$267,317Average Value$161Average Price per Sq Ft8Homes For Sale
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
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Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
McDoel Gardens
US
Homicide
6
4
Sexual Assault
5
4
Assault with Weapon
5
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
7
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
6
4
Larceny
5
4
Crime Score
5
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
McDoel Gardens Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in McDoel Gardens, Bloomington sell after 77 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in McDoel Gardens, Bloomington over the last 12 months is $233,000, down 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This home offers new roof shingles in September, 2025! Charming bungalow in south McDoel Gardens is convenient to Switchyard Park, Downtown Bloomington and IU. One will love the huge, fenced backyard , off-street parking and proximity to downtown, parks and bus stops. This sweet home offers a large living room, eating-space kitchen and two bedrooms. The home offers newer HVAC that has a central
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
Incredible investment opportunity just a short walk from Switchyard Park and the B-Line Trail! Located on Bloomington's desirable south side, this well-maintained duplex has great rental history. Each side offers 2 bedrooms, 1 full bath, a spacious living room and eat-in kitchen. The washer/dryer units are conveniently located within the second bedrooms. Off-street parking is situated off of the
Investment opportunity with flexible living space. This 1408 sq ft home has been divided into two separate living spaces. Each offering 2 cozy bedrooms, a kitchen and full bath. Ideal for rental income potential. The front half is currently occupied with a long term resident but the back half is vacant and easy to show. Conveniently located near a walking trail and switchyard park area. This nice
Excellent and rare development opportunity close to downtown! Located on the corner of S Walnut Street and West Allen Street. Lot is zoned Mixed Use Corridor. See permitted use description attached to the listing.
Exceptional location near Switchyard Park and B-Line Trail. 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom with large back yard and covered front porch. Being sold AS IS with deferred maintenance. Tenant occupied.
Beautiful Home at the End of the Street Near the B-Line Trail Ideally located at the end of a quiet street and just steps from the B-Line Trail and a local coffee shop, this well-designed home offers privacy, convenience, and comfortable living. An attached 2-car garage and a lovely backyard complete the setting. The main level features a welcoming foyer, half bath, and an open floor plan ideal
This lot is level and ready to be built on, just 2 miles south of downtown Bloomington. All utilities are available (sewer, water, natural gas & electric). Zoning is R2 (Residential Medium Lot)
Incredible Airbnb income property with a proven rental history! This fully remodeled home is ideally located near vibrant downtown amenities, making it perfect as an investment opportunity or owner-occupied residence. Recent updates include a new roof, siding, doors, and windows, along with a completely renovated kitchen, new flooring, and beautifully tiled showers—just to name a few. Ample
Charming 1925 Bungalow in the Heart of Bloomington's Walkable McDoel Historic District Tucked into one of Bloomington's most beloved historic neighborhoods, 322 W Dodds Street is a true blank slate — a 1925 two-bedroom, one-bath bungalow with original character, a covered front porch, and unbeatable proximity to everything that makes the south side of downtown Bloomington special. Step out your
FANTASTIC DOWNTOWN LOCATION with an income producing opportunity! The main house is a 3 Bed, 1 Ba charmer, as well as a 'grandfathered' ADU 2 Bed, 1 Ba cottage all on a large city lot. The property is just minutes from Switchyard Park and the B-Line Trail that leads to downtown one direction and leads to the South side the other direction. It also its near a city bus stop. Both dwellings are
Rent any one of these 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom apartments before they're gone! These cozy affordable apartments come with a good sized living room and a kitchen with enough space to do anything you need too. Located just a few minutes away from downtown Bloomington, you don’t want to miss out!
Sunny two level unfurnished 2br/1.5ba house (2015) on the B-Line trail. Hardwood floors, great room with gas fireplace; kitchen with center-island, stainless steel appliances, gas for cooking and barbecue. Two bedrooms upstairs both with walk-in closets, and jack-and-jill bath with two sinks; upstairs washer and dryer. The entire home has extra size windows, skylights, and bedroom awning windows
The house features 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, living room, kitchen, laundry room & unfinished basement. Original hardwood flooring is in the living room. The house sits at the corner of Madison St and Patterson St. The back yard is fenced in and has a parking area for up to 2 vehicles. A deck is off the back of the house. It’s located one block off the B-Line trail, few blocks west of Bryan Park, a
This 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath townhome, features three levels and is located on Bloomington's south side, close to parks, restaurants and shopping!The main level features a living room, kitchen, half bath, a shared front deck and a private back deck! . Heading upstairs, there are two bedrooms and a full bathroom. On the lower level, there is a third bedroom, another full bathroom with the
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