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West Urbana

West Urbana

Neighborhood in Urbana, Illinois

Champaign County 61801

$287,347 Average Value
$168 Average Price per Sq Ft
13 Homes For Sale

Where residential surroundings and the University of Illinois lifestyle meet

One of West Urbana’s major attractions, a white wooden house on High Street, doesn’t draw much attention to itself. But some may recognize it as a monument of indie rock symbolizing the pang of juvenile heartache and melancholy in a small Midwestern town. The broader area surrounding the home reveals a residential community with strong ties to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus, with varied businesses, neighborhood parks, and campus buildings mere steps away from most homes. The white wooden house, which graces the cover of the 1999 debut album of the emo rock band American Football, was chosen for the record as it had been a popular spot for college parties and DIY-concerts at the time. While residents may come and go with each passing school year, the area’s quirky culture remains. “The college brings a lot of different kinds of people in, so it’s a very diverse area,” says Lisa Rector, a Realtor and chief broker with the Rector Team at Keller Williams Champaign. Rector has sold homes in the Urbana-Champaign area for more than 12 years.
West Urbana is located adjacent to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus.
West Urbana is located adjacent to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus.
Iconic homes reside in West Urbana like the American Football House featured on an album cover.
Iconic homes reside in West Urbana like the American Football House featured on an album cover.
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Traditionally built homes in a collegiate setting

West Urbana’s home market is varied and reflects the enduring charm of traditional architecture. The area’s proximity to the Illinois campus makes it a compelling choice for investors, grad students and alumni. Single-family homes and multi-unit properties showcase the evolution of American home styles from the 1880s to the 1950s. Buyers can find homes influenced by Colonial Revival, Prairie and Tudor stylings, with folk vernacular architecture inspiring humble design elements like the white wood siding and prominent window on the front-facing gable of the American Football House. Stopping the late 19th-century home from being torn down for redevelopment, the band, its record label and a few other partners bought the dwelling in 2023 to preserve it as a community landmark. Home prices range from $99,000 to $539,000. Condo units nearby also occasionally sell for between $82,000 and $125,000.
Many homes in West Urbana have unique architectural details making them unique from one another.
Many homes in West Urbana have unique architectural details making them unique from one another.
There are a variety of building materials used in West Urbana homes including stucco.
There are a variety of building materials used in West Urbana homes including stucco.
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Historic neighborhood parks and large botanical gardens at the University of Illinois Arboretum

On the corner of Iowa Street and Douglas Avenue, Carle Park is a scenic neighborhood park with an Abraham Lincoln statue and an original pavilion from the park's 1909 opening. Contemporary amenities include a playground, volleyball courts and open Wi-Fi. A few blocks southeast, Blair Park received renovations to its playground area in 2022 and offers overhead lights on the tennis court, letting locals enjoy sunset and evening games. Just south of the neighborhood, the University of Illinois Arboretum provides lush views of the state’s flora.
West Urbana residents love the path through Carle Park which is great for dog walking.
West Urbana residents love the path through Carle Park which is great for dog walking.
People love walking the University Of Illinois Arboretum grounds near West Urbana.
People love walking the University Of Illinois Arboretum grounds near West Urbana.
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Studying for exams at Urbana schools

Students in West Urbana can attend schools within Urbana School District 116. Leal Elementary School has a student-teacher ratio of 14:1 and earns a B-minus grade on Niche. Urbana Middle School earns a C grade. Extracurricular activities at Urbana High School cover interests from film and debate to ping-pong and chemistry. The school earns an A-minus grade on Niche. College students and grad schoolers in the area can attend classes at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, which offers highly ranked programs in library and information sciences, accounting and civil engineering, according to U.S. News & World Report.
Urbana Middle School is part of Urbana School District 116.
Urbana Middle School is part of Urbana School District 116.
Urbana High School has over 1,200 students enrolled.
Urbana High School has over 1,200 students enrolled.
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Art and music festivals and farmers markets in the Champaign area

In the springtime, the Champaign County Arts Council organizes the Boneyard Arts Festival, which showcases local art in more than 90 venues across the Champaign-Urbana area, from performances and art talks to galleries and multimedia installations. Rector points to the Urbana Market at the Square, a farmers’ market open five days a week during the summer season, as a prime spot to check out local vendors and produce. The Pygmalion Music Festival has been a staple of the area’s local music scene since 2005, with performances from local and international acts at venues like the Rose Bowl Tavern and the Canopy Club each fall.
West Urbana residents can head over to the Canopy Club to hear their favorite bands perform.
West Urbana residents can head over to the Canopy Club to hear their favorite bands perform.
People hang out outside of Rose Bowl Tavern between music sets near West Urbana.
People hang out outside of Rose Bowl Tavern between music sets near West Urbana.
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Easy access to two city centers via University Avenue

West Urbana’s primary connections to the greater Champaign-Urbana area include University Avenue/US-150 on the north side of the neighborhood, West Kirby Avenue on the south side and Green Street, a central road linking the area to the Illinois campus. Residents are generally about 1 mile away from downtown Urbana, 3 miles away from Champaign and less than 1 mile from the Illinois campus. For medical emergencies, Carle Foundation Hospital is less than 2 miles away for most residents. Flights departing the Champaign-Urbana area depart from University of Illinois Willard Airport, 7 miles south of the neighborhood. Bus stops for the cities’ Mass Transit District bus system are available throughout the neighborhood for car-free travel.
University Avenue is one of the main thoroughfares in the West Urbana neighborhood.
University Avenue is one of the main thoroughfares in the West Urbana neighborhood.
West Urbana residents make great use of the bus system to get around town.
West Urbana residents make great use of the bus system to get around town.
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Groceries, skateboard shops and coffee breaks

Many of West Urbana’s most convenient businesses are available in neighboring areas near downtown Urbana. Close to downtown Urbana, grocery options include Common Ground Food Co-Op and Schnucks, as well as World Harvest International & Gourmet for specialty ingredients. Unique retailers nearby include Skeuwep Skate Shop and See You CD & Vinyl, a skateboarding supplier and record store with a shared space, and Priceless Books, a used bookstore with an ever-changing stock of fiction and nonfiction. Salads, bakery items and casual surroundings accompany the coffee and tea at Caffe Paradiso, while Tres Nopales offers traditional Mexican fare with colorful murals and papel picado banners. Additional options for everyday shopping and dining out are available in the Campustown area and downtown Champaign.
West Urbana residents love shopping at Common Ground for their groceries.
West Urbana residents love shopping at Common Ground for their groceries.
A barista serves up drinks at Cafe Paradiso near West Urbana.
A barista serves up drinks at Cafe Paradiso near West Urbana.
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Important things to know

Some areas in West Urbana have Flood Factor scores of 3 feet or more, indicating a higher risk for flooding during inclement weather. Potential residents are advised to check if a property adheres to building codes and insurance requirements prior to purchasing a home in or near these areas. Residents close to the Downtown Urbana area and major roads such as Lincoln Avenue, University Avenue or Vine Street may experience higher noise levels.
Residents of West Urbana will love Crystal Lake Park.
Residents of West Urbana will love Crystal Lake Park.
Downtown Urbana near West Urbana has plenty of activities to explore.
Downtown Urbana near West Urbana has plenty of activities to explore.
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Tre Lyerly
Written By
Tre Lyerly
Joe Kirsch
Photography Contributed By
Joe Kirsch
David Fritzson
Video By
David Fritzson

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
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

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Barb Schwartz, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

University of Illinois/Willard

25 min drive

Bus

Race & Washington (Nw Corner)

Bus

Vine & Washington (Nw Corner)

Bus

Vine & Oregon (Nw Corner)

Bus

University & Goodwin (Se Corner)

Bus

Lar (West Side)

Bus

Florida & Vine (Nw Corner)

Bus

Penn & Vine (Nw Corner)

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime West Urbana US
Homicide 4 4
Sexual Assault 5 4
Assault with Weapon 3 4
Robbery 4 4
Burglary 5 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 4 4
Larceny 4 4
Crime Score 4 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

West Urbana Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$284,900
Median Sale Price
$281,625
Median Single Family Sale Price
$315,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$259,500
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$132,500
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Last 12 months Home Sales
55
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
2%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$168

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
1,189
Number of Homes for Sale
13
Median Year Built
1919
Months of Supply
2.80
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,701
Significantly above the national average
1,933
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,463
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
6,969

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Jun 14
    1 - 3pm

    606 S Cedar St, Urbana, IL 61801

    $325,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 3 Baths
    • 1,480 Sq Ft
    • 606 S Cedar St
    • New 9 days ago

    "Once in a lifetime" is a familiar adage that aptly applies to this home, owned by the same family since 1957! The loving care, tasteful updates, attention to historic detail and excellent condition make this home special and truly one you will not want to miss! The location is convenient to UIUC, Leal School, area parks and less than a 5 minute stroll to enjoy all downtown Urbana amenities. This

    Susan Laesch Coldwell Banker R.E. Group

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  • Saturday, Jun 14
    11am - 1pm

    305 W Oregon St, Urbana, IL 61801

    $290,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 1.5 Baths
    • 1,814 Sq Ft
    • 305 W Oregon St

    Step into classic elegance with this beautifully crafted, all-brick home, inspired home design by Frank Lloyd Wright, this plan was in good housekeeping, 1904 which it was a Frank Lloyd Wright design, located in central Urbana, location close to everything you need. Thoughtfully designed, it offers 3 spacious bedrooms, 2 full baths, and a full basement, perfect for extra living space, a home gym,

    Carol Meinhart The Real Estate Group,Inc

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Barb Schwartz, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
8,437
Median Age
27
Population under 18
19.3%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
7.5%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$39,448
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$66,460

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
96.6%
College Graduates
77.2%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
51.6%
Significantly above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
56.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
40''
Average Winter Low Temperature
18°F
Average Summer High Temperature
85°F
Annual Snowfall
6''

Area Factors

Very Bikeable

Bike Score®

78 / 100

Very Walkable

Walk Score®

72 / 100

Good Transit

Transit Score®

63 / 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.

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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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
West Urbana