Railroad history lingers in north Lafayette neighborhood
In the old days of the Monon neighborhood, railroad workers scheduled their days around a blaring, brass steam whistle, which signaled the start of their day repairing and rebuilding freight cars and locomotives. Once home to the Lafayette Shops, this neighborhood was united as a community of shop workers. Today, Monon is a tight-knit community shaping new traditions. The Monon Neighborhood Coalition connects residents on social media and in person with regular block parties. Residents look after one another by contributing to the neighborhood food pantry and sharing garden. This residential area has a collection of original 19th-century homes, situated between the railroad tracks to the north and Schuyler Avenue, a busy commercial strip, to the south. Rather than the shop whistle, today this community centers its days around community events, walkable restaurants and family programming at the community recreation center.
Humble bungalows and workers' cottages
Monon has single and multi-family homes, some of which have converted to rental properties. Dating from the late 19th to early 20th century, they reflect the needs of the neighborhood's original residents. "The neighborhood was really made up of workers for the railroad and the small, humble housing reflects a very blue-collar community," says Kelly Lippie, Curator of Collections and Membership Coordinator at the Tippecanoe County Historical Association. Those include minimalist, boxy bungalows to traditional bungalows with roofs hanging over porches. There are also worker's cottages with tall, narrow silhouettes and steeply-gabled roofs. Front yards are relatively small but have enough room for a flower bed. Prices can start around $120,000 and go up to $230,000 for properties with updated appliances and floors.
Monon offers ranch, bungalows and workers' cottages as home options just north of downtown Lafayette.
Many bungalows and workers's cottages in Monon feature front porches for those who enjoy a summer rain.
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Exercise and play at McAllister Recreation Center
Since 1927, McAllister Recreation Center has been a centerpiece for fitness and fun in the area. Just south of the neighborhood, it's located inside a grand, brick building that was once an elementary school. The Rec Center gym provides a space to break a sweat with over 30 pieces of equipment. The center also keeps kids busy with youth basketball, flag football, tennis and other sports for different ages. Across the railroad tracks to the west, McAllister Park is a spacious area for enjoying native plants and wildlife. Its 280 acres include flat walking trails through prairie and woodland where deer forage. The model airplane field provides plenty of space to let aircrafts take flight.
McAllister Recreation Center is an iconic centerpiece in the neighborhood that promotes fitness and fun in Monon.
McAllister Recreation Center shines in the setting sun on the friendly streets of Monon.
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Block parties bring neighbors together
There are often opportunities to socialize with neighbors. The Monon Neighborhood Coalition helps to foster friendships with regular block parties, featuring food and snow cones, face painting and bounce houses. They are often hosted at local churches, including Mount Hope, on the neighborhood's south side. McAllister Rec Center is another venue for festivities. It's known for annual events, including the February Father-Daughter Dance, bringing families together for a night of music, photos and dancing. The Lafayette Fire Department cools things down with a water feature during the July Spray Day. There are seasonal events in the spring, fall and winter, and other special programs such as a Harry Potter cookie decorating class.
Four-day school week at Vinton Elementary
Monon is near to established yet innovative schools. Vinton Elementary has served the area since 1951, and recently made a scheduling shift. Starting in the 2024-2025 year, it will be the first school in the state to operate on a four-day school week. It earns a B-minus from Niche. The Lafayette School Corporation offers a pipeline from Sunnyside Intermediate to Tecumseh Junior High, which both earn a B-minus. On Tuesday afternoons, Sunnyside hosts a hands-on learning lab via the Sunnyside Success Academy. Jefferson High School rounds out the pipeline, earning an A-minus.
Vinton Elementary welcomes eager minds from Monon.
Lafayette Sunnyside Intermediate School is one option for students from Monon.
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Fresh veggies at the sharing garden
Schuyler Avenue, serving as the neighborhood's southern border, is a commercial strip with used car dealers, auto shops and popular local haunts. Magoo's Pub and Pizza brings in regulars with hot, homemade pies. It recently extended its hours to include lunch service. "I think it'll be good for the businesses in the area to have someplace to grab lunch," says Dorie Watson, a server at Magoo's and long-time north side resident. Across the tracks to the west, People's Brewing Company and Taproom is another popular hangout with a variety of beers on tap and entrees like street tacos. About 1.5 miles south, Pay Less is a go-to for groceries. Eggplants, bell peppers, apples and other fresh fruits and vegetables are free to pick at the North 12th Street Sharing Garden, on the neighborhood's south side.
The Lincoln Sharing Garden is a space for locals to try their hand at gardening near Monon.
Monon residents appreciate Pay Less as a nearby option for groceries.
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Driving distance to downtown Lafayette
Monon is within walking distance of several amenities in the neighborhood. Sidewalks are not always present, but "Slow" signs encourage careful driving. Monon is 2.5 miles north of downtown. Schuyler Ave connects with North 18th Street, leading south toward the city center. The 2A bus also departs from Schuyler Ave.
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
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Parks in this Area
Lincoln Sharing Garden
McAllister Recreation Center
Arni Cohen Memorial Fields
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Monon
US
Homicide
6
4
Sexual Assault
6
4
Assault with Weapon
5
4
Robbery
6
4
Burglary
5
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
5
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Monon, Lafayette sell after 29 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Monon, Lafayette over the last 12 months is $163,833, down 4% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Investor Opportunity in Lafayette, IN - Updated Duplex with Strong Cash Flow Located on the north side of Lafayette, this fully updated duplex presents a turnkey rental opportunity with strong income potential. The property includes two spacious units: Unit 1: 3 beds, 1.5 baths, approx. 1,472 sq ft, projected rent $1,250/month Unit 2: 3 beds, 2 baths, approx. 1,500 sq ft, projected rent
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Neil Hatten,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
1,133
Median Age
33
Population under 18
22.2%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
9.9%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$39,999
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$43,358
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
86.5%
College Graduates
16%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
4.5%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
58.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
40''
Average Winter Low Temperature
17°F
Average Summer High Temperature
83°F
Annual Snowfall
7''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
36/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
45/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
28/ 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.
