Central
Neighborhood in Lafayette, Indiana
Tippecanoe County 47905
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.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.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.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.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.
Written By
Liz Coughlin
Photography Contributed By
Jace Hirosky
Video By
Elia Faith Crianza
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Agents Specializing in this Area
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Angela Rohrabaugh
Angela Rohrabaugh
BerkshireHathaway HS IN Realty
(765) 476-0149
146 Total Sales
1 in Central
$241,000 Price
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Cathy Russell
Cathy Russell
@properties
(765) 735-3177
698 Total Sales
6 in Central
$64K - $275K Price Range
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Cheryl Butcher
Cheryl Butcher
Raeco Realty
(765) 476-0664
34 Total Sales
1 in Central
$205,000 Price
-
Dustin Robinson
Dustin Robinson
Lafayette Listing Realty LLC
(765) 735-3195
196 Total Sales
1 in Central
$120,900 Price
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Michelle Wagoner
Michelle Wagoner
Responds QuicklyKeller Williams Lafayette
(765) 476-0662
293 Total Sales
1 in Central
$140,000 Price
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Rebecca Gibson
Rebecca Gibson
Responds QuicklyRaeco Realty
(765) 735-3482
323 Total Sales
10 in Central
$124K - $285K Price Range
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
- 9th to 12th
- Public
- 5th to 6th
- Public
- K to 4th
- Public
Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to , 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
Central Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Central, Lafayette sell after 16 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Central, Lafayette over the last 12 months is $235,000, up 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Housing Trends
Median List Price
$240,000
Median Sale Price
$235,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$240,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$291,500
Median Change From 1st List Price
2%
Last 12 months Home Sales
49
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
4%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$134
Neighborhood Facts
Number of Homes in Neighborhood
496
Number of Homes for Sale
10
Median Year Built
1944
Months of Supply
2.40
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,898
On par with the national average
1,933
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
6,098
Distribution of Home Values
Homes for Sale
Homes for Rent
Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to , an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
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.
Nearby Neighborhoods
Bennett
Comfy homes near Country Club and County Fairgrounds
Edgelea
Small homes offer big opportunity for families, investors
Ellsworth Romig
A historic district within growing downtown Lafayette
Highland Park
Historic homes and suburban comforts near downtown Lafayette
Miller
Affordable homes with neighborhood daycare and school options
South Oakland
Affordable suburb near Lafayette's most popular park
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