$136,083Average Value$77Average Price per Sq Ft1Home For Sale
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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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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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.
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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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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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.
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:
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On average, homes in First, Elkhart sell after 28 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in First, Elkhart over the last 12 months is $162,750, up 71% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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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.
