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Hill Street East

Hill Street East

Neighborhood in Champaign, Illinois

Champaign County 61820

$134,912 Average Value
$98 Average Price per Sq Ft
1 Home For Sale

A centrally located, investment-ready Champaign community

Hidden potential awaits in Hill Street East, a community just northwest of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus. Updates to the neighborhood have been slower compared to some of the nearby areas on campus and to the south, and the bulk of residences in Hill Street East are apartments. However, the neighborhood also offers older, single-family homes with an average size of nearly 2,600 square feet. “We have so many investors and opportunities in the area because the market’s pretty affordable," says Lisa Rector, a Realtor and chief broker with the Rector Team at Keller Williams Champaign. Rector has sold homes in the Urbana-Champaign area for more than 12 years. "It’s a great community for real estate."

Hill Street East is located near the University of Illinois campus and Downtown Champaign.
Hill Street East is located near the University of Illinois campus and Downtown Champaign.
A couple sits on a bench on a nice day near the Hill Street East neighborhood.
A couple sits on a bench on a nice day near the Hill Street East neighborhood.
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Turn-of-the-century houses and potential creek flooding

Late 19th and early 20th-century homes are common in Hill Street East. They share a folk vernacular style with design elements like open-air porches, wood-plank exteriors and original flooring. Prices generally range from $70,000 to $200,000 depending on condition and square footage. As it is a downtown community, residents can expect to hear the sound of passing traffic and other city noise. Properties near Boneyard Creek have a higher flood risk, according to the Flood Factor index; buyers are advised to make sure a property meets requirements for building codes and insurance prior to purchasing.

There are many beautiful two story American Foursquare homes in Hill Street East.
There are many beautiful two story American Foursquare homes in Hill Street East.
Single story homes are common in the Hill Street East neighborhood.
Single story homes are common in the Hill Street East neighborhood.
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Community outreach and neighborhood churches

Multiple organizations dedicated to community outreach and service are situated on 1st Street, close to the neighborhood’s west side. The all-volunteer Daily Bread Soup Kitchen serves lunch daily. Strides Shelter provides emergency housing, and Land of Lincoln Legal Aid does pro-bono civil legal work. Nearby churches include Champaign Park Avenue Seventh-day Adventist, Bethel AME and Salem Baptist.

Workers harvest and plant new vegetables at Prosperity Gardens in Hill Street East.
Workers harvest and plant new vegetables at Prosperity Gardens in Hill Street East.
Daily Bread Soup Kitchen is a cherished non-profit in the Hill Street East neighborhood.
Daily Bread Soup Kitchen is a cherished non-profit in the Hill Street East neighborhood.
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U.S. 150 and MTD travel to Champaign and Urbana

Hill Street East sits just northwest of U.S. Route 150. Also known as West University Avenue, it's one of the area’s main thoroughfares. Locals are less than 1 mile east of downtown Champaign, 2 miles west of central Urbana and 1 mile north of the university campus. The nearest hospital, OSF Heart of Mary Medical Center, is just beyond the neighborhood's eastern border. Mass Transit District buses stop on 2nd, Washington and Wright streets in the neighborhood. Flights are available at the University of Illinois-Willard Airport, 7 miles south.

Commuters in Hill Street East have access to the Amtrak train.
Commuters in Hill Street East have access to the Amtrak train.
The bus is a popular mode of transportation for Hill Street East residents.
The bus is a popular mode of transportation for Hill Street East residents.
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Arts-focused learning at Stratton Academy of the Arts

Students in the Champaign Unit 4 School District are assigned to schools using a choice system based on proximity, parent preferences and sibling assignments. Options for children include Stratton Academy of the Arts, an elementary school that regularly hosts showcases for student projects. The school has a student-teacher ratio of 12:1 and earns a C-plus grade on Niche. Edison Middle School earns a B grade. A-rated Central High School has 19 athletic teams and more than 20 Advanced Placement courses. The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign was ranked within the top 50 on U.S. News & World Report’s 2024 list of the best universities in the country.

Stratton Academy of the Arts near Hill Street East has an overall C+ rating on Niche.
Stratton Academy of the Arts near Hill Street East has an overall C+ rating on Niche.
Hill Street East students love learning at Edison Middle School in Champaign.
Hill Street East students love learning at Edison Middle School in Champaign.
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Blocks away from Champaign dining and big-name retail

Many shopping and dining options are a few blocks south of the neighborhood near the university campus. Stops for everyday needs include Target, Walgreens and County Market. University Avenue connects the neighborhood’s south side to multiple casual dining outposts, including Yatai, a ramen shop with colorful, anime-themed décor and contemporary vibes, and Avionics - Flying Machine Coffee, a café with daytime meal selections. In Downtown Urbana to the west, Maize at the Station offers traditional Mexican dishes in a contemporary space repurposed from a former train station.

Hill Street East residents enjoy the Mexican fare at Maize at the Station.
Hill Street East residents enjoy the Mexican fare at Maize at the Station.
Grab your favorite drink and pastry at Avionics - Flying Machine Coffee near Hill Street East.
Grab your favorite drink and pastry at Avionics - Flying Machine Coffee near Hill Street East.
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An easy walk to Skelton Park

Skelton Park sits at the neighborhood’s northwest corner and offers a prime spot for picnics or leisurely days out. The park reopened in 2024 after a major renovation, which added musical play elements and a sculpture honoring the many notable Black musicians who hail from the Champaign-Urbana area. South of the neighborhood on Springfield Avenue, Scott Park connects to the winding waters of Boneyard Creek and includes a basketball court and playground. To the north, Douglass Park offers open gym hours at the Douglass Community Center.

Skelton Park in Hill Street East has a beautiful sculpture at its center.
Skelton Park in Hill Street East has a beautiful sculpture at its center.
Scott Park basketball is popular amongst residents of Hill Street East.
Scott Park basketball is popular amongst residents of Hill Street East.
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Annual film festivals, axe throwing and outings in downtown Champaign

Hill Street East’s central location near the university and two city centers gives residents easy access to local events and activities. The Virginia Theatre hosts live music, art-house film screenings and the annual Roger Ebert’s Film Festival, a celebration of movies founded by one of the city’s best-known figures. Popular nightlife venues include Seven Saints, a bar with a broad selection of cocktails, brews and elevated pub fare, and the Axe Bar, where guests can throw axes and watch sports on TV. Locals can also see Fighting Illini basketball games at the State Farm Center and concerts at the City Center.

Hill Street East residents can enjoy a show at the iconic Virginia Theatre.
Hill Street East residents can enjoy a show at the iconic Virginia Theatre.
Grab dinner and cocktails at Seven Saints Grill near Hill Street East for a great night out.
Grab dinner and cocktails at Seven Saints Grill near Hill Street East for a great night out.
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Tre Lyerly
Written By
Tre Lyerly
Joe Kirsch
Photography Contributed By
Joe Kirsch
Wengel Abiy
Video By
Wengel Abiy

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this neighborhood? Reach out to Dana Price, an experienced agent in this area.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

University of Illinois/Willard

24 min drive

Bus

University & Sixth (Nw Far Side)

Bus

Washington & Second (Se Corner)

Bus

Washington & Third (Sw Corner)

Bus

University & Fourth (Ne Corner)

Bus

Second & Church (Nw Corner)

Bus

Wright & Church (Nw Corner)

Bus

University & Second (Ne Far Side)

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Hill Street East US
Homicide 6 4
Sexual Assault 9 4
Assault with Weapon 4 4
Robbery 6 4
Burglary 7 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 4 4
Larceny 6 4
Crime Score 6 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$157,000
Median Single Family Price
$169,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$98
Number of Homes for Sale
1
Last 12 months Home Sales
4
Months of Supply
3.00
Median List Price
$214,500
Median Discount From 1st List Price
6%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
99%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
100
Median Year Built
1903
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,171
Above the national average
1,935
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
10,454

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this neighborhood? Reach out to Dana Price, an experienced agent in this area.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
1,147
Median Age
28
Population under 18
23.5%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
10.2%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$33,289
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$38,061

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
91.6%
College Graduates
38.2%
On par with the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
14.8%
% Population in Labor Force
51.3%
Below the national average
65.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
40''
Average Winter Low Temperature
18°F
Average Summer High Temperature
85°F
Annual Snowfall
6''

Area Factors

Very Bikeable

Bike Score®

81 / 100

Very Walkable

Walk Score®

87 / 100

Good Transit

Transit Score®

63 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

Reviews

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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Hill Street East