Former industrial hub turned into amenity-rich small city
Sterling, Illinois, grew from the banks of the Rock River, which helped turn this small city into an industrial hotspot around the turn of the 20th century. Sterling’s past remains evident in areas like downtown, where quiet brick buildings and a towering chimney greet drivers crossing the river. On the riverfront, some of the old manufacturing sites are slowly making way for more of the amenities that have kept this city of about 15,000 going amid economic shifts. Sterling Alderman Jim Wise says his city’s appeal simply boils down “to the availability of the amenities we have and the interconnectivity between neighbor to neighbor and community to community. I would say the education, recreation and the medical services we have in this area are second to none for a community of this size.”
Historic Sterling, IL was founded in 1838 and has a current population of 14,764.
Sterling is named after Major James Sterling, a hero during the Blackhawk War.
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Queen Anne and ranch-style homes below the national median price
Some of the city’s oldest and most ornate properties exist close to its downtown, where prospective buyers will find Queen Anne, Federal, stick, Dutch Colonial and American Foursquare homes. Other neighborhoods show ranch-style houses, Craftsmen and minimal Traditional homes.
Those looking for starter homes or investment properties will find many houses with footprints under 1,000 square feet. Few homes here exceed 2,000 square feet. Depending on size and condition, home costs range from about $50,000 to just over $300,000. Sterling also has a median price of $127,000, nearly $300,000 below the national median.
Many updated modern traditional-style homes can be seen throughout Sterling.
Renovated American Foursquare homes in Sterling are priced around $127,000.
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Walkable downtown with boutiques, cafes and watering holes
Sterling boasts a small and walkable downtown with boutiques offering anything from women’s clothing and jewelry to wedding dresses, antiques and salon services. Pedestrians here will spot some murals, including one of the city’s founding and another of several presidents posing in front of the American flag.
The city’s dining establishments serve anything from simple comfort foods to ales and fine Italian cuisine. Sterling is also a stop on the Rock River Chocolate Trail, a vast network of sweets shops. Commercial districts with chains like Kroger and ALDI exist on the city’s outskirts. At the same time, there are plans to turn some of the old manufacturing sites into new shops, apartments and recreation amenities. “Once the old life disappears, we’re going to work to try to rebuild a second life for it. All communities are doing that,” Wise says.
Residents of Sterling can grab their weekly groceries at the local ALDI.
Brink's Bar & Grill in downtown Sterling has over 20 beers on tap.
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Fishing, kayaking and biking along Rock River
The city and the Sterling Parks districts offer a variety of recreational spaces. Located along the Rock River, Sinnissippi Park draws anglers looking for hefty catfish, disc golf players and winter-time sledders. The park is also home to a historic Hopewellian mound burial site. Part of an island on the river, Lawrence Park is popular among local kayakers. One of the city’s newest amenities is the Sinnissippi Dam Walking Bridge, which provides a passage to neighboring Rock Falls and connects to the nearly 30-mile Hennepin Canal Feeder trail. Both a YMCA and YWCA offer indoor recreation options.
The Sinnissippi Dam Walking Bridge in Sterling is a great place to get away from it all.
The majestic Rock River runs through Sterling.
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Grandon Civic Center’s summer concert series
From June to August, the city’s municipal band uses the Grandon Civic Center’s bowl-style stage for a weekly concert series. The venue also hosts the annual July 4 celebration. Built in 1924, the historic Sterling Theater remains a local entertainment institution with its showings of blockbuster films. Running out of a prominent and unmistakable Italianate house, the Dillon Home Museum is another historic attraction.
Strong Sterling Public Schools system and faith-based options
The Sterling Public Schools district serves the area and gets an overall A-minus grade from Niche. Sterling is home to the Whiteside Area Career Center, which introduces regional high school students to various trades like welding, cosmetology and construction. Private and faith-based options include the Newman Central Catholic High School, while The Sauk Valley Community College, about 13 miles east in Dixon, offers a higher education option.
Educational opportunities abound at Newman Central Catholic High School In Sterling.
Sterling High School offers plenty of AP and Honors courses.
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Growing retail, services and health care sectors
Sterling was once called the “Hardware Capital of the World.” While the industrial scene has shrunk over the decades, a few manufacturing and steel mill places remain. This city of 14,500 has also seen growth in other areas like retail, professional services and health care. The CGH Medical Center provides a wide range of hospital services and employs over 1,000 people.
Sterling-based Whiteside County Public Transportation provides a shuttle service to residents, but many here drive to get around the region. Illinois Route 2 goes to Dixon, while Illinois Route 40 crosses the river to neighbor Rock Falls. “The ‘twin cities’ is what it used to be referred to. We’re one community divided by a river,” Wise says. “The ability to work together is something the communities pride themselves in.”
Located about an hour west of Sterling, the Quad Cities International Airport offers the nearest place for commercial flights. Travelers looking for more flight options may drive a couple hours to Chicago, home to the Chicago O’Hare and Chicago Midway international airports.
Important to know
The National Weather Service doesn’t track specific climate data for Sterling. However, the agency does keep numbers on nearby communities like Morrison, where the mean annual temperature is a few points below the national average. Those moving to the region should invest in a shovel, as the area gets about 30 inches of snow a year.
The latest FBI numbers show Sterling’s violent and property crime rates are roughly on par with the state’s. However, crime in Sterling has fallen by more than half since the mid-2010s.
Written By
Yann Ranaivo
Photography Contributed By
JJ Starr
Video By
EB Fox
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Kimberly Taylor,
an experienced agent in this 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.
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On average, homes in Sterling, IL sell after 31 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Sterling, IL over the last 12 months is $126,500, up 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Large home with 6 bedrooms and 4.5 baths in a very desirable neighborhood. Master bedroom suite plus 2 more suites on the second floor. 2 - 2 car garages and plenty of parking. Newer items include! Water heater, well pump, main floor A/C, 100 AMP RV plug in garage, main floor bath remodeled, eat at counter in updated kitchen, 24' above ground pool with Trex deck, and partially finished basement.
Country living at its finest! Set on a generous 1.42-acre lot zoned A-1, this beautifully updated home offers space, comfort, and incredible functionality. Inside, you’ll find 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, including a brand-new family room and a stunning master suite featuring a Jacuzzi tub, tiled shower, double vanity, convenient in-suite laundry, and a massive walk-in closet. The large eat-in
Charming Updated Brick Ranch on Corner Lot in Sterling, IL! Welcome to this beautifully maintained 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom brick ranch-style home situated on a desirable corner lot in Sterling. This move-in-ready gem features stunning new flooring throughout and boasts major updates including a new roof and updated utilities (2021), plus a brand new water heater (2025) for added peace of mind. The
Investment Opportunity - Duplex located downtown. Front porch is currently used by both tenants. Unit #1 has a washer/dryer hookups. The Seller pays water, sewer and garbage. Tenant pays their own Gas & Electric. Unit #1 (down) has 1 bedroom, stove & refrig. $450/month rent (no lease and no deposit). Unit #2 (2nd level) has 2 bedrooms stove & refrig. $500/month rent (no lease and no
Park like setting, sidewalk, walking path to nearby shopping, 24 hour coded entry fitness center, on site laundry facility, 24 hour maintenance, on site management, plus many more reasons this is " A wonderful place to call home"
Property Id: 1344210All applicants must first fill out a Pre-screener. There will be no showings of the property without a Pre-screener being filled out.Clean and modern 4 bedroom home with attached 2 1/2 car garage.heated driveway1 full bath downstairsappliances includedclose to community hospitallawn mowing included in rent
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