$232,311Average Value$119Average Price per Sq Ft1Home For Sale
Buy a house, get a pony free
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.
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Val-E-Vue 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 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Val-E-Vue, Springfield over the last 12 months is $275,000, up 41% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Pride of Ownership Shines in This Beautifully Maintained Home in Val E Vue Subdivision! This well-loved home has been thoughtfully updated throughout the years by the current owner, with care and attention evident throughout. Major improvements include, siding and roof, providing peace of mind and energy efficiency. Hardwood flooring has been added to the bedrooms, living room, and dining area,
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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.
