$513,624Average Value$197Average 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.
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Elm Heights Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Elm Heights, Bloomington sell after 59 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Elm Heights, Bloomington over the last 12 months is $502,500, down 14% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Wow! This desirable duplex at the corner of Eagleson and Atwater is a spectacular home and in beautiful condition in one of Bloomington‘s best locations. Wake up and be on campus in this two-story duplex with The upper unit with five bedrooms and 2 1/2 baths. The lower level three bedrooms, one bath. Beautiful hardwoods, great kitchen, shiny condition! Great Indiana University, location, near
Rare investment opportunity for an absolutely primo duplex an arm’s length from Indiana University campus. This south of campus stunning home on a corner lot has a permit for eight with an upper level unit with six total bedrooms, and two full baths with hardwood floors, a beautiful kitchen and great rental history. The lower level apartment is two bedroom one bath and has an entrance to the
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.
An exceptional 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home nestled in the desirable Deer Park Estates neighborhood offers a peaceful setting on a beautifully wooded lot tucked back from the street for added privacy. A charming brick stairway leads up to the front door, welcoming you into a dramatic two-story foyer with a high ceiling and large picture window that fills the space with abundant natural light. Inside,
This 3-bedroom, 1 full bath home is ideally located a few blocks from the IU Bloomington campus, Bryan Park, and your favorite local restaurants. A three person HAND permit makes this an incredible investment opportunity. The car port provides valuable off-street covered parking.
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
Add this rental property to your investment portfolio! Conveniently located just blocks from campus and downtown Bloomington, this 5 bedroom, 3 full bath home has a solid rental history! Tenants pay for all utilities. Off Street parking is available in the back.
Start Showing Date: 9/20/2026 An incredible treasure near Indiana University: Elegant, functional three-bedroom home with two studies, attached and detached garage, and multiple living areas, nestled atop the prettiest stretch of Elm Heights. Instantly you'll notice attention to detail. Architecturally re-designed to include a grand, open kitchen-to-living expanse, the main level invites
Find your place at Urban Station Apartments in Bloomington, Indiana, where we have the perfect blend of downtown life and campus convenience. Indiana University Bloomington is within walking distance, so the commute to class is a breeze. A plethora of coffee shops, shopping centers, restaurants, and movie theaters are at your fingertips. Located right next door, The Chocolate Moose is a favorite
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
Live just steps from Indiana University at 400 S Henderson St—offering updated interiors and an unbeatable location within walking distance to campus, Kirkwood Avenue, and downtown Bloomington.These 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom apartments feature vinyl plank flooring and a modern kitchen with quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, and updated cabinetry. The layout provides comfortable
Located at 809 S Henderson St, these large 1 and 2 bedroom apartments offer an unbeatable combination of space, value, and walkable location just minutes from Indiana University and Kirkwood Avenue.These units feature original hardwood floors, oversized living areas, and generously sized bedrooms, giving residents more space than typical apartments near campus. Kitchens come equipped with
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: 2512537 813 is about a 7 minute walk to sample gates. Classic white bungalow with covered front porch, hardwood floors, and original wood trim throughout. Features a spacious living room, updated kitchen with tile backsplash and dishwasher, multiple bedrooms, covered back patio with string lights, and a large parking area. IU campus and downtown are about a 5 minute walk away.
Property Id: 2508193 Spacious two-story brick home with a large covered front porch, original hardwood floors, and beautiful wood trim throughout. Features multiple bedrooms, two bathrooms including one with a stylish dark tile shower, a bright living room with fireplace, kitchen, in-unit washer/dryer in basement, and a charming sun room entry. IU campus and downtown are about a 3-minute
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