Vandalia offers a tight-knit and historical atmosphere
Vandalia is a small town in an otherwise rural area that offers buyers plenty of single-family homes, outdoor attractions and shopping options. But this community of over 7,000 once launched the political career of Abraham Lincoln, the nation’s 16th president, and even served as the state’s capital from 1819 to 1839, when Springfield took over as the governmental seat of the Prairie State. This city honors its place in Illinois history by preserving the old Capitol building and other relics.
The town today is primarily agricultural with some manufacturing presence but maintains a tight-knit feel. “It’s a small farming town,” says Kristine Nalley, a Realtor with Fayette County Real Estate, who sells in the area. “When my sister-in-law comes to visit, she tells me it’s the type of town you see in a Hallmark movie. Everyone is [willing] to help everybody, and they're open to people moving here. It's not a cliquey town, you’ll be a stranger but not for long.”
Chat with Honest Abe at Lincoln Park in Vandalia.
Vandalia blends rural scenery with deep Illinois history.
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Various historical housing styles with no HOA activity
Homes include Victorians, bungalows, cottage and ranch styles, and split levels. The median price is just above $119,000, lower than the national and state medians. Nalley says that Vandalia does not have any HOAs. Properties closer to downtown are on gridded streets with smaller lots and oak trees accenting lawns. Some housing backs onto lakes and include private docks. Farmsteads and homes with more acreage are on the outskirts of the city. Nalley says Vandalia has attracted a mix of families and retirees. And with St. Louis, Highland and Effingham nearby, this community is appealing to commuters.
Many Vandalia homes feature large, welcoming front porches.
Split-level homes with attached garages are available in Vandalia.
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Vandalia Community Unit School District No. 203 serves students
Students can attend Vandalia Community Unit School District No. 203, graded B-minus on Niche. Pupils can start at Vandalia Elementary, rated B-minus, and continue to Vandalia Junior High, earning a C-plus. Vandalia Community High has a B and offers business and computer science courses.
Vandalia Elementary School is home to students in grades PK-5.
Vandalia Junior High School shares its campus with the local elementary school.
Vandalia Community High School prepares students for life beyond school.
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Green spaces, trails and history serve as main attractions
Green spaces here include Rummelin Park, which consists of a playground, baseball diamond and pavilion. In front of the old state capital building, Lincoln Park has a statue honoring the iconic president and a gazebo. The 660-acre Vandalia Lake, north of downtown, has a marina, camping grounds and a public beach. The Burnside Forest Nature Preserve Area offers trails and fishing spots. The Illinois Central Railroad Riverwalk is a former rail line converted to a trail along the Kaskaskia River. Historical sites include the Old State Capitol. The Evans Public Library contains a collection of books and artifacts belonging to Abraham Lincoln. The Fayette County Museum has exhibits and relics from local history. The Kaskaskia Dragon is a 35-foot-long roadside attraction that shoots fire.
Locals love the fish the coves of Vandalia Lake.
Enjoy the playgrounds and campgrounds at Vandalia Lake.
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Dining and shopping in downtown and off Veterans Avenue
A mix of chain restaurants and local spots can be found downtown and off Veterans Avenue. Blind Society serves seafood, steak and burgers. The Copper Penny offers salads, sandwiches and pizza. Max’s Family Diner has breakfast items and daily specials. Downtown has several boutiques, but larger big box stores, including Walmart and Aldi, are present.
Turning Leaf & Co. fills its downtown shop with sweet, seasonal aromas.
The Copper Penny Vandalia is a local favorite for casual bites.
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Weather risks in Vandalia
Maps show flooding is possible near the Kaskaskia River. Tornadoes and severe weather are also factors. A train line does run through Vandalia, but Nalley says it does not see much traffic.
Interstate 70 serves as the main travel artery
Vandalia does not have any public transport connections and is car-dependent. Interstate 70 runs north of downtown, connecting to St. Louis, 70 miles west. Interstate entrances are on U.S. Highway 40 and Kennedy Boulevard. MidAmerica St. Louis Airport is 64 miles southwest, while St. Louis Lambert International is 78 miles west. Sara Bush Lincoln Fayette County Hospital is located on Taylor Street and offers emergency and long-term care services.
Written By
Tyler Patchen
Photography Contributed By
Nathan Allen
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Vandalia, IL sell after 64 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Vandalia, IL over the last 12 months is $105,000, down 14% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
VANDALIA LAKE FRONT!! Sitting on THREE LAKE FRONT LOTS !! Walk into a open floor plan with a great room with cathedral ceiling with glass and sliding door looking out onto the lake and a wood burning fireplace. The kitchen has granite counters, stainless steel appliances, and a large island. Go downstairs to a family room with a fireplace, a bedroom and another room used as a bedroom and a full
Cute 3 bedroom home that sits on a corner lot with nice trees near Vandalia Parks and walking trail. The home has a new roof, some siding, window wells, shutters and guttering with gutter guard. Inside is so spacious with so much room for you to spread out. There are 3 bedrooms and 1 1/2 baths, great big living room with built-in bookshelves, full basement with storage room, heat and air
Great location !! Walking distance to hospital, schools, and park. Walk into the front door to a large living room , There is a bedroom and bath on the main level. With two bedrooms and bath on the upper level. Bathrooms have been updated. Nick deck off of the kitchen. Lot goes over to the concrete on the Southside. Make your appt today, to see this move in ready home.
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