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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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.
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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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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. 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.
The student-teacher ratio at Riverview Elementary School is 17 to 1.
Justice Thurgood Marshall Intermediate School has 489 students.
John L. McCulloch Jr. High School receives an overall Niche grade of C.
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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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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 inducts 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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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.
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Downtown Marion Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Downtown Marion, Marion sell after 67 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Downtown Marion, Marion over the last 12 months is $104,900, up 40% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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Timothy Bennett1 Percent Lists Indiana Real Estate
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