Tucked away in Cahokia, Illinois — just across the river from St. Louis — this 2-bedroom, 1-bath home offers something increasingly hard to find at this price point: space, quiet, and a genuine sense of place. Sitting on a large lot that backs directly up to open farmland, 1009 Ernest St delivers a country feel that most buyers in the St. Louis Metro area have to travel much further to find.

At 672 square feet, this is a compact and efficient home with classic wood paneling throughout — a nod to its character and charm that appeals to buyers who appreciate a more traditional aesthetic. Whether you're a first-time buyer looking to build equity, or someone searching for a low-cost foothold in the Illinois side of the metro, this property checks important boxes: low down payment, manageable monthly costs, and a setting that feels removed from the noise of city life while still being within easy reach of St. Louis.

It's important to note that utilities are currently off, so buyers should plan accordingly for inspections and reconnection. This is a property with strong bones and genuine potential — ideal for a handy buyer or someone ready to put in a little work to make it their own.

Cahokia sits in St. Clair County, offering affordable entry into the St. Louis Metro without Missouri property tax rates. With farmland as your backyard view and a $1,000 down payment to get started, this is owner-financed homeownership made accessible. Monthly payments of $700 keep housing costs predictable with no traditional bank loan required.

If you've been priced out elsewhere or simply want more land and more quiet for less money, 1009 Ernest St is worth a serious look.

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