$92,957Average Value$117Average Price per Sq Ft1Home For Sale
Downtown Springfield blends Lincoln’s legacy with new life
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 rich political history and museums make it a popular destination for visitors. However, the neighborhood also attracts residents who 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, executive director of Downtown Springfield, Inc., also known as 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.”
Locals often hang out by storefronts like Springfield Vintage in Downtown Springfield.
The Illinois State Capitol’s dome rises above its Renaissance Revival design in Downtown Springfield.
Wide sidewalks in downtown Springfield invite residents to walk and enjoy the city’s scenery.
1/3
Few homes for sale in a mostly rental-heavy downtown
Downtown Springfield mostly consists of brownstone high-rises and modern mixed-use developments. Over 90% of the neighborhood consists of renters, and the city continues to develop downtown to add more housing units. There are a few blocks of single-family homes past North 11th Street, with smaller bungalows and larger two-story properties along sidewalk-lined streets. Only a few single-family homes and condos have recently sold. The neighborhood’s average home value is around $90,000, compared to the Springfield Metro Area’s average of around $240,000.
Springfield’s downtown skyline features residential high-rises for every budget.
The demand for housing in Downtown Springfield is mostly driven by a growing working population.
There are several options for high-rise apartment buildings in Downtown Springfield.
1/3
Arts and music thrive in downtown Springfield’s core
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 year-round Old Capitol Farmers Market is the largest of its kind in central Illinois. 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. “The growing arts and music scene is a bit of a hidden gem about Springfield,” says Vishnu Srinivasaraghavan, a Springfield local whose band performed in the 2024 festival.
Student dancers perform choreographed routines at Artist in the Park in Downtown Springfield.
Locals can find their next gem at Old Capitol Farmers Market in Downtown Springfield.
Wild Horse’s exterior features hand-painted flower murals in Downtown Springfield.
1/3
Gazebo park, YMCA and museums offer something for everyone
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.
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 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 showcases sites tied to Abraham Lincoln’s legacy for visitors.
Downtown Springfield’s Presidential Library holds the largest Lincoln collection in the world.
At the heart of Downtown Springfield’s museum district sits Union Square Park, a local gem.
1/3
Specialty sandwich and live music highlight local flavor
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 Celtic Mist Pub is an Irish-style tavern. Country Market is the closest grocery store.
Downtown Springfield's specialty sandwich, the Horseshoe, is served in restaurants and bars.
Local brewery Buzz Bomb Brewing in Downtown Springfield has a delicious selection of beers.
1/2
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 Amtrak station will also be relocated, transforming into the new Springfield Sangamon County Transportation Hub.
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 from Niche. Grant Middle rates as a C, and Springfield High earns an A-minus. The high school 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.
Elizabeth Graham Elementary, rated C by Niche, serves Downtown Springfield families.
Downtown Springfield’s U.S. Grant Middle School welcomes students in grades 6 through 8.
Springfield High earns the second spot among public high schools in Downtown Springfield.
1/3
Influential community organizations and initiatives
The CAP Crime Score Index for downtown Springfield is a 9 out of 10, higher than the national average of 4. The city ranks 9 or 10 for some violent and non-violent crimes. 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.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Are you familiar with the Downtown Springfield neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Downtown Springfield
US
Homicide
6
4
Sexual Assault
10
4
Assault with Weapon
9
4
Robbery
9
4
Burglary
7
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
8
4
Larceny
9
4
Crime Score
9
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Downtown Springfield Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Downtown Springfield, Springfield sell after 8 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Downtown Springfield, Springfield over the last 12 months is $97,000, up 102% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Unit is currently operating as a short-term furnished rental. This downtown condo has a great location! It is located directly south of the Old State Capitol, so you have an amazing view when you look out the windows of this 2nd floor condo.
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
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. This mid-century, rustic, modern, minimalistic, and unique space invites you to feel at home while exploring historical landmarks.The apartment features two bedrooms, with Bedroom 1 offering a king-size bed and Bedroom
Enjoy a stylish experience at this centrally located apartment, 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. Stay in and enjoy this mid-century, rustic, modern, and unique space.The apartment
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.
