Council Oak, a quiet community northwest of Downtown South Bend, is steeped in history. It's where a centuries-old tree once stood — the site of René-Robert Cavelier Sieur de La Salle's treaty with the Miami and Illinois to resist the aggressions of the Iroquois. This treaty was a significant turning point in early colonial American history, setting the tone for Indigenous and colonist alliances. While today all that remains is the tree stump and a historical marker, the community has taken on the enduring spirit of the Council Oak that came before. "It's a very established area, and it hasn't changed a lot over the years, which is a kind of a comfort," Bonnie Hay, longtime local and Associate at RE/MAX 100, says. "Some people have lived there probably 20 to 30 years," and most don't plan to leave anytime soon. Residents are sufficiently provided for with a retail center and the Indiana Toll Road to the north and downtown to the south.
Cozy ranch homes can be found along side streets on Council Oak's western edge.
Retail centers along Portage Ave give Council Oak locals convenient access to shopping.
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Homes surround local Catholic church
The neighborhood is a mixed bag of industry, green space and housing. Apartment complexes fill the northwest, while single-family housing is concentrated in the central west. Between homes sits the Corpus Christi Catholic Community, School and Parish. "Many people love that they can walk to church from the neighborhood," Jennifer Lillie, South Bend local and Realtor with Century 21 Circle, says. Hay agrees, saying, "Whether you're a part of the church or not, they're a part of your community. It's kind of a gathering place and a point of interest for all the residents." Brick ranches are the most common offering in Council Oak, with boxy, vinyl-sided two-stories appearing every couple of doors. Homes generally sit far back on lots, creating ample space for a statement maple or front garden. Listings typically cost between $190,000 and $250,000, with around $215,000 being the median. The neighborhood is pretty contained, with Lillie saying, "People don't really cut through that area. You really are only in there if you live there or are visiting someone."
A majority of Council Oak's homes surround around Corpus Christi Catholic School and church.
Modern vinyl-sided homes can be found in communities near Portage Ave in Council Oak.
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Paddleboarding Pinhook's lake
Boland Park splits the area's apartment complexes from its single-family housing, creating a shared recreational space. Basketball courts, tennis courts, a soccer field and baseball fields are all available, as well as a sizable playground. During spring, Chet Waggoner Little League holds baseball and softball games at the ball fields outside the South Bend Wastewater Treatment Plant. Pinhook Park sits below the plant, featuring a U-shaped lake. "We take the kids and the dog there all the time to kayak and paddleboard," Lillie says. "The lake isn't connected to the river, meaning there's no current, so you don't have to worry about kids getting swept away or having to paddle back very far." Boaters can hit the water, too, via the dock jutting out from the parking lot. The park is also home to the Angel of Hope Memorial Garden, where bricks are laid to remember lost loved ones. Memorials hold a special place in Council Oak, as Highland Cemetery is a prominent neighborhood feature. A final resting place for many, it also contains significant landmarks, such as the grave of Clement Studebaker, the Knute Rockne Grave and the Council Oak historical marker. "It's a very beautiful and well-maintained cemetery. It's also such an established and accepted honoring area that it's not a deterrent to homebuyers."
Fisherman take to the lake at Pinhook Park to enjoy the serene fishing experience.
Tennis and Pickleball courts see a lot of action from locals at Boland Park.
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Most students attend one of two school pathways
School zoning depends on where students live, although all school pathways are under the South Bench Community School Corporation. Most students live west of Portage Avenue, meaning they attend Coquillard Elementary School and Navarre Middle School. Both schools earn a C-minus Niche score and are South Bench Empowerment Zones — schools dedicated to eliminating academic and social-emotional opportunity gaps. Students graduate from the B-minus-rated Washington High School, an AdvancEd accredited school with a medical magnet program. A small number of students live east of Portage Avenue, zoning them for Muessel Elementary School, which has a C-minus Niche rating. Next is Jefferson Traditional School and its magnet program, which earns a C score. The A-minus-rated Adams High School is No. 3 on Niche's list of best public schools in South Bend. Council Oak is also within 4 miles of the B-minus-rated Saint Mary's College and the University of Notre Dame, which earns an A-plus.
Catching flights the E-Z way
Although bike paths and bus stops can be found along Portage Avenue and North Bendix Drive, residents rely on driving to get around. The Indiana Toll Road, or Interstate 90, creates the area's northern border. Lillie says, "The E-ZPass system connects to multiple states, and all the entrances have very nice commuter parking areas." The apartments and undeveloped land in the neighborhood's northern third cushion homes from most highway noise. South Bend International Airport is 3 miles southwest, with the runway on a diagonal from the neighborhood's southwestern corner. Lillie says the airport isn't "like a Chicago or Indianapolis airport with thousands of flights all day long," so residents generally aren't bothered by the sound of engines firing up or wheels hitting the ground.
Changing coffee filters and car oil
Industrial sites surround Council Oak. One of the most notable is the South Bend Wastewater Treatment Plant on the neighborhood's east side. The plant is removed enough from homes that residents don't usually complain about a smell. There are also a few shops and restaurants nearby. Locals can stop at Coffee Spot Cafe off North Bendrix Drive while getting a car wash or oil change next door. Along Portage Avenue are stores like Dollar General and Council Oak Laundry & Cleaner, as well as restaurants. Samuel Mancino's Italian Eatery is popular for its carry-out pizzas and subs, while Pedro's Family Restaurant sells classic Mexican-style favorites at discounted prices, with deals running multiple days a week. Heading north past the toll road offers fast-food chains and brand names, like Meijer, Aldi, Walgreens, Goodwill and Walmart. Driving 3 miles south on Portage leads to Downtown South Bend with all its dining and entertainment options.
South Bend Wastewater Treatment Plant provides purified water from the east side of Council Oak.
Samuel Mancino's Italian Eatery is a popular carry-out location in Council Oak.
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
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Parks in this Area
Boland Park
Pinhook Park
Transit
Airport
South Bend International
18 min drive
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Council Oak
US
Homicide
7
4
Sexual Assault
7
4
Assault with Weapon
7
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
3
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
5
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Council Oak Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Council Oak, South Bend sell after 15 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Council Oak, South Bend over the last 12 months is $258,750, up 22% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Indian Springs Apartments is near entertainment, parks, schools, and shopping. Our apartments in South Bend are near Boland Park, Meijer, and Marquette Montessori Academy. Living at Indian Springs, you will be within walking distance to shopping, dining, and entertainment options.Are you looking for a welcoming apartment for rent in South Bend, IN? Contact our friendly, professional office staff
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Angela Pritchard,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
2,091
Median Age
37
Population under 18
26.7%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
16%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$32,573
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$42,356
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
91.9%
College Graduates
21%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
4.2%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
60%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
40''
Average Winter Low Temperature
17°F
Average Summer High Temperature
82°F
Annual Snowfall
28''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
52/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
41/ 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.
