Western Real Estate News

The rural Illinois real estate market, while experiencing many of the same ups and downs as the rest of the nation during recessionary times, can tend to be more stable than many other markets in the country. Large metropolitan markets, of course, are usually the first to drop when there is a pullback in real estate prices, and big cities in Illinois are no exception. Some of the more rural markets, however, have less extreme fluctuation in prices.

Buyers looking for a reasonably stable investment should consider purchasing Galesburg or Dahinda real estate. You should always consult qualified investment advisors and tax professionals before making financial decisions such as this, but the Galesburg and Dahinda areas have some great places to live and may help you avoid some of the price extremes that other parts of the country have experienced.

Galesburg is a mid-sized town of about 33,000 people, and a friendly Illinois community to live in. Of course, Illinois is a friendly state, with beautiful rolling hills, scenic rivers, and well-stocked lakes for weekend recreation. Galesburg residents are never short of things to do – there are activities for all interests, from outdoor sports such as hunting, fishing, boating, and mountain biking, to pastimes such as car shows, museums, and model railroad shows. In fact, one of the largest model railroad shows in the country convenes in Galesburg each year at the Railroad Days Festival.

Best of all, Galesburg homes are affordable. With plenty of homes in the $100,000 price range, families can still afford to move to Galesburg and enjoy its small town charm. The cost of living is low compared to some other parts of the country, and as a college town with Knox College and Carl Sandburg College nearby, education is close at hand. For families or retirees looking into purchasing property in the Illinois real estate market, Galesburg real estate may be the perfect choice.

Galesburg is a great family-friendly community in Illinois, less than an hour from Peoria, and only 15 minutes from Dahinda. Galesburg homes are within commuting distance of Peoria, but are also close to wilderness recreational areas such as Oak Run for those who appreciate the great outdoors. Oak Run is a popular weekend resort for camping, fishing and boating on Spoon Lake, golfing, and other outdoor activities – and the best part is that it is only half an hour away from Galesburg.

With a population of about 33,000 according to the 2000 Census, Galesburg has the friendliness of a small town along with the services a larger town provides. There are 17 square miles of land in the town, with plenty of outlying Galesburg properties where home buyers can purchase larger lots of land or build their own custom home.

Galesburg is known for being an original stop on the Underground Railroad, and was strongly anti-slavery as a community since it was founded by a Presbyterian minister in the early 1800s. There have been a number of famous people who have lived in the town of Galesburg, including President Ronald Reagan, an NFL player, a congressman, a governor, and even the inventor of the Ferris wheel!

The Galesburg economy has been tied closely to the railroad since a group of local businessmen lobbied for the Chicago-Quincy railroad connection in the mid-1800s. The education system is strong in the town, with Carl Sandburg Community College conveniently located as a great choice for secondary education as the kids get older.

Families will appreciate the many local events, such as an annual model railroad exhibit that is one of the largest in the country, a Stearman airplane fly-in, the Great Cardboard Boat Regatta, the Annual Rubber Duck Race at Lake Storey, and much more. Because of the diverse economy and real estate market, the area remains a great location for investment in Galesburg real estate.

Oak Run is a beautiful resort community on Spoon Lake in Illinois. It is only half an hour from Galesburg in Knoxville County, nestled in the hills between Galesburg and Peoria. With easy access to I-74, the location is perfect if you want to commute to your job in Galesburg or Peoria, but live in a quiet natural environment. It is also perfect if you are wanting a vacation home with plenty of fun-filled recreation opportunities nearby.

Recreation at Oak Run

There are plenty of things to do for people of all ages and interests at Oak Run and Spoon Lake.

• Golfing on the 18 hole Oak Run Public Golf Course
• Fishing on Spoon Lake
• Boating on Spoon Lake
• Fishing in Spoon Lake or the community pool
• Tennis at Brentwood Park
• Camping, hiking, and picnicking

Homes in Oak Run

One of the greatest features about Oak Run is the ability to have a home right on the water. Homes on Spoon Lake in Oak Run are very desirable, and you can build your own or buy one that has already been built. There are still Oak Run waterfront lots available where you can dock your boat or just step outside to fish.

Fishing at Oak Run

The Oak Run Homeowner’s Association regularly stocks Spoon Lake for panfish as well as bass, northern, and walleye. The fishing is excellent, and bass tournaments are held twice yearly in the Spring and Fall. In addition, the kids can participate in an annual panfish tournament for some great family fun.

Golfing at Oak Run

The Oak Run Public Golf Course is a challenging course where you will enjoy 18 holes of golf in a beautiful natural environment. Get some new gear at the pro shop, and stay for dinner and refreshments at The Watering Hole, the clubhouse’s excellent restaurant.

Oak Run Vacation Homes

Learn more about the Oak Run resort community and search for Oak Run vacation homes and lots for sale at www.stevecramerrealtor.com.

Galesburg homes for sale can be searched online quickly and easily on the website of Steve Cramer, a Galesburg, Illinois REALTOR©. The site has convenient MLS search tools to search for homes for sale in Galesburg, Peoria, homes and lots in Oak Run near Spoon Lake, and surrounding areas in northwestern Illinois.

Steve is a Galesburg area native, and knows the area well. As an investor in commercial and residential property for over 30 years, he can help individuals and corporate clients with any type of Illinois real estate transaction.

Contact Steve anytime at (309) 344-7653 or via email Steve@SteveCramerRealtor.com