When the residential subdivision of Glen Aire was developed in 1957, its protective covenants ensured that each yard was a minimum of 6,000 square feet, though most lots had more than that. Adding two condominium buildings in 1977 was the only adjustment to this plan, and Glen Aire still has a breathable suburban layout today. Homes here come at some of Springfield’s most affordable prices, and the community looks out for each other. An active neighborhood association coordinates a neighborhood watch and has a Facebook page where residents report missing dogs or just say “Hi.” It’s a place where the biggest community event is the bi-annual garage sale, and kids can ride their bikes down the paved sidewalks. Located on the southeast side of the city, Glen Aire is just minutes from Lake Springfield, the University of Illinois Springfield and two major interstates.
Located on the southeast side of the city, Glen Aire is only minutes from Lake Springfield.
Mature oak trees provide a canopy for the residential streets of Glen Aire.
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Midcentury homes at some of the city’s most affordable prices
Mature oak trees provide a canopy for the streets of Glen Aire. “There are mainly ranch-style homes, and a lot of them have basements,” says Realtor Shelley Berendt with The Real Estate Group, who has 19 years of experience in the city. “The neighborhood is popular with first-time homebuyers or people looking to downsize — many people move there because of the price.” In a city where the average home price is around $250,000, Glen Aire has condo units for as low as $30,000 and single-family homes that range from $80,000 up to $200,000. And though homebuyers find similarly low prices in Springfield’s city center, homes in Glen Aire were built in the 1950s to 1960s, so they need less care than the early 1900s properties closer to downtown. Berendt says people still enjoy doing renovations in Glen Aire, though: “The houses aren’t overly large, so it’s a manageable project to redo them.”
Ranch style variations often come with basements in Glen Aire.
Glen Aire homes were built in the 1950s and require less maintenance than older homes downtown.
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Free lunch and specialty programs at local schools
Neighborhood kids attend Laketown Elementary School, which gets a B-minus rating from Niche. Then, it’s on to the C-rated Jefferson Middle, just over a mile away. During the summer, Jefferson offers free breakfast and lunch to kids of all ages. Older kids are zoned for Southeast High School, rated B-minus. Southeast High offers Career & Technology courses in technology, business and consumer science. The school is also home to the district-wide magnet Heath & Science Academy, which puts high school students on track to begin their medical careers.
Jefferson Middle School welcomes students from Glen Aire to its well testing classrooms.
Laketown Elementary School is highly ranked choice for new Glen Aire students.
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Quick drives to lakeside parks
There are no parks within the Glen Aire neighborhood, but Kiwanis Park is only half a mile away, about a 15-minute walk on sidewalk-lined streets. The shores of Lake Springfield are also less than a mile away, but with train tracks and major highways to pass through, it’s not as walkable. The closest lake access spot is Hazel Dell Fishing Area, which has a small parking lot and a few picnic tables. Despite being off the beaten path, it’s a convenient spot to throw out a line. The much larger Tom Madonia Park is less than two miles east and is often filled with people fishing and having family barbecues.
Fisherman can catch Catfish, Crappie, and the occasional bass at the Dividing Damn Park.
Anglers cast out and sit back on Marine Point.
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Strip malls and convenience stores within walking distance
Eastern Springfield’s shopping options are much less extensive than the city’s west side, but residents of Glen Aire still enjoy having some staples within walking distance. The intersection of Adlai Stevenson Drive and Taylor Avenue has a Walgreens, CVS, a gas station and several small restaurants. Directly east of the neighborhood, the Capital City Shopping Center is known best for its AMC Theater. “That AMC is the only one in Springfield with those reservable and reclining seats,” Berendt says. “So, I will drive all the way over from my home on the west side to go there.” The shopping center has a few empty storefronts, but Five Below and Big Lots were new additions in late 2023. For grocery runs, Aldi and Walmart are less than a 3-mile drive.
Five Below takes care of every day needs on the eastern edge of Glen Aire.
Achieve Fit is the local go-to gym for Glen Aire residents located on South Dirksen parkway.
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Inner-city bus lines and interstate access
In terms of commuting to Springfield’s biggest employers, Glen Aire is about 5 miles away from downtown and the medical district. It’s also only 2 miles away from the University of Illinois Springfield. A bus line connects to the University in 10 minutes and into downtown in about 20 minutes. For longer trips, Glen Aire has access to Interstate 55 and Interstate 72, which heads out to major cities like St. Louis, Chicago and Indianapolis.
Commuting through Glen Aire is easy with quick access to interstate 55.
Public transit in Glen Aire is limited to bus lines on major thoroughfares.
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
Jim Fulgenzi,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Tom Madonia Park
Marine Pointe Park
Boating
Fishing
Dividing Dam Park & Fishing Area
Spartan Sports Park
Kiwanis Park
Hazel Dell Fishing Area
Transit
Airport
Abraham Lincoln Capital
20 min drive
Bus
Villanova & Adloff
Bus
Taylor & Radcliff
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Glen Aire
US
Homicide
9
4
Sexual Assault
8
4
Assault with Weapon
8
4
Robbery
6
4
Burglary
10
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
7
4
Larceny
9
4
Crime Score
8
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Glen Aire, Springfield sell after 56 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Glen Aire, Springfield over the last 12 months is $86,283, down 24% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Home Trends
Median Price (12 Mo)
$62,500
Median Single Family Price
$107,500
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$57
Last 12 months Home Sales
12
Median List Price
$74,950
Median Discount From 1st List Price
3%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-55%
Home Facts
Number of Homes in Neighborhood
143
Median Year Built
1976
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,093
Significantly below the national average
1,936
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,000
Distribution of Home Values
Source: Public Records
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Jim Fulgenzi,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
632
Median Age
44
Population Density
9 ppl/acre
Population under 18
20.7%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
22.2%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$24,999
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$44,764
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
80%
College Graduates
23.9%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
8.2%
% Population in Labor Force
52.7%
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
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
39/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
38/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
29/ 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.
