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
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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 $125,000, up 8% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Charming 3 BR, 1 BA ranch on the edge of town with a peaceful country feel and city convenience! Enjoy a spacious, cheery eat-in kitchen with updated stainless appliances that remain, ample storage, and an inviting layout. Recent updates include a new dimensional shingle roof, city sewer connection and new 200 AMP breaker box. Relax outdoors on the covered porch overlooking the tree-lined
DUPLEX ! Great Investment ! Lots Of Storage Space And Built In Cabinet Space ! Beautiful Original Hardwood Floors Throughout The Home ! French Doors That Lead To A Great Size Dinning Room Or Could Be Used For An Office !! Upstairs Offers Vinyl Flooring With Built Ins Through Out ! Large Living Room Area !! With Some TLC This Could Be A Great Investment Opportunity !! Both units are rented !!
Great Investment Opportunity! This duplex has been vacant for over a year and is ready for your vision and updates. One side features 2 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms, offering spacious living potential, while the other side includes 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom—perfect for a tenant or guest suite. Whether you're looking to renovate and rent both units or live in one and lease the other, this property
Great business/investment location with nearly 1.5 acres of land, located right behind Jimmy John's. Great location for daycare or storage units because it is beside 2 large apartment complexes. The west side borders an unpaved street, which is shorter than the length of the property. While it's not zoned for commercial use yet, it's surrounded by businesses. Rezoning would be needed for
Beautiful brick home located in the desirable Crane Pond addition, offering pristine, HGTV-worthy condition throughout. This stunning residence features three bedrooms, including a luxurious owner’s suite with a custom-designed closet and a magnificent spa-like bathroom. The kitchen is a true showpiece with a center island, stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, a coffee bar with an
Perfect business opportunity! Located on a main road, this property offers excellent visibility and convenience with a full paved parking lot, plus additional parking across the street on an included lot measuring nearly half an acre. Upstairs, you’ll find a move-in-ready 1-bedroom apartment, ideal for rental income or owner occupancy. A versatile property with endless potential!
Do not miss out on this home that offers so much charm! Beautiful large open kitchen with new countertops an eat-in island! Original hardwood floors in the bedrooms, a fireplace in the living room, and a beautifully updated full bath plus a bonus half bath in the master, all accented by stylish feature walls! The basement offers extra storage, while outside you’ll enjoy a large corner lot filled
Brand new everything in this cute 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom and 1 car attached garage! Enjoy peace of mind with a brand new roof, siding, gutters, sidewalk, insulation and all new plumbing, electrical, furnace and central air ! The home features a brand new kitchen with new cabinets, countertops, stainless steel sink and appliances that remain! Inside, you’ll find all new flooring and carpet
Please allow at least 48 hours to respond to offers. This charming two-bedroom, one-bath home beautifully blends character and comfort. Rich hardwood trim, solid wood doors, and gleaming hardwood floors showcase timeless craftsmanship, while thoughtful updates add peace of mind—including newer plumbing, a 100 gallon water heater, refrigerator, washer, and dryer, as well as two updated drain lines
Two Story Home !! 3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms Close To The YMCA And The Beautiful Mississinewa Riverwalk ! Great Size Living Room And Dining Room For Entertaining !
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
Check out this comfy 1-bed, 1-bath apartment with 577 sq ft of smart, efficient space-perfect for chilling, studying, or working from home. The layout is simple and functional, with plenty of natural light and a relaxing vibe that makes it easy to settle in. You're close to everything Marion has going on: pick up coffee at Starbucks or The Abbey Coffee Co., grab a bite at Casa Brava or Brooks
Experience the perfect blend of space and convenience in this beautifully updated 2 bedroom, 1 bath apartment. Designed for comfortable living, this home features a bright, open floor plan with modern finishes throughout, creating a fresh and inviting atmosphere. Plus, you have your own patio or balcony!Enjoy the convenience of in-unit washer and dryer, making laundry easy and accessible.
Step into comfort and style in this beautifully updated 1 bedroom, 1 bath ground-level apartment. Featuring newly installed flooring throughout, this home offers a fresh, modern feel with plenty of room to relax and unwind.Enjoy the convenience of a spacious layout with a bright living area, a large bedroom with ample closet space, and a well-equipped kitchen perfect for everyday living.
Location, Community, Quality living. It starts here at Turnberry Square. You will fall in love with the large two or three-bedroom apartments, with washer/dryer, patio or balcony and extra storage. We invite you to call or email us to schedule your personal tour today to see why residents love living at Turnberry Square Apartments.
Step into comfort and convenience in this beautifully updated 2 bedroom, 1 bath apartment — all on one level for easy living. Featuring a spacious, open layout, this home has been thoughtfully refreshed with modern finishes throughout, creating a clean and welcoming atmosphere.Enjoy the practicality of in-unit washer and dryer hookups located in a dedicated laundry space, making everyday
ALL INCLUSIVE PROPERTY: Ridley Tower is centrally located in the heart of Marion's business district. Ridley Tower (originally built as Marion National Bank) is Marion's first skyscraper and is a landmark in Marion. The building offers on-site dining, coffee and ice cream shop, real estate office and insurance office. There are 30 apartments total. Currently leasing for $1050-$1840/mo. Rent
Discover comfort and convenience in this beautifully maintained 3-story townhome, nestled in a peaceful and well-kept community. This spacious home features generously sized bedrooms perfect for relaxation or a home office, offering the flexibility today's lifestyle demands.The fully finished basement adds extra living space and includes washer/dryer hookups—perfect for a personal laundry
At the intersection of comfort and convenience lies Turtle Creek Apartments, where you can take full advantage of numerous amenities and services that are guaranteed to make your home pleasurable.From community events to a courtesy law enforcement officer living onsite, we seek to provide you with the attention and care you deserve.Featuring impeccable accommodations and an
Non-assisted market rate units. A separate waiting list for each bedroom size unit is maintained by the Marion Housing Authority. Occupancy standards determine which waiting list an applicant may apply for. Each applicant shall be assigned their appropriate place on the waiting list based upon the date of application and factors affecting preference or priority established by the Public Housing
Welcome home to Somerset Apartments, a community where you get all the perks of carefree living without breaking the bank. Our apartments in Marion, Indiana, feature spacious interiors, resident-focused amenities, and fantastic services. And with easy access to N Miller Ave and W Kem Rd, you are never far from all the shopping, dining, and entertainment nearby Indianapolis has to offer.A
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