Western Real Estate News

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.

Galesburg was known as a strongly anti-slavery as a community since it was founded by a Presbyterian minister in the early 1800s, and was one of the original stop on the Underground Railroad. 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!

With a population of 33,000 in the 2000 Census, Galesburg has both the friendliness of a small town and the space of a larger town. There are approximately 17 square miles of land in Galesburg, with plenty of outlying properties where home buyers can purchase larger Galesburg lots or land and build their own family home.

The Galesburg economy has been tied to the railroad since its early days, when a group of local businessmen lobbied for the Chicago-Quincy railroad connection. The public school system is a good one in Galesburg, with Carl Sandburg Community College conveniently located as a great choice for secondary education when the kids get older.

Families will enjoy the many local festivals and events, like the annual model railroad exhibit (one of the largest in the country), the Great Cardboard Boat Regatta, the Annual Rubber Duck Race, the Stearman Fly-in, and much, much more. Because of the diverse economy and real estate market, the area remains a great location for investment in Galesburg real estate.

Buying a piece of recreational property is a major financial commitment. For those that have purchased their dream property to retreat to year after year, season after season, it’s a gratifying experience that will make lifetime memories for the entire family. For those who may have bought hurriedly or without at least a minimum level of due diligence, it can be an unfortunate waste of money.

It pays to follow some important guidelines and ask a lot of questions when considering purchasing recreational property. Your real estate agent needs to be a trusted resource to help you pick the perfect property for your family and your budget. Take some time to get to know him or her, and explain your motives for wanting to buy vacation property.

Things to consider

Here are some questions to ask and things to consider when contemplating buying recreational land, whether it is horse property, a cabin on pristine hunting or fishing land, or a second home on a family-friendly resort lake.

How often do you intend to use the property? This is important, because you are not going to get the same amount of value for your money out of a property you only use for a weekend in the summer. Think about the different seasons and the geographic amenities that are available in all of them. Does it get too much snow to be usable in winter, or is snowmobiling your sport of choice?

Does it have winter road access? If you plan on using the property in winter, whether for hunting or snowmobiling, make sure the roads leading into the property are plowed. If not, you may have to park quite a distance away and ride in.

What is its intended purpose? You will want to get the maximum amount of use out of your property once you purchase it. Make a list of all the things that you might want to do on vacation during each season, then go through that list before considering a particular property.

How far is it from your permanent home? If you live in Portland, you probably shouldn’t consider a vacation home in the Oak Run resort community in Illinois. Mount Hood vacation property would most likely be a better choice for you. The more conveniently located your property is, the more fulfilling use you’ll get out of it.

Does it have guaranteed water? This is a crucial question. Recreational property without water may come at a cheap price, but it’s for a reason. If you’ll need a well, that can cost thousands of dollars, and that’s if the municipal codes allow you to get a permit for one.

Is there a property owners association? Associations have benefits and drawbacks. Without them, you have the freedom to do on your property whatever is lawful. Unfortunately, your neighbor does too.

These are just some of the questions you should consider in your discussions with your real estate agent if you want to buy recreational land.

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 lake resort on Spoon Lake in Central Illinois. It’s located near Dahinda, which isn’t far from Galesburg and Peoria. Recreation is available for all ages year-round. With so many choices for recreation, Oak Run has it all without the stress of city life.

Oak Run Amenities

• Tranquil 600 Acre Spoon Lake
• Swimming Pool
• Swimming Beaches
• 18 Hole Golf Course with a Golf Pro Shop
• Restaurant and Lounge
• Boating
• Fishing
• Campgrounds
• Playgrounds
• Rental Boats and Slips
• Lakeside Gas Pumps
• Lighted Tennis Courts
• Picnic Areas
• Convenience Store

Oak Run Watersports

Oak Run provides an exclusive 600-acre lake, perfect for boating and water sport. Two sand beaches and an Olympic-size swimming pool are open from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend, and have lifeguards on duty during that time.

A maximum length of 25 feet for boats (except pontoons) and a maximum speed of 40 mph are allowed.

Oak Run Fishing

Oak Run Property Owner’s Association ensures Spoon Lake lake is stocked twice annually. Residents of Oak Run can fish year round for trophy bass, walleye, catfish, northern, crappie, and more. Every Spring and Fall, residents can take part in a Bass Tournament in addition to the weekly bass tournaments very Thursday evening. A panfish tournament for the kids is a great way for the family to have fun at Oak Run.

Oak Run has an 18-hole golf course complete with watered fairways. Daily fees are affordable, and so are season passes. Adjacent to the golf course is a Club house with a Pro Shop, lounge, and restaurant. The golf course even has a Golf Pro on staff to assist you.

Oak Run Tennis

Oak Run property owners can enjoy a lighted tennis court in Brentwood Park, next to the swimming pool. Players who need a break for refreshment can visit the concession stand next to the pool.

Oak Run Parks and Picnic Areas

Oak Run residents who would like to enjoy a picnic can visit one of Oak Run’s parks, including Windemere Park and Beach, Lakeview Park and Beach, Brentwood Park, and Hillshore Park. The parks have shelters and playground equipment on and off the sandy beach areas.

Oak Run Camping

Oak Run includes a campground for residents and their accompanied guests. Tents, campers, and motor homes are welcome, and it is open from April 30th to October 31st. A bathing facility and electrical hookups are availalbe.

Oak Run Outdoor Living

Nearly one fourth of the Oak Run Community consists of wooded natural areas, made up of many different trees such as oaks, aspens, walnut, and ash. This provides a home to the many birds and wildlife native to the region. Rolling hills with abundant wildlife create a beautiful environment for property owners to enjoy.

Oak Run Property Owner’s Association Rules and Bylaws

The Oak Run POA (Property Owners Association) has rules and bylaws to protect your investment in Oak Run real estate. These regulations were designed with the interests of the property owner in mind. This helps ensure property values stay hight, and is one of the reasons Oak Run is a desirable location to buy your next Illinois vacation home.

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.