$213,218Average Value$73Average Price per Sq Ft2Homes For Sale
Where historic buildings meet a vibrant present
The Goshen Downtown Historic District is a well-preserved snapshot of Goshen’s past – and a crystal-clear picture of its vivid present. More than 180 businesses are active in the heart of this city of nearly 35,000 residents, including some that have been in operation for more than a century. “Goshen has long been known as an entrepreneurial, quaint midwestern town,” says Nick Kieffer, president and CEO of the Goshen Chamber of Commerce. “Our historic downtown is intact, vibrant and full.” But it's not just businesses making this downtown tick – there are pockets of homes dating to the 19th century, further adding to the historic charm.
Locally owned shops line the streets of Goshen Downtown Historic District.
Local breweries provide gathering spots in Goshen Downtown Historic District.
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Local business is booming, including a presidential favorite
Despite the nearby presence of national chains and box stores, the Goshen Downtown Historic District’s compact layout and brick storefronts make it attractive for local businesses catering to foot traffic. Perhaps no business exemplifies that better than Olympia Candy Kitchen, which has attracted customers since 1912. And not just the locals. “Olympia has served chocolates to four sitting presidents,” Kieffer says. The candy shop also has an old-fashioned soda fountain and serves breakfast and lunch to patrons sitting in wooden booths or on stools lining the Formica countertop. While it’s Downtown Goshen’s most iconic dining experience, it’s far from the only one. From authentic Mexican food at Los Primos, Neapolitan pizza at Venturi, and local coffee at Electric Crew to local beer at Goshen Brewing Company, there is a wide range of options. The Goshen Farmers Market offers fresh produce from Elkhart County farms on Tuesdays and Saturdays, and Kroger and Martin’s Super Market have locations just west of the neighborhood. San Jose Supermarket, a Mexican grocer that also serves takeout tacos and burritos, is in the Downtown Historic District.
Fables Books in downtown Goshen invites visitors to browse for hours.
Crystals and gems are featured at The Hive of Light in downtown Goshen.
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First Fridays are the favorite day of the month
Downtown Goshen is at its most vibrant on the first Friday of each month. “It’s a community block party downtown,” Kieffer said of the event nearly 20 years in the running. Local businesses stay open late, and food vendors and merchants set up along the sidewalks. There’s a unique theme each month, with perhaps a surprising seasonal favorite for sometimes frigid Northern Indiana. “January has ice carving and a chili cook-off, and that’s actually our most popular First Friday,” Kieffer says. Goshen Theater has its own monthly event on Third Thursdays. Local bartenders craft specialty cocktails during free performances by local musicians at the theater, which first opened in 1907.
Historic houses within walking distance
Houses in the neighborhood are mostly set in blocks just off the downtown district of businesses and local government buildings. Many of the homes were built in the late 19th century and offered residents an easy walk to these buildings – a walk that’s likely more comfortable since the advent of tennis shoes. Housing styles are eclectic, ranging from Stick, Foursquare. Queen Anne, Italianate and Colonial Revival. Recent sales range from just over $100,000 to around $180,000.
Two-story homes add character to Goshen Downtown Historic District.
Covered porches are common on homes in Goshen Downtown Historic District.
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Students get started at West Goshen Elementary
Neighborhood grade schoolers attend kindergarten through fourth grade at West Goshen Elementary, which is one mile from downtown. The elementary receives a 4 out of 10 rating from GreatSchools. They’ll then go to school with students from the rest of Goshen, with two years at B-minus Goshen Intermediate before another two years at B-rated Goshen Junior High. Goshen High School receives a B-plus rating. Goshen schools offer English Language Learner programs to help meet the needs of the city’s diverse population.
Goshen Junior High School serves students near downtown Goshen.
Goshen High School offers academics and activities for local students.
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Parks close to Elkhart River
The Aldo Simpson foot bridge, which crosses Elkhart River, connects downtown with Rogers Park. Goshen High School’s baseball team plays at the park, which also has a playground, walking trails and a skate park. The Millrace Canal Trail gets its start at Powerhouse Park and extends south for 2.5 miles along a canal formerly used to power a watermill.
Powerhouse Park in Goshen offers green space along the Millrace Canal Trail.
Aldo Simpson footbridge links Goshen Downtown Historic District to Rogers Park.
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A once-major highway that still holds local importance
A curious landmark near the Elkhart County Courthouse offers proof that the neighborhood was once a major crossroads. According to its plaque, the Historic Goshen Police Booth was built in 1939 to “protect ‘The Maple City’ from gangsters who might travel the old transcontinental Lincoln Highway.” Lest that seem outrageous, Hoosier outlaw John Dillinger’s first bank heist was in nearby New Carlisle, and fellow Depression-era gangsters Baby Face Nelson and Pretty Boy Floyd helped Dillinger rob a bank in nearby South Bend. Cross-country traffic shifted 11 miles north when Interstate 90 was built. But the former Lincoln Highway, now U.S. Route 33, remains Goshen’s main artery to Elkhart, which is 10 miles to the northwest. The Interurban Trolley Red Line, which runs between Goshen and Elkhart, has multiple stops in the Downtown Historic District.
Elkhart River carries flood factor
The Elkhart River forms the western boundary of Goshen Downtown Historic District. The Flood Factor for that portion of the neighborhood is 5/10.
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
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Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Goshen Downtown Historic District
US
Homicide
6
4
Sexual Assault
5
4
Assault with Weapon
6
4
Robbery
6
4
Burglary
5
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
5
4
Larceny
5
4
Crime Score
5
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Goshen Downtown Historic District Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Goshen Downtown Historic District, Goshen sell after 43 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Goshen Downtown Historic District, Goshen over the last 12 months is $262,500, up 66% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Step into a piece of history with the iconic Whitmer House, a two-story treasure nestled in the heart of downtown Goshen. This historic masterpiece effortlessly combines old-world craftsmanship with modern comforts, offering 4 generously sized bedrooms and 2.5 baths. With stunning mahogany woodwork, a graceful rounded stairway, white oak floors, and exquisite mosaic tile accents, every corner of
229 contiguous acres on the North side of Goshen. Currently zoned M1 and annexed into the City of Goshen. Rezoning to residential possible. All options for development including partial takedowns considered. City water and Sewer need to be extended to the site.
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.
