A top American city for remote workers, plus multiple major industries
From its days as a French fort and fur trading hub to the home of one of the top public universities in the country, Lafayette has long been a popular place to call home in Indiana. Located on the Wabash River, Lafayette found its footing as a shipping center in the early 19th century, with railroads soon connecting it to other major markets. It's just across the river from its sister town of West Lafayette, although the two communities practically serve as one greater Lafayette community. "It's a growing, thriving community," says Lauren Alexander, leader of the Alexander Group at Keller Williams Lafayette, who has been selling homes in the area since 2006. "It's a college town, but it also has a lot of industry. That is a winning combination for bringing people to the city." Lafayette has a population of 71,372, which is growing at a rate of .22% annually.
The city has a progressive mindset when it comes to maintaining and improving its infrastructure, with major investments in parks and a newly revitalized downtown. With Purdue University across the river in West Lafayette and several industries at home — namely Subaru and Caterpillar — Lafayette offers many career options. Indianapolis, situated 63 miles southeast, opens up more opportunities for commuters. But this city appeals to people from all backgrounds and earned the number five spot in the Wall Street Journal's 2022 list of top ten places for remote workers. Lafayette is ideal for homebuyers who want a community-oriented lifestyle with a small business scene, events, updated parks and hometown spirit.
Historic Jefferson is a charming neighborhood in Lafayette Indiana.
The picturesque Wabash River along Downtown Lafayette is the perfect place to watch the sunset.
Nearby Downtown Lafayette hosts Mosey Down Main Street a summer local small business event.
Jesco Hills Estates looking to catch a game head to Ross-Ade Stadium.
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Hot housing market in the Hoosier State
Lafayette boasts a housing market that is nearly half the national average price. The median single-family home price here is $255,000, compared with $400,000 to $440,000 for the U.S. However, as with other areas across the country, the city is in a seller's market. "We have very low inventory and high demand, causing prices to go up," Alexander says. The median home sale price went up 9% between 2023 and 2024, according to Homes.com data. Homes sell after 24 days on the market, compared to the national average of 44 days.
Historic neighborhoods such as Perrin, Centennial, and Historic Jefferson surround downtown. These neighborhoods contain Italianate, Queen Anne and bungalow architecture from the city's early years. Designated historic areas are subject to restrictions for development and renovations to preserve the original architecture. The city's growing south side has newer subdivisions with new traditional homes, often with brick and vinyl siding and spacious built-in garages. These southside neighborhoods are also close to Subaru and Caterpillar, two of the city's biggest employers.
Historic Jefferson boasts large homes with tree lined streets with a mix of styles.
You'll find that Sawmill has a couple of duplex condo complexes.
Homes in Ellsworth Romig boast beautiful and creative colors.
Bungalows sit closely together in Vinton.
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Multifaceted recreation at Columbian Park, more green space to come
Lafayette's parks system includes seven community parks, ten neighborhood parks, two riverfront parks, and 27 miles of paved trails, all of which are continuously updated by the city. Columbian Park is one of the largest and most active spots in town, with a zoo, a waterpark, a kiddie train and other amenities that can keep locals busy all day. This park received significant improvements between 2021 and 2024, including a new $20 million multi-use stadium and a 5,400-square-foot playground with three 24-foot-tall climbing towers. The new Loeb Stadium is home to the Lafayette Aviators, a collegiate baseball league with games in the summer and a summer concert series.
The Wabash Heritage Trail is an 18-mile scenic pathway that crosses through town along the Wabash River and ends at Fort Ouiatenon, a replica of the area's original settlement. Lafayette Parks and Recreation has plans to add more parks on the city's south and east sides to accommodate for growth. "As a general rule, the county is very big on making it more biking, walking and hiking friendly," says Cheryl Butcher, Managing Broker at Keller Williams Lafayette. "The mayor is definitely involved in a lot of that stuff."
Tropicanoe Cove has sky-high water slides on the park grounds.
Families love the playground at Columbian Park.
Columbian Park Zoo is an affordable attraction for families near the Brady Lane neighborhood.
Loeb Stadium is a multi-use stadium hosting college baseball games and community events.
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Purdue a Top Ten university across the river
Lafayette School Corporation is the city's main school district, serving nearly 7,400 students and earning an overall B from Niche. The district oversees eight elementary schools located throughout the city. After elementary school, the district offers a singular pipeline that includes Sunnyside Intermediate for fifth and sixth grade and Tecumseh Junior High for seventh and eighth grade, both earning a B-minus. Jefferson is the district's highly-rated high school, earning an A-minus. Jefferson offers arts, sports and early college experiences through Advanced Placement and Dual Enrollment courses.
Purdue University is just across the river in West Lafayette and is one of the top 10 public universities in the country, according to the Wall Street Journal. Purdue has a total enrollment of nearly 50,000 students on campus and is known for its engineering programs. Forbes ranked the school fifth on its list of most STEM undergraduate degrees awarded compared to other schools nationwide.
Purdue University is just over the Wabash River from Lafayette, Indiana.
Purdue University has a lot to offer Jesco Hills Estates students looking for higher education.
The residents of Sunnyside love to support Purdue basketball and football.
Jesco Hills Estates is just up the road from Purdue University.
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Lafayette Police Department partnership addresses gun violence
Lafayette has higher-than-average violent and property crime rates. According to FBI data, in 2019 Lafayette's violent crime rate was 485 crimes per 100,000 people, while the U.S. average was 364. For the same year, Lafayette's property crime rate was 3,290 crimes per 100,000 people, while the national average was 2,110. Early in 2024, the Lafayette Police Department and the Tippecanoe County Prosecutor's Office launched the Major Crimes Unit, aimed at lowering gun violence in the city.
Easy commutes via I-65, CityBus and Amtrak
With Interstate 65 nearby, Lafayette residents can quickly get around Indiana. The city is approximately 63 miles northwest of Indianapolis and 24 miles southeast of Chicago. Lafayette's CityBus system provides 22 bus routes that connect residents throughout the city and to West Lafayette for a cost of $1 per ride. There are also day passes, month passes and semester passes, with discounts for students, children and those over 65. An Amtrak station in the city offers limited service on the Cardinal Route, which runs from New York to Chicago but only has trains every three days. Indiana University Health and Franciscan Health both offer emergency medicine and a variety of other medical services on the city's east side.
Breweries, boutiques, and entertainment along Main Street downtown
Downtown Lafayette is the city's revitalized commercial hub. City investments, especially over the past decade, have turned it into a vibrant city center with locally owned shops and restaurants, new condos and apartments, and festivals. The dining scene includes many more local restaurants than chains, specializing in New American fare, Japanese cuisine, barbecue and much more. Residents can grab a drink at one of several breweries on Main Street or veer just south to Knickerbocker Saloon, which claims the title of Indiana's oldest bar, serving pub fare and hosting live music and karaoke. Downtown Lafayette is also home to local theaters, art galleries and boutiques. Events draw locals downtown year-round, especially in the warmer months. Taste of Tippecanoe is the city's largest annual street festival, hosting local food vendors, musicians and artists for over 40 years.
Pay Less, Aldi, Meijer, Sam's Club and Fresh Thyme Market provide pantry staples throughout the city. For more household needs, there are multiple Walmart and Target locations. The stretch of South Street between Sagamore Parkway and Interstate 65 boasts multiple big-box stores such as Lowe's and Hobby Lobby and chain restaurants. A quick walk across the river on the John T. Myers Pedestrian Bridge leads to West Lafayette, which has its own shopping and dining scene.
McCord's Candies is a Lafayette favorite located downtown, just minutes from Orchard Heights.
The Knickerbocker is Indiana's oldest bar (1839) located downtown, not far from Orchard Heights.
Local favorite McCord Candies is under 10 minutes away from Vinton Woods.
Residents of Ellsworth Romig enjoy shopping for vintage records at Black Wax Records.
On average, homes in Lafayette, IN sell after 25 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Lafayette, IN over the last 12 months is $265,000, up 10% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Meet LaDonna Davidson, a dedicated real estate agent in Newton County with over three years of experience specializing in first-time home buyers, veterans, and investors. With a deep understanding of the local market, LaDonna is enthusiastic about helping you sell your home or find the perfect property.
Recognizing that each person's goals are unique, LaDonna takes the time to listen and tailor solutions that fit your individual needs. Passionate about real estate, LaDonna loves what she does and is committed to guiding you through the buying or selling process with warmth and expertise.
For more information or to start your real estate journey, contact LaDonna Davidson at 888.507.4359.
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.
