Bremen mixes country life with urban convenience
In the late 19th century, German immigrants settled into northern Indiana's rich farmlands, forming a small agricultural community named after Bremen, Germany. Once a hub for producing mint, Bremen developed into a prototypical Midwestern town with long-standing mom-and-pop shops and traditions. “It’s quiet, and the lifestyle is just more relaxed,” says Realtor Yvonne Comeno with Masterson & Associates, who has over 30 years of experience in the region. “But, you’re not far from the Mishawaka area, which has more development.” Though Bremen offers a secluded feel amid miles of crop fields, big cities like Nappanee and South Bend are easily accessible.
Recreation spanning from community playgrounds to the Great Lakes
Sunnyside and Shadyside are the largest of the town's five main parks. Sunnyside Park has a skate park, an outdoor pool and paved trails. The park also has baseball and softball fields, which host games through the Bremen Youth Sports initiative. Shadyside Park has basketball courts and a playground, and it is popular in winter for its sledding hills. Karen’s Bark Park provides a fenced-in area for pets to play. Downtown Bremen is about 6 miles from Lake of the Woods, a fully recreational reservoir with a public beach and campground. Warren Dunes State Park on Lake Michigan is 55 miles northwest for day trips out on the water and more extensive trails.
A range of home styles and prices in a suburban setting
Buyers will find many manufactured and single-family houses in Bremen. Ranch-style builds are most common, though Victorian homes, Colonial Revivals and New Traditional options also come on the market. Many areas have a suburban feel, with sidewalks lining front lawns, garages and driveways. Prices often start at around $115,000 for houses needing renovations and can reach $520,000. On the town's outskirts in the countryside, acreage may surpass $1 million, and manufactured homes sell between $125,000 and $235,000.
Long-standing restaurants and proximity to everyday shopping needs
The Bremen Water Tower anchors the downtown district along Plymouth and Center streets. “Downtown is absolutely beautiful,” Comeno says. “It was just redone, so there are cafes, pizza places, banks. It’s simple living.” Aged brick buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries house the area’s commercial development. Residents can choose from various fast-food chains and sit-down restaurants, such as Carmen’s Diner for breakfast and lunch, and Wooden Peel for pizza. Hooples is a historic bar and grill that opened in 1882. Though over 140 years old, the bar hosts modern entertainment, like karaoke, trivia and live music. Bremen has a Woodie’s Supermarket and a CVS; additional big-box stores are available in Nappanee. The closest Walmart is 15 miles away in Plymouth.
B-rated education through Bremen Public Schools
Children begin at Bremen Elementary/Middle, which earns a B rating from Niche. Bremen Senior High also scores a B, and students can earn up to a year’s worth of credits toward an in-state university degree through the Indiana College Core Program. Small businesses show their support and pride for the Bremen Lions by decorating with green, especially during football season. For higher education, the University of Notre Dame, which Niche ranks as Indiana’s top college, is 20 miles away in South Bend.
Events centered around culture and creativity
From weekly farmers markets and townwide garage sales to events that attract residents from all over Marshall County, Bremen is full of traditions. The Firemen’s Festival marks the beginning of summer and kicks off with a parade down Plymouth Street with antique cars and fire engines. The celebration includes a 5K race, food trucks and carnival rides. In August, locals gather for the Summer’s End Festival for a barbecue cook-off, live music and vendors. The Let’s Fiesta Latin Festival is another summer event that celebrates the strong Hispanic presence in the town with live mariachi and dance performances, margarita trucks and face painting. Oktoberfest brings a taste of Germany to Bremen in the fall with vendors and music downtown, and the Bremen Arts Collective holds classes for all ages, ranging from pottery to mosaics.
Access to major highways, health care and an airport
U.S. Route 6 is Bremen's main thoroughfare and leads to Nappanee, 10 miles east. Residents don’t have to travel far for health care, as the Community Hospital of Bremen sits off High Road. South Bend International Airport, 25 miles away, is the closest hub for commercial flights.
