Nestled against the northwestern corner of Springfield's Washington Park, Oaks offers a classic taste of midwestern suburbia. The neighborhood attracts prospective homeowners with a reputation for lower-than-average housing prices, access to good schools and a family-friendly atmosphere. Oaks is close to many employers, local shopping and restaurants, settled away from the bustling nature of Downtown Springfield.
Homes in Oaks sit on tree lined streets and winding roads.
Residents of Oaks enjoy fishing at the Washington Park pond.
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Affordable midcentury style
With streets lined with shady oak trees and well-traveled sidewalks, the reliable green scenery in the neighborhood shouts peak suburban charm. Manicured shrubbery and small front yards border modest midcentury houses with single-car driveways, many with basketball hoops, stacks of garden tools and bicycles balanced on kickstands. Ranch and split-level homes comprise the lion's share of housing styles, with prices starting in the low $100,000s for fixer-uppers and peaking in the mid-$200,000s for construction closer to scenic areas such as Washington Park.
Some split level homes in Oaks sit on corner lots with spacious yards.
Ranch homes sit beside a mix of split levels and colonials in the Oaks neighbrohood.
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Historic monuments at Washington Park
Washington Park, spanning more than 150 acres, stands as one of Springfield's most extensive and impressive public areas, with athletic courts and historic monuments available around every turn. "It was originally built in the early 20th century as a trolley stop," says Alexa Potts, general manager of the Washington Park Botanical Garden. "And people are still dropping in from all over the city." The Washington Park Botanical Garden showcases thousands of plants from around the globe, presented in a range of garden designs. Connected to Owen Marsh Elementary School, Schlitt Park features a baseball diamond that is particularly popular among local Little Leaguers.
Residents of Oaks enjoy fishing at the Washington Park pond.
Oaks residents can visit Lincoln Memorial and Rub Lincoln's nose for good luck.
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Positive culture at Springfield High
Students can begin their education at Owen Marsh Elementary School, which has a B-minus on Niche and can be walked to by most people living in the southwestern part of the neighborhood. Afterward, they'll be able to attend Grant Middle School, which has a C. Older students can enroll at Springfield High School, which has an A and sees over 80% of its student body attending college after graduation. "Our school culture is a positive force heavily influenced by the engaged student body and committed staff members," says Springfield High School principal Lisa Leardi. "SHS is a safe, inclusive and academically challenging high school that prepares students for any college or career choice." Our Savior’s Lutheran School offers a private school experience for students between prekindergarten and eighth grade and has an A with Niche.
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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Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon towers over the Washington Botanic Garden.
Bells will be ringing at the Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon
The Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon in Washington Park serves as the venue for live musical shows on Wednesday through Sunday evenings during the summer months, in addition to the annual International Carillon Festival. This eclectic event invites carillon players from all over the world to entertain locals and help answer the question: "What the heck is a carillon?"
The OSF Children's Hospital of Illinois is located in Oaks by Route 97.
The OSF Children's Hospital just across the street
Nearby Illinois Route 97 is a convenient connecting point between the suburban landscape and Downtown Springfield, some 3 miles northeast. The OSF Children's Hospital of Illinois is just across Illinois Route 4, half a mile northwest. Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport is 4 miles north, just past the Oak Ridge Cemetery. Fans of public transportation use the bus service provided by Sangamon Mass Transit District, which has stops on Monroe Street and Old Jacksonville Road.
Classic diner vibes at Lime Street Cafe
The Lime Street Café offers casual fare like patty melts, chicken penne and beer-battered onion rings in a classic upscale diner atmosphere. Locals look past the fact that the restaurant isn't actually located on Lime Street, often lining up outside the door on Friday and Saturday nights. West Monroe Street is a hub of chain restaurants and familiar franchises like County Market Groceries.
Try the popular patty melt at Lime Street Cafe in Oaks.
Oaks residents are minutes away from popular dining spots in 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
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Diane Tinsley,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Union Square Park
Washington Park Pavilion
Duncan Park
Rotary Park
Centennial Park
Washington Park Botanical Garden
Oak Ridge Cemetery
Lincoln Monument
Schlitt Park
Transit
Airport
Abraham Lincoln Capital
10 min drive
Bus
Monroe & Larchmont
Bus
Lawrence & Feldkamp
Bus
Old Jacksonville & Centre West
Bus
Old Jacksonville & Crescent
Bus
Lawrence & Chatham
Bus
Chatham & Fairway & Parkview
Bus
Monroe & Center West
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Oaks
US
Homicide
3
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
3
4
Robbery
3
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
3
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Oaks Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Oaks, Springfield sell after 19 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Oaks, Springfield over the last 12 months is $179,900, up 12% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Housing Trends
Median List Price
$179,900
Median Sale Price
$179,900
Median Single Family Sale Price
$179,900
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Last 12 months Home Sales
36
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
12%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$118
Neighborhood Facts
Number of Homes in Neighborhood
473
Median Year Built
1942
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,468
Significantly below the national average
1,933
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
5,227
Distribution of Home Values
Source: Public Records
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Diane Tinsley,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
2,190
Median Age
42
Population Density
6 ppl/acre
Population under 18
20.7%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
23.9%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$62,319
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$81,141
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
96.1%
Above the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
41.4%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
17%
% Population in Labor Force
66.5%
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®
43/ 100
Somewhat Walkable
Walk Score®
56/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
31/ 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.
