Across the river from McNaughton Park and Elkhart General
First is an Elkhart neighborhood on the south banks of the Lower Saint Joseph River. McNaughton Park and Elkhart General Hospital sit across the river from the neighborhood. “This neighborhood features modest, well-maintained homes and tree-lined streets,” says Lucinda Lowe, Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services. “Its proximity to the Saint Joseph River provides many of its residents with serene water views.”
McNaughton Park is located just across the river from First.
First is located along the Elkhart River which gives residents wonderful natural beauty.
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A mix of investment properties and turnkey homes
First is a neighborhood diverse in population and housing options. Investment properties are common and range from $60,000 to $100,000. Turnkey homes range from just over $100,000 to as much as $250,000. The neighborhood’s oldest homes date back to around 1900, but there’s also an assortment of houses constructed on older lots from the 2000s to the present. The average home size in First is around 400 square feet smaller than the national average.
First is known for bungalow styles and cape cods as well as ranch homes.
First homes are mostly single story with some older two story homes.
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Edgewater and McNaughton Parks add appeal
The neighborhood's Edgewater Park nestles against the Saint Joseph River and features a playground and boat ramp. McNaughton Park is directly across the river and can be accessed via boat or Bridge Street. The park features a boat launch, accessible playground, splash park, tennis courts, softball field, and indoor pavilion. And within the next five years, there will be even more features. “We’re looking to add a walking path along the river,” says Elkhart Parks and Recreation superintendent Jamison Czarnecki. “And add a secondary court – whether pickleball or volleyball.”
Edgewater Park is a great place to fish if you live in First.
McNaughton Park has a brand new playground for residents of First.
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Schools located on north side of the river
From kindergarten through eighth grade, First students attend schools just across the river from the neighborhood. Mary Daly Elementary receives a C-minus rating on Niche, while nearby West Side Middle School earns a C-rating. High schoolers attend the Elkhart Freshman Academy for a year before moving on to B-minus-rated Elkhart High School. Elkhart High opened in 2021 following the merger of Elkhart Central and Elkhart Memorial High Schools.
Mary Daly Elementary School is known for its fun after school activities.
West Side Middle School is a top rated middle school in Hayden.
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Convenient to major Elkhart events
Elkhart’s Municipal Band performs free summer concerts each Tuesday night at the nearby McNaughton Park band shell. A monthly summer concert series at the band shell features musicians across a range of genres. Downtown Elkhart is just over a mile away and is the site of multiple annual events such as the Elkhart Jazz Festival and Elkhart Grand Prix go-kart race.
Two ways to the north side
Two bridges – Nappanee Street and Bridge Street – lead from the neighborhood to Elkhart’s north side. Bridge Street leads directly to Elkhart General Hospital. The Interurban Trolley Green Line has stops along Nappanee Street and Indiana Avenue.
Top Italian restaurants are close by
Three of Elkhart’s most popular Italian eateries flank either side of the neighborhood. Bruno’s Pizza and Per Bacco are neighboring restaurants owned by the same family on First’s west side. Per Bacco is a sit-down restaurant with an extensive wine list, while Bruno’s is a casual pizzeria known for its 24-inch pies. Michael’s Italian, an Elkhart institution since 1917, is about a mile east of the neighborhood. There are multiple fast-food restaurants on Nappanee Street. The Save A Lot on Nappanee is the only supermarket in this part of Elkhart.
First residents are known to get a bite at Michael's.
First residents can always get a great pizza at Bruno's.
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Train tracks, wastewater plant are noticeable
The rail line on the neighborhood’s southern boundary is a significant sound factor. One of the largest freight yards in Northern Indiana is just about a mile west of the neighborhood. There can also be a scent factor here. Elkhart’s wastewater treatment plant is located at the foot of the Nappanee Street Bridge.
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 neighborhood?
Reach out to
Scott Hammontree,
an experienced agent in this area.
Parks in this Area
Studebaker Park
McNaughton Park
Riverview Park
Wellfield Botanic Gardens
River Greenway Trail
Elkhart Environmental Center
NIBCO Soccer Fields
Edgewater Park
Kardzhali Park
Transit
Airport
South Bend International
40 min drive
Bus
Indiana & Okama
Bus
Franklin & Shore
Bus
Oakland & Indiana
Bus
Oakland & Marion
Bus
Indiana & Nappanee
Bus
Nappanee & Vermont
Bus
Lincoln Center
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
First
US
Homicide
5
4
Sexual Assault
5
4
Assault with Weapon
5
4
Robbery
5
4
Burglary
5
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
5
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
First Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in First, Elkhart sell after 36 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in First, Elkhart over the last 12 months is $120,000, up 35% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Updated duplex with lots to offer, new windows, new roof, new siding, flooring —makes an ideal double income rental property or perhaps you want to live in one & rent out the other, it can easily be converted to a single family also, (3 bedrooms 2 baths) no matter how you divide it up, this is a great opportunity to live, develop, or grow your investment portfolio! Located not far from downtown.
Excellent high traffic (37,395 AADT according to MACOG) retail corner location on the South East Corner of SR 19 and Franklin St. Site plan with 2160 SF building with drive through and 31 parking spaces. Many other retailers and restaurants in the area. In addition there is a bill board on the property with annual income.
Interested in learning more about homes in this neighborhood?
Reach out to
Scott Hammontree,
an experienced agent in this area.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
1,338
Median Age
32
Population under 18
33.9%
Above the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
12.2%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$44,834
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$55,376
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
78.9%
Below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
9.6%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
4.5%
% Population in Labor Force
56.9%
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
41/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
33/ 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.
