In the early 1800s, Crawfordsville referred to itself as the "Athens of Indiana," pointing to local authors like Lew Wallace and others as evidence for this nickname. Today, the city touts the tagline 'Be Here. Be Known.' and prides itself on its many recreational activities and its plentiful museums — Crawfordsville has more museums than any other city in Indiana. Named after William H. Crawford, an American politician and former treasury secretary under Presidents Madison and Monroe, today Crawfordsville is home to more than 16,000 residents, and its economy is supported by top area employers like the Crawfordsville Community Schools and the Nucor Steel plant. For those looking to relocate to the area, Lisa Taylor, broker and owner of Taylor Real Estate Specialists, reiterates that "A single-family home [in Crawfordsville] is more affordable than in most surrounding counties, making it an exceptional value." Taylor goes on to state that the area also has "excellent interstate, state road and highway access, which provides quick and convenient commutes to major cities like Indianapolis and Lafayette.” The city is also home to Wabash College, one of only three all-male, non-religious liberal arts universities in the country. Amenities like the seasonal farmers market and the annual strawberry festival help locals to maintain a know-your-neighbor feel, and this community's proximity to the Sugar Creek River means canoeing, kayaking and hiking all year round.
Homes in Crawfordsville are attractive for their entry-level pricing and unique housing styles.
Crawfordsville is a small city surrounded by farm land.
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Victorian-style homes and ongoing new construction
Homes in Crawfordsville are attractive for their entry-level pricing and unique housing styles. The market is competitive. “There’s been a nationwide shortage of homes since 2020 and Crawfordsville is no different,” says Taylor, who has over 20 years of experience selling in the area. “It’s a challenging market for first-time buyers, but our community is well-positioned for growth opportunities.” With a median sales price of $207,000, homes here cost around $200,000 less than most properties in the U.S. For example, prices range from $50,000 for a two-bedroom ranch-style fixer-upper to $500,000 for a five-bedroom newly constructed two-story traditional. Most of this city's housing was built in the late 19th century. However, Victorian styles and charming midcentury designs are found in downtown Crawfordsville. For new construction options, potential buyers should look to the east side and southern outskirts of the city.
Most of this city's housing was built in the late 19th century. However, Victorian styles and charming midcentury designs are found in downtown Crawfordsville.
Crawfordsville home prices range from $50,000 for a two-bedroom ranch-style fixer-upper to $500,000 for a five-bedroom newly constructed two-story traditional.
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Education at Crawfordsville Community Schools
Families in Crawfordsville are zoned for Crawfordsville Community Schools, which earns a B from review site Niche. It serves over 2,500 students and is ranked 51st out of 289 for diversity in Indiana. There are three elementary schools, one middle school and one high school. Most students attend Crawfordsville Sr. High School, which also earns a B and offers a rigorous curriculum with 10 AP courses for higher education preparation. Private options like Maranatha Christian School are also available. Those interested in pursuing higher education degrees can look to Ivy Tech Community College or nearby Wabash College. Wabash is a private college of nearly 850 students and is known for its top-ranked accounting and biology departments. “Our community has a great relationship with Wabash College,” says Taylor, “The ability to collaborate with students that have a fresh perspective is a terrific asset for our city in terms of growth and development.”
Crawfordsville residents interested in pursuing higher education degrees can look to Ivy Tech Community College.
Meredith Nicholson Elementary School receives an overall Niche grade of B-.
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City parks and local history at the Carnegie Museum
Crawfordsville maintains 15 parks, trails and public facilities for residents to enjoy year round. The city experiences all four seasons, from long, humid summers to short winters, with average highs of 44 degrees Fahrenheit from December through February. Milligan Park is the largest green space, spanning over 40 acres. It has a playground, community pool, skate park and a 22-hole disc golf course. Sugar Creek Nature Park is another option, offering a canoe launch and access to the Sugar Creek Trail, which spans nearly 5 miles to Crawfordsville Sr. High School. The Crawfordsville Municipal Golf Course is on the east side of the city. Players can enjoy the 18-hole course or take golf lessons with an on-site trainer. For a contemplative time, the Carnegie Museum offers a display of art, books and interactive exhibits depicting the history of Montgomery County.
The Carnegie Museum of Montgomery County is housed in Indiana's first Carnegie Library, dedicated in 1902 in downtown Crawfordsville.
Crawfordsville's Milligan Park has multiple playground areas.
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The annual Crawfordsville Strawberry Festival
In June, residents can attend the annual Crawfordsville Strawberry Festival at Lane Place Antebellum Mansion. This three-day strawberry-themed event features live music performances, local vendors and a wide range of activities. Visitors can participate in the 5K run, car show, sports tournaments and the highly anticipated crowning of the strawberry festival queen. Johanna Lane held the first strawberry festival at the Lane Mansion in 1878, and it has been an annual tradition since 1974.
Grocers, eateries and the Crawfordsville Farmers Market
Most locals shop along U.S. Route 231, which connects residents to commercial hubs like Crawfordsville Square on the south side. There’s a mix of name-brand grocers like Walmart Supercenter or Kroger and name-brand retailers like The Home Depot and Bealls along the thoroughfare. For fresh produce, the Crawfordsville Farmers Market is held at Pike Place. It’s open on Saturdays from May through September and seasonal dates throughout December. For a bite to eat, dining options range from fast-food chains to locally-owned eateries in Downtown Crawfordsville. Notable restaurants include The Creekside Lodge, which offers lunch and dinner specials served with waterfront views of Sugar Creek.
Pike Place Park, located in downtown Crawfordsville, has a performance stage, and lawn area.
Most locals shop along U.S. Route 231, which connects residents to commercial hubs like Crawfordsville Square on the south side.
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Nearby healthcare and access to U.S. I-74
U.S. Route 231 runs vertically through the city, connecting residents to U.S. Interstate 74 and Market Street for trips into Downtown Crawfordsville. The Crawfordsville Shuttle Service provides public rides within a 50-mile radius of the city. When traveling farther, the Indianapolis International Airport is 45 miles away. For healthcare, the Franciscan Health Hospital is located on the north side of the city.
Crime
According to FBI data, the Crawfordsville Police Department’s violent and property crime rates remain well below national figures. Violent crime decreased by 17% in 2023, while property crime fell by 12%.
Written By
Christian Slater
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Travis Patton
Video By
Stewart Taveras
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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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.
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On average, homes in Crawfordsville, IN sell after 54 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Crawfordsville, IN over the last 12 months is $259,900, consistent with the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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