$234,517Average Value$131Average Price per Sq Ft4Homes 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:
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
Cheryl Butcher,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Columbian Park
Footbridge Sharing Garden
Immanuel United Church of Christ Playground
Tippecanoe County Fairgrounds
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Central
US
Homicide
4
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
4
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
3
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Central, Lafayette sell after 14 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Central, Lafayette over the last 12 months is $232,328, up 2% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Absolutely beautiful bungalow. Freshly painted and decorated straight out of a magazine. Main floor bedroom has it's own full bath and small office and closet space. An additional full bath on the main floor tastefully decorated. New vinyl plank and a new half bath upstairs in the newly remodeled bedroom. The third bedroom is downstairs. Fireplace in living room is gas. The kitchen is a cooks
Welcome to this beautiful 4 bed 3 full bath home in downtown Lafayette. Starting on the exterior there is a large front yard with raspberry buses, long driveway with plentiful parking, and a fenced in backyard. Heading inside you are welcomed by an open concept space featuring the living room and dining room with hardwood flooring. Dining room features built in bookshelves. The kitchen is cozy
Welcome to your new home sweet home! This charming one-story gem features three cozy bedrooms! The kitchen boasts ample counter space, perfect for whipping up your favorite meals or enjoying a casual breakfast. The detached one-car garage adds convenience and extra storage, making it easy to keep your home organized. You will also enjoy a fenced in Backyard. This home is being sold as-is,
3 Bedroom + 1.5 Bath. Monthly Rent $1,800 + $1,000 Non-Refundable Deposit. Washer & Dryer provided unless you have your own. Full Basement for extra storage. Car garage for 1 vehicle + Street Parking. Water, Sewage, Trash, & Wi-Fi is included in rent payment. Other Utilities are additional.
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Cheryl Butcher,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
2,074
Median Age
39
Population under 18
23.2%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
18.5%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$76,243
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$78,793
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
95.6%
College Graduates
44.2%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
21.1%
% Population in Labor Force
74.6%
Above the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
40''
Average Winter Low Temperature
17°F
Average Summer High Temperature
83°F
Annual Snowfall
7''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
52/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
38/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
34/ 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.
