$101,877Average Value$62Average Price per Sq Ft2Homes For Sale
An older neighborhood with an active community spirit
The Iles Park neighborhood is a small collection of homes just over a mile south of downtown. Its name comes from the actual green space Iles Park, one of the four oldest parks in Springfield. The homes here are also old, usually dating back to the early 1900s, and are often purchased as rental properties. The neighborhood has struggled with absent landlords not providing the historic homes with proper care, resulting in the occasional run-down property or back-alley trash build-up. An active neighborhood association works to address these problems and promote neighborhood unity. Currently, it's one of the city's most affordable spots, and the involved community makes for a friendly atmosphere among residents.
Records show Iles Park is named after Elijah Iles, one of the first settlers of the community.
The neighborhood Isles Park is named after a green space with the same name.
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Vintage homes with unique architecture
The homes in Iles Park were primarily built in the early 1900s, with common architectural styles including simple Victorians, boxy American Foursquares and modest bungalows. "I sold a home there recently that had this amazing dark original woodwork," says Kim Siltman, a Realtor with RE/MAX Professionals. "A lot of homes in that area have unique old architectural aspects like that." Prices in Iles Park range from $60,000 to $100,000, much lower than Springfield's average of $270,000. There's an urban feel brought by streetlamps and back alley parking, and properties sit close enough that neighbors can say hi from their front porches. It's not a meticulously landscaped area, but most streets have sidewalks, and mature trees dot the yards.
American four-square homes are a popular style of architecture in Iles Park.
Smaller homes in Iles Park offers affordability and low maintenance.
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Advocacy and events from the local Neighborhood Association
The Iles Park Neighborhood Association (IPNA) is an active group that meets monthly at the neighborhood's central Restoration Church. It's common for the Ward Alderman, city officials and local police to attend the meetings so residents have a chance to make their voices heard about neighborhood issues. IPNA dues are only $10 per year and optional. Funds go towards planning events, most notably the National Night Out in August. Held in collaboration with next-door Harvard Park, the event has catered food, family-friendly activities and representatives from the police and fire departments. IPNA also runs an active Facebook page, and in general, the neighborhood has a know-your-neighbor vibe. "When I was working there, my seller told me that everyone in the neighborhood was very friendly," Siltman says. "There were residents who chatted with everyone they met as they walked around the neighborhood."
Pickleball, baseball and skateboarding at Iles Park
The namesake Iles Park is within a half-mile of all neighborhood homes. "I think people really like to be able to walk to the park," Siltman says. "It's a place to get together, take kids to play, have picnics and host community gatherings." The park is best known for its eight pickleball courts, which are well-maintained by the city. Every year, hundreds of pickleball players come from across the country to play at a tournament there. Other attractions at Iles Park include walking trails, a playground and a baseball diamond with spectator stands. In the summer of 2021, the city also added a skate park.
Pickleball is one of several attractions of Iles Park.
Iles Park is full of walking paths and other recreational amenities.
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The Springfield Rail Improvement Project will eliminate train noise and traffic
The Springfield Rail Improvement Project is the city's ongoing effort to reduce train traffic and noise. The project aims to transfer all rail traffic from the Third Street corridor to the Tenth Street corridor by 2027. In addition, a system of safe crossings, underpasses and overpasses will eliminate the need for a train horn between Stanford Street and Sangamon Street (which encompasses most of the city). This is important information for Iles Park residents as the neighborhood sits directly between the Third and Tenth Street rail corridors. In the past, train noise and traffic could be considered significant drawbacks to this location. Now, with underpasses or overpasses at all Tenth Street train crossings in the neighborhood, the only indication the train is passing once the project is complete will be a slight rumbling.
Transportation in Iles Park consists of bus, train, or car.
Surrounding the park on two sides are residential neighborhoods and commercial areas.
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Hand-painted banners at the local coffee shop
Within the neighborhood, Grab-A-Java is a coffee shop with high-quality brews and fresh-baked pastries. The shop was established 20 years ago by two Springfield residents, who had the idea to hand-paint banners with coffee-themed jokes to attract customers. The tradition continues today, and dedicated coffee drinkers look forward to seeing what the banner will say next. A more recent addition to the neighborhood is Railyard Cafe, another locally owned coffee shop with occasional open mic and food truck events. Other restaurants within walking distance include Pita-or-Bowl, which serves fresh Mediterranean fare, and The Taco Joint, known for its authentic Mexican flavors. Locals can grab a drink among familiar faces at George Rank's, a dive bar with regular live music nights and an outdoor beer garden. Since the closing of the neighborhood Family Dollar in the summer of 2024, there is no longer a quick place to grab essentials. The closest major grocery store is the Hy-Vee, 2 miles away.
For a night out, George Rank’s is a uniquely circular neighborhood bar with regular live music.
Grab A Java has a long tradition of hand painted banners and murals.
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Public school zoning and the magnet Iles School
For elementary school zoning, kids north of Laurel Street go to Lee Elementary School, and those to the south go to Harvard Park Elementary School. Lee Elementary gets a 5 out of 10 on GreatSchools, and Harvard Park receives a 2 out of 10. All older students are zoned for Jefferson Middle, rated C by Niche, and Southeast High School, rated A-minus. Both schools offer free lunches to kids of all ages in the summer. Less than a mile down Laurel Street, Iles School is a magnet option for first through eighth grade and gets an A-minus grade. Students can test into the school to be part of its International Baccalaureate education program. Iles School students also enjoy spending time outside in the community garden.
Springfield Southeast High School is the main High School for kids in Iles Park.
Jefferson Middle School is home of the Jaguars.
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Quick commutes to downtown and the medical district
Iles Park is about 1.5 miles from downtown and 2 miles from Springfield's medical district. Bus lines run to both locations, making Iles Park a convenient spot for those looking to commute to work without a car. Iles Park residents are directly connected to 9th Street, which runs through the city and out to Interstate 55.
Many residents are employed in the medical district or similar in the Iles Park area.
Oak Ridge residents are never far from Springfield's downtown area.
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
JULIE DAVIS,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Iles Park
Union Square Park
Washington Park
Transit
Airport
Abraham Lincoln Capital
14 min drive
Bus
6th & Pine
Bus
5th & Ash
Bus
Laurel & 5th
Bus
5th & Laurel & Myrtle
Bus
5th & Cornell
Bus
6th & Oak
Bus
5th & Broad
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Iles Park
US
Homicide
6
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
5
4
Robbery
5
4
Burglary
5
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
5
4
Crime Score
5
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Iles Park, Springfield sell after 35 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Iles Park, Springfield over the last 12 months is $94,554, up 1% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Come take a look at this lovely home near the center of Springfield with easy driving access through the city. The home has a new furnace installed in November, updates in the kitchen and bathroom, a fenced-in yard, and a built-in electric fireplace in the living room. The driveway off the front of the home and a garage in the back. The 3rd bedroom could be a great home office space. (The home
INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY! Up and down duplex. Upper unit 5BR 2BA $1300 monthly rent. Lower unit 4BR 2BA $1300 monthly rent. Tenant pays all utilities except trash. Four car garage can be rented for $300 per month.
Good location & condition just one block south of South Grand & only blocks from several State buildings, Springfield Clinic & downtown Springfield. Each unit has 2 bed, 1 bath, living room & kitchen. This building has been at full occupancy for nearly 2 yrs. Each unit is metered separately for electricity & tenant pays their own heating and cooling. Owner ONLY pays for refuse, lawn/snow, common
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
JULIE DAVIS,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
1,589
Median Age
37
Population Density
21 ppl/acre
Population under 18
26.7%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
13.4%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$63,750
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$64,383
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
95.9%
College Graduates
25.9%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
10.5%
% Population in Labor Force
74.9%
Above the national average
65.1%
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
47/ 100
Somewhat Walkable
Walk Score®
53/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
37/ 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.
