Modern updates come to Springfield’s historic downtown
Downtown Springfield is a mix of modern development and rich history. As the seat of the Illinois state government and the former home of Abraham Lincoln, downtown Springfield's political ties and museums make it a popular spot for visitors. However, the neighborhood also attracts a more permanent crowd who rent out apartments and enjoy being within walking distance of the city's largest employers – the state government and two local hospitals. “Downtown is in a building era right now,” says Carlos Ortega, the executive director of Downtown Springfield, Inc – DSI. “We are working to make it a place that is supportive for its residents and emphasize it as a place with arts, culture and entertainment.”
High-rise living within walking distance of work
Downtown Springfield is made up of brownstone high-rises and modern mixed-use developments. There aren’t any single-family homes here, and most residents rent. According to Apartments.com, the average monthly rent in the city is $819, and options downtown can range from $600 to over $2,000. The city continues to develop downtown to add more housing units. The latest project, Lofts on Madison, is still in the planning stages but would add 136 units — one of the area’s largest residential buildings. The rising demand for housing downtown is primarily driven by a growing population of workers who want to be able to walk to work.
The demand for housing in Downtown Springfield is mostly driven by a growing working population.
There are several high-rise apartment buildings in Downtown Springfield.
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A growing arts scene in Springfield
Downtown is the epicenter of Springfield’s events, which range from cozy holiday celebrations to impressive showcases of the city’s growing arts scene. The Old Capitol Farmers Market is the largest of its kind in central Illinois. The market runs all year long, moving inside during the colder months. The city also hosts the annual Springfield Old Capitol Art Fair, a two-day outdoor gallery experience, and the Legacy of Giving Music Festival, a fundraising-focused celebration of regional talent. “It’s a huge event that pulls in bands from all over the Midwest and gives them the opportunity to play to a large audience,” says Vishnu Srinivasaraghavan, a Springfield local whose band performed in the 2024 festival. “The growing arts and music scene is a bit of a hidden gem about Springfield.”
Ortega says encouraging the city’s creative spark is a significant focus for DSI. “We want to continue providing opportunities to emphasize the artistic community here in Springfield, and we believe it is key to increasing the city’s vibrancy.” DSI plans regular live music events, supports local businesses, and encourages public art through its ARTificiation program.
Hear live music at the Old Capitol Farmers Market.
Music in the Beer Garden is located at Obed & Isaac's Microbrewery & Eatery.
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Abraham Lincoln museums and other attractions
Downtown Springfield is filled with historical attractions related to Abraham Lincoln. The Presidential Library and Museum has the world’s largest collection of Lincoln artifacts, and the Lincoln Home National Historic Site offers tours of the president’s former home. The Old Illinois State Capitol, first constructed in 1840, is also a spot of historical interest. The capital is undergoing a $300 million restoration project and is expected to reopen in 2025.
At the heart of Springfield’s museum district, Union Square Park offers a small green space, complete with a gazebo and benches. The Downtown YMCA, which has an indoor pool, fitness center and event programming. Kids can also learn about STEM at the interactive Kidzeum of Health and Science.
Downtown Springfield is filled with historical attractions related to Abraham Lincoln.
Kids can learn about STEM at the interactive Kidzeum of Health and Science.
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Horseshoe sandwiches and busy bars
Although the city's west side is often considered the fastest-growing, downtown Springfield has also experienced an increase in restaurants and shops. “I’ve only been with DSI for eight months, but even in that time, I’ve seen an influx of new businesses and restaurants popping up,” Ortega says. “We have more than 20 restaurants and some really nice boutiques.” There are plenty of cuisines to choose from, but downtown is one of the best spots in the city to sample Springfield's specialty sandwich, the Horseshoe, a piece of thick-cut toast topped with meat, fries and cheese sauce.
Local brewery Buzz Bomb Brewing has regular live music nights and got its start at the farmers market. Celtic Mist stays open 365 days a year and is housed in an Irish-style tavern. Clique has regular drag shows and an LGBT-friendly atmosphere. Country Market is the closest grocery store.
Springfield's specialty sandwich, the Horseshoe, is served in many restaurants and bars.
Local brewery Buzz Bomb Brewing has a delicious selection of beers.
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A citywide overhaul of the railroad system
Most of downtown’s streets have sidewalks, and the Second Street corridor has bike lanes. Springfield Mass Transit District runs several bus lines through downtown, though buses do not run on Sundays. Downtown is also home to an Amtrak station, with trains that run south to St. Louis in about two hours and north to Chicago in about three hours.
The Springfield Rail Improvement Project is designed to mitigate traffic and noise throughout the city and is expected to be completed by 2027. The project will switch all railroad traffic from the Third Street corridor to the 10th Street corridor on the edge of downtown. The Amtrak station will also be relocated, transforming into the new Springfield Sangamon County Transportation Hub. The hub will be a state-of-the-art facility for Amtrak trains, Greyhound buses and other regional transit options. In addition, a system of safe crossings, underpasses and overpasses will eliminate the need for noisy train horns. “People are really excited about the rail project,” Ortega says. “It’s been a big undertaking.”
Public school zoning and SIU School of Medicine
There are multiple school paths for children in downtown Springfield based on address. Most students go to Graham Elementary, which gets a C on Niche. Grant Middle rates as a C, and Springfield High earns an A-minus. Niche ranks the high school as the third-best high school in Sangamon County. It offers career and technical courses in business education and family and consumer science, which includes advanced culinary courses.
Downtown Springfield also borders the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, which operates out of the two local hospitals. As a result, this neighborhood is popular with medical students.
Springfield High School is the second best public high school in the area.
U.S. Grant Middle School serves grades 6-8 in Springfield, IL.
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Influential community organizations and initiatives
Several community organizations serve Downtown Springfield, including Springfield Urban League, which offers comprehensive support programs like subsidized childcare and free computer classes. Urban Action Network is encouraging revitalization in the city center with initiatives like microgrants for neighborhood improvement and holiday food distribution.
The CAP Crime Score Index for downtown Springfield is a 10 out of 10, significantly higher than the national average of 4. In 2023, the city adopted the “BUILD Springfield” initiative, which stands for Beautification, Unity, Innovation, Leadership and Development. The initiative takes a proactive approach to crime prevention, with programs like street cleaning, neighborhood watch groups and community outreach.
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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Located in the most desirable part of downtown Springfield, Lincoln Square is in walking distance of many historic sites, restaurants, shops and entertainment venues. Lincoln Square Apartments are immediately south of the Lincoln-Herndon Law Office where President Lincoln practiced law from 1843-1852. East of Lincoln Square is the Illinois State Supreme Court Historic Preservation
Feel at home in this stylish apartment, centrally located directly across the plaza from the Old State Capitol building, offering an incredible view from the front windows. The property is within walking distance to all of Honest Abe Lincoln's sites, allowing you to explore historical landmarks with ease. Enjoy the mid-century, rustic, modern, and unique design of this space.This apartment
Enjoy a stylish experience at this centrally located gem, directly across from the Old State Capitol building and within walking distance to all of Honest Abe Lincoln's sites. Not only can you visit historical sites, but you can also stay in and enjoy this mid-century, rustic, modern, minimalistic, and unique space, making you feel at home.The apartment features two bedrooms, with Bedroom 1
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Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
1,687
Median Age
41
Population Density
7 ppl/acre
Population under 18
14.3%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
14.9%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$18,101
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$44,307
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
81.5%
College Graduates
21.6%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
11.5%
% Population in Labor Force
38.6%
Significantly below the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
38''
Average Winter Low Temperature
20°F
Average Summer High Temperature
86°F
Annual Snowfall
7''
Area Factors
Very Bikeable
Bike Score®
77/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
85/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
49/ 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.
