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Harry Cramer

Harry Cramer

$73,952 Average Value
$66 Average Price per Sq Ft
1 Home For Sale

Residents value peace and connections in revitalizing Harry Cramer

The quiet community of Harry Cramer on Marion's south side has seen marked improvements in recent decades. Gus Smart, president of the Harry Cramer Neighborhood Association, says blighted homes have been removed and streets have been resurfaced since he moved here about 30 years ago. The neighborhood welcomed a new green space in 2024. "Even on the street I live on, it's got some houses that have been torn down. It doesn't even look like the same area as when I was living down here in '96 — it's a whole different scene," Smart says.
He describes the community as peaceful, a place where you can knock on doors or host community events. "It's been a joyful part of living here, being the president,” he says. “It's communicating with your neighbors, knowing that your neighbor knows you, you know your neighbor . . . You get the feeling that I realize that I live in a safe environment, regardless of what the situation is."

Cottages and bungalows range in condition as blight improves

Smaller cottages and bungalows and larger gable-front-and-wing properties dot this area. Homes tend to sit closer to the street, with smaller, sometimes fenced-in, front yards. Smart says he generally sees efforts to keep up with and improve houses, on top of city-wide efforts to remove those beyond repair. "We have a lot of blighted houses that have been taken out," he says. "We still have a ways to go, but we've made a lot of progress with those houses." Prices range from about $40,000 to $120,000. The Marion Housing Authority maintains a waiting list for the Thomas Jefferson Community, which has lower-priced townhouse-style rentals in the neighborhood.

The new Harry Cramer Green Space helps enhance neighborhood life

City, neighborhood and nonprofit efforts transformed a vacant lot in the neighborhood into the Harry Cramer Green Space, which opened in 2024. The pocket park now features a walking path, covered picnic pavilion and manicured landscaping that incorporates a slide. It was funded through a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention grant aimed at providing community-level violence prevention strategies. From the neighborhood, locals can hop on the Cardinal Greenway — a 62-mile stretch for walking and biking. Harry Cramer is also home to Splash House, a water park with a lazy river, two racer slides, a wave pool and a kiddie play area.

Early college and career experiences at Marion Community Schools

Within Marion Community Schools, Allen Elementary serves students in kindergarten through fourth grade, and Justice Intermediate serves students in fifth and sixth grade. They earn C and C-plus, respectively, from Niche. Kids can also attend the C-rated McCulloch Junior High for seventh and eighth grade and the B-minus-rated Marion High School for ninth through 12th grade. The high school offers a range of early college and career opportunities, from dual-credit classes to workplace certifications. The Marion Patriot Pride Marching Band won bronze at the 2024 state marching contest.

Big-box stores, fast-food chains and local joints on State Road 9

Horner's Butcher Block, about a mile south, is the closest stop for fresh produce and groceries. Other options, including Walmart Supercenter, Lowe's, Meijer and Aldi, are available on the busy State Road 9. The corridor has several fast-food chains and local anchors such as Jay's Thai Food, a casual strip mall restaurant serving traditional Thai rice, noodle and curry dishes along with boba drinks. Downtown Marion has a growing list of small businesses, such as Obi's barbecue, which uses house-made rubs and sauces for its smoked meats.

Neighborhood meetings and city-wide celebrations are on the calendar

The Harry Cramer Neighborhood Association shares local news at monthly meetings and welcomes residents to bring ideas. The Harry Cramer Green Space ribbon cutting ceremony was a highlight for 2025, and Smart says he envisions a neighborhood block party in the near future. The holidays are a highlight in "Christmas City, U.S.A.," which is known far and wide for its annual Walkway of Lights — a 2-mile trail lined by over 2.5 million lights. The season starts with the Miracle on Third and Fourth Street parade and festival in November.

Marion Transit and South Adam Street support local commuting

Smart sees residents walking the neighborhood for exercise, but they mainly rely on cars for errands. Sidewalks, though present on some streets, are not always connected. Harry Cramer sits about a mile south of downtown Marion, and commuters may take South Adam Street toward the city center. Marion Transit System buses also serve the area. Marion Health is about 2 miles north and offers a full slate of services, including emergency care. Travelers can find 14 nonstop flight routes from Fort Wayne International Airport, about 50 miles away.

Liz Coughlin
Written By
Liz Coughlin

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Schools

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Harry Cramer Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$95,000
Median Sale Price
$107,200
Median Single Family Sale Price
$95,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
-2%
Last 12 months Home Sales
4
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
55%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$66

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes
223
Number of Homes for Sale
1
Median Year Built
1949
Months of Supply
3.00
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,219
Significantly below the national average
1,929
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,134
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
9,147

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
718
Median Age
33
Population under 18
32.9%
Above the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
14.1%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$29,604
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$42,359

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
63.1%
Significantly below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
7%
Significantly below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
3.5%
% Population in Labor Force
51.9%

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

36 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

15 / 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.

Nearby Neighborhoods

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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Harry Cramer