Marion's Rust Belt past to a community-oriented present
Home to just under 30,000, Marion is a town with a deep history and an active community spirit. A one-time industrial powerhouse, Marion Metal Center, also known as GM Marion, is still one of the city’s major employers, alongside the university and hospital. “In 2008, we lost a factory, but like many other Rust Belt communities, we have bounced back,” says Layla Price-Bodkin, Supervisor of Marketing and Community Development for the City of Marion. “We have an entrepreneurial tenacity and spirit — lots of little restaurants, shops and boutiques.” The community supports its local businesses, and business incubators and entrepreneur networks provide a wealth of support and mentorship for those looking to continue Marion's growth. “We focus on the community here,” Price-Bodkin says. “We have a welcome bag if you move here, and you get to come to city hall and shake the mayor’s hand.”
Residents of Center City can enjoy taking quick trips farm stands located just west of town.
Abbey Coffee Co. is an ideal spot to meet with friends or to quietly enjoy a book.
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Heading up the Mississinewa River to Matter Park
Starting in downtown Marion, the Mississinewa Riverwalk stretches over 2 miles along its namesake river. The Riverwalk connects several parks, including Charles Mill Park and Fitness Center, recently renovated to add a fitness court. “If it’s nice weather, you can do a full body workout on the circuit stations,” Price-Bodkin says. “There’s a pad on the other side where you can have a yoga class. Different groups like the YMCA are starting to have programs out here.” The riverwalk ends at Matter Park — the city’s oldest and largest park, covering over 100 acres. People flock to the butterfly gardens for prom and wedding pictures, but residents also come for recreational amenities like the tennis and volleyball courts and two playgrounds.
Marion recently opened Charles Mill Park which features an outdoor gym.
Enjoy scenic views of the Mississinewa River along Marion's Riverwalk.
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Winter's Walkway of Lights and vintage aircraft in the summer
More than just the central recreational space for the city, Matter Park hosts annual events like the wintertime Walkway of Lights. From the Saturday after Thanksgiving through New Year's, Matter Park lights up with over 2 million lights and displays. Locals celebrate the area’s history through the annual War of 1812 Reenactment, where everything is period-accurate, from the dress to the food and games. On the city's far south side, the Marion Municipal Airport hosts Fly/In Cruise/In every August, where visitors get close to vintage aircraft and other vehicles, from motorcycles and cars to firetrucks and tractors.
Shady Hills residents can take advantage of all that Matter Park has to offer.
Shady Hills residents can join a pickleball league at Matter Park.
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Arts and aviation programs through Marion Community Schools
Students attend Marion Community Schools from kindergarten through twelfth grade. The district earns a B-minus rating from Niche and ranks as Indiana's eighth most diverse school district. All schools feed into Marion High School, which offers plenty of academic pathways for students, including a unique partnership with the airport. “Schools even have an aviation program,” Price-Bodkin says. “So if you go to Marion High School, you will have the opportunity to fly a plane.” Marion High School students can also enroll in the Community School of the Arts, often shortened to CSA by locals, focusing mainly on dance and theater.
On the southern side of the community, Indiana Wesleyan University’s campus stretches across 350 acres. Serving over 3,000 undergraduate and graduate students, the university is also one of the biggest employers in Marion and Grant County.
Marion High School receives an overall Niche grade of B-.
Marion's College Park neighborhood is home to Indiana Wesleyan University.
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The birthplace of James Dean and Garfield
In addition to the high school’s arts program, Marion has a strong arts history. James Dean was born in Marion, and there’s a memorial downtown where his home once stood. The Quilters Hall of Fame celebrates the art of quilting through various exhibits in a historic mansion built in 1902. “We’re the home of Marie Webster,” Price-Bodkin says. “She is a very renowned female entrepreneur who created quilt patterns. Quilters gravitate to Marion for the annual quilters’ convention every year.” Marion is also the birthplace of Jim Davis, the creator of Garfield. Statues of the orange cat sit across town, including at the hospital and Matter Park.
Garfield is the official mascot of Marion Health on the edge of Euclid Triangle.
Shops & restaurants located in downtown Marion are located just minutes from College Park.
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Historic Nationals and New Traditionals across Marion
Marion’s median housing price is about $117,000, lower than the national median. Many homes here are historic Nationals dating back to the late 1800s and early 1900s, concentrated more around downtown. Fanning out from downtown, people can find Cape Cods and ranch-style homes. In the reaches of Shady Hills, New Traditional and Colonial Revivals built between the 70s and modern-day sit in structured subdivisions. “There are 13 neighborhood associations in Marion,” Price-Bodkin says. “They have community leaders and host monthly meetings, block parties and rummage sales.” Property and violent crime rates in Marion are typically higher than state and national rates.
There are many affordable ranch-style homes in the Shady Hills neighborhood.
Renovated bungalows in Laural Valley have plenty of style and flair.
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Downtown's restaurants and supermarkets down Western Avenue
Most of Marion’s local restaurants are downtown or along Western Avenue. Downtown’s historic brick Italianate buildings house a mix of longstanding businesses and newer shops, like Marion Cycle Works. Western Avenue stretches from central Marion to the southside by the university. The roadway is lined with supermarkets, big box stores, department stores, local restaurants, national franchises and more, making it the prime destination for running errands.
Marion Cycle Works
Shop for fresh, affordable produce at Aldi on Western Ave.
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Busing to work through Marion's bus system
Western Avenue is the major thoroughfare for Marion residents, running down the city’s western side. 3rd and 4th streets run east to west, heading through downtown Marion. The City of Marion Transit System’s bus routes offer public transportation, connecting to major employers like the university, the GM plant and Marion Health MGH Campus on Wabash Avenue, the city’s primary 24-hour emergency care hospital. In the winter, Marion can get snow, but plows work to clear the roads.
Written By
Caroline Ernst
Photography Contributed By
Owen Kaufman
Video By
Anne Sheridan
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Lindsay Ousley,
an experienced agent in this area.
On average, homes in Marion, IN sell after 48 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Marion, IN over the last 12 months is $128,000, up 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome home to this inviting tri-level in Lincolnshire. Tucked in a prime location close to schools, shopping, and restaurants, this home has been lovingly cared for and offers plenty of space to make lasting memories. Step inside to find a bright kitchen with fresh paint and new flooring, ready for your favorite meals and gatherings. Gorgeous hardwood floors flow through all three bedrooms,
This home is an all Brick Ranch home with 1,444 sq ft. of living space with 6 rooms, 2 fireplaces, full unfinished basement, enclosed 3 season room, attached 2 car garage, plus all brick small garage with car port, all setting on .78 acre country lot. Seller is motivated to sell. >>.............. This is an ONLINE Real Estate Auction with Two Properties for Sale by the Wigner
Please allow at least a 48 Hour response time to offers. Move-in ready and beautifully updated, this charming three-bedroom, one-bath home is a must-see! Perfectly situated on a corner lot in a walkable neighborhood near shopping and local amenities, this property combines modern comfort with everyday convenience. Nearly every detail has been refreshed from top to bottom, including new drywall,
HOME HAS 2 BEDROOMS, 1 BATH, KITCHEN COMES EQUIPPED WITH REFRIGERATOR AND RANGE. LARGE LIVING ROOM AND DINING COMBO. HOUSE HAS A CHAIN-LENGTH FENCE. NEEDS SOME TLC.
Brick home sitting on .26 Acres. The home has 3 bedrooms, 1 bath. With a little TLC this home will be fantastic for the new owner. Attached Garage. Home is being sold As-Is with no repairs.
Discover a place where history meets comfort. Nestled in a beautifully preserved historic building, our 55+ apartment community offers a truly unique living experience. Every apartment has its own character, with architectural details you won’t find in modern construction—soaring ceilings, oversized windows, exposed brick, original woodwork, and other one-of-a-kind features that make each home
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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.
