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Valley Center

Valley Center

Neighborhood in Lafayette, Indiana

Tippecanoe County 47905

$213,177 Average Value
$123 Average Price per Sq Ft

Up-and-coming neighborhood near downtown Lafayette

Valley Center exemplifies Lafayette's trend of growth and improvement. This up-and-coming neighborhood near the city center is a magnet for home buyers and investors looking to improve existing houses. "Like the rest of the downtown area, it's a neighborhood where there is redevelopment and home renovations, so it's becoming more popular," says Rebecca Wright, Realtor with Trueblood Real Estate. "People are not hesitating to purchase homes and renovate them, raising the bar for the whole neighborhood." As part of the city's Five Points Plan, the area could soon see municipal investments in housing, retail, transportation and parks. Currently, this residential area enjoys a relaxed vibe with winding, tree-lined streets brushing up against downtown Lafayette.

Ornate Victorians and smaller bungalows

This neighborhood has a wide range of single-family home sizes and styles scattered throughout. Valley Street is a winding residential road on the neighborhood's west side with an abundance of mature trees. There, lots of midcentury raised ranches help to even out the hilly landscape. Large, ornate Victorian houses are decorated by elaborate trim and shingles on the roof gables. There are several smaller bungalows with a symmetrical Monopoly-house shape. Homes as old as 1900 have received major renovations like new roofs. Many properties have sloped front yards with stairs leading to the entryway. Smaller properties can start at around $120,000, while larger properties can sell for around $330,000.

Haan Museum highlights art and nature

Weekend activities might include wandering through works of art. Housed in a restored mansion that was once a 1904 St. Louis World's Fair exhibit, the Haan Museum of Indiana Art displays a collection of Hoosier paintings, ceramic works, and American-made furniture. Outside the museum, the Haan Nature Trail winds through the woods, with 30 different native tree species to identify along the way. More outdoor space is close by at Murdock Park. This 39-acre forested area is popular year-round. It features a half-mile loop trail, basketball courts and a disc golf course for the warmer months. In the winter, the sled run is especially popular with the kids.

Fuel Coffee Shop adds a unique flavor to the neighborhood

New and longtime local businesses add to the neighborhood buzz. "You see businesses making contributions to growing the area, too," Wright says. Fuel Coffee Shop has become a local staple since relocating to the neighborhood in late 2020. The scratch kitchen cooks healthy options like house-made granola with yogurt and fresh fruit. House-roasted beans add a unique flavor to coffee drinks like the Fuel Jack, with hot chocolate, espresso, whipped cream and vanilla. Operating in the neighborhood for about 22 years, Great Harvest Bread Company builds its sandwiches on scratch-made bread. The honey wheat flavor is especially popular. Less than 2 miles east, Aldi is a chain grocer with a full scope of food staples.

Local museums are a go-to for events

Local museums are not just for art appreciation but also for fun annual events. The Haan Museum hosts a free Ice Cream Social each July as a nod to the 1904 World's Fair, where the ice cream cone made an early appearance. The event features lawn games like croquet, kid-friendly activities like face painting and a tasty treat. The Art Museum of Greater Lafayette combines art and music. The gallery opens late for the monthly Friday Night Live event, featuring local musicians.

Walk, drive or bus to downtown Lafayette

Valley Center is well positioned for downtown access. Public transportation is available via the number three bus, which stops along Columbia Street to the north and South 18th Street to the east. South Street is a downtown connection for drivers and pedestrians. Although there are no bike lanes on the road, pedestrians can walk west to downtown using the sidewalks.

Jefferson High offers early college experience

The Lafayette School Corporation helps nurture a bright future with highly-rated schools. Miller Elementary School serves students in grades kindergarten through four. Fifth and sixth graders can attend Sunnyside Intermediate School and then Tecumseh Junior High for seventh and eighth grade. Each earns a B-minus from Niche. Jefferson High School helps to prepare teens for postsecondary pursuits with over 60 dual credit courses. It earns an A-minus from Niche and the number four spot on Niche's list of Standout High Schools in Indiana.
Liz Coughlin
Written By
Liz Coughlin
Derrick Harvey
Photography Contributed By
Derrick Harvey
Austin Lewis
Video By
Austin Lewis

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

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Amy Kelly, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Valley Center US
Homicide 5 4
Sexual Assault 5 4
Assault with Weapon 5 4
Robbery 5 4
Burglary 5 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 5 4
Larceny 6 4
Crime Score 5 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Valley Center Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$387,500
Median Sale Price
$357,500
Median Single Family Sale Price
$357,500
Median Change From 1st List Price
8%
Last 12 months Home Sales
4
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
57%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$123

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
134
Median Year Built
1925
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,335
Above the national average
1,933
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
6,969

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Amy Kelly, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
1,002
Median Age
34
Population under 18
23.5%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
12%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$40,294
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$44,872

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
92.2%
On par with the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
34.3%
Advanced Degrees
11%
% Population in Labor Force
71.2%
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®

57 / 100

Very Walkable

Walk Score®

75 / 100

Some Transit

Transit Score®

46 / 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.

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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
Valley Center
Amy Kelly
Raeco Realty
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