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St. Joseph, IL Homes for Sale

St. Joseph is a town of about 4,000 people located minutes west of Champaign.  The town boasts a proud history, especially during the civil war era, and was home to the headquarters of both the Pony Express and the notorious Jesse James.  The town has increased exponentially in recent years and has become an ideal real estate location for families to build a home while commuting to Champaign.

St. Joseph Illinois Parks and Recreation

St. Joseph is home to beautiful parks that include amenities such as athletic fields, picnic areas, pavilions, concession stands, and more.  Homer Lake Forest Preserve is located next door in Homer and offers the county breathtaking views and experiences.  With over 10 miles of hiking and biking trails, families have ample opportunity to get outdoors and exercise together.  There is also fishing, picnicking and boating available.

The Patee House Museum is located right in the heart of St. Joseph and is the original headquarters of the Pony Express during the Civil War.  The house is now considered a national landmark and is open to the public as a museum showcasing what St. Joseph was like during the Civil War era as well as when Jesse James was a resident in town.  Also located in town is Wyldewood Cellars, a family-owned, award-winning, winery that has over 40 varieties of fine wine and offers private tastings.

School/Health/Transportation of St. Joseph Illinois

St. Joseph Community Consolidated School District 169 is a highly rated school district that serves the children living in town.  The district holds 879 students in grades PK – 8 and has one elementary and one middle school.  Once in high school, the kids attend St. Joseph-Ogden High School.  The school houses 468 students and is rated in the top 5 schools in Champaign County.  It is also in the top 100 for schools with the best teachers in Illinois.  Also located about 20 minutes from town is The University of Illinois.  The University is considered to be in the top 50 public universities in the country and is known for its engineering program.

There are two hospitals that serve St. Joseph in Champaign: Carle Foundation Hospital and OSF Heart of Mary Medical Center.  Both of these hospitals give patients exceptional care and offer a state-of-the-art Emergency Room, birthing clinic, cancer center, and much more. When needing to get out of town by flying, travelers can take advantage of the nearby University of Illinois – Willard Airport, which flies to both O’Hare International and Dallas Fort – Worth.  From these airports, passengers can get to anywhere in the world.  Residents can also travel by using the Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District or the Amtrak, which are both located in Champaign.

 St. Joseph Illinois Shopping/Dining Options

St. Joseph is home to a wonderful dining scene that has a variety of restaurants for everyone in the family.  A town favorite, Wheelhouse offers a unique farm-to-table menu that is all sourced in central Illinois.  Scratch is a full-service restaurant that also offers brunch.  Everything menu-item is made in-house, from scratch.  Monical’s is an Italian restaurant that has been a staple in the community and also offers community programs for children and families to encourage healthy eating.  For those looking for a casual sports atmosphere, look no further than Roch’s Place.  They offer a large bar menu that includes everything from pizza to a Reuben.  It’s a popular spot for both sports fans and families alike.

There are many unique, exclusive antique shops located in St. Joseph.  Mercantile Antiques and Trading Co. has 25 different vendors in-store and customers can always are always amazed at the unique finds that await them such as furniture, jewelry, housewares, and more.  Also located in town is  Hunter Antique Mall.  The mall has over 59 different booths and showcases that sell both vintage and modern décor, furniture, collectibles, etc.   St. Joseph Antiques is also a town staple where guests can browse antique goods and also has a coffee parlor for customers to enjoy.  For more trendy and modern shopping, the Market Place Shopping Center is located 15 minutes from town in Champaign. Shoppers can enjoy retailers such as Gap, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Carter’s, and other well-known, national names.

Living in St. Joseph Illinois

The population of St. Joseph has increased by 22.5% in the last ten years and there are currently about 4,292 residents living in the town.  It has a commuting average of 17.9 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 26.4 minutes.  When not commuting in town, most commute to next door Champaign.  The cost of a home in town is $157,400, which has increased by 3.5% in the last ten years.  With also having a cost of living that is 16% lower than the national average, St. Joseph has become an ideal destination for those who work might work in the surrounding cities but want to raise their families in a proud community known for its Midwestern charm.