Life and population are coming back to a historic district
Near the bends of the St. Joseph River and south of downtown is the compact, historic neighborhood of Monroe Park. Residential to the north of East Bronson Street and industrial to the south, the neighborhood has a mix of century-old homes, manufacturing businesses, office buildings and warehouses. One of the area's draws are its proximity to downtown and easy access to main streets and highways. With home prices around $100,000 less expensive than the South Bend Metro average, many investors are taking an interest in the area. "There are a lot of large multifamily houses in that area," says Tyler Glenn, a realtor at Tiffany Group Real Estate Advisors. Selling in the area for six years. "A few of the houses are owner-occupied, but investors often flip the homes into rental units." While many homes have been demolished, and a few have fallen into disrepair, the ones still standing show a slice of South Bend's history. Houses that date back to the early 1900s line red brick and cobblestone streets with trees that are just as old. A large apartment complex, Monroe Park Apartments, has taken over one of the gridded blocks of the neighborhood. While some of the historic charm and character has left the area, teardowns and new developments have brought a bit of life and population back to Monroe Park.
Downtown South Bend's big city action is never far the Monroe Park.
Condos and apartments in Monroe Park provide affordable alternatives for housing.
1/2
Historic homes are attractive to investors
Covering every inch of the sidewalks with a burst of color, leaves seem to fall from the tall trees all at once in the historic district of Monroe Park. Little brick and cement steps lead up elevated lawns to Victorian mansions and workers' cottages built over 110 years ago. Usually better maintained than other houses in the area, these homes range between $100,000 and $250,000. Small ranch-style homes and American Foursquares split into duplexes and triplexes sell between $50,000 and $125,000. "The price depends entirely on the home's condition," Glenn says. Buyers may need to repair leaning porches, boarded windows and peeling siding. Some houses have private driveways for off-street parking, but most residents park their cars along the edges of the brick-paved roads or in alleyways behind the homes.
Many of the cottages in Monroe Park can be found along historic brick streets.
Ranch homes in Monroe Park offer potential residents a single story floor plan option.
1/2
A large, lighted playground at nearby Howard Park
South of the neighborhood and along the train tracks is Southeast Neighborhood Park. The playground, basketball court, pavilion and splash pad are where local kids release some energy. Guests of the next-door YWCA and Boys and Girls Clubs of St. Joseph County head to the open sports fields to play pick-up games. Walkable via a pedestrian bridge, Howard Park is just across the St. Joseph River. Lighted at night, walking trails encompass a huge playground area with multiple levels of rubber flooring. Giant slides and benches fill the enclosed space brimming with children during the warmer months. In the cold months, the park transforms into a winter wonderland. Paths around the play area and the circle where people usually read and eat lunch at small tables turn into an ice-skating rink and loop. After cruising around or slowly inching along while holding onto the railing, visitors can warm up on an Adirondack chair around the large firepit.
The Boys and Girls Club in Monroe Park offers summer programs to keep local kids active.
Howard Park's wild play structures feature a variety of jungle gyms and swings.
1/2
Gifted program at Lincoln Elementary
Children can begin learning at Lincoln Elementary, rated a C by Niche. Only a five-minute drive from the neighborhood, the primary school offers a gifted program and has a preschool on site. Jackson Middle School also has a gifted program and is rated a C-minus. South of area, in Southeast South Bend, is Riley High School. Rated a B, Niche lists the No. 18 most diverse public high schools in Indiana.
Lincoln Elementary School serves nearly 500 students from across South Bend's south side.
Jackson Middle School has one of the most diverse student populations in Indiana.
Riley High School is named after Indiana's "Hoosier Poet", James Whitcomb Riley.
1/3
The South Bend Farmer's Market offers fresh produce and unique crafts south of Monroe Park.
Cubs games and shopping at the South Bend Farmers Market
Three days a week, residents can get their groceries at South Bend Farmers Market. Just across the river via East Sample Street, the market has provided the city with artisanal crafts, fresh produce, meats and cheeses for over a century. Over 100 sellers and 1,000 customers visit the H-shaped building each day it's open. Homes in Monroe Park are within walking distance of Four Winds Field, home of the South Bend Cubs. The Chicago Cubs' minor league affiliate brings plenty of family-friendly fun in an award-winning stadium.
In the middle of three major roads
Bordered by three main roads, Monroe Park has its fair share of accessibility. South Michigan Street heads north to downtown and south to East Ireland Road, where the grocery stores and big box retailers of South Bend reside. Lincoln Way traverses east and south of the river, while Sample Street turns into Eddy Street as it crosses the river and heads north towards the University of Notre Dame. While these main roads provide convenience to the neighborhood's residents, they also bring much noise from passing vehicles. Train tracks used primarily for industrial use also intersect the neighborhood. Although overrun with grass and weeds that poke up between the cracks, sidewalks line every neighborhood street. Buses run along South Street, Fellows Street and Lincoln Way. A Greyhound bus station is west of South Michigan Street. The nearest hospitals are 2 miles north in downtown, while South Bend International Airport is 5 miles northwest.
The South Shore Freight Line follows the south edge of the Saint Joseph River near Monroe Park.
The Greyhound Bus Station in Monroe Park provides easy public transit to greater South Bend.
1/2
Specialty markets and the South Bend Brew Werks
Just northwest of the neighborhood is South Bend Brew Werks, the only family-owned and operated brewpub in the city. Beer lovers can enjoy a beverage from 16 taps in the industrial space, decorated with metal gears and Edison lightbulbs. On sunny days, the outdoor picnic benches with umbrellas are filled with guests and their dogs. In an unsuspecting location, near the manufacturers and office buildings of the area, is Roselily. The upscale eatery offers innovative cuisine inspired by the changing seasons, and it is popular among South Bend foodies. Specialty and cultural food markets like Super Mercado Rosales and Saigon Market are within a mile of Monroe Park, and Save A Lot is a mile northwest. Heading down South Michigan Street brings shoppers to fast-food chains, convenience stores, auto shops and retailers.
South Bend Brew Werks offers a rotating selection of 16 draft beers in a family-owned setting.
Monroe Park residents can stock up on cultural essentials at the Super Mercado Rosales.
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
Interested in learning more about homes in this neighborhood?
Reach out to
Todd Saboff,
an experienced agent in this area.
Parks in this Area
Howard Park Ice Rink
James R. Sietz Park
Potowatomi Park
Southeast Neighborhood Park
Transit
Airport
South Bend International
19 min drive
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Monroe Park
US
Homicide
7
4
Sexual Assault
6
4
Assault with Weapon
7
4
Robbery
7
4
Burglary
8
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
9
4
Larceny
8
4
Crime Score
7
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Monroe Park Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Monroe Park, South Bend sell after 74 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Monroe Park, South Bend over the last 12 months is $674,000, up 341% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Housing Trends
Median List Price
$674,000
Median Sale Price
$674,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$129,900
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$200,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Last 12 months Home Sales
9
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
341%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$334
Neighborhood Facts
Number of Homes in Neighborhood
93
Median Year Built
1907
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,881
On par with the national average
1,933
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,651
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
4,138
Distribution of Home Values
Source: Public Records
Interested in learning more about homes in this neighborhood?
Reach out to
Todd Saboff,
an experienced agent in this area.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
654
Median Age
33
Population under 18
31.2%
Above the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
9.5%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$40,250
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$55,739
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
98.5%
Above the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
37.6%
Advanced Degrees
14.9%
% Population in Labor Force
48.7%
Below the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
40''
Average Winter Low Temperature
17°F
Average Summer High Temperature
82°F
Annual Snowfall
28''
Area Factors
Biker's Paradise
Bike Score®
91/ 100
Somewhat Walkable
Walk Score®
60/ 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.
