A residential neighborhood with easy access to RV factories
South Benham is a residential neighborhood on Elkhart’s south side that developed partly due to its proximity to an industrial area in the years around World War II. And because Elkhart retains a strong manufacturing base — the city is known as the RV Manufacturing Capital of the World — the neighborhood still attracts homeowners who want an easy commute to the factories. South Benham is also one of the few city neighborhoods zoned for Concord Community Schools, a district primarily serving unincorporated Elkhart and Dunlap. “Concord Community Schools’ strong reputation for academic excellence, diverse student body and commitment to creating a safe and connected learning environment make it a top choice for families,” says Julie Beer, the district’s chief of staff and communications. “Many homebuyers consider the district as a key factor when purchasing a home.”
Prospective home buyers will find affordable, well-maintained split-levels in South Benham.
The South Benham neighborhood is on the south end of Elkhart.
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Simple single-story houses on spacious lots
Houses in South Benham were typically constructed with affordability and practicality in mind. Many were built in the 1930s and ‘40s, but a handful of houses were built in the 1990s. Bungalows and ranch-style homes of around 1,500 square feet are common, though many have spacious yards thanks to being built on lots bigger than those closer to downtown Elkhart. Most yards have multiple mature trees that have grown tall over the decades. Most recently sold homes in the neighborhood range between $140,000 and $200,000. Apartments account for much of the housing in South Benham, and there is also a large nursing home on the neighborhood’s north side.
Bungalow-style homes give South Benham its warmth and charm.
Ranch-style home with a green lawn in South Benham.
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Concord Schools a major neighborhood draw
South Benham students attend C-rated Concord West Elementary, B-minus-rated Concord Intermediate, B-rated Concord Junior High and B-rated Concord Community High School. The high school's music program is especially acclaimed. The marching band is a five-time state champion, and the orchestra and choir are five-time state finalists. Beer says the district’s blend of students from urban and rural backgrounds makes it unique. “It’s not often that such a diverse mix of settings exists within one district, which adds to Concord’s appeal,” she says.
Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary is in the neighborhood, and students live on campus.
Discover excellence in education at Concord West Side Elementary School.
Concord Community High School receives a diversity grade of A.
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Interurban Trolley Green Line stops in the neighborhood
A large industrial area anchored by companies such as Lippert Components and Thor Motor Coach is about a mile west of the neighborhood. Downtown Elkhart, including the Elkhart Amtrak Station, is 3 miles north via Benham Avenue. The Interurban Trolley Green Line has stops in South Benham. South Bend International Airport is about 25 miles away.
Woodland Crossing, Ricky's Taqueria are nearby
Woodland Crossing, a shopping center featuring Kroger, Big Lots and CVS, among several other stores, is just outside of the neighborhood. Two of Elkhart’s favorite casual restaurants, Bill’s Bar-B-Que and Ricky’s Taqueria, are nearby. Set in a colorful but cramped cinder-block building, Ricky’s fills up quickly during peak lunch and dinner hours.
Ricky's Taqueria is a hot spot for locals from the South Benham neighborhood.
Thrift at Woodland Crossing is an excellent store for South Benham locals to shop.
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Residents can bowl at Oakland Lanes
South Benham is about halfway between Elkhart’s largest recreational areas, Studebaker Park and Ox Bow Park. Both are around a 10-minute drive from the neighborhood. Pierre Moran Park, which includes an outdoor pool and skatepark, is just over a mile away. Bent Oak Golf Club, which opened to the public in 2021 after decades as a country club, is just south of the neighborhood. Oakland Lanes bowling alley, open on weekends, is directly across the street from the neighborhood on Oakland Avenue.
South Benham locals enjoy bowling at Oakland Lanes, minutes from the neighborhood.
South Benham locals can rent the Holiday Roller Rink for parties.
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Concord High sporting events are a fan-favorite
Concord High sporting events – particularly football, basketball, soccer and swimming – are well supported. “It’s the kind of atmosphere where students, athletes and their families feel really connected to the community,” Beer says. South Benham residents can also take the Green Line or drive downtown for Elkhart’s biggest annual events, the Elkhart Jazz Festival and Elkhart Grand Prix go-kart race.
Tornado risk a factor on Elkhart's south side
The CAP Index rates crime in South Benham at 6 of 10, with some types of violent crime rating at 8. In 2024, an EF-1 tornado touched down about a mile east of the neighborhood. It wasn’t the area’s first brush with a tornado. The 1965 Palm Sunday tornado outbreak, one of the deadliest in American history, destroyed most of nearby Dunlap.
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
Scott Hammontree,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Studebaker Park
Riverview Park
Sterling Park
Grills
Picnic Area
Parking Lot
Pierre Moran Park
Baseball/Softball
Pool
Skateboard
River Greenway Trail
Elkhart Environmental Center
NIBCO Soccer Fields
Transit
Airport
South Bend International
42 min drive
Bus
Hively & Prairie
Bus
Benham & Mishawaka
Bus
Hively & Benham
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
South Benham
US
Homicide
6
4
Sexual Assault
8
4
Assault with Weapon
7
4
Robbery
6
4
Burglary
5
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
5
4
Larceny
5
4
Crime Score
6
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in South Benham, Elkhart sell after 17 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in South Benham, Elkhart over the last 12 months is $187,600, up 11% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Elkhart Green apartment homes offer great living in the heart of Elkhart, Indiana. With thoughtfully designed floor plans, residents enjoy spacious layouts. Nestled in a vibrant community, these apartments provide convenient access to local attractions, dining, and shopping.
Farmington Apartments in Elkhart, Indiana, offers a peaceful retreat with spacious living areas and serene surroundings, providing residents with a comfortable and welcoming place to call home.
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Scott Hammontree,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
1,509
Median Age
34
Population under 18
29.8%
Above the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
12.4%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$51,934
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$52,791
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
77.2%
College Graduates
16.2%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
1%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
75.2%
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
38/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
23/ 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.
