$123,714Average Value$58Average Price per Sq Ft5Homes For Sale
Historic houses just west of Downtown Elkhart
True to its name, West Central is directly west of adjacent Downtown Elkhart. Given that location, it’s no surprise this is one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods. Most houses in West Central date back to the late 19th and early 20th century, and the nearby train tracks were instrumental to the neighborhood’s development in that era. More than a century later, many homes in the neighborhood have fallen into disrepair. But with the City of Elkhart in the process of making infrastructure improvements in West Central, there’s a sense that things are beginning to turn a corner.
West Central homes are usually from the 20th century while some have recent improvements.
West Central has many homes of grand stature with lots of space.
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Outdated drainage systems undergoing major overhaul
Outdated stormwater and sewer lines from the turn of the 20th century have affected neighborhood quality of life for decades. Residents could expect to see standing water after rainstorms, and with that potholes or minor sinkholes could be sure to follow. West Central is one of several neighborhoods benefiting from a $14.5 million city project to separate and update the stormwater and sewage lines. Construction began in spring 2024 and has caused temporary headaches with local traffic patterns. But once completed, it removes a hurdle that may have kept some buyers from investing in this neighborhood just blocks away from Elkhart’s resurgent downtown. For reaching beyond Downtown Elkhart, the Interurban Trolley Yellow Line stops on Franklin Street and heads towards Elkhart General Hospital and then 9 miles to Downtown Mishawaka.
West Central residents can enjoy the beautiful color of the trees in fall.
West Central residents can get quick items at Corner Stop.
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Century-old mix of fixer-uppers and turnkey homes
Many houses in West Central need repair. A Victorian-style house from the 1890s can sell for as little as $60,000. Some new West Central residents are beginning to buy fixer-uppers and do just that --- fix them up. “People are starting to care about their neighborhood by upgrading their homes,” says Sharon Windmiller, secretary at the neighborhood’s Grace Lutheran Church. “People are trying hard to make this a better neighborhood.” Move-in ready bungalows, American Foursquares, hipped roof Colonial Revivals with porches and other styles of the era sell between $100,000 and $170,000.
West Central has many empty lots from homes that have been torn down.
West Central features a number of bungalows with well done landscaping.
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Local store serves convenience needs, plus an Italian dining staple
At the corner of Marion and 6th Streets, the locally owned Corner Stop convenience store is the neighborhood’s stop for everyday essentials. For other grocery needs, there is a Save A Lot about a mile west of the neighborhood. For many Elkhart residents, West Central is known for its signature, and only, restaurant: Michael’s. Opened in 1959 when this was a predominantly Italian-American neighborhood, it remains a West Central staple. “It’s a cherished local restaurant known for authentic Old World Italian cuisine featuring family recipes passed down through generations,” says Lucinda Lowe, Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services.
West Central residents can get groceries at Martin's Supermarket.
Artisan offers residents of West Central a high end dining experience.
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Langle Park to the north, McNaughton Park to the west
There are no parks in West Central, but there are several a short distance from the neighborhood. The Geroldean Thursby Memorial Tot Lot is a playground located on a lot a few blocks north of West Central. Langle Park offers a more expansive play area and basketball courts near the banks of the Elkhart River. A mile to the west, McNaughton Park is one of Elkhart’s busiest thanks to its boat launch, spray park, band shell and indoor pavilion.
Schools located north of Saint Joseph River
Though West Central is south of the Saint Joseph River, students in the neighborhood are zoned for schools north of the river, beginning with Mary Daly Elementary School. Mary Daly receives a C-minus rating on Niche. Middle schoolers attend C-rated North Side Middle. After a year at the Elkhart Freshman Division, students attend B-minus-rated Elkhart High School. Elkhart High was formed from the merger of Elkhart Central and Elkhart Memorial High Schools in 2021.
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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Walkable to Jazz Fest, Elkhart Grand Prix
Elkhart’s two biggest events are walkable from the neighborhood -- the Elkhart Grand Prix and the Elkhart Jazz Festival. Held each June, Jazz Fest has brought top artists like Bruce Hornsby, Keb’ Mo, Gregory Porter and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band for more than 30 years. In early August, downtown streets shut down for the annual Elkhart Grand Prix -- much like an F1 race, but with go-karts.
Churches provide community outreach
Houses of worship play a significant role in neighborhood life, and not just spiritually. Grace Lutheran Church, founded in 1873, has adapted to West Central’s current needs with a weekly food pantry on Tuesdays and a daily soup kitchen during lunch time from Monday through Friday. Church Community Services, a food pantry formed by a coalition of local churches, is based on the neighborhood’s western edge.
West Central residents can attend Grace Lutheran Church.
Church Community Services serves the West Central area.
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
Shelley Tucker,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Studebaker Park
McNaughton Park
Riverview Park
Wellfield Botanic Gardens
Sterling Park
Grills
Picnic Area
Parking Lot
River Greenway Trail
Elkhart Environmental Center
NIBCO Soccer Fields
Kardzhali Park
Transit
Airport
South Bend International
42 min drive
Bus
Lexington & 3rd
Bus
Marion & 8th
Bus
Franklin & 6th
Bus
Marion & 5th
Bus
Vistula & High
Bus
3rd & Harrison
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
West Central
US
Homicide
7
4
Sexual Assault
7
4
Assault with Weapon
7
4
Robbery
7
4
Burglary
5
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
5
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
6
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in West Central, Elkhart sell after 106 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in West Central, Elkhart over the last 12 months is $109,641, down 19% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Great opportunity for investors looking for a multi-unit to add to their portfolio. This 4-unit property features three tenant-occupied units generating income, plus one vacant unit—perfect for immediate leasing. With recent updates including fresh paint and luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout, the interiors are clean, modern, and easy to maintain. While the building isn't fully rented, it
This gem offers more room than meets the eye! This property has four bedrooms with the largest boasting a bay window to add to the overall charm. The other three bedrooms have walk-in closets as well as nice bamboo flooring. Spacious living and dining rooms with their 9 feet ceilings are contained within one open space giving that "open concept" feel along with new luxury vinyl plank
Come check this 5 bedroom 2 bath home in a convenient location close to schools, shopping, local restaurants, etc. This home can be a perfect addition to your investment portfolio, or a good family home with some TLC. House is currently rented and provides you with income.
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Shelley Tucker,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
1,868
Median Age
33
Population under 18
30.9%
Above the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
9.6%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$37,475
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$41,006
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
70.1%
Below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
0.1%
Significantly below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
0.1%
% Population in Labor Force
61.9%
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
66/ 100
Somewhat Walkable
Walk Score®
55/ 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.
