$191,803Average Value$110Average Price per Sq Ft2Homes For Sale
Fully-equipped park at the heart of sought-after Lafayette neighborhood
The crack of a baseball bat and the sound of cheering fans echo through Columbian Park, while kids race each other down the lemon-yellow water slide just a few feet away. Home to a zoo, a waterpark and a newly renovated stadium, this 40-acre city park is the cornerstone of the Lafayette, Indiana neighborhood by the same name. Established in 1893, the park has long been a centerpiece for the whole city. "The proximity to the park itself is a great benefit to those who live in that area," says Kyle Charters, broker with the Charters Team at Indiana Integrity Realtors. "And for those of us who have lived in Lafayette for a long time, the park holds a lot of value."
Between well-maintained vintage homes and longtime local restaurants, this neighborhood shows a dedication to preserving its past. The park has also seen lots of improvements over time, especially in recent years. Between 2021 and 2024, it gained a new $20 million multi-use stadium, a 5,400 square-foot playground and paddleboats on the lake. More improvements are underway. "I think that in general, all the community leaders and government officials here have always been very progressive in terms of our parks and greenways," Charters says.
Residents of Columbian Park love going to Tropicanoe Cove for its racing waterslide.
Loeb Stadium is a multi-use stadium hosting college baseball games and community events.
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Close encounters with wallabies at Columbian Park
Columbian Park is good for a full day of inexpensive family fun. Since its founding in 1908, the Columbian Park Zoo has housed various animals over the years — including a chimpanzee named Buddy, who often rode the train throughout the park. For an entrance fee of $3, today, the zoo exhibits animals from the Americas and Australia, a butterfly garden and farm animals. Marsupials hop freely on the dirt path at the Wallaby Walkabout, crossing paths with visitors. Construction is underway on a new animal commissary.
Recent projects have revitalized some of the park's well-loved elements. For the first time since the '90s, the park debuted new paddle boats on the lake and a revamped playground. On a sunny weekday afternoon, a dozen kids play on the shining new red and blue structure, which includes three 24-foot-tall climbing towers, a rope bridge and six slides. Within the park grounds, Tropicanoe Cove offers several ways to beat the heat, from a six-lane racing slide to a relaxing lazy river.
Residents enjoy fishing at the ponds in Columbian Park.
Columbian Park Zoo is an affordable attraction for families in Lafayette with lots of animals.
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Early 20th-century homes with various degrees of renovation
Homes mingle with the park, with residential streets bordering the green space on all sides. Children squeal playfully across from Park Avenue while goats bleat in the barnyard across from Wallace Avenue. Updated houses from the late 19th century through the early 20th century, including craftsman bungalows, cottages, and Cape Cods, add to this neighborhood's appeal. Modest front yards sometimes double as wildlife habitats with butterfly gardens, birdhouses and flower beds.
Many properties have seen various degrees of renovations, whether that be updated kitchens and bathrooms or completely new ones. "There is a faction of today's younger generation that is a little more nostalgic and wants their grandparents' home or a home that has that feel, more so than the cookie cutter," says Cheryl Butcher, Managing Broker at Keller Williams Realty. "They still want the granite countertops in the kitchen, but they like that charm and uniqueness." Bungalows may range from $60,000 to $280,000, depending on the amount of TLC needed.
Bungalows and raised ranch style homes can be found throughout Columbian Park.
Rows of multi unit homes can be found along historic streets in Columbian Park.
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Postsecondary experience at Jefferson High School
Lafayette School Corporation oversees highly-rated schools between half a mile and two miles away. Murdock Elementary serves younger kids in the area and earns a B from Niche. Lafayette students typically attend Sunnyside Intermediate for fifth and sixth grade and Tecumseh Junior High for seventh and eighth grade. Both schools earn a B-minus. Teens can then complete their secondary education at Jefferson High School, which earns an A-minus. The high school partners with local universities and businesses to provide postsecondary experience through internships and dual enrollment classes.
Murdock Elementary Public School serves kids kindergarten though 8th grade.
Sunny Side Intermediate School prepares the youth of Lafayette for accelerated learning.
Lafayette Tecumseh Junior High School serves kids 8th though 9th.
Jefferson High School is home of the Bronchos athletics.
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Longtime local haunts within sight of the park
Local shops and restaurants thrive here, with lots of spillover business from the park. Just south, parents and children eagerly wait their turn for a taste of Original Frozen Custard, serving flavors like chocolate peanut brittle, birthday cake and cherry limeade. Longtime Lafayette residents remember grabbing a slice of pizza next door at Arni's, a longtime franchise that opened its Columbian Park location in 1983. A black and white photo on the wall shows kids riding an elephant nearby in the park.
Just north, Scott Street Pub is another local restaurant with a longstanding local ties. First opening in 1902, it recently underwent renovations under new ownership, while preserving special features, such as its original hardwood floors. Today, it's popular for its house-cured Reuben and pastrami sandwiches. "A lot of people in their '70s tell me about when they used to come here as kids and their dads got a beer while they got candy," says Scott Street Pub manager Taylor White.
A few blocks over, Second Street Books is within sight of the park's kiddie train, and within earshot of the zoo animals. It's another local establishment that benefits from lots of walk-ins from the park, who can purchase their next read, a candle and other gifts. "I love having the zoo close by because you can hear the New Guinea singing dogs howling — it's very cool," says bookseller Zach Hannel. Shelf-stable snacks are within reach at Friendly Market, while fresh produce is available at Aldi.
Original Frozen Custard offers a sweet treat after a long day at the park.
Second Flight Books is a locally owned book store in the heart of Columbian Park.
Readers can spend hours in Second Flight Books looking through their extensive catalog of books.
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College games and community events at Loeb
Loeb Stadium is a big hit in Lafayette, a strong baseball community. It's home to the Aviators, Lafayette's Prospect League for summer games, and Jefferson High School's team. As baseballs fly into the outfield, the stadium's new orientation offers views of the zoo and the waterpark. The stadium's 2021 upgrades also turned it into a multi-use event venue. The 2,600-seat stadium now hosts family movie nights, a summer concert series and other community events.
Loeb Stadium is a multi-use stadium hosting college baseball games and community events.
Columbian Park Zoo is an affordable attraction for families near the Brady Lane neighborhood.
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Public transport goes downtown
Columbian Park is 1.5 miles east of downtown Lafayette and offers multiple ways to get there. Bordering the west side of the neighborhood and the park, Main Street connects to Columbia Street, leading west to the city center. Both streets are flanked by sidewalks on both sides. The CityBus system also goes downtown, via the 4A bus on Main Street and the 9 bus on South Street.
Little lending libraries stocked with books are scattered throughout Colombian Park.
Columbian Park sits just outside Downtown Lafayette with mature trees and unique homes.
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
Rebeca Wagers,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Columbian Park
Columbian Park Play Ground
Murdock Park
SIA South Tipp Park
Footbridge Sharing Garden
CAT Park
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Columbian Park
US
Homicide
5
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
5
4
Robbery
5
4
Burglary
5
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
5
4
Crime Score
5
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Columbian Park, Lafayette sell after 14 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Columbian Park, Lafayette over the last 12 months is $210,267, up 14% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Absolutely beautiful, charming, well loved & designed, highly updated 1940's bungalow, with original hard wood floors, fully privacy fenced/landscaped yard with approx. 1120 above grade finished square feet-plus 840 square foot NICELY finished (partially) in the basement! This lovely home offers SO much especially for the price range. 4 bedrooms and 3 full baths! Only 2 miles to Downtown
Completely Renovated & Move-In Ready! This beautifully updated 4-bedroom, 3-full bathroom home has been fully renovated from top to bottom! Inside, you'll love the open layout and abundance of natural light offering a fresh and modern feel throughout the home. Thoughtfully updated with all-new lighting, fresh paint, new flooring, and fully renovated kitchen and bathrooms. Enjoy the charm of the
**Charming 2-Bedroom Home Next to Columbian Park – Double Lot!** Welcome to this delightful 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom home nestled in the heart of Lafayette! Offering 1,104 square feet of comfortable living space, this property sits on a spacious double lot and is bursting with potential. Just steps away from Columbian Park, The Lafayette Zoo, Tropicanoe Cove Water Park, Loeb Stadium and other
Introducing our newly built 2 bed apartment located in Lafayette, IN. This modern unit features 2 bathrooms, perfect for those seeking convenience and comfort. The apartment comes equipped with a stove, refrigerator, and stacked washer/dryer, making everyday tasks a breeze. With a sleek design and functional layout, this apartment is ideal for anyone looking for a hassle-free living experience.
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Rebeca Wagers,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
2,430
Median Age
38
Population under 18
23.7%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
17.3%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$45,685
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$57,353
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
89.4%
College Graduates
26.5%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
8%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
67.4%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
40''
Average Winter Low Temperature
17°F
Average Summer High Temperature
83°F
Annual Snowfall
7''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
55/ 100
Somewhat Walkable
Walk Score®
56/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
37/ 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.
