Old industrial hub and now ‘core’ Bloomington neighborhood
Along with Indiana’s prominent limestone mills, McDoel Gardens was once known as the home of the RCA color television manufacturing plant, the first — and once the largest — factory of its kind in the world. Although the industrial flame burned out decades ago, traces of this former life still permeate this Bloomington neighborhood. Following the old railroad alignment, the B-Line Trail attracts joggers and bikers — and the neighborhood also gets its name from W.H. McDoel, former president of the now-defunct Monon Railroad. The former McDoel switchyard, just outside the neighborhood, has become one of the city’s newest park attractions. When asked about McDoel Gardens’ appeal, Angela Van Rooy, Bloomington’s neighborhood services program manager says: “Location is the main thing. It’s one of our core neighborhoods, being close to downtown. With the B-Line being so close, you can also get north and south easily, and there’s a grocery store right within walking distance, which is a huge bonus for a lot of people.”
Cycle the B-Line Trail for a few hours and enjoy the city of Bloomington.
Play a round of pickleball at Switchyard Park near Prospect Hill.
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Century-old bungalows with limestone craftsmanship
Many industrial workers once called McDoel Gardens home, and their houses still exist. Many of this neighborhood's houses include century-old Craftsman bungalows, and a few properties that date back to the first half of the 19th century. A key design element is the area's limestone craftsmanship, which is seen in porch columns as well as in artistic carvings. The neighborhood has a mature tree canopy, and several residents keep lush gardens. In fact, the old Gentry Brothers Circus would spend its winters here, and a long-held rumor claims some of the gardening activities are secret attempts to find buried exotic animals. A row of new and colorful homes also lines the B-Line Trail, with their designs nodding to historic styles. Homes no larger than 2,000 square feet typically run between $160,000 and $300,000. However, the outlying larger homes can exceed $600,000.
An older, 19th-century two-story home is located in an older area of McDoel Gardens.
Many homes in McDoel Gardens are decorated with Indiana limestone, mirroring the IU campus.
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Eateries, watering holes and Kroger off B-Line Trail
With quick access to the B-Line Trail, many residents can easily walk to nearby eateries, watering holes and even the grocery store. Located right off the trail in a prominent yellow building, the Hopscotch Coffee & Kitchen is a busy morning stop. In addition to serving up coffee and various sandwiches and salads, many patrons often come in with their laptops to do some work. Nearby lunch spots include the K-Bap Cafe, a fusion restaurant with menu items like kimchi, beef bulgogi and sushi rolls. The Friendly Beasts Cider Company offers a laidback spot for drinks and is tough to miss with its colorful murals. During the summer, patrons enjoy relaxing outside on the patio as they sample cider flights. Cardinal Spirits attracts bourbon and craft cocktails fans alike, while Kroger is the nearest grocer.
While in McDoel Gardens, be sure to eat at K-Bap for delicious Korean fusion cuisine.
Hopscotch Coffee is always busy with students working on their papers near McDoel Gardens.
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Skateboarding and splash pad fun at Switchyard Park
“If you’re someone who bikes or walks, you can get to a lot of places from there,” Van Rooy says about the B-Line Trail. The 3-mile path passes through other west Bloomington neighborhoods and also goes by Switchyard Park, a bustling 65-acre tree-lined park that has quickly become a go-to destination since it opened in 2019. Its flagship amenities include an expansive splash pad and an all-access playground with features like a jungle gym, swingsets and climbing obstacles. The site is also home to a skate park. Nearby, The Warehouse, is an indoor multi-purpose recreation center, and the Hoosier Heights Bloomington rock climbing gym also sits at the heart of McDoel Gardens.
While in Switchyard Park, take a moment to enjoy local skateboarders near McDoel Gardens.
Switchyard Park has a playground and splash pad for kids to enjoy near McDoel Gardens.
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Food Truck Friday and annual yard sale in Switchyard Park
Along with being a new recreational destination, Switchyard Park hosts community events. Among the most popular ones is Bloomington Food Truck Friday, a weekly event that occurs between spring and fall and features live music. The park also attracts fans of yard sales with its annual Junk in the Trunk activity each August. Held at the park's pavilion, dozens come out to browse goods and strike bargains on items ranging from toys to furniture.
Zoned for 10th best high school in the state
The neighborhood is zoned for Templeton Elementary School, which gets a B from Niche. Students may then attend Jackson Creek Middle School before finishing their public education at Bloomington High School South, both of which earn A grades from Niche. The site, respectively, ranks Bloomington South and Jackson Creek as the 10th and 21st best schools of their levels in Indiana, and Bloomington South boasts a graduation rate well above the state and national averages. The school is also a leader in Conference Indiana Academic awards, which honor students who play varsity sports while maintaining an exceptional GPA. The high school’s other achievements include the boys' soccer team's recent runner-up finish in the 2024 state title run.
The student-teacher ratio at Bloomington High School South is 17 to 1.
Templeton Elementary School is an above average, public school located in Bloomington, IN.
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Couple miles from Interstate 69
Bloomington Transit buses serve this neighborhood, which is about 1 mile southwest of downtown. Commuters are also 2 miles from Interstate 69, which goes to Indianapolis about 55 miles north of Bloomington. The interstate also takes travelers toward the Indianapolis International Airport, the region’s hub for commercial flights. Located about 5 miles from McDoel Gardens, the IU Health Bloomington Hospital provides major medical services.
Important to know
McDoel Gardens has an overall CAP Index crime score of 6 out of 10, slightly above the national average.
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
Prime Residential Lot in McDoel Gardens, this residential lot offers convenient access to downtown Bloomington, the B-Line Trail, Switchyard Park, and a variety of local restaurants and businesses. Recently surveyed and officially subdivided from a larger parcel, this lot is ready for new construction or can be held as a long-term investment. Please refer to the attached documents in the listing
"IN TOWN, WOODED BACKDROP, LIMESTONE BUNGALO in Mcdoel Gardens - one of Bloomington's most sought-after neighborhoods This bright spacious home is in a unbeatable location near switchyard park, B- line trail, Novo Nordisk downtown dining and entertainment This home features a oversized farm style sink, vintage metal cabinets, reverse osmosis water filtration, bonus rooms, large basement for
A lovely 1br/ 1ba apartment unit is available with recent upgrades -Laminate floor, baths, kitchens, staircase. Close to IU campus, downtown, Kroger grocery store, B-line walking/biking trails, Switchyard Park, and bus stop. Coin-operated washer/dryer on site. Quiet neighborhood. Private parking/off-street parking. Clean background check required. Application required. Rental verification and
This cute 2 bed 1 bath 1 1/2 story bungalow is available early August . Kitchen and mudroom recently updated with new flooring. Washer/dryer included. Nice sized backyard with raised beds for gardening. Lovely loft space upstairs that can be useful to any household. Off street parking in front of the detached garage. 24 hr notice needed for showings
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Ryne Shadday,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
855
Median Age
36
Population under 18
17.3%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
13.7%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$35,100
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$38,939
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
84.3%
College Graduates
47%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
24.3%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
67.6%
Area Factors
Very Bikeable
Bike Score®
70/ 100
Somewhat Walkable
Walk Score®
52/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
29/ 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.
