$512,167Average Value$196Average Price per Sq Ft5Homes For Sale
Historic Bloomington neighborhood with ties to American icons
Elm Heights is synonymous with the Vinegar Hill Historic District, which got its name from the odor of the dying orchards that once existed there. That fact, however, tells only one piece of this neighborhood’s story. Known for its limestone industry, Indiana supplied the quarried rocks for famous landmarks like the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina, and New York’s Empire State Building. Elm Heights drew many industry figures, including family members who introduced the limestone trade to Indiana in the 1800s. While Elm Heights doesn’t have anything on the scale of the nationally renowned structures, those who developed the neighborhood sought to give residents a taste of the iconic projects Bloomington and Indiana helped build. Today, many remain drawn to this community's highly diverse architecture and century-old houses with limestone craftsmanship. “The architecture in some of these homes is just stunning. You just don’t see it every day,” says Tracee Lutes, broker-owner of Re/Max Acclaimed Properties. “They are filled with character and beautiful woodwork. Just so much character.” The neighborhood offers more than historic homes and classic architecture. Diverse dining options are nearby and in downtown Bloomington, which also puts on events throughout the year, and neighboring parks provide recreational opportunities.
The Monroe County Courthouse is the center of downtown Bloomington near Elm Heights.
The Sample Gates form the western entrance to the Old Crescent section of the IU campus.
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Ornate houses spanning a wide range of architecture
This neighborhood, located a few blocks from downtown Bloomington and Indiana University, is split into distinct east and west sides. Students who rent apartments or smaller houses live on the west, while the historic district and its homes are on the east. Greek, Tudor and Colonial Revivals, American Foursquare, Art Deco and even Spanish Colonial are a few of the styles here. “The houses are quite ornate, and the thing that’s cool is that everything’s different. It’s not a ubiquitous kind of thing,” says Angela Van Rooy, Bloomington’s neighborhood services program manager. One house on East First Street has a gargoyle and stonemason carved into its exterior, while many yards have fixtures like small groups of limestone pillars. A historic designation also protects the homes’ distinct looks, and any planned alterations require approval from the city’s Historic Preservation Commission. The smaller single-story homes here range between $250,000 and $450,000, while many of the larger houses sell from $500,000 to $850,000.
This Colonial Revival home is in the eastern part of the Elm Heights neighborhood.
This is a newly renovated Craftsman style home in the Elm Heights neighborhood.
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Within a short walk of downtown Bloomington’s diverse dining scene
Residents here can start their day at the Crumble Coffee and Bakery, where they can grab a warm beverage and one of many freshly baked pastries. More breakfast options like egg-topped avocado toasts are found at the Inkwell Bakery & Cafe. The Elm serves upscale fare in an elegant space decorated with nature-themed art and pottery. Patrons can start with oysters or share a charcuterie and cheese board before moving on to main courses like steak frites — steak and fries — and chicken roulade. Downtown Bloomington is within walking distance and contains eclectic dining options and a bar scene. Asian cuisine includes ramen bowls at Yatagarasu - Bloomington and curry dishes at the Siam House. The menu at the Marco & Polo Eurasian restaurant includes organic yogurt mixed with honey and a variety of lamb dishes. In addition to its wood-fired pies, Da Vinci Pizza and Pasta serves fettuccine and penne plates topped with parmesan flakes. The Orbit Room hosts live music and has pinball machines. Kroger offers a grocery shopping option, and there are boutiques and local art galleries in the Fountain Square shopping center, which is a few blocks from the community.
The Inkwell Bakery & Cafe is popular for IU students in Elm Heights.
The Elm was opened by Bloomington natives Dave and Martha Moore in Elm Heights.
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Summertime fun at Bryan Park Pool and scenic walks at Dunn’s Woods
Elm Heights borders the neighborhood of Bryan Park, which is home to a green space of the same name and the larger of the city’s two public pools. The pool's main attraction is its spiraling water slide. The park also has a new playground and offers more adult-oriented equipment like bars for outdoor calisthenics. At Dunn’s Woods on the IU campus, walkers explore the small forest on a red brick path and pass by landmarks like the Rose Well House and the sitting statue of former IU chancellor and president Herman B. Wells. With its distinct stone portals and tiled roofing, the Rose Well House serves as both a charming backdrop and venue for weddings and proposals.
The Rose Well House was built over a cistern on the IU campus in 1908.
Dunn's Woods is a small forest in the Old Crescent part of the IU campus.
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Highly rated public schools and private alternative in Harmony School
The neighborhood is home to the Harmony School, which operates in the historic building that formerly housed Elm Heights Elementary School. Serving pre-kindergarteners to 12th graders, the private school emphasizes outdoor learning, community service and activities like archery classes for older students. It earns an A Niche score. The neighborhood is a few blocks from Binford and Rogers elementary schools, which receive A and B-plus grades respectively. Binford carries the distinction of only serving kindergarteners to second graders. Students may then attend Jackson Creek Middle School and Bloomington High School South, which both receive A grades. Known for its STEM focus, BHSS’ extracurriculars include a robotics club.
Harmony School is a highly rated, private, alternative school located in Bloomington, IN.
Bloomington High School South has 1,650 students in grades 9-12.
The student-teacher ratio at Jackson Creek Middle School is 13 to 1.
Rogers Elementary serves 312 students in grades K-2.
Sixty six percent of students at Binford Elementary are at least proficient in math.
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Close to major events like 4th Street Arts Festival
During Labor Day weekend, tens of thousands of people turn out for the annual 4th Street Arts Festival in downtown Bloomington. The event showcases works by well over 100 artists from across the country and features both live music and spoken word performances. In October, international musicians take over the downtown during the Lotus World Music & Arts Festival. Genres featured include Indian, African and Irish folk music.
Just a few miles from 45/46 bypass
Several Bloomington Transit bus stops exist in Elm Heights. The neighborhood is less than 2 miles from the State Road 45/46 bypass, which passes by major institutions like the IU Health Bloomington Hospital. The bypass also goes to Interstate 69, which serves as the commuter route to Indianapolis. Bloomington residents going on out-of-state flights go to the Indianapolis International Airport, which is about 52 miles from the city.
The IU Bloomington Hospital is just a few miles from the Elm Heights neighborhood.
Bloomington Metro Transit has stops near the IU campus just north of Elm Heights.
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
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to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Elm Heights
US
Homicide
6
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
5
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
6
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
6
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
5
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Elm Heights Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Elm Heights, Bloomington sell after 69 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Elm Heights, Bloomington over the last 12 months is $590,000, up 12% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Excellent investment opportunity! Duplex!!! 2 blocks to campus!!! 4 bedrooms total with 4 total occupancy permit (1 - three bedroom with 3 occupancy permit and 1 - studio with 1 occupancy permit). Zero vacancy rental history. New roof, furnace and air conditioner April 2026.
Experience a residence where history and artistry converge. Originally commissioned by local limestone quarry owners to showcase the finest masonry in Indiana, this mid-century estate has been meticulously reimagined (2021/22) into a quiet and private,contemporary sanctuary. Situated on a sprawling triple lot a few minutes walk from Indiana University and Bryan Park, this home is a rare blend of
Located in an Opportunity Zone with potential for significant tax advantages, this 6-unit apartment building offers exceptional investment potential in an A+ location just steps from Bloomington’s thriving downtown and Indiana University. Zoned High Density Multi-Family, the property presents exciting redevelopment possibilities, with current occupancy allowances of up to 5 people per unit
Wonderful Elm Heights home with enough room for everybody and just a few blocks to IU and Bryan Park. This 4BR, 2BA sits on a corner lot and is the perfect combination of modern, low-maintenance features along with vintage character. Enjoy the built-ins and hardwood floors, walk-in closets, 3-season front porch, kitchen with breakfast bar, real dining room, and a sitting area/den that could be a
Charming, character-filled home with timeless appeal! This 2-bedroom, 2-bath bungalow showcases beautiful original wood floors, classic built-ins, and architectural details that add warmth and personality throughout. The spacious living room features a cozy fireplace and flows into the formal dining room, providing the perfect setting for gatherings and entertaining. Both bedrooms are comfortably
This limestone home is located on a prominent corner lot in the highly sought-after historical Elm Heights area. Just one minute to The Elm Restaurant & three minutes to the IU campus. From 2023-2025, this home underwent extensive transformations. No details were overlooked & no shortcuts were taken. The result is a rare level of craftsmanship, architectural thoughtfulness & uncompromising
This remarkable Maxwell Manors residence, unrivaled in quality and care, presents a rare opportunity to have it all: a quiet sanctuary just blocks from parks and campus, and the possibility of buying an adjacent lot for your future dreams. The design-forward aesthetic of this 3-4 BR, 3 BA home includes an open kitchen/living level surrounded by windows and beautiful garden views, a third floor
Available August, 2026! This 4 bedroom home features a bonus room, full basement and a one car garage. The main level features hardwood flooring, a large living room, eat-in kitchen, 2 bedrooms and a full bath. Upstairs, there is a large bedroom, loft and full bath. This is ideally located 2 blocks south of the IU campus!
Adorable apartments located near all that Bloomington has to offer. It is just minutes from Kirkwood Ave and Indiana University.Our upper level homes are located in a private common area that only the residents will be able to access. We accept dogs and cats. We do not have a weight or breed restriction for dogs. 24 Hour emergency Maintenance Available
This house has everything – don’t miss out on it! Nice yard, great front porch and extended rear deck, on site parking, hardwood floors in the living room, two refrigerators and usable basement space that also houses a full size washer and dryer.This size home doesn't last long, in fact it usually renews or rents 10-18 months ahead of time. Call now to check availability.Pets
One of Bloomington's premier apartment complexes with a neighborhood feeling. Located in an enclave of nature, but still near downtown, Bryan Park, Eastside shopping, and the IU campus. We have one, two and three bedroom apartments for rent. Attached garages and detached garages available. Washer/dryer hookups in all units. Enjoy our swimming pool. Pets are also welcome.
Property Id: 2605105Spacious 5-Bed, 5-Bath Home Near IU - Ideal for Student LivingWelcome to this spacious 5-bedroom, 5-bathroom single-family home minutes from Indiana University and downtown Bloomington. With ~3,200 sq. ft. of unfurnished living space, it's perfect for five roommates seeking privacy and comfort.Home Features:- 5 bedrooms / 5.5 bathrooms (each
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