$58,283Average Value$262Average Price per Sq Ft0Homes For Sale
An affordable neighborhood with community ties
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 neighborhood's main draws are affordable home prices and a chance to join a community engaged with local churches and organizations. The neighborhood also has direct access to some of the east side's most popular restaurants and sits only 2 miles from downtown Springfield.
Churches and local organizations engage in the community
Zion Baptist Church, just north of East Laurel Street, 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 says. 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.
Old Capitol Farmers Market offers a variety of goods sold by locals in C Lee Carey.
The C Lee. Carey neighborhood continues to be an engaged and active community.
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Bungalows and ranch-style homes from the turn of the century
Many homes in the neighborhood are rentals. On average, homebuyers have paid $60,000. These are some of the most affordable houses in Springfield, where the average purchase price 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." Homes in C. Lee Carey were built from the 1890s through the 1950s, mainly in low-slung bungalow and ranch styles. Many need updates and repairs, with fixer-uppers starting at $25,000. Newer renovations are priced up to $90,000. Homes often have front porches and chain link fences, and most streets have sidewalks.
C Lee. Carey neighborhood was named after Springfield’s first African American superintendent.
American four square homes offer quaint living in C Lee Carey.
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Resources and support from local schools
Depending on home location, neighborhood kids are zoned for three different elementary schools: Sandburg, rated B-plus by Niche; Southern View, rated C-plus; or Harvard Park, rated C. Then it's on to B-rated Franklin Middle and Southeast High, rated B-minus. Located about a mile from most homes, Southeast High provides free breakfast and lunch to kids of all ages in the summer. 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."
Springfield Southeast High School is rated a B plus on Niche.
Franklin Middle School is a public school in Springfield rated B plus.
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Local restaurants rank among Springfield's best
Every year, the Illinois Times publishes a "Best of Springfield" list of readers' favorite restaurants. Several spots within walking distance of C. Lee Carey regularly make the cut. In 2023, Carter's Fish Market won 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 for people to line up for hand-battered fish in an old family recipe. Also in 2023, The Old Luxemburg Inn was recognized for its steak, which is served 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.
PT's BBQ only offers take-out service, but people line up for these meals in C Lee Carey.
Mel-O-Cream Donuts offers many varieties made fresh daily in C Lee Carey.
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Youth sports at the nearby Eisenhower Park
There are no parks in the neighborhood, with the closest green space being Eisenhower Park about 1 mile away. The park has a playground and several baseball fields, which are often used by the Springfield Southwest Baseball Association for its high school leagues. Just across the road, the Eisenhower Aquatic Center is a public indoor pool, the only one in the city open year-round. Those who want access to the pool must buy a membership pass, which includes swimming and diving classes.
The C Lee. Carey neighborhood continues to be an engaged and active community.
The nearest green space is Eisenhower Park, about a mile away from C Lee Carey.
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Bus line to downtown and train noise
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. Although C. Lee Carey scores a 6 out of 10 for overall crime on the CAP Index — just above the national average of 4 — it scores a 9 for other violent crimes. The neighborhood is home to several railroad crossings, which can hold up traffic when the train goes by. The also train adds some noise to the area, as it is required to sound its horn when crossing streets.
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.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Phil Chiles,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Iles Park
Union Square Park
Eisenhower Park
Transit
Airport
Abraham Lincoln Capital
15 min drive
Bus
South Grand & 19th
Bus
Mlk & Cedar
Bus
Mlk & South
Bus
Mlk & Cornell
Bus
South Grand & Wirt
Bus
Mlk & Pine
Bus
Mlk & Spruce
C Lee Carey Neighborhood Association Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in C Lee Carey Neighborhood Association, Springfield sell after 71 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in C Lee Carey Neighborhood Association, Springfield over the last 12 months is $640,000, up 70% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Excellent investment property, well-maintained with a solid tenant in place at $900/month. Tenant pays all utilities, trash, and lawn care. Caged central air installed in 2024, plus several minor updates completed over the past year—turnkey and income-ready!
Rare opportunity to own three adjacent lots—each measuring 40 ft x 200 ft. These generously sized parcels offer nearly 0.55 acres combined, perfect for residential development, investment, or custom building. This is your chance to secure valuable land in a growing community. Don't miss out!
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Phil Chiles,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
1,059
Median Age
35
Population Density
8 ppl/acre
Population under 18
30.9%
Above the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
15.7%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$18,308
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$38,791
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
66.1%
Below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
7.1%
Significantly below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
4.5%
% Population in Labor Force
48.9%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
38''
Average Winter Low Temperature
20°F
Average Summer High Temperature
86°F
Annual Snowfall
7''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
40/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
42/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
34/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
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.
