$213,614Average Value$140Average Price per Sq Ft34Homes For Sale
Fair Plain sits between the St. Joseph River and a suburban shopping area
Located between the placid, tree-lined bank of the St. Joseph River and a dense commercial area, Fair Plain is a midcentury residential neighborhood near the eastern shore of Lake Michigan. “You’re close to the water, shopping and schools. It’s a really convenient location,” says Brian Newton, a broker and the owner of Sunrise Real Estate, LLC, who has about 18 years of experience. Interstate 94 runs along the east side of Fair Plain, making day trips to larger metro areas quicker. “It’s a mile, maybe 2, to jump on the highway to get to Chicago, Detroit or Grand Rapids.”
Lake Michigan is just a short drive away from Fair Plain.
Fair Plain is conveniently located near shopping districts and major highways.
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Midcentury cottages and ranchers, Trumpeter Bay’s new constructions
Mature trees with an abundance of foliage shade neatly trimmed front lawns, which extend all the way to residential roads in Fair Plain. “Fair Plain is newer than the bulk of Benton Harbor, and the homes are more modern,” Newton says. “Most of the homes in the [rest of the] city were built in the early 1900s.” Bungalows and ranch-style homes, largely built between the 1940s and the 1960s, comprise the bulk of housing in Fair Plain. These homes come on lots as large as a third of an acre, with listing prices that span from $100,000 to $280,000. Cottages in need of updates or repairs — some dating as far back as 1850 — range from $50,000 to $100,000, depending on their condition. In the southeast portion of the neighborhood, a small pocket of new constructions with Craftsman details forms the Trumpeter Bay subdivisions. These new homes fetch between $260,000 and $380,000, coming with monthly homeowners association fees of around $140.
There are several mid-century modern masterpieces located in the Fair Plain neighborhood.
Fair Plain is the home of Trumpeter Bay, a new housing development near the St. Joseph River.
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National retailers, grocers and fast-food chains along Interstate 94
A large commercial area stretches along Interstate 94, immediately east of Fair Plain. It’s home to big-box retailers like Lowe’s Home Improvement, T.J. Maxx and Walmart Supercenter, as well as national grocery chains, including Meijer and Aldi. Fast-food chains are sprinkled in between storefronts, while locally owned restaurants are less common. Henry’s Hamburgers straddles the line between the two. What started as one of several franchises of a 1950s fast-food chain, the Benton Harbor location stayed open even as the national brand went under, continuing to serve hot dogs, chili dogs and hamburgers. Farther north, La Perla Produce is an authentic Mexican restaurant with an open kitchen, a small market and a pastry case. About 2 miles west of the neighborhood, Babe’s Riverfront Bar & Grill has been offering casual American fare with views of the St. Joseph River since 1974.
Babe's Restaurant is a popular bar and restaurant located along the St. Joseph River near Fair Plain.
Wal-Mart and other large retailers are located near Fair Plain.
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Waterfront parks along St. Joseph River and various athletic fields
Less than 5 miles from the shore of Lake Michigan, Fair Plain is situated along the banks of the St. Joseph River, which feeds into the immense body of water. Carronde Park is nestled in one of the river’s bends, offering a paddle boat launch and a quiet place to fish. It’s also one of the last stops along the St. Joseph River Water Trail, which spans 67 miles from Niles to Lake Michigan. “More than anything, you have family get-togethers. There are pavilions you can rent,” Newton says. The green space also has tennis courts and a softball field, while Union Park — north of the neighborhood — hosts Little League games beside its two basketball courts. More playground equipment can be found at Napier Park.
Carronde Park offers several play structures enjoyed by Fair Plain youth.
The St. Joseph River, situated beside Fair Plain, offers many recreational opportunities.
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Fair Plain is near downtown Benton Harbor, St. Joseph and Interstate 94
Colfax Avenue runs through the center of Fair Plain and continues north to the heart of Benton Harbor, about 4 miles away. Napier Avenue crosses the St. Joseph River into the St. Joseph community to the west. The Twin Cities Area Transportation Authority maintains bus routes that stop in downtown Benton Harbor, downtown St. Joseph, Stevensville and the commercial area east of the neighborhood.
Drivers can use Interstate 94 to reach larger metro areas like Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo. The South Bend International Airport is about 35 miles from the neighborhood via U.S. Route 31.
Additional shopping and entertainment options are located in downtown Benton Harbor, near Fair Plain.
While in Fair Plain, bring your kayak or canoe and enjoy a peaceful trip on the St. Joseph.
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Four-year graduation rates rose for Benton Harbor Area Schools in 2024
Children in Fair Plain may attend prekindergarten and kindergarten at the Discover Enrichment Center, which earns a C-plus grade from Niche. Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School serves first grade through third, while Fair Plain East Elementary School serves fourth and fifth grades. Both schools score D-plus grades. Students may enroll at D-rated Fair Plain Middle School before moving forward to Benton Harbor High School, which earns a C-minus. The Benton Harbor Area Schools district offers career and technical education programs in culinary arts and hospitality, media communications and construction trades. Its four-year graduation rate increased by 10 percentage points between 2023 and 2024.
Fair Plain Elementary teachers have earned a C rating on Niche.com.
Benton Harbor High School has a student population of 495 with many students from Fair Plain.
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
Are you familiar with the Fair Plain neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Fair Plain
US
Homicide
4
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
4
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
3
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Fair Plain Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Fair Plain, Benton Harbor sell after 26 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Fair Plain, Benton Harbor over the last 12 months is $192,450, down 7% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This split level home features 2,060 sq ft and includes a main floor great room, lower level rec room plus 3 bedrooms standard with the option for a 4th bedroom. This home also offers great designer options such as vaulted ceilings and a main floor powder room. Enjoy open concept living on the main floor with a dedicated dining nook and kitchen that opens up to a large great room. The primary
With over 2,000 square feet of living space, this 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath floorplan is sure to please! The home features a large great room along with a well-designed kitchen layout with an optional center island plus a spacious dining nook. The large mud room is a multi-functional space, tucked away from the main living space, and includes a walk in laundry room as well as a powder room. The second
New construction home in Manorwood, located in Benton Harbor school district. RESNET energy smart construction will save owner over $1000 yearly plus home has 10-year structural warranty! Welcome home to an open concept, raised ranch style home, which includes 1,798 square feet of finished living space on two levels. The main level features a spacious open concepts great room and kitchen, both
Not too big and not too small, this 1,200 square foot ranch is just right! The well laid out floorplan is cleverly designed to maximize space without compromising on convenience. There are 2 generously sized bedrooms on one side of the home, with a large bathroom in between. The spacious Great Room, located in the center, is truly the heart of the home and allows the option of a dramatic vaulted
New construction home in Manorwood, located in Benton Harbor school district. RESNET energy smart construction will save owner over $1000 yearly plus home has 10-year structural warranty! Welcome home to an open concept, raised ranch style home, which offers more than 1,700 square feet of finished living space on two levels. The main level features over 900 sqft and includes a large great room
This great two story plan includes more than 1,800 square feet of living space. Enjoy an open first floor layout with a huge foyer, large eat-in kitchen, mudroom with space for built in storage, powder room and first floor laundry! There are 3 bedrooms on the second floor including a primary suite with a large walk-in closet and private bath. The second floor also features a large game room that
This traditional 2 story home features 4 bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths and over 1,900 sqft of living space. The sharp new design is efficiently laid out with a spacious, open concept first floor, bedrooms on the second, and plenty of storage throughout. The large great room is open to the kitchen and dedicated dining nook. Transition to the mudroom, which has access to a closet, guest powder room and
This 3 bedroom, 2 bath ranch features over 1,600 square feet of living space and all the bells and whistles! The great room is a grand space, especially when the vaulted ceiling option is added, and it is open to both a dedicated dining nook plus a large kitchen. For those seeking a true culinary haven, customize the kitchen by adding a center island and/or a breakfast bar adjoining the dining
This traditional 2-story home is anything but boring! With over 2,200 square feet of living space, including a first floor den plus a dining room along with the second floor game room and 3 bedrooms, each occupant is sure to find their perfect niche space. Did we mention the amazing layout? Starting on the first floor, enter into a large foyer and find a powder room, conveniently tucked away from
This amazing ranch plan features so much space and offers so many options, you will enjoy discovering the potential around every corner of this 1,500 square foot ranch. The well-conceived layout allows for the perfect functioning and relaxing balance, with the kitchen & dining area on one side of the home and the bedrooms on the opposite side. In the middle lies the hub of the home, the great
This open concept raised ranch offers more than 1,700 square feet of living space on two levels. The main level includes a large great room, a kitchen that is equipped with both a pantry plus an eating nook, and spacious primary bedroom with private bath. The lower level features a game room, 2 bedrooms and a full bath.
Looking for a well-situated home that complements your lifestyle? Your search has become a lot easier! Ideally located, our apartments in Benton Harbor, MI, are close to it all and offer you a stress-free lifestyle enhanced by a wide array of amenities and services. Our one and two-bedroom apartments at Briarwood come equipped with all the necessary comforts and can accommodate various household
Welcome to this charming partially furnished 3-bedroom home in Benton Harbor, MI! This spacious and inviting, pet-friendly property features a fenced backyard, perfect for your furry friends to roam freely. Enjoy the convenience of an attached garage for extra storage and a paved driveway for ample parking space. Relax on the deck or screened porch, or enjoy the ambiance of the decorative
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