In 1954, when Leonard Sapp first bought the land that would become Val-E-Vue, there wasn't a lot of interest because of the location — it was directly south of the Lincoln Airport runway. The developer's son, Larry Sapp, recalls his dad's brilliant plan to drum up interest: "My dad raised Shetland horses, so he had this idea to give away a free pony to the kids of any family who moved in. In the end, it was the kids that sold those houses.” It was the start of a very close-knit Springfield suburb. "It was amazing how the ponies brought the Val-E-Vue community together. Kids would ride them through everyone's backyards, and there were pony shows every year,” Sapp says. The era of ponies ended in Val-E-Vue as the years passed, but long-time residents still cherish pictures and remember the names of their four-legged friends. And every year, instead of a pony show, neighbors still get together for a block party to reminisce and keep the sense of togetherness alive in Val-E-Vue.
Midcentury homes on winding, hilly roads
Homes in Val-E-Vue were built from the 1950s to the 1970s in classic midcentury ranch styles, split levels and colonial revivals. The street names are reminiscent of the pony days, with names like "Palamino" or "Horseshoe." Yards can range from a quarter to half an acre, and prices remain consistent across the neighborhood, varying from $175,000 to $250,000. There are no sidewalks, but there are streetlights, and there is hardly any through traffic on the quiet streets. Mature oaks and maples dot grassy lawns, and the neighborhood has its own lake, though it is not open for swimming or boating. "Today, it's still a popular neighborhood, and the houses sell like hotcakes," Sapp says, drawing on his experience in commercial real estate as a broker with Garrison Group. "When my dad developed it, he made the streets winding and hilly; he built a lake and added a beach — you don't really see that elsewhere in the city and people like that uniqueness."
Noise from the nearby airport
The Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport is about a 3-mile drive from Val-E-Vue, but the end of the runway is just about 1 mile away. As a result, residents of Val-E-Vue can hear planes low overhead. However, a 92-acre stretch of land between the neighborhood and the airport provides a buffer. The land is used as farmland and is unlikely to ever be developed.
A local lake and a nearby dog park
Though there's a picnic bench on the side of the lake for residents looking for a quick place to enjoy nature, there are no parks within the neighborhood. But right across Winch Road, Stuart Park has a playground and sports fields across its 38 acres. The park's main attraction is the dog play area, which includes separate enclosures for larger and small dogs, as well as water splash pools. For those looking for a longer walk, the park connects with the Sangamon Valley Trail, an 11.5-mile paved pathway that stretches across the county.
New renovations at Lanphier High School
Kids are zoned to attend Addams Elementary School, which gets a C-plus grade on Niche. Addams keeps parents up to date with its monthly newsletter, The Roar Report. Then it's on to Grant Middle, rated C and Lanphier High School, rated C-plus. Lanphier High underwent a $100 million renovation in 2023 and 2024, which included a new auditorium, library and athletics facilities. The school offers AP courses and a popular trade program that pairs students with apprenticeships right out of school.
Secluded from the rest of the city
With its location on the west side of State Route 4, Val-E-Vue is cut off from the rest of the city. While this can be nice for a sense of neighborly unity, running errands means a trip into the city. There are no bus lines in the neighborhood, so that trip must be made by car. There's a County Market 2 miles down Burns Lane, the only option within a 5-mile radius. Burns also has some chain restaurant options. Downtown Springfield is 4 miles away. And for longer trips, Route 4 connects directly out to St. Louis and Chicago.
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
Stuart Park
Transit
Airport
Abraham Lincoln Capital
5 min drive
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Val-E-Vue
US
Homicide
5
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
4
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
3
4
Larceny
3
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Val-E-Vue, Springfield sell after 11 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Val-E-Vue, Springfield over the last 12 months is $234,650, up 20% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Home Trends
Median Price (12 Mo)
$236,250
Median Single Family Price
$236,250
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$97
Last 12 months Home Sales
5
Median List Price
$239,900
Median Discount From 1st List Price
2%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
26%
Home Facts
Number of Homes in Neighborhood
78
Distribution of Home Values
Source: Public Records
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Phil Chiles,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
283
Median Age
44
Population Density
3 ppl/acre
Population under 18
20.8%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
24.7%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$85,606
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$96,081
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
99.1%
Above the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
42.2%
Advanced Degrees
23.2%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
62.1%
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®
19/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
2/ 100
Minimal Transit
Transit Score®
24/ 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.
