$129,166Average Value$78Average Price per Sq Ft1Home For Sale
A growing riverside neighborhood
On the northwest side of South Bend, Keller Park's vintage homes are cradled by a curve of the St. Joseph River. Proximity to riverside trails makes for scenic dog walking or running, though the neighborhood has faced flooding issues in the past. Many of the homes are rented out, but there's still a sense of neighborly support from local organizations. Some groups are working to bring in new homes to fill the gaps left by former Mayor Pete Buttigieg's initiative ‘1,000 houses in 1,000 days,' where abandoned homes were demolished to create space for investors. "Keller Park was one of the areas affected by that initiative," says Nick Benninghoff, a Realtor with Cressy & Everett, who has experience in the area. "And I think 10 years later, we are really starting to see that plan come to fruition."
Affordable homes with a large renter population
Several apartment buildings along the river bring in a high renter population, and the neighborhood's homes are often rented out, too. With an average size of 1,270 square feet and a median lot size of less than 1/8 acre, houses and yards are smaller than elsewhere in the city. Architectural styles include Cape Cods, ranch styles and bungalows, often built in the 1920s to '50s. The neighborhood is relatively affordable for South Bend in terms of home prices, though the cost per square foot is about on par with the city average. Prices start around $50,000 for fixer-uppers and reach $200,000 for newly renovated homes. Streets are lined with sidewalks, and most residents park on the street. Though several lots still sit empty after homes were demolished, developers are starting to take action. "There's a local non-profit working to make houses out of repurposed shipping containers," Benninghoff says. "They are focused on providing affordable housing for the neighborhood."
Keller Park's northeast side is where many of the neighborhoods bungalow homes can be found.
Apartments can be found along the contours of the St Joe in Keller Park.
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Waterside trails and a local church
Keller Park locals enjoy the Riverside Trail alongside the St Joseph River, which includes a boat launch for kayaks and paddleboats. The bike-friendly trail winds along the banks, connecting with several city parks, including Woodlawn, Pinhook and Wheelock. The namesake Keller Park, closer to home, has a playground, sports courts and a restroom open during the day. Another neighborhood gathering space is Keller Park Church at the corner of the green space. The church offers childcare and faith-based education for infants through fifth grade, while also providing food and coats to families in need.
Riverside Trail is a paved trail that follows the St Joe for over 3 miles through Keller Park.
Behind Keller Park Church is the community-maintained Unity Garden.
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Possibilities of flooding in Keller Park
South Bend experienced two significant floods in 2016 and 2018, and though the river's water level never reached the neighborhood, some homes in low-lying areas had water pooling in the basements. Basements may still have lasting water damage, like mold issues and doors not fitting correctly in doorjambs. Since 2018, the city has tried to mitigate flooding, but there is still some risk in Keller Park. Today, the riverbank is in a FEMA Flood Zone AE, which means a 1% annual chance of flooding. A few of the homes along the banks are in Zone X, which means a 0.2% annual chance. In addition, rainfall hasn't yet reached the same level as in 2018, so mitigation efforts have yet to be tested.
Public schools provide free meals and family resources
As part of South Bend Community School Corporation, neighborhood kids are zoned to start at Muessel Elementary School, which gets a C-minus grade from Niche. During the summer, the school gives free lunches to kids under 18. Then it's on to Jefferson Middle School, rated C, and Adams High School, rated A-minus. Adams High School is the highest-ranked public high school in the district and offers the International Baccalaureate Program. The school district also runs the Brown Community Learning Center within the neighborhood. The center is home to the Family and Community Engagement Program, which offers summer camps, family literacy nights, mentorship programs and college scholarship opportunities. Not affiliated with the public school system, Transformation Ministries is another source of support for youth, with faith-based mentor programs and after-school activities.
Muessel Elementary School takes home a C minus score on Niche.
Jefferson Intermediate Traditional School has an overall C rating on Niche.com.
Adams High School in South Bend, IN has an overall rating of A- on Niche.com.
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Local restaurants and plans for development
A few notable businesses along Portage are within walking distance and attract a loyal crowd. Bob's Pub is a no-frills bar that honors South Bend's Polish heritage with an annual Dyngus Day party and hosts regular pool leagues. For late-night cravings, Fat Boys Creamery stays open until 2 a.m., offering both savory tacos and sweet ice cream treats. The Portage-Elwood intersection is the closest shopping center to Keller Park, located at the neighborhood's southwest corner. With the closure of several businesses in recent years, the shopping center currently has little to offer. In 2024, the city hopes to change that by demolishing empty buildings and polling the surrounding residents on what they want to see added. For now, the closest grocery stores are Aldi and Meijer, about 2.5 miles north, and Trader Joe's, the same distance to the southeast.
Bob's Pub offers a no-frills bar experience within the close-knit community of Keller Park.
Keller Park residents with a sweet tooth can get a sweet treat at Fat Boy's Creamery.
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Bus lines and major employers
Bus lines run down Portage every hour, connecting into downtown South Bend, 2 miles away. The Riverside Trail can be helpful for bikers heading north, but it does not connect to downtown. The University of Notre Dame is only 2.5 miles east and is known for football games, theater performances and the iconic golden dome atop the Basilica of the Sacred Heart. In the other direction, the South Bend International Airport is 4 miles away, and the surrounding manufacturing and industrial companies are large employers. The Memorial Hospital is 2 miles south, another major employer. Within the neighborhood, Steel Warehouse is one of the largest Hot Roll steel processing facilities in the U.S.
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On average, homes in Keller Park, South Bend sell after 55 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Keller Park, South Bend over the last 12 months is $100,950, down 18% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Close to the river, across the street from the Public Library, 10 minutes from the stadium, and 15 minutes from downtown make this lot conveniently situated to all amenities.The Keller Boat Launch is less than five minutes away which will make for easy access to the river if you have a boat.All city utilities are available for this parcel. property is zoned Suburban Neighborhood
Long term rental now available for the new homeowner or investor to upgrade and add to your portfolio. Great location 5 minutes to Notre Dame, shopping and restaurants. With updates of your choosing opportunity abounds. Nice large rear yard also. Could be a long term rental or air b and b or your home! Sold as is no repairs will be made. Cash only
Now you can enjoy affordable luxury on the St Joseph's River offered only at Riverside North Apartments. You'll enjoy the picture perfect view from your private patio or balcony of the natural beauty enhanced by carefully maintained landscaping. Our exclusive one, two and three bedroom apartments provide classic and comfortable living.
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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.
