Sullivan’s location offers quiet living with commuter convenience
Sullivan is a small community of about 4,400 people, bordered by corn fields and open stretches of nature in every direction. While Sullivan feels secluded, it's a short distance from some larger Illinois cities – an important detail for commuters. Those considering the move to Sullivan are in for more than convenience, with lakeside parks, diverse housing options and a close-knit community. "It's the type of place where you know your neighbors, and your neighbors will let you know what's up," says Cathrine Craig, a Realtor with Shelby Realty Services who has lived in the area for more than 30 years. "When you go to the grocery store, you can't just get in, get your stuff and get out. You'll run into someone you know and chat for 20 minutes."
Low inventory, move-in condition and aging residents drive quick sales
Victorian cottages, Cape Cods and small ranch-style homes sell for $60,000 to $140,000. These older homes on gridded streets near downtown are, at times, not as well-kept as homes near the golf course, around Lake Shelbyville or on the outskirts of the city. In more suburban neighborhoods farther from the center of Sullivan, split-level homes, Colonial Revivals and American Foursquares range from $140,000 to $260,00. Ramblers and New Traditional homes around the lake or the surrounding county sell between $250,000 and $590,000.
Homes in Sullivan sell quickly. "We have very low housing inventory and high demand," Craig says. "If a house is going to sell, it will sell in less than 48 hours." Homes needing renovations sit longer, often requiring an investor to bring them up to condition. Craig partially attributes the area's tight market to an aging population. "We have many older residents living alone in their homes," she says. "As they move into apartments or assisted living facilities, the homes will open for the younger generation."
Local highways lead to additional employers in regional cities
Agri-Fab and Hydro-Gear are manufacturing companies based in Sullivan that employ some residents. However, most people living in the area work elsewhere. "It's the perfect small-town atmosphere between some larger cities, and it's great for commuters," Craig says. "We have a lot of people living here who drive daily to Decatur , Mattoon , Champaign or Effingham ." Illinois state highways 121 and 32 are the area's main roads that connect about 17 miles southeast to Mattoon and 28 miles northwest to Decatur. Springfield and Terre Haute , Indiana, are also within a 90-minute drive, 75 miles away or less. Chicago Midway International Airport is about 80 miles away, and Hospital Sisters Health System Good Shepherd Hospital is in Shelbyville .
The community's new high school brings upgrades for sports and arts
Sullivan Elementary School earns a B-plus on Niche, and Sullivan Middle School is rated B-minus. Sullivan High School is rated B. The new high school has various new features in its 21 classrooms and throughout the building for activities, including athletics and arts.
Outdoor fun spans from sports to quiet trails to lakeside activities
Lake Shelbyville is more than 11,000 acres, with even more land around it in beaches, parks, campgrounds and wildlife areas. Shelbyville State Fish and Wildlife Area, Wilborn Creek Recreation Area and Timberlake Golf Course are along its northern shores, within 8 miles of Sullivan. Marinas, boat launches and fishing piers are further south on the lake.
Sullivan has two 40-plus-acre parks, each with a different vibe. Tabor Park is the quieter of the two, with picnic areas, statues and jogging trails. Wyman Park is the more active park, with baseball diamonds, a skate park, a disc golf course and courts for tennis and basketball. Residents can fish from docks or the island in the park's pond.
Sullivan has food, homeware stores and a grocer but limited retail
Downtown has fast-food chains, bars and locally owned restaurants. Memphis Black BBQ is a no-frills spot with a hand-written menu board and plates loaded with barbecue, fried chicken and mac and cheese. Sullivan Bakery is a woman- and veteran-owned spot that sells homemade doughnuts, cookies, cakes and pastries. Kirby Foods is the local grocery store, and residents get their home and garden necessities at Sullivan Ace Hardware and Dollar General. "We have everything you need and a lot that you want," Craig says. "The only thing we don't have is big retail stores, but these days, everyone orders everything online to be delivered to their doors anyway."
A professional theater with shows year-round and youth programs
The Little Theatre on the Square is a performing arts center in Sullivan — the only professional theater between St. Louis and Chicago. "The regular season runs from June through August, and then there are special fall, winter and spring performances," Craig says. The center also has youth performing arts programs for kindergarten through twelfth-grade students and acting and dancing classes for the community.
Written By
Heather Haggerty
