$239,527Average Value$136Average Price per Sq Ft9Homes For Sale
Down-to-Earth Lafayette neighborhood where neighbors stop to chat
In Central, homes are much more than four walls and a roof. In this Lafayette neighborhood, front porches invite friends and neighbors to stop and chat on their afternoon walks. "You see people walking their pets, kids riding their bikes, people doing their gardening, neighbors talking," says Amanda Oakley, a broker with Trueblood Real Estate who grew up in the neighborhood. "Central is very traditional in what you would think a neighborhood would be." While the nearby Lafayette Country Club offers a white-tablecloth dining experience, this neighborhood is not one for pretentiousness. Here, bartenders know their customers by name at the smoky neighborhood tavern. While grand colonial houses make a statement, smaller styles offer a more accessible entry into the neighborhood. And residents aren't afraid to add personal touches. In July, American flags are carefully lined up on front lawns between lilies and daisies, while in December, string lights twinkle on roof gables. "Whether first-time homebuyers or last-time homebuyers, the people that gravitate to Central are interested in a house to live in, especially if you want sweat equity," says Cheryl Butcher, Managing Broker at Keller Williams Realty.
20th-century homes with pride in ownership
Central has homes from the early to mid-20th century in various sizes and styles. On South Ninth Street, stately Colonial Revivals overlook the country club. Green and russet Victorian homes have decorative shingles in the roof gables. Smaller styles include gingerbread cottages with steeply gabled entrances and brick chimneys. Craftsman bungalows have brick columns holding up front porches. Many properties display pride in ownership, from period-accurate paint colors to updated kitchens and bathrooms to decorations on the front porches. "Who knows how many owners have been in each of those homes, but they've carried on some of those traditions to keep the character," Oakley says. Updated bungalows may range from $140,000 to $350,000.
Immanuel Church has a neighborhood park
Green spaces are within reach both inside and outside of Central. Northeast of the neighborhood is Columbian Park, a recreational hub for Lafayette that is home to a zoo, a water park and a baseball stadium within its 40 acres. Rolling green hills border the neighborhood's west side at Lafayette Country Club. Established in 1909, the club has deep roots in the area as a space for golf, tennis, swimming, dining and social activities. Immanuel United Church of Christ also offers a neighborhood park with basketball hoops and play sets for different ages. The wooded trail provides a moment of reflection to the soundtrack of cardinals, sparrows and finches. "People love the trail; I see the same people out walking their dogs a lot," says Tari Seeger, Youth and Family Ministry Community Events Director at the church.
Early college experience at Jefferson High
Proximity to Jefferson High is one of this neighborhood's perks. Located at the neighborhood's southeast corner, it earns an A-minus from Niche and offers a robust early college experience through dual enrollment and AP courses. Staff members get involved in the Central neighborhood by leading soccer and other activities at Immanuel Church's sports camp. Before Jefferson, kids can attend A-minus-rated Oakland Elementary, Sunnyside Intermediate and Tecumseh Junior High — both earn a B-minus.
Bartenders know the regulars at Checkerboard Tavern
Neighbors like to hang out over a pint at their neighborhood bar. At Checkerboard Tavern, established in 1916, bartenders greet regulars by name. Rock music, cigarette smoke and friendly banter hang in the air as anticipation builds for Tuesday night bingo. "When I was a bartender here, we knew what people drank so we could have it ready before they sat down," says Checkerboard co-owner Toby Edmonds. It also serves hearty meals, including prime rib, bacon cheeseburgers and wings. For a homemade meal, ingredients are available about 2 miles east at Aldi.
Agricultural events at Tippecanoe County Fairgrounds
Tippecanoe County Fairgrounds is a county-wide draw just south of the neighborhood, especially during the July fair. The smell of fresh earth and livestock wafts through the Coliseum. Prized cows await judgment as fairgoers from across the county look on from the bleachers. The new 20,000-square-foot, air-conditioned building was part of a $21 million construction project on the grounds, completed in 2021.
Immanuel Church also hosts events throughout the year. The Trunk or Treat each October is one of the most popular. Kids come dressed up to collect candy around the trail. "Last year, we probably had 400 kids come through," Seeger says. "A lot of people come every year." Other events include an Easter egg hunt, a summer sports camp and a fish fry in November.
Drive or bike downtown
Central is close to all the action of downtown Lafayette. The neighborhood is about 1.5 miles south of the city center, with multiple ways to get there. Bordering the neighborhood's west side, South 9th Street offers a northern route toward downtown. The road also has a bike lane, although it ends at Kossuth Street. Public transportation is available via the 3 and 6B buses, which stop on the neighborhood's bordering streets.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Central, Lafayette sell after 19 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Central, Lafayette over the last 12 months is $235,000, up 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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