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.
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
Are you familiar with the Downtown Marion neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Downtown Marion
US
Homicide
7
4
Sexual Assault
5
4
Assault with Weapon
7
4
Robbery
7
4
Burglary
5
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
5
4
Larceny
5
4
Crime Score
7
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Downtown Marion Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Downtown Marion, Marion sell after 66 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Downtown Marion, Marion over the last 12 months is $101,950, up 36% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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
This beautiful home is all finished ! ! New drywall with All fresh paint main level and 2nd level. Fabulous ceramic flooring throughout the kitchen and dining space, hallway, full bath, living room and family room. New kitchen cabinets, solid surface counter tops, Stainless Steel Farm Sink/accessories, All New Stainless Steel Appliances. The bedroom on main level has new carpet. Front door opens
Opportunity awaits with this three-bedroom home conveniently located in downtown Marion! This property is ready for someone with vision to bring it back to life and transform it into something truly special. In need of a complete rehabilitation, this home offers endless potential for investors, flippers, or buyers looking for their next renovation project. Property is being sold AS IS, and the
These historic apartments are full of unique features and right downtown in the epicenter of Marion. Conveniently located by the YMCA, delicious local restaurants and creative local small businesses in the Riverfront District, The Castle Apartments are perfect for anyone wanting to be in the center of the action. There are 11 - 2-bedrooms, 11 - 1-bedrooms, 1 Studio and 1 Office space. There are 4
Discover a piece of Marion's heritage at 110 N G ST, a charming single-family residence built in 1910, offering 1022 square feet of living space. This delightful one-story home presents an opportunity to embrace a vibrant lifestyle in a property with enduring character. With three well-proportioned bedrooms, this home provides comfortable and private spaces for rest and relaxation. A full
Charming Craftsman-Style Home full of character! Enjoy relaxing on the fantastic 26' covered front porch with swing. Inside, the spacious Living Room features a wood-burning fireplace and beautiful built-ins, while the enormous Dining Room showcases an open staircase to the upper level. The main floor offers 2 bedrooms, abundant built-in storage, updated bath with walk-in shower and granite
Investment Opportunity! This 2-story duplex offers 1,922 sq ft of income potential and sits on a corner lot with a spacious backyard and convenient street parking. The main level unit features 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, two living areas, an updated kitchen, laundry room, and basement storage. The furnace is approximately 5 years old, providing added peace of mind. When this unit wsa rented it was
This affordable three (3) bedroom, one (1) bathroom house is situated on a corner lot just outside of downtown Marion and provides over 1,100 sq. ft. of living space, NEW face lift on the exterior (2026), completely NEW large living room (2026), newer roof, two enclosed porches, three sizable bedrooms, and partially privacy fenced in yard. This bargain would be perfect to add to your investment
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
Property Id: 2501799Cute 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
MILLS RENTAL PROPERTIES3 UNIT Apartment building with off street parking.MILLS RENTAL PROPERTIESClean affordable houses and apartments in City of Marion and Grant County, INDIANA.RENTER PAYS ALL UTILITIES.WE DO NOT ACCEPT government programs.WE DO NOT ALLOW PETS, SMOKING (any kind), OR ILLEGAL DRUGS INSIDE OR OUTSIDE OUR UNITS.
MILLS RENTAL PROPERTIESClean affordable houses and apartments in City of Marion and Grant County, INDIANA.RENTER PAYS ALL UTILITIES.WE DO NOT ALLOW PETS, SMOKING (any kind), OR DRUGS INSIDE OR OUTSIDE OUR UNITS.
3 bedroom townhouse apartment. 3 large bedrooms upstairs with full bath. Downstairs is living room, dining room, kitchen, and half bath. Laundry hook ups, hard wood floors, fenced yard, blinds and curtains. CLEAN and ready to move in.Nice front porch Located on a corner lot.CALL TO SEE PROPERTY AND APPLICAION PROCESSMILLS RENTAL PROPERTIES.
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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