$77,603Average Value$27Average Price per Sq Ft1Home For Sale
Downtown Marion's potential and tributes to James Dean
In the city home to birthplaces to both icon James Dean and the creator of the beloved Garfield, Downtown Marion is all about opportunity. “Downtown has been slowly up and coming,” says broker Joe Schroder with RE/MAX Realty One. “We’re repurposing some buildings for businesses and there’s been some apartments coming up. They’re looking to make a riverfront district, so that might be coming in the future.” Today, businesses line 3rd and 4th streets in historic Italianate buildings, with more branching off these two thoroughfares. Tributes to the famous alumni of Marion are also found downtown, with the James Dean Birth Site Memorial off 3rd Street and statues of Garfield all around town. Those living downtown can witness the city’s growth, as well as the lower cost of living compared to other locations in central Indiana.
Downtown Marion is home to the prestigious Grant County Court House.
Marion holds an annual James Dean Festival, held each year in September.
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Downtown Marion's historic Nationals and bungalows
While the area around 3rd and 4th streets is mainly commercial, those south of 4th have a more residential feel. Sidewalks connect the community, with a tree every now and then providing some shade and color. Some portions of the neighborhood have historic brick roads instead of asphalt. Most homes here are Nationals and bungalows, with many dating back to the early 20th century. These properties often sell between $20,000 and $100,000, though many will require some additional investment to get them move in ready.
National style homes are the most common architectural type found in Downtown Marion.
Century-old Bungalow style homes are ideal for those who enjoy renovating.
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Walking along the Mississinewa River and playing soccer
Along the curve of the Mississinewa River, Ballard Field Soccer Complex is Downtown Marion’s only park space, with its 19 acres split into three soccer fields and additional practice space. It hosts local soccer leagues, but people will have to bring chairs or blankets to watch games. Starting along 1st Street, the Mississinewa Riverwalk is 2.25 miles of paved trail along the river, passing through the city until it ends at Matter Park. Downtown Marion is also home to Marion Public Library (MPL), which has served the community since its original foundation in 1884. In addition to books, MPL also houses the Indiana History and Genealogy department and the Marion Public Library Museum, which both highlight the history of the area. On the southern side of the neighborhood, the Quilters Hall of Fame is a nonprofit dedicated to the art of quilting in a historic home built in 1902. Every year, the museum indicts a new quilter and displays their work alongside other inductees’.
Enjoy scenic views of the Mississinewa River along Marion's Riverwalk.
Ballard Field Soccer Complex is located just minutes from downtown Marion.
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Students can pursue the arts in Downtown Marion
Downtown Marion students begin at Riverview Elementary School for kindergarten through fourth grade, which earns a B-minus from Niche. Justice Thurgood Marshall Intermediate School serves grades fifth and sixth, and receives a C-plus from Niche. With a C from Niche, John L. McCulloch Junior High School houses grades seven and eight. Marion High School earns a B from Niche and is listed as the 12th most diverse public high school in Indiana. It offers the School of the Arts Partnership for students enrolled in programs at the Community School of the Arts (CSA) in Downtown Marion. The partnership allows students to take their general education classes online, so they can focus on their CSA programs.
Tribute festivals to James Dean and the annual county fair
For over 70 years, Marion has hosted the Grant County Fair at the Grant County Fairgrounds just on the other side of the river from Downtown Marion. The event lasts for about a week, and features attractions like carnival rides, tractor pulls and livestock shows with a different band playing every night. “In Fairmount, there’re James Dean Days in the fall that draws a lot of people even though it’s not in Marion,” Schroder says. The festival pays tribute to the actor with a classic car show, costume contests and viewings of Dean’s movies. In October, the Marion Fall Festival offers hayrides around Matter Park and s’more around the bonfire. The Fall Mall highlights local businesses.
3rd and 4th streets connect Marion with other Indiana towns
While there are some buses that run through Downtown Marion, but they are less comprehensive than other those in other cities. 3rd and 4th streets both cross the Mississinewa River, connecting Downtown Marion with I-69 to access other towns in Central Indiana. “You’ve got two universities in the community—we have Indiana Weslyan University and Upland has Taylor University,” Schroder says. “They are probably the biggest employers in the area.” Marked by a statue of Garfield in a doctor costume, Marion Health Family Medicine Center is just under 1 mile from Downtown Marion. While Marion has an airport, it’s not commercial, so residents traveling beyond Indiana will need to first travel to Indianapolis International Airport, about 82.5 miles away.
Indiana Wesleyan University is located just minutes south of Downtown Marion.
Residents of Downtown Marion can enjoy watching Wesleyan University play at home.
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Star Wars-themed restaurants and classic diners
Along the old train tracks, the Train Station Pancake House feels like a traditional diner with a warm atmosphere accented by the yellow and burnt orange walls. Visitors can order pancakes for breakfast or sandwiches and steaks. Obi’s Barbeque serves classic southern favorites, like pulled pork and brisket, and establishes a Star Wars setting with a themed mural on the wall. Those interested in biking can stop in Marion Cycle Works, where the owner, Michael, connects people to the right bike for their needs. He also does tune ups and repairs for those not ready for a complete upgrade. Most grocery stores are located beyond downtown along Western Avenue, but people can stop in CVS or Family Dollar in a pinch. Aldi is 2 miles away, while Walmart Supercenter is 3 miles from Downtown Marion.
Obi's has won several awards for its excellent barbecue dishes.
You can enjoy pancakes, sandwiches and steaks at the Train Station Pancake House.
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
Cathy Hunnicutt,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Hogin Park
Matter Park
Charles Mill Park Fitness Station
Willis Van Devanter Park
Mississinewa Riverwalk
Cardinal Greenway
Marion Splash House
Ballard Field Soccer Complex
Clifford Townsend Park
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Downtown Marion
US
Homicide
7
4
Sexual Assault
8
4
Assault with Weapon
7
4
Robbery
6
4
Burglary
6
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
5
4
Larceny
5
4
Crime Score
6
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Downtown Marion Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Downtown Marion, Marion sell after 28 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Downtown Marion, Marion over the last 12 months is $61,450, up 62% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Now is your chance to own one of the most historic properties in Marion. This American Arts & Crafts house and Carriage house was built in 1909 by Samuel Plato. The main house had all masonry restored and roof replaced. The inside has hardwood floors, fireplace, leaded glass pocket doors, crown molding, and so much more. Gorgeous Oak stairway leads to a landing with built ins, and leaded glass
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Cathy Hunnicutt,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has Equal Renters and Owners
Demographics
Total Population
941
Median Age
36
Population under 18
28.1%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
12%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$41,442
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$56,682
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
81.9%
College Graduates
19.1%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
9.9%
% Population in Labor Force
55.8%
Below the national average
65.1%
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
40/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
43/ 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.
