Why Live in Grand Central
Grand Central, located in the heart of Springfield, features vintage homes primarily built between 1900 and 1930, including bungalows with cozy front porches and Dutch Colonial Revivals with barn-like rooms. The neighborhood's homes often require some care, contributing to lower home prices compared to the rest of Springfield. The area is known for its sense of community, with neighbors frequently interacting from their front porches and an active neighborhood association that organizes local events. The upcoming Springfield Rail Improvement Project, set to be completed by 2027, will move train traffic away from the Third Street corridor, reducing noise and improving commutes. Grand Central's cracked sidewalks and overgrown curbs give it a less manicured look, but homes often feature personal touches like flags, front gardens, and porch hammocks.
The neighborhood is within walking distance to Iles Park, which offers pickleball courts, a playground, and a baseball diamond. Washington Park, just over a mile away, spans 150 acres and includes sports courts, walking trails, and a botanical garden with one of the country's largest carillons. Dining options within walking distance include Gabatoni's for handmade pizza, Mel-O-Cream Donuts, Big Sharks Fish & Chicken, and Mekong Café. For groceries, locals often shop at Hy-Vee, located one mile south. Downtown Springfield is just 1 mile away, and the city's medical district is 2 miles away, with several bus lines and bike lanes facilitating easy commutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Grand Central a good place to live?
Grand Central is a good place to live. Grand Central is considered somewhat walkable and bikeable with some transit options. Grand Central is an urban pioneer neighborhood. Grand Central has 3 parks for recreational activities. It is very dense in population with 15.3 people per acre and a median age of 37. The average household income is $70,542 which is below the national average. College graduates make up 34.2% of residents. A majority of residents in Grand Central are home owners, with 41.5% of residents renting and 58.5% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving Grand Central can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
Grand Central neighborhood guide.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in Grand Central?
The median home price in Grand Central is $124,900. If you put a 20% down payment of $25,000 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.56%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $640 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $27K a year to afford the median home price in Grand Central. The average household income in Grand Central is $71K.
What are the best public schools in Grand Central?
The best public schools that serve Grand Central are:
What are the best private schools in Grand Central?
The best private schools that serve Grand Central are:
What are the most popular zip codes in Grand Central, Springfield, IL?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near Grand Central, Springfield, IL?
Home Trends in Grand Central, IL
On average, homes in Grand Central, Springfield sell after 42 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Grand Central, Springfield over the last 12 months is $123,000, up 25% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$123,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$123,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$83
Number of Homes for Sale
0
Last 12 months Home Sales
17
Median List Price
$124,900
Median Change From 1st List Price
1%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
25%
