$200,126Average Value$129Average Price per Sq Ft12Homes For Sale
Tuscola, the seat of Douglas County, is about 23 miles from Champaign
Tuscola in central Illinois is a small city with rural surroundings, with a population of about 4,700. "It's the county seat, so this is where the courthouse is for Douglas County. You can go to the bigger cities, but if you don't want to, you can find everything you need here," says Cathy Means, a resident of Tuscola and a Realtor with the Hillard Agency. Tuscola is about 23 miles south of Champaign. Tuscola developed around agriculture and the railroad industry and was incorporated in 1859. It has a long history as a presidential campaign stop, hosting candidates from Theodore Roosevelt to Barack Obama.
Tuscola blends small-town charm with local shops, parks, and historic landmarks.
The Douglas County Courthouse, completed in 1913, anchors the downtown square.
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Victorians to ranch-style, contemporary and golf-course homes
Tuscola is walkable; many streets have short blocks, sidewalks and shade trees. Portions of some streets have antique bricks in place rather than asphalt. Home options include late-1800s and early-1900s Victorians, Craftsman houses and some Sears Catalog kit homes. Ranch-style homes were most common during the second half of the 20th century, followed by a variety of contemporary and custom designs. Some early 2000s homes are by the Ironhorse Golf Course, which is open to the public. Overall, prices typically range from about $190,000 to $420,000. Means says there's room to grow: "You can build in Tuscola. There are still spots for brand-new homes."
Ranch-style homes are prominent throughout Tuscola.
Homes with Craftsman touches are a common sight in Tuscola.
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Downtown has seen a resurgence with new businesses
Downtown retains its vintage charm, with shops like Flesor's Candy Kitchen, which was established in 1901. Newer businesses are also part of the mix. "We have a wonderful downtown that has kind of revived in the last five to 10 years," Means says. The Cast Iron Pub opened in 2019 and offers burgers, sandwiches and local beers on tap. Live music, trivia nights and a dart league are part of the fun, and watch parties celebrate teams like the Illinois Fighting Illini of the University of Illinois. The pub is owned by chef Kenny Hogue. "He's a graduate of Tuscola High, who went on to culinary school and then came back. The new Hometown Grounds coffee shop is also owned by a Tuscola graduate," Means says. Kirby Foods has groceries covered. Sweet Petunia is an antique shop that opened in the former site of the outlet mall. Tuscola Breakfast Place and Star 57 Diner are also nearby.
Kirby Foods offers a full grocery selection and is open daily from 6am to 9pm.
Star 57 Diner serves breakfast all day and runs a breakfast buffet on select mornings.
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Community parks, events and the Tuscola Farmers Market
The Kelly Lock Memorial Dog Park is on the north end of Ervin Park, which also has a playground, pickleball courts, a soccer field and a swimming pool. The park, on the northwest side of town, hosts Tuscola Sparks in the Park for Independence Day, car shows and an annual high school baseball showcase. On the southeast, Wimple Park has a small lake with a fishing dock and has been used for a Cub Scout summer day camp and monster truck shows.
The Tuscola Farmers Market is held downtown on Wednesdays twice a month from June to September. The nationally known Rural Life Antique Show comes to town for weekends in the spring and fall.
Ervin Park offers ball diamonds, courts, a pool, and a volunteer-built playground.
Wimple Park provides a quiet picnic area with benches and a pond stocked for fishing.
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Kids may enroll in schools in the Tuscola Community Unit District
The Tuscola Community Unit District 301 serves the area. North Ward Elementary School earns a B grade from Niche, and East Prairie Middle School has a B-minus. Tuscola Community High School, also called Tuscola High, has a B-plus and offers athletic programs including football, basketball and track and field. The high school's homecoming football game in the fall has inspired an annual, week-long celebration for the entire community. Some years, Tuscola goes up against Arcola. The school rivalry, which has lasted over a century, is nicknamed the Cola Wars.
North Ward Elementary School has 326 students with a student-teacher ratio of 12 to 1.
Tuscola High School has 296 students with a student-teacher ratio of 12 to 1.
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Walkability, Dial-A-Ride and three highways in the area
Dial-A-Ride public transportation for Douglas County residents is available by reservation. U.S. Route 37 is on the south side of Tuscola, U.S. Route 45 is on the west, and Interstate 57 is on the east. "People work in businesses in town, for the University of Illinois and at surrounding hospitals," Means says. The Carle Foundation Hospital is in Champaign, and health center Sarah Bush Lincoln is in Mattoon.
Amtrak and freight trains pass through but don't stop; the closest stations are in Champaign and Mattoon. "I live a block and a half from the tracks," Means says. "Trains probably go through four times a day, and they don't really create any issues." About 20 miles to the north, the University of Illinois-Willard Airport offers nonstop flights to Chicago O'Hare International Airport and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport.
The Carle Foundation Hospital provides emergency, surgical, and specialty care.
Willard Airport manages about 46,000 aircraft operations per year.
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Some had considered Tuscola a sundown town
From its early years and into the 20th century, Tuscola was considered by some to be a sundown town, a racially discriminatory municipality that warned non-whites to leave before sunset. These days, Tuscola’s population is listed as about 91% white according to U.S. Census estimates.
Written By
Robin Silberman
Video By
Colleen Carey
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On average, homes in Tuscola, IL sell after 63 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Tuscola, IL over the last 12 months is $169,450, down 10% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Charming and efficient 3-bedroom, 1-bath ranch offering 1,054 square feet of comfortable living space. This home features hard surface flooring throughout, central air, and a functional layout ideal for both tenants and future owner-occupants. The attached 1-car garage adds convenience and additional storage.
Solid investment opportunity in Tuscola! This 2-bedroom, 1-bath ranch-style home offers 1,251 square feet of functional living space and is currently leased through 10/31/2026 at $950 per month, providing immediate and consistent rental income. The existing lease and security deposit will transfer to the new owner, allowing for a seamless transition. Looking ahead, this property also presents a
Step into a remarkable piece of Tuscola history - Built in 1908, this architectural treasure beautifully combines the practicality and functionality of the classic American Foursquare-one of the most popular home styles of the early 20th century-with the elegance and craftsmanship of Prairie School design. The iconic front porch features tapered columns resting on locally sourced stone piers,
Welcome home to this move-in-ready ranch offering single-story living at its absolute finest. Showcasing a brand-new roof and gutters (July 2026), this property delivers ultimate peace of mind and true worry-free homeownership from day one. The home features a bright and airy open-concept layout. The main living area flows seamlessly into the dining and kitchen spaces, creating an ideal setup for
Mark WaldhoffKELLER WILLIAMS-TREC
$190,000
2 Beds
1 Bath
1,160 Sq Ft
Move right into this beautifully remodeled home where every detail has been thoughtfully updated for modern living! The open-concept floor plan was created by removing interior walls, resulting in a bright, spacious layout that's perfect for everyday living and entertaining. The stunning kitchen is the heart of the home, featuring gorgeous quartz countertops, brand-new cabinetry, an eat-in dining
Ranch living in Tuscola with the heavy lifting already done. This 3 bedroom, 2 full bath home offers 1,448 square feet of single-level space, anchored by a primary suite with a walk-in closet and private bath. The family room and dining area flow into a kitchen with room to cook and gather, and out back you'll find a screened porch and an adjoining deck - two different ways to spend an evening
"Country Feels" And Convenient To Town Amenities! Full Brick Ranch On Over An Acre With Additional Outbuilding/Garage. Light & Bright Kitchen Is Truly The Heart Of This Home As It Opens To A Large Dining Space Overlooking Green Pastures. Two Living Spaces! Family Room/Game Room Comes With Bar & Pool Table. Replacement Windows, Smart Thermostat, Central Air '21, Water Heater '23, Septic Pumper
Welcome Home to this beautiful 4-bedroom, 3-bath home located in Tuscola's Ironhorse Golf Community! From the moment you step inside, you'll love the spacious feel, inviting layout, and beautiful golf course views. The large living room features vaulted ceilings, a cozy fireplace, and sliding glass doors that bring in plenty of natural light while overlooking the golf course. The eat-in kitchen
Welcome to a Victorian home where historical character seamlessly blends with top-tier modern upgrades - both inside the main house and in a backyard setup you have to see to believe. Every corner of this 5-bedroom home has been thoughtfully cared for.. Hardwood floors have been freshly sanded and refinished, leading you past original wood trim, elegant pocket doors, and a classic staircase. The
Welcome home to this nicely updated 3-bedroom, 1-bath ranch! Fresh paint throughout gives the home a clean, inviting feel, while the updated kitchen offers new flooring, backsplash, countertops, and freshly painted cabinets. Most of the drawers feature convenient slow-close hardware. The fully remodeled bathroom adds another beautiful touch to this move-in-ready home. Some replacement windows
Welcome to 602 E Van Allen Street! This well-maintained ranch offers a comfortable, functional layout with plenty of opportunity to make it your own. Several of the major-ticket items have already been addressed, including newer windows, HVAC, water heater, and an updated roof. Inside, the home has been well cared for and is ready for a buyer to add their own finishing touches. A one-car garage
Welcome home to this well-maintained ranch offering 4 bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms, and an attached 2-car garage in a highly desirable location! Conveniently situated near the middle school and high school, you'll enjoy easy access to school activities and the excitement of local sporting events just minutes from your doorstep. Inside, you'll find beautiful hardwood flooring throughout most of the
Discover stylish and comfortable living in these newly constructed townhomes designed with modern lifestyles in mind. Offering nine new units, each home showcases quality craftsmanship, contemporary finishes, and an open-concept layout that creates a bright and inviting living space. The spacious main living area connects seamlessly to the kitchen, making it ideal for both relaxing at home and
Just Listed in Tuscola! Your next home is waiting at 508 E. Buckner Street! Looking for a home that checks all the boxes without stretching your budget? This charming ranch has the space, comfort, and flexibility you've been searching for! 2 Bedrooms (plus a bonus room that can easily become a 3rd bedroom, family room, office, or playroom!) Updated Full Bathroom
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