$262,573Average Value$160Average Price per Sq Ft8Homes For Sale
"The Island City" along the Kankakee River
Will County's Wilmington combines rural and suburban living and is part of the Heritage Corridor along historic Route 66, also called "The Mother Road." With a portion of what was once Route 66, the city served as a way station for travelers. Wilmington's been a safe and scenic spot for those en route to another destination or ready to settle down long-term. Known as "The Island City" for its downtown's placement beside the Kankakee River, Wilmington has a deep connection to that waterway. The city's history as a riverport goes back to the days of the Illinois & Michigan Canal, which was in use from the mid-1800s until the 1930s.
During the 1850s, Wilmington was a stop on the Underground Railroad, as abolitionists living in the area provided a haven to those fleeing enslavement and injustice. Today, the historical downtown is full of antique shops and small businesses close to riverside scenery. There are plenty of nature preserves and places for outdoor recreation opportunities just a short distance from the center of Wilmington.
Shopping and dining in historic downtown Wilmington
In the heart of the downtown, residents frequent various small businesses and locally owned shops and eateries. Haydens Crossing is a popular spot with Blind Mule Bar included. It's an old-school tavern that was remodeled using reclaimed barn wood. Another downtown destination is the Mar Theater, which opened in 1937 and features the original stage, lobby and ticket booth. It's the place to catch first-run movies and the occasional classic. There are choices for grocery shopping, including Faletti Meats, favored for its custom butcher cuts, and Valle's Produce Market, which stocks more than just fruits and veggies.
The nearly 100-year-old Mar Theater still features the original stage, lobby and ticket booth.
Known for their steak, Haydens Crossing is a popular restaurant in Wilmington.
Downtown Wilmington features bars and restaurants situated along the Kankakee River.
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Seasonal events and the Wilmington Park District Farmers Market
Well-attended events include the Let Freedom Rock Celebration in June, Fourth of July fireworks on the water, and Catfish Days later in July, which include a carnival, parade, beer garden and car show. The Wilmington Park District Farmers Market is held downtown during the summer. Cold season delights include a Christmas Cookie Crawl and holiday festivities.
Historic housing, bungalows and ranch-style homes
With a history of over 150 years, the city includes examples of 1890s and early 1900s houses, particularly near the historical downtown. Architecture from the following decades includes bungalows, ranch-style homes and custom builds. Typical prices range from about $120,000 for a two-bedroom of less than 1,000 square feet to $370,000 for a house with an additional bedroom and more than double the space.
Many single-family homes surround downtown Wilmington.
Homes in Wilmington have generous lot sizes and well-manicured lawns.
Bungalows are common in Wilmington.
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Public schools in Wilmington and nearby colleges
Children may attend public schools like Bruning Elementary, graded B-minus by Niche and serving prekindergarten through first grade. L.J. Stevens Intermediate is for second through fifth grade and has an A-minus grade. Wilmington Middle, graded B-plus, has a selection of engaging activities, including an aerospace team and science team, and sports such as basketball, baseball and wrestling. Wilmington High, graded B, also offers a versatile roster of athletic teams and special interest clubs. Every year, the Lady Cats Volleyball team hosts Volley for a Cure, a fundraiser for cancer research.
The district's students benefit from the work of the Wilmington Foundation for Excellence, a scholarship program with events like an annual golf outing to raise educational funds. Institutions of higher learning in the region include three campuses of Joliet Junior College. The University of Saint Francis also is in Joliet, which is about 20 miles to the north.
Students in Wilmington attend Bruning Elementary School.
Students here attend Wilmington Middle School.
Students here attend Wilmington High School.
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Boating in the Kankakee River and hiking in Forsythe Woods
With the clear Kankakee River right here, boating and fishing are big pastimes. The area is appealing to those who like hiking, camping or hunting. Part of the Wilmington Island Park District, set in the middle of the river, North Island and South Island are local favorites and home to many gatherings and special events.
There are many extensive natural spaces within 10 miles. Forsythe Woods, part of the 795-acre Forked Creek Greenway, is only about 2 miles away. Other nearby sites include Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, which, with over 20,000 acres, is the largest connected open space in northeastern Illinois. Visitors enjoy hiking, biking or horseback riding. Braidwood Dunes and Savanna Nature Preserve are two other notable outdoor destinations nearby.
The Kankakee River provides an excellent spot for fishing.
North Island Park is located in Wilmington.
South Island Park is a popular spot to hang out along the Kankakee River.
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Historic Route 66 goes right through downtown Wilmington.
Wilmington residents use cars to get around
Except for the downtown area, Wilmington is fairly car-dependent. The nearest commuter stations, Manhattan and Joliet, are about 17 miles away. Residents who opt to drive might use state routes 53 and 102, which run through the city. Interstate 55 is located west of the river. Downtown Chicago is about 60 miles southwest.
Dow Chemical Company and Walmart distribution center among top employers
Major employers in the area include Dow Chemical Company, about 20 miles southeast in Kankakee, and a Walmart distribution center and industrial companies to the north, on the way to Joliet, about 20 miles away. There's also a training area for the Army Reserve between the two cities.
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 area?
Reach out to
Andrea Maldonado,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
North Island Park
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Picnic Area
Forked Creek Preserve - Forsythe Woods
Bike Trails
Camping
Dog Park
Braidwood Dunes and Savanna Nature Preserve
Bike Trails
Trails
Hiking
South Island Park
Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Wilmington
US
Homicide
3
4
Sexual Assault
3
4
Assault with Weapon
3
4
Robbery
3
4
Burglary
3
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
3
4
Larceny
3
4
Crime Score
3
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Wilmington, IL sell after 29 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Wilmington, IL over the last 12 months is $245,243, up 19% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to this rare and beautifully designed 2,300 sq ft open-concept ranch-a truly special opportunity you won't want to miss! With 3 spacious bedrooms, 3 full baths, a finished basement, and a 3-car garage, this home offers the perfect blend of space, comfort, and potential. At the heart of the home is a generous kitchen that opens to the cozy living room with a gas fireplace, the dining
Discover this well-kept side-by-side duplex, offering the ideal setup for both investors and owner-occupants seeking flexibility and long-term value. Each unit features 2 bedrooms, 1 full bathroom, in-unit laundry, and an attached 1-car garage-providing both comfort and privacy. You'll love the location: nestled in a desirable in-town spot just moments from dining, shopping, and schools. The
SELLER HAD NEW JOB RELOCATION!!! SORRY TO LEAVE THIS HOME WITH MANY IMPROVEMENTS, NEW SINCE 2023...ROOF, DRYWALL, MOST APPLIANCES, AND FRESHLY PAINTED!!! PRIVACY FENCED YARD WITH PATIO, ATTACHED GARAGE, FULL BASEMENT WITH NEW FLOORING NOT INSTALLED BUT WILL LEAVE FOR NEW OWNERS. NICE LOCATION ACROSS FROM THE PARK!!! AGENT RELATED TO SELLER.
LOADS OF POTENTIAL! Charming 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath home with an oversized, heated 2-car attached garage. Conveniently located close to schools, the library, shops, and more! This home features new flooring throughout, a brand-new roof and gutters, and all appliances included. Highlights include a cozy living room with a built-in fireplace, an open-concept eat-in kitchen, a separate laundry room
Winchester Manor consists of one, two-story building with 24 one bedroom/one bath units in Wilmington, Illinois that are reserved for individuals that are either disabled and/or 62+ years of age. Units have all electric utilities and resident is responsible for electric. Water, trash, sewage and cable with Direct TV provided at no additional cost. NEIGHBORHOOD HIGHLIGHTSLocated along
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Andrea Maldonado,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
5,927
Median Age
43
Population Density
1 person/acre
Population under 18
20.8%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
21.1%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$64,805
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$80,797
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
91.7%
College Graduates
16.4%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
6.3%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
66.6%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
41''
Average Winter Low Temperature
15°F
Average Summer High Temperature
84°F
Annual Snowfall
35''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
29/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
6/ 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.
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.
