More housing opportunities than ever in Lafayette's transformed downtown
In the heart of Lafayette, Indiana, the downtown area is more attractive than ever for those looking to live, work and play near the center of all the action. On the banks of the Wabash River, wide pedestrian pathways teem with locals who dive into candle shops, candy stores and some of the city's top restaurants. Within the past decade, the city and local leaders have transformed it into a vibrant shopping, dining, festival and business hub. A big part of that transformation included new apartments and condominiums, opening up more housing opportunities in the city center. "Lafayette is like many other Midwest cities that struggled through the late 20th century with their downtowns becoming rundown," says Kyle Charters, a broker with the Charters Team at Indiana Integrity Realtors. As a Lafayette resident for several decades, he's been able to witness the downtown transformation first hand. "Between restaurants and festivals, they've done a great job revitalizing it."
Rows of historic homes can be found throughout Downtown Lafayette.
New condos can be found close to the Wabash River and Downtown Lafayette.
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Date-night restaurants and fun experiences downtown
Main Street is Lafayette's shopping and dining corridor, branching eastward from the river. The city's dining scene features craft coffee shops, wine cellars, brewpubs and unique takes on American cuisine. The Lobby by Greyhouse is a one-stop shop for coffee and breakfast, serving craft espresso drinks alongside healthy menu items such as avocado toast and quiche. East End Grill is a casual date-night spot — think roasted pork chops with smoked blueberry barbecue sauce served on rustic wood tables surrounded by modern art on exposed brick walls.
Locally-owned shops offer unique apartment décor and fun experiences. Flora Candle Company sells hand-poured candles that are scented based on different themes, from Taylor Swift songs to LGBT pride. Locals can create their own signature scents with Flora's pour-your-own candle experience. For a quick grocery stop, Rose Market sells a few pantry items and refrigerated beverages. Lafayette's Saturday Farmer's Market, a tradition since 1839, is a great spot to round out the grocery list with fresh local produce.
You can find many outdoor dining options around Downtown Lafayette.
McCord Candies is a local favorite in Downtown Lafayette.
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New apartments and condos with garage parking
Living Downtown primarily means choosing between apartments and condos, many of which have been built or renovated in the past five to 10 years. "A great thing they're doing is including garages along with those new builds, so those residents have guaranteed parking," says Kelly Lippie, Curator of Collections and Membership Coordinator at the Tippecanoe County Historical Association, which is located just outside of downtown. Older condo units may be located in buildings dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with updated features including stainless steel appliances. New condominiums and apartments may be luxury units with shared amenities such as fitness centers. Prices can range between $164,000 and $450,000, depending on the number of bedrooms and the extent of updates. Monthly HOA fees may range from $160 to $400.
Apartments with convenient parking options are available throughout Downtown Lafayette.
New apartments with a historic style can be found throughout Downtown Lafayette.
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Recreation indoors and out
Historic architecture and flower gardens add a picturesque quality to the area. Although there aren't any parks within the district, there are green spaces close by. Half-a-mile west across the Wabash, Tapawingo Park is a year-round attraction. The Wabash Heritage Trail stretches over 1 mile through lush forested areas, while a playground welcomes young children. A pedestrian bridge with views of the river offers a safe passageway to the park. The outdoor fun continues into the colder months with an ice skating rink. Indoor recreation is also part of the fun here. The Long Center for the Performing Arts is great for live entertainment. The center opened as a Vaudeville house in 1921, and today hosts musical, comedy, theater, dance, and orchestra shows.
Tapawingo Park is an outdoor space with a multi-age playground and wooded paths.
Residents of Downtown Lafayette love the convenience of Myers Bridge.
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Lafayette events with a historic backdrop
Downtown Lafayette events draw visitors from across the river and around the city. "During the summer, there seems to be something going on every weekend," Lippie says. With Baroque, Gothic, Neo-Classical and other architectural influences, the historic Tippecanoe County Courthouse is a visual centerpiece for the downtown area and a landmark for some of its events. It's the backdrop for 'Round the Fountain Art Fair, where over 100 artists from around the country showcase their work. Art is also front and center at Mosey Down Main, with three live music stages, food, local vendors, street performers, sidewalk chalk and other amusements.
Live music can be found throughout Mosey Down Main Street.
The Lafayette Farmers Market is a great place to meet with friends.
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Hands-on work experience at Jefferson High
Lafayette School Corporation serves the city's students with highly-rated K-12 schools. Students living downtown may start out at Miller Elementary before moving on to Sunnyside Intermediate for fifth and sixth grade and Tecumseh Junior High for seventh and eighth grade. Niche gives all three schools a B-minus. Teens can round out their secondary education at the well-regarded Jefferson High, which earns an A-minus. Jefferson fosters early career experience. Through its relationship with local businesses and industry, it offers internships where students can gain hands-on experience in their desired fields.
Thomas Miller Elementary School serves students from kindergarten to 4th grade.
Lafayette Tecumseh Junior High School serves kids 8th though 9th.
Jefferson High School is home of the Bronchos athletics.
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The City Bus stops throughout Downtown Lafayette.
Trains to Chicago and Indi
Downtown is the transportation hub for Lafayette. Amtrak trains depart from the station on the neighborhood's western side. From there, it's a 3-hour, 20-minute trip to Chicago or a 2-hour trip to Indianapolis. Just north of the neighborhood the CityBus Center services bus routes throughout the city. Buses also stop along Ferry, Main, Columbia and South 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
Cathy Russell,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Tapawingo Park
Columbian Park
Footbridge Sharing Garden
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Downtown
US
Homicide
6
4
Sexual Assault
7
4
Assault with Weapon
7
4
Robbery
8
4
Burglary
9
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
8
4
Larceny
9
4
Crime Score
8
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Downtown, Lafayette sell after 29 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Downtown, Lafayette over the last 12 months is $339,600, up 18% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
The Luna Flats is located in the heart of downtown Lafayette with direct access from Main Street. This brand new 98 unit building includes studio, 1 bedroom and 2 bedroom units. Luna also offers 112 covered parking spaces and 10,000 square feet of retail space.Equipped with a rooftop patio, dog park, fitness room, indoor bike storage and secured package mailboxes, Luna Flats will
Core Redevelopment’s first property in Lafayette! Located at the corner of 5th and Main Street in Downtown Lafayette. Formally known as Lahr Hotel, this property offers residents a taste of history while providing luxury downtown living.
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Cathy Russell,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
1,169
Median Age
33
Population under 18
21%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
10.1%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$54,653
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$63,242
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
95.7%
College Graduates
56.2%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
24.2%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
64.8%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
40''
Average Winter Low Temperature
17°F
Average Summer High Temperature
83°F
Annual Snowfall
7''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
69/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
88/ 100
Good Transit
Transit Score®
52/ 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.
