Set just southeast of downtown Springfield, Mather and Wells is a small, unassuming neighborhood known for its central location and lower-than-average real estate prices. Both details have maintained a community that goes back generations. "It's an old neighborhood," says Tom Hutchinson, president of the Mather and Wells Neighborhood Association. "We have families that have been here since the neighborhood was established in the early 19th century." Though many of the homes in the area are experiencing a level of blight, the area, on the whole, is well-maintained and far quieter than one might expect for an area adjacent to the heart of a state capitol.
Mather and Wells stands out as one of Springfield's oldest neighborhoods.
Mather and Wells is a quiet, old neighborhood with generations of families.
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Lower-than-average prices for real estate
Sidewalks connect the neat grid system that makes up the entire neighborhood, making for pedestrian-friendly routes to local churches, parks and businesses. Homes generally feature grassy lots, driveways, and one-car garages in alleys that pass behind houses. Bungalows, Cape Cods and American Foursquare-style homes are popular in the area, and prices range from the low $10,000s for models needing renovation to move-in ready units in the mid-$80,000s.
Sidewalks connect the neat grid system that makes up the entire neighborhood.
Homes in Mather and Wells generally feature grassy lots, driveways, and one-car garages.
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Bus transportation with Sangamon Mass Transit
Proximity to the heavily trafficked thoroughfare of 9th Street allows easy access to downtown Springfield and St. John's Hospital, both located 1 mile northwest. The Sangamon Mass Transit District offers bus service throughout Springfield and Sangamon County for a $1.25 fare, with stops on Cook Street and Capitol Street. The Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport can be found 5 miles northwest.
Mather and Wells is a small, unassuming neighborhood known for its central location.
Mather and Wells has maintained a community that goes back generations.
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Classic diner food at Lulu's
Lulu's Diner is located in neighboring Old Aristocracy Hill and offers classic brunch fare like French toast, Monte Cristo sandwiches and patty melts. They close at 2 p.m., so be sure to get there early. Most area shopping is on East Cook Street, which borders the neighborhood to the south. Familiar franchises like Family Dollar and CVS Pharmacy are found there, while the restaurants and boutique stores of the Vinegar Hill Mall can be found on West Cook Street, a mile west.
Boyd's New Generation is a local staple in Mather and Wells and serves authentic soul food.
Lulu's Diner is located in neighboring Old Aristocracy Hill and offers classic brunch fare.
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There is an outdoor calisthenics fitness court at Comer Cox Park.
Cool off at Comer Cox Park's splash pad
Located in neighboring Pioneer Park, Comer Cox Park is a six-acre green space equipped with playground equipment, a splash pad and wide open, grassy areas surrounded by the shade of foliage. The Boys and Girls Club of Central Illinois is active in the area, providing opportunities for young people to play and learn through various after-school activities, including tutoring, art classes, sports leagues and more.
Top notch athletics at Washington Middle School
Students in the area can begin their education at Fairview Elementary School before heading to Washington Middle School, both of which have a C on Niche. Washington is well-regarded for its state-championship-winning track team, though they emphasize the importance of a well-balanced education. "Students are required to keep up their grades throughout the year if they want to take part," says principal Vincent Turner, who's served Washington since 2015. "It keeps them motivated and teaches them focus." From there, older students can enroll at Lanphier High School, which has a C-plus and recently received a $100 million renovation that includes new educational, athletic and career-oriented facilities.
Lanphier High has 1,058 students in atttendance.
Washington Middle School is a public school located in Downtown Springfield.
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Springfield's oldest theater
Proximity to downtown Springfield offers residents access to all of their annual events, including theatrical performances at the Legacy, Springfield's oldest theater. Held every year since 1853, the Illinois State Fair is a summer mainstay event filled with food, live music and plenty of rides.
Find the best local food trucks at Illinois Product Farmers Market.
Mather and Wells is just a short drive from Downtown Springfield.
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
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Parks in this Area
Union Square Park
Comer Cox Park
Transit
Airport
Abraham Lincoln Capital
12 min drive
Bus
Mlk & Edwards
Bus
Capitol & 15th
Bus
Cook & 13th
Bus
Cook & 15th
Bus
Mlk & Jackson
Bus
11th & Edwards
Bus
Mlk & Cook
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Mather and Wells
US
Homicide
9
4
Sexual Assault
8
4
Assault with Weapon
9
4
Robbery
9
4
Burglary
6
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
8
4
Larceny
5
4
Crime Score
7
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Mather and Wells, Springfield sell after 200 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Mather and Wells, Springfield over the last 12 months is $24,500, down 49% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Home Trends
Median Price (12 Mo)
$24,500
Median Single Family Price
$24,500
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$24
Last 12 months Home Sales
1
Median List Price
$42,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
42%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-49%
Home Facts
Number of Homes in Neighborhood
60
Median Year Built
1950
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,485
Significantly below the national average
1,936
Distribution of Home Values
Source: Public Records
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Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
451
Median Age
43
Population Density
6 ppl/acre
Population under 18
25.7%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
24.4%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$20,417
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$29,142
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
71%
College Graduates
10.6%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
1.6%
% Population in Labor Force
42.7%
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
Bikeable
Bike Score®
58/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
47/ 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.
