$509,016Average Value$199Average 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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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 76 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Elm Heights, Bloomington over the last 12 months is $543,600, down 1% 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.
Excellent investment opportunity! 1 block to campus!!! 3 bedroom with 4 occupancy permit. Zero vacancy rental history. The kitchen has custom locally made kitchen cabinets and limestone countertops. Corner lot with off street parking. Currently not rented for next school year if you are looking for a home to buy for your kids to live in while they go to school at IU Bloomington.
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
LOCATION! Nestled in between Swain and Eagleson with 5 bedrooms! This mid-century modern home, features California redwood paneling inside and cedar outside. Just 3 blocks to Indiana University campus and Jacobs School of Music yet SO private. Wood floors, walls of windows and an amazing upstairs suite that is perched above like an Eagle’s Nest. Full of vintage charm with cedar lined closets and
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
Located in Elm Heights and half a block from Bryan Park, this 1920 Dutch Colonial Craftsman home has a fantastic location that is walkable to Indiana University. This beautifully maintained home has had a lovely kitchen update with hand crafted custom cabinetry. The delightful gourmet kitchen with island and extensive built-ins lead to the screened porch on the back of the home. Great for
Welcome to Maxwell Lane, one of Bloomington's oldest homes, originally owned by the distinguished Dr. Maxwell who had an instrumental part in founding Indiana University. This three-story home is original to Elm Heights and blends Bloomington’s historic charm with modern upgrades, creating a home that is both storied and eco-conscious. The main level features a spacious living room with expansive
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
Be the first to live in this brand new duplex just one block from Bryan Park and an easy walk to Indiana University’s Bloomington campus. Each unit offers 3 bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms, a main level living room and upper level loft, giving everyone their own private space. This unit is fully equipped and move-in ready with: washer/dryer, window blinds, and closet shelving. The layout works well
This location can't be beat! Great rental history and superb location near campus. Owner installed a new AC and new roof in 2021. This 3 bedroom, 1 full and 1 half bathroom home is leased through July 31, 2026. The eat-in kitchen comes fullt equipped with appliances and has access to the back yard. The living room, dining room and main level family room have an easy flow for entertaining and
On the northwest corner of beautiful Bryan Park, this home is within blocks of Indiana University and downtown Bloomington. 1350 square-foot limestone ranch located in an exceptional neighborhood. This is a three bedroom home with two full bathrooms, hardwood floors, air conditioning, gas heat, and washer and dryer. Also included is a gas stove, oven, full size refrigerator, dishwasher, and
Discover your ideal living space in the heart of Bloomington, IN! This charming 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home is just a few blocks south of the Indiana University campus, making it a prime location for anyone seeking convenience and comfort. With hardwood floors throughout, the home exudes warmth and style, while the spacious layout provides ample room for relaxation and productivity. Enjoy the
3BD/1BA apartment close to downtown and campus. Off street parking and all utilities are included except cable. Currently vacant and looking to lease for next school year 2026-2027.
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