility of sidewalk-lined streets. As opposed to some of the more affluent surrounding neighborhoods, Country Club has a laid-back feel and prices right on par with Springfield's average. Although the name comes from the nearby Illini Country Club, the neighborhood has no direct affiliation. The Country Club Neighborhood Association is an active group that promotes neighborliness and community well-being. Most years, they plan a block party, community yard sales and a Fourth of July Parade. "Kids come from all over for Halloween, too," Slottag says. "I think last year we had over 200 kids, which is pretty impressive considering we've only got like 400 homes." The association also works with city officials, local police and designated "block captains" to address residential concerns. From maintaining sidewalks to dog barking complaints, Slottag says: "We all work together to resolve things together." Current projects include re-doing the entrance signs to the neighborhood. "One of them was just landscaped in cooperation with a neighborhood boy scout; it was his project to qualify to become an Eagle Scout," Slottag says. The Country Club neighborhood contains two subdivisions, Country Club Acres and Country Club Estates, but there's little distinction between them. Most homes here have red brick exteriors and come in classic styles from the 1960s and 1970s, including ranch and colonial revival. Prices range from $200,000 to $300,000 based on size and renovations. Lots usually span a quarter acre, filled with playsets or pools under the shade of mature trees. The majority of the streets are lined with sidewalks, an amenity locals don't hesitate to take advantage of. "We really value our sidewalks," Slottag says. "There's one lady who's around 90 who goes out to walk her dog every day, and her neighbor from four doors down goes with her to make sure she gets around safely." Neighborhood kids are zoned to start at Owen March Elementary School, which gets a B-minus rating from Niche. Then it's on to Grant Middle, rated C, and Springfield High School, rated A. Springfield High offers AP classes and Career & Technical courses in Business, Education and Family/Consumer Science. The neighborhood also borders Our Savior's Lutheran School, a faith-based institution serving preschool through eighth grade. The school has only one class per grade, and students enjoy personalized instruction, like the reading program that pairs four kids with one teacher. Niche rates the school with an A grade. The neighborhood's name comes from the nearby Illini Country Club, but the club itself isn't a huge part of neighborhood culture. "The name is more of a proximity thing than anything else," Slottag says. "I would say more people are going to Washington Park if they want to go outside." Washington Park, the biggest outdoor recreation hub in the city, has sports courts, fishing ponds and an extensive botanical garden, all open for free. The botanical gardens have a carillon — a unique bell tower instrument that is the site of regular outdoor concerts and holiday celebrations. Pasfield Golf Course is a public 9-hole course just north of Washington Park. But for those interested in having a country club within walking distance, Illini offers a challenging 18-hole golf course, a pool, dining options and events for adults and kids. Country Club sits just north of the White Oaks Mall. In recent years, many of the mall stores have closed, and some space is being converted into office buildings. However, there are still some retailers to choose from, and the commercial strips around the mall still have some of the densest retail selections in Springfield. Big brand stores in the surrounding area include Ulta Beauty, T.J. Maxx and Harvest Market, a combination restaurant, bar, and specialty grocery store that sells locally sourced food. Another mile down State Route 4, there's a Walmart and Target. Less than a mile north of the neighborhood, there are some smaller businesses, like the Mexican food at Taco Gringo West and the cozy American bistro Lime Street Café. About a 15-minute walk from the neighborhood, these two options are go-tos for dining out. Country Club borders Route 4, so it's convenient for north and south travel. Even the 200-mile drive to Chicago is almost a direct shot along this major road. The Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport is also directly accessible, just 6 miles north. Though the road can bring some noise to homes along the neighborhood's western edge, a wall of trees acts as a buffer. For inner-city commutes, downtown Springfield and the city's medical district are both about 4 miles away. Bus lines run along the neighborhood's north side, connecting to and from downtown in about 20 minutes.

Enos Park is one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city, once called "the Jewel of Springfield." But time has taken its toll on this historic area, and a few of its previously grand homes have become dilapidated or been demolished. Today, local organizations keep the Enos Park spirit alive, including an active neighborhood association and an arts center headquartered in a pink 1850s mansion. Just north of downtown and bordering the medical district, Enos Park is well-positioned to become a thriving part of Springfield. Buying a home here means investing in a neighborhood in progress — becoming a part of the push to restore Enos Park to a "Jewel" of the city. The most notable landmark in Enos Park is the Historic Edwards Place home, which is the oldest building in Springfield on its original foundation. The Italianate mansion, painted in pale pink and vibrant green, is open to the public for immersive events like Victorian teas, parlor plays and murder mystery dinners. The house is maintained and run by a local nonprofit, the Springfield Art Association (SAA). "We've been here for 111 years now," says Executive Director Betsy Dollar. "In many ways, the SAA is the anchor of the neighborhood." Next to the mansion, the SAA runs an arts center. The all-ages classes range from drawing to glass-blowing. One of the center's most popular events is the Fine Arts Fair, which takes place every September and features artists from across the country. "The art fair draws in a lot of people from Enos Park," Dollar says. The Enos Park Neighborhood Improvement Association (EPNIA) aims to preserve the neighborhood and improve residents' quality of life. "The neighborhood had a really positive trajectory up to the pandemic," says Dollar, who sits on the EPNIA board. "But since then, it's been hard to get developers to invest in the area." Though they are limited by budget, the EPNIA tries to buy up old homes themselves — selling to long-term residents if possible and demolishing homes too far gone. The association runs a volunteer Safety and Security Team that regularly patrols the neighborhood and also plans community events. A few years ago, local kids used to leave the neighborhood to trick or treat. Now, there is a thriving annual truck-or-treat event with live music and chili dogs. "The association tries to make connections within the greater Springfield community, too," Dollar says. "They worked with the fire department to get free fire alarms for residents. And there's a neighborhood clean-up day connected with SIU School of Medicine Day of Service every year." Most of Enos Park's houses date back to its heyday — the early 1900s. Once home to influential merchants and politicians, the properties each have their own historic character and unique flair. Architectural styles include Queen Anne, Italianate and Arts and Crafts designs with elaborate porches and quirky shapes. Some homes sport the gambrel rooflines of Dutch Colonial Revivals or the exposed beams of Craftsman construction. Along 5th and 6th Street, wrought-iron streetlamps and quaint pedestrian lights fit in with the neighborhood's historic character. Prices here start around $50,000 and get up to $150,000 for properties over 3,000 square feet. Owning an older home requires more maintenance, and for those looking for a restoration project, more affordable homes often need some work. But homeowners are the minority in the neighborhood. "Enos Park is a very transient area with a lot of renters," Dollar says. "Many of the kids who start out at McClernand Elementary don't stay until graduation." The namesake Enos Park is a central green space with a pavilion, playground and picnic tables. It's the site of community get-togethers and a packed National Night Out celebration every year. Another influential green space is the Enos Park Neighborhood Gardens. Residents of the neighborhood are given priority for renting beds, but most of the garden space here is communal, and its produce is given away for free at weekly pop-up farmers' markets. The gardens are nurtured by organizations all over Springfield, which donated funding to provide a designated children's garden, a preserved prairie area and wheelchair-accessible garden beds. A colorful mural was made with the help of kids from local elementary schools. Kids are zoned to start at McClernand Elementary School, which gets a C-plus rating from Niche and is walkable from many homes. As a central community hub, the school also offers free summer lunches to anyone under 18 as part of a city-wide initiative. "We always donate our best books to McClernand Elementary because they have a cart where kids can pick out a free book on their birthday," Dollar says. For kids who love to read, the Northside Children's Community Library, located on the lower level of the local Third Presbyterian Church, offers an after-school space to hang out. Computers have Wi-Fi access for kids who need to do homework, and everyone gets a healthy snack when they leave. McClernand grads leave the neighborhood for their next steps, moving on to Washington Middle School, rated C, and Lanphier High School, rated C-plus. Enos Park is located just northeast of Springfield's medical park — a suite of healthcare facilities surrounding Memorial Hospital, St. John's Hospital and the Southern Ilinois University School of Medicine. The neighborhood is popular with medical students or those employed at the hospital looking for a short commute. With both hospitals less than a mile away, it's about a 15-minute walk or an even shorter bike ride. But, being so close to two hospitals means some emergency vehicle noise. For those who work in the state capital, Downtown Springfield is just 1.5 miles away. Another convenience of Enos Park is that there are two grocery options within walking distance. County Market and a Family Dollar sit less than a mile from most homes. Around the northeast side, there are a few restaurants like Subway and Homestyle Café, which has a hole-in-the-wall diner vibe. 9th Street connects residents north and south throughout the city. Due to a system of overpasses, the train tracks that run through the neighborhood don’t affect traffic, and the train doesn’t have to blare its noisy horn.