$519,011Average 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.
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
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Ron Plecher,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Harmony School Neighborhood Playground
B-Line Trail
Elm Heights Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Elm Heights, Bloomington sell after 27 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Elm Heights, Bloomington over the last 12 months is $82,000.
This graceful 1940s home south of the Indiana University campus has beautiful hardwood flooring, crown moulding and eight panel doors. The beautiful style of this home flows from the main living room with fireplace to the library/den with built-ins (and full bath) to the formal dining room that opens into the kitchen with granite countertops. An open view to the beautifully landscaped backyard is
Live the Elm Heights lifestyle in this thoroughly updated Lustron enameled steel ranch home from the postwar era. The delightful style of this tasteful home is enhanced by all of the recent updates to the kitchen, and two newly remodeled bathrooms that honor the distinctive style. Enjoy the prime location of this home one block from Indiana University in one of Bloomington’s most established
Meticulously maintained and spectacularly located. This adorable 1920s bungalow has been completely renovated and has stunning hardwood floors that were refinished by Bruce Johnson. Volume ceilings, new windows, new window wells, new Tuck-pointing, all new plumbing, new electrical and fantastic insulation make this retro house live like a new home with all of the charm circa 1920s. The beautiful
Available 8/15/25 - Great location! Recently remodeled 5 bed home, with new appliances, high efficiency washer an dryer, and fresh paint, all within the last three years. Kitchen has new cabinets, granite countertops and a nice island. New windows within the 2 years. All new high end vinyl flooring, only carpet is on the stairway going to the upstairs bedrooms. New ceiling fans in downstairs
Just a short walk to downtown Bloomington and the IU campus, this 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom home has been thoughtfully updated inside and out. The exterior boasts fresh black-and-white paint, a new metal roof, and full foundation repairs completed under the direction of local structural engineer Kevin Potter. Inside, the spacious layout includes a large living room, an eat-in dining area off the
This remodeled historic home is the perfect place to experience Bloomington. Seeking tenant who treats higher-end homes with appreciation and care! Inside: gorgeous woodwork, art-glass windows, and peace of mind with updated plumbing, wiring. Outside: the world awaits, a block to fine dining, a few blocks to Bryan Park, the B-Line Trail, and Indiana University, half a mile to downtown. Featuring
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Ron Plecher,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
3,847
Median Age
27
Population under 18
17.6%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
7.8%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$20,233
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$45,867
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
96%
College Graduates
71.2%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
38%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
61.6%
Area Factors
Very Bikeable
Bike Score®
75/ 100
Somewhat Walkable
Walk Score®
68/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
35/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
