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Central Zion

Central Zion

Suburban Neighborhood in Zion, Illinois

Lake County 60099

$212,264 Average Value
$154 Average Price per Sq Ft
4 Homes For Sale

North Chicago suburb with proximity Lake Michigan, community events and historic charm

With its community events, expansive green space and historical charm Central Zion serves as the city’s downtown area and city center. The community is about a 90-minute drive from the amenities and entertainment in the iconic Chicago Loop and just a few miles from the Wisconsin state line and Lake Michigan. Besides the benefit of the location, Central Zion is where residents come to hang out, play, shop, dine and relax. Zion was founded in 1901 by John Alexander Dowie, a Scottish evangelist, as a religious utopian community. After Dowie died in 1907, the community became a more conventional municipality, and its economy diversified. Over time, Zion’s population grew, and it became a suburban community in the northern Chicago metropolitan area. Central Zion reflects the city’s history and evolution with a mix of architectural styles, ranging from the early 20th century to more modern designs. The Christ Community Church sits in the center of Dowie Memorial Drive roundabout. “Zion is biblical name," says Willie Simpson, Re/Max Showcase Real Estate Broker and decade-long resident. "Street names that go all the way to the lake, are named after biblical characters in alphabetical order. Because it was established as a religious city, for a long time Zion didn’t sell alcohol; and for a long time, no alcohol was sold on Sundays, they just started doing that in recent years.”

Central Zion is a short drive away from Lake Michigan and can be seen in the distant horizon.
Central Zion is a short drive away from Lake Michigan and can be seen in the distant horizon.
The front entry of Christ Community Church in Central Zion includes a garden and walkway.
The front entry of Christ Community Church in Central Zion includes a garden and walkway.
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A variety of homes styles with enticing sales prices

On average, homes in Central Zion sell after 17 days on the market, compared to the national average of 42 days. The average sale price is nearly $185,000. Common architecture mostly consists of ranch-style, split-level, farmhouses, Cape Cods and Colonial-inspired homes. Newly renovated homes that sit on single lots and with an average interior living space of around 1,000 will cost a little over $200,000. Well-maintained homes with square footage up to 2,000 will have a similar price point. Homes closer in price to the average sale price are well-maintained but may need a bit of TLC.

There are a variety of two story home styles in the Central Zion neighborhood.
There are a variety of two story home styles in the Central Zion neighborhood.
You can find split level homes along with many other home styles in Central Zion.
You can find split level homes along with many other home styles in Central Zion.
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Central Zion public schools offer specialized programs and extracurriculars

The neighborhood is zoned for Elmwood Elementary School, Zion Central Middle School and Zion-Benton Township High School. Elmwood Elementary earns a C-minus grade from Niche and offers the enrichment BOOST Before and After School Program. Zion Central Middle School, home of the Pirates, also earns a Niche score of C-minus and has recently expanded its athletics program, extracurriculars and field trip opportunities and introduced new classes for English learners, math and reading special education supports and new fine arts electives. Zion-Benton Township High School receives a B-plus grade from Niche. Zion-Benton offers over 40 extracurricular activities for students, including Dungeons and Dragons club, Thespian Society and Future Business Leaders of America.

Residents in Central Zion can enroll their kids at Elmwood Elementary School.
Residents in Central Zion can enroll their kids at Elmwood Elementary School.
Zion-Benton Township High School is a great school for Central Zion residents.
Zion-Benton Township High School is a great school for Central Zion residents.
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Shiloh Park keeps residents active and entertained throughout the year

"Zion has a nice park and during the summer, the park hold events on weekends," says Simpson. "Some events have food vendors and a few activities. Fourth of July, Memorial Day, Labor Day and of the major holidays. There are 50 or 60 guys will come out and show off their classic cars. It's family oriented." The park Simpson is referring to is the community’s gem, Shiloh Park, which offers over 130 acres of green space. The park features three picnic shelters, four tennis courts, basketball courts, two baseball diamonds, several small softball fields and a playground. The Bandshell is the place to be for live performances. The park hosts the Concert in the Park series during the summer with bands such as the Too Hype Crew, Boy Band Night pays homage to the Backstreet Boys, Jonas Brothers and more. During the holidays, residents can also watch fireworks in the park as well as laser light shows. The Shiloh Park Golf Course is housed on the park’s grounds and has a par 35, nine-hole course, featuring a challenging experience for golfers of all abilities. The course offers special events throughout the season, including a Saint Patrick’s Day golf tournament, a Fourth of July weekend tournament and the Gobbler Golf tournament in November. Zion Park District Sports Arena Fitness Studio has classic gym offerings such as cardio and strength machines and showers for members to use at their convenience.

There are many picturesque scenes at Shiloh Park in the Central Zion neighborhood.
There are many picturesque scenes at Shiloh Park in the Central Zion neighborhood.
Central Zion golfers enjoy the sun at Shiloh Park Golf Course.
Central Zion golfers enjoy the sun at Shiloh Park Golf Course.
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Shopping and dining along Sheridan Road

Sheridan Road, which runs north/south not only provides commuting to nearby regions, but it is also the retail and dining hub. On this main road, there is grocery shopping at Jewel Osco, local shops and notable chain restaurants such as KFC and Dunkin’. For local delights, residents can start their day with a warm beverage and pastry at CJ’s Coffee House or grab Mexican cuisine for lunch or dinner at El Lago. Local gathering spots like ZoGo’s Sports Grills & Video Gaming provide happy hour, slot machines, billiards and classic pub fare. Dada’s Soul serves up comfort food with jerk chicken, mac and cheese, rice and beans and cornbread. Coco’s Café and Pancake House is an ideal spot to visit on the weekends with skillets, omelets, pancakes and more. With its variety of housing options, conveniently located parks and restaurants, Central Zion is a promising choice for those looking for suburban living near Lake Michigan north of the Windy City.

A man walks out of a Jewel Osco near Central Zion.
A man walks out of a Jewel Osco near Central Zion.
Central Zion has many great restaurants including ZoGo's Sports Grill.
Central Zion has many great restaurants including ZoGo's Sports Grill.
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PACE Bus and Metra keeps residents on the go

Residents can get around town using their vehicles or the PACE Bus Route 571. One Metra station in the community is located near Shiloh Park.

Central Zion residents can commute via the Pace bus system.
Central Zion residents can commute via the Pace bus system.
Central Zion has access to the Metra train making commutes to downtown Chicago a breeze.
Central Zion has access to the Metra train making commutes to downtown Chicago a breeze.
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LaTasha James
Written By
LaTasha James
Joe Kirsch
Photography Contributed By
Joe Kirsch
Charles Kennedy
Video By
Charles Kennedy

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 area? Reach out to Teddie Stiltner, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Chicago O'Hare International

57 min drive

Train

Zion Station

Bus

27th St & Gabriel Ave

Bus

21st St & Enoch Ave & Garnett Ave

Bus

Gabriel Ave & Salem Blvd

Bus

21st St & Emmaus Ave

Bus

27th St & Galilee Ave

Bus

Gabriel Ave & 23rd St

Bus

Galilee Ave & 26th St

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Central Zion US
Homicide 5 4
Sexual Assault 4 4
Assault with Weapon 4 4
Robbery 4 4
Burglary 3 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 4 4
Larceny 4 4
Crime Score 4 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$217,500
Median Single Family Price
$218,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$154
Number of Homes for Sale
4
Last 12 months Home Sales
50
Months of Supply
1.00
Median List Price
$219,900
Median Discount From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
9%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
1,261
Median Year Built
1950
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,901
Significantly above the national average
1,936
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
800
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
8,276

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

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

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
5,716
Median Age
36
Population Density
7 ppl/acre
Population under 18
28.1%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
14.7%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$55,515
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$67,139

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
79.9%
Below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
11.2%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
4.1%
% Population in Labor Force
64.3%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
34''
Average Winter Low Temperature
16°F
Average Summer High Temperature
81°F
Annual Snowfall
23''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

46 / 100

Somewhat Walkable

Walk Score®

60 / 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.

Nearby Neighborhoods

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
Central Zion