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Central

Central

$243,149 Average Value
$134 Average Price per Sq Ft
6 Homes 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.

Central is a community full of mature trees, big yards and a great community.
Central is a community full of mature trees, big yards and a great community.
The Lincoln Sharing Garden is a space for locals to try their hand at gardening.
The Lincoln Sharing Garden is a space for locals to try their hand at gardening.
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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.

Rows of beautifully maintained bungalows can be found in Central.
Rows of beautifully maintained bungalows can be found in Central.
Newer craftsman-style homes sit on larger lots in Central.
Newer craftsman-style homes sit on larger lots in Central.
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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.

Immanuel United Church of Christ has a beautiful walking trail for residents of Central.
Immanuel United Church of Christ has a beautiful walking trail for residents of Central.
The Lafayette Country Club has a beautifully maintained golf course, pool and tennis courts.
The Lafayette Country Club has a beautifully maintained golf course, pool and tennis courts.
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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.

Jefferson High School is home of the Bronchos athletics.
Jefferson High School is home of the Bronchos athletics.
Oakland Elementary School serves the educational needs of Central's youngest learners.
Oakland Elementary School serves the educational needs of Central's youngest learners.
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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.

Friends come together at The Checkerboard in Central to have a drink and watch sports.
Friends come together at The Checkerboard in Central to have a drink and watch sports.
Great Harvest Bread Co offers freshly made bread and many other sweet treats.
Great Harvest Bread Co offers freshly made bread and many other sweet treats.
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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.

The Lafayette 4-H County Fair is very family friendly.
The Lafayette 4-H County Fair is very family friendly.
Students raise animals and participate in events throughout the Lafayette 4-H County Fair
Students raise animals and participate in events throughout the Lafayette 4-H County Fair
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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.

Liz Coughlin
Written By
Liz Coughlin
Jace Hirosky
Photography Contributed By
Jace Hirosky
Elia Faith Crianza
Video By
Elia Faith Crianza

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
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

Parks in this Area

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Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Central US
Homicide 4 4
Sexual Assault 3 4
Assault with Weapon 4 4
Robbery 4 4
Burglary 4 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 4 4
Larceny 4 4
Crime Score 4 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Central Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$225,000
Median Sale Price
$220,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$225,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
2%
Last 12 months Home Sales
53
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-5%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$134

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes
540
Number of Homes for Sale
6
Median Year Built
1950
Months of Supply
1.40
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,860
On par with the national average
1,929
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
6,751

Open Houses

  • Sunday, Dec 14
    2 - 4pm

    912 Crestview Place, Lafayette, IN 47905

    $305,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 3 Baths
    • 2,477 Sq Ft
    • 912 Crestview Place

    Nestled in a cozy neighborhood west of the fairgrounds. Nearly 2500 finish square feet, this home has so much to offer. Outside is a private backyard with deck and new shed. Inside on the main level there are many updates throughout the three spacious bedrooms, Updated full bath and a half bath, living/dining room and large family room in back with wood burning fireplace surrounded by

    Susan Pounders F.C. Tucker/Shook

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
1,962
Median Age
40
Population under 18
23.9%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
18.8%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$79,392
On par with the national average
$79,601
Average Household Income
$85,402

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
95%
College Graduates
43.2%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
20.5%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
66.9%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
40''
Average Winter Low Temperature
17°F
Average Summer High Temperature
83°F
Annual Snowfall
16''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

49 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

33 / 100

Some Transit

Transit Score®

33 / 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.

Nearby Neighborhoods

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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Central
Michael Sims
Redlow Group
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