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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Reach out to
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On average, homes in Marion, IN sell after 51 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Marion, IN over the last 12 months is $135,000, up 16% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Motivated Seller! Move-in Ready and Priced to Sell! Don’t miss your chance to own this beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath home situated on a desirable corner lot with exceptional curb appeal. The professionally landscaped yard features 24 stunning lilac bushes, beautiful hydrangeas, a relaxing hammock, and a removable sun sail over the front porch, creating the perfect outdoor retreat.
Move In Ready! Don't miss this beautiful 3-bedroom 1 bath ranch home that has been extensively renovated in last three years. The bright open concept floorplan offers an abundance of natural light and features, attractive laminate flooring. The stylish kitchen boasts soft-close cabinets and drawers, a center island and a large pantry for plenty of storage. All stainless-steel appliances remain,
Selling As-Is -- Motivated ! Beautifully remodeled 4-bedroom, 2-bath home located on The Hill, just minutes from downtown Marion. Recent updates include a brand-new gas furnace, new water heater, new plumbing, numerous new windows. Inside, you'll find all-new flooring, carpet, and fresh paint throughout, along with two fully remodeled bathrooms. The spacious living room features built-in
Welcome home to this beautifully maintained 4-bedroom brick home offering 1,919 square feet of comfortable living space. The inviting living room features vaulted ceilings and a stunning floor-to-ceiling brick fireplace, creating the perfect space to relax or entertain. The fully equipped kitchen includes newer appliances and opens to a spacious family room with views of your private backyard
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 !!
Beautiful lot for sale in Hickory Hills Addition! Nearly 3/4 of an acre in a stunning location surrounded by a lovely neighborhood with beautiful homes. This gorgeous corner lot is situated at the end of a quiet dead-end street, offering peace and privacy. The property has mature trees and several fruit trees already planted, adding charm and character to your future home site. Utilities,
Back on market, buyer got cold feet and decided they didn’t want to buy a house. Move-in ready and completely remodeled! This 3-bedroom, 1-bath home offers 980 square feet of updated living space featuring modern finishes, fresh paint, updated flooring, and a spacious kitchen with abundant cabinetry. Enjoy the comfort of central air and gas forced-air heat, plus a detached 1-car garage and
Build your dream home or investment opportunity on this spacious vacant lot! Offering endless possibilities, this property provides a blank canvas to bring your vision to life.
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!
Bring your vision and make this property shine! This fixer-upper is packed with potential and ready for someone to restore it to its full charm. Whether you’re an investor, flipper, or buyer looking to create your dream home, this property offers a great opportunity to build equity. Featuring solid bones, spacious living areas, and endless possibilities for updates and customization. Conveniently
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 hookup, making laundry easy and
Welcome to Turnberry Square Apartments, where comfort and convenience meet! Our spacious two- and three-bedroom apartment homes are designed with you in mind, featuring modern amenities like in-unit washer and dryer connections, private patios or balconies, and extra storage space. Turnberry Square offers a quiet, residential setting located near restaurants, shopping, and great schools. Contact
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
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
Property Id: 2501799 Cute two-bedroom single-family home. Work has been done to the plumbing and electrical, with all new siding, roof, flooring, cabinets and more! It is very cute inside with an excellent layout. The surrounding homes have been renovated and updated as well. The area is quiet and neighborhood safe centric. Has a nice sized yard and parking on the property, as well as,
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Property Id: 2719210 3 bed, 1 bath single family unit in Marion is perfect for small dogs and cats. Includes a washer/dryer hookups. Has a nice backyard with a fence which is perfect for kids to play in. Rent is $1,040/month and does not include utilities. SMOKING IS NOT ALLOWED INSIDE. WE CONDUCT EXTENSIVE BACKGROUND CHECKS To schedule a showing text .
Property Id: 2719294 3 bedroom, 1 bathroom single-family home in Marion, IN. Includes washer/dryer hookups, a carpeted floor, and is pet-friendly for cats and small dogs. Rent is $1090/month and does not include utilities. SMOKING IS NOT ALLOWED INSIDE. WE CONDUCT EXTENSIVE BACKGROUND CHECKS To schedule a showing text .
Property Id: 1797987 Half off the 2nd month rent! Several brand-new models to choose from. Move in Ready! 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom. Beautiful well appointed kitchen with pantry, large island and energy efficient appliances including refrigerator, stove, and dishwasher. Spacious primary bedroom with a ensuite bathroom. Seperate utility room with washer/dryer
Property Id: 290236 CALL Are you searching for your next place to live? FOLLOW these STEPS to END YOUR SEARCH. 1. CALL . 2. SCHEDULE a TOUR 3. SUBMIT your RENTAL APPLICATION 4. We will process your RENTAL APPLICATION 5. SCHEDULE YOUR MOVE-IN DATE. 6. MOVE-IN your NEW HOME! Start taking the steps to end your search for a place to live by CALLING
The advertised rate of $2,484/month is the lowest available price, based on a 30 day(s) stay with a move-in date of January 1, 2027.Rates vary depending on the duration of stay, season, and other parameters. For exact pricing and additional pricing components, please visit our website and enter your desired move-in and move-out dates. The rate is applicable when billed upfront; it can be
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