Riverside is a residential neighborhood set along the western bank of the Lower Saint Joseph River. It has long been one of Elkhart’s most desirable areas to live – the neighborhood is just a few blocks southwest of Havilah Beardsley House, which was the first brick home built in the city’s infancy. Though Riverside was developed decades later, it is one of Elkhart’s oldest neighborhoods. “The combination of architecturally unique homes and urban convenience makes this neighborhood a desirable place to live,” says Lucinda Lowe, Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services.
Residents of Riverside enjoy the luxury of the St. Joseph River in their backyard.
Riverside gets its namesake from the St. Joseph River that runs along the neighborhood.
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An array of architectural styles dating back a century
1916 is the median year in which Riverside houses were built. And despite being in a relatively narrow geographic area due to the river, there’s a wide array of styles. Bungalow, Craftsman, Colonial Revival and Prairie styles are among that variety. And it’s not the houses alone that make the neighborhood appealing. “The area is shaded by mature, large trees, providing a lush green canopy and sense of tranquility,” Lowe says. Recent sales in Riverside range from $100,000 to just over $230,000.
Craftsman style homes can be found scattered throughout Riverside.
Rows of riverfront homes come in all shapes and sizes throughout Riverside.
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Shopping and dining favorites on both sides of the river
The Bower Street Bridge leads from Riverside into downtown Elkhart, where dozens of shopping and dining options await. Iechyd Da Brewing Company, Michael’s Italian Restaurant and Kao’s Cambodian/Thai Cuisine are among downtown’s most popular restaurants. On Riverside’s side of the Saint Joseph, Simeri’s Beardsley Street Tavern and Cappy’s Northside Bar and Grill are popular with locals. West Beardsley Avenue is also known as the home of Elkhart’s antique shops. A Kroger north of the river and Martin’s Super Market south of the river are the closest supermarkets.
Iechyd Da Brewing Company has a great atmosphere and great craft beer in Riverside.
Homemade ice cream can be found at Vanilla Bean Creamery near Riverside.
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Convenient to downtown events
Downtown Elkhart is quite vibrant for a city of around 53,000 residents. The Elkhart Grand Prix – an F1-style street race with go-karts – takes over downtown the first weekend of August. The Elkhart Jazz Festival, which celebrates the city’s legacy of manufacturing brass instruments, brings internationally acclaimed jazz musicians to town every July. "I'm a transplant, and I'm always impressed by what is offered in Elkhart,” says resident Michelle Hartwig. “There are a lot of festivals and events.”
Residents gather for music in the park on Thursday evenings.
Plenty of shopping and dining can be found near Riverside in Downtown Elkhart.
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Zoned for Elkhart's west side schools
Riverside students attend Mary Daly Elementary, which receives a C-minus rating on Niche. Students then attend C-rated West Middle School for two years before moving on to the Elkhart Freshman Academy. Elkhart High, which formed following the merger of Elkhart Central and Elkhart Memorial High Schools in 2021, earns a B-minus rating.
Mary Daly Elementary School earns a C minus rating on Niche.
Elkhart High School is a top rated school in the area with a B minus on niche.
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Multiple parks in close range
Weston Park is a small neighborhood park with a playground and soccer pitch that borders Riverside. Nearby McNaughton Park is another popular spot thanks to its boat launch and tennis courts. Wellfield Botanic Gardens, billed as one of Michiana’s most beautiful locations, is less than a mile north of the neighborhood. Wellfield has 20 different gardens on display and is scheduled to open a 12,000 square foot visitors center in December 2024.
McNaughton Park has a boat ramp, tennis courts, and much more.
Weston Park near Riverside has a brand new playground.
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Pedestrian-friendly with public transit available
Riverside’s well-maintained sidewalks – particularly those overlooking the Saint Joe -- make it an ideal pedestrian-friendly neighborhood. However, reaching downtown is another story. Bower Street Bridge has no shoulder for walkers or bicyclists. Public transportation is also available in the neighborhood. The Interurban Trolley Green Line has two stops on Michigan Avenue before crossing the bridge downtown.
Residents of Riverside have the convenience of public transportation throughout the town.
Residents of Riverside enjoy the wildlife along the St. Joseph River.
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 area?
Reach out to
Penny Seegers,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Studebaker Park
McNaughton Park
Elkhart County 4H Fairgrounds
Riverview Park
Wellfield Botanic Gardens
Weston Park
River Greenway Trail
NIBCO Soccer Fields
Kardzhali Park
Transit
Airport
South Bend International
41 min drive
Bus
Michigan & Bower
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Riverside
US
Homicide
5
4
Sexual Assault
5
4
Assault with Weapon
6
4
Robbery
5
4
Burglary
5
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
5
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Riverside, Elkhart sell after 57 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Riverside, Elkhart over the last 12 months is $153,620, down 19% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Amazing investment opportunity with a great view of the river. 6 bd/2 bth duplex (3 bd/1 bth each side), on a quiet street, located close to downtown, schools, parks and hospital. Preapproved buyers only.
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Penny Seegers,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
586
Median Age
35
Population under 18
28.8%
Above the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
13.8%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$55,999
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$75,873
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
84.2%
College Graduates
31.3%
Advanced Degrees
4%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
71%
Above the national average
65.1%
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
58/ 100
Somewhat Walkable
Walk Score®
60/ 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.
