Westville blends rural life with highway access and busy athletics
Westville is a quiet rural village along a major countryside highway. The road connects the community to the Danville micropolitan area, which has job opportunities inside larger cities and vast farmlands. Westville's school athletics programs keep kids active, and neighborhood parks offer year-round recreation. The area is primarily a bedroom community, so commercial options are limited to national chains and local watering holes.
Home styles, friendly neighbors and farmland define the community
Most residential areas have grassy lawns, mature shade trees and overhead powerlines alongside many roads. A few neighborhoods have sidewalks, and some streets come to an end where the farmlands begin. Architectural designs include ranch-style homes, American Foursquares, bungalows and colonial-inspired houses. Dutch Colonials, farmhouses and custom designs are also available. Prices typically range between $30,000 and $235,000, depending on a home's age and condition.
While some lots provide ample space between neighbors, most residents try to connect and create a tight-knit community. "There's a lot of really nice people in town who all help each other when someone's in need," says William Schlunaker, broker for Priority 1 Real Estate and Auction and former Westville resident. "For the most part, you're always going to have good neighbors."
Public schools and competitive athletic programs inside Westville
Westville Community Unit School District No. 2 has three schools within city limits. First, kids attend Judith Giacoma Elementary and Westville Junior High School, both of which have C ratings from Niche. Westville High School earns a B-minus rating and is known for its athletic offerings. "They put $10 million into their high school for a renovated sports facility back in 2021," Schlunaker says. "Plus, Westville, in general, has fantastic sports programs, from Peanuts all the way through high school." Residents often attend high school games, especially to see Westville's annual rivalry with Georgetown over the Coal Bucket trophy.
Year-round park recreation, with nature preserve camping nearby
Zamberletti Park is the village's only green space. It has multiple play structures, picnic pavilions, ball fields and sports courts. Occasionally, local bands perform free public concerts at the park. Residents are about 5 miles from other community parks in Tilton and Georgetown and 7 miles from Forest Glen Preserve. The preserve offers campgrounds and backpacking trails through old-growth forest and restored savannas.
Limited commercial options include barbecue spots and saloon bars
Retail stores and restaurants line Highway 150. National chains like CVS and Subway are beside local restaurants, like Dave's Double Barrel BBQ. The village also has many saloon-style bars and slot lounges, including Coal Miners, which doubles as a liquor store. Ken's Westville IGA is the only supermarket, while Dollar General has everyday items. More commercial options are roughly 6 miles away in Hegeler, Tilton and downtown Danville.
Transit options range from Danville buses to central highways
Highway 150 is the village's central artery, with Main Street being its primary cross street. The highway leads drivers directly to Danville, the nearest big city and job hub. Danville Mass Transit bus stops also line the road. The closest hospital is OSF Sacred Heart Medical Center, 7 miles away in Danville. Residents are 50 miles from the University of Illinois Willard Airport and 97 miles from the Indianapolis International Airport.
Lions Club's Labor Day event draws crowds and has country music
The Westville Lions Club hosts a majority of the village's events. One of the biggest is the Westville Labor Day Celebration. "The parade is such a big event because all the local labor unions come out to participate, and there's a giant party afterwards," Schlunaker says. Bands, including at least one major country music headliner, play live concerts all weekend. Throughout the rest of the year, the Lions Club organizes kid-friendly activities, craft shows, outdoor shows at Zamberletti Park and other holiday celebrations.
