River Park
Pedestrian Neighborhood in South Bend, Indiana
St Joseph County 46615
A range of styles from the middle of the 20th century
Except for two apartment complexes along Northside Boulevard, the neighborhood has single-family and multi-family homes. Small cottages and bungalows on tightly gridded streets range between $75,000 and $200,000. Rock and brick retaining walls elevate them from flooding that occasionally fills streets and parks after a storm. Size varies slightly from house to house, but the style and condition often reflect their price. "There are quite a few rentals in the area, and unfortunately, some homes have fallen into disrepair," says John Brady, a broker at Weichert Realtors who has been selling in the area for 35 years. Because of their relatively low cost, "They're great homes for first-time homebuyers," Brady says. Privacy fences enclose small yards, but homes near the river and north of Adams High School offer more square footage and larger yards to match their footprints. Regularly in better condition, these American Foursquares, Colonial Revivals and ranch-style homes with prairie inspiration are more expensive. Ranging between $250,000 and $500,000, they are removed from the rest of River Park and often referred to as an extension of the neighboring area, Sunnymede.
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Home to Indiana’s oldest zoo
Most notable in the area is Potawatomi Park. Named after a Native American tribe that once inhabited the region, the park is home to playgrounds, walking trails and an amphitheater. The community pool closed a few years ago, but the city has introduced a splash pad to the park to keep kids cool during the summer. With a day pass, visitors can explore the Potawatomi Conservatories or the Potawatomi Zoo, Indiana's oldest zoo. "It's so cute and great for kids," McDonald says. "A little train runs around the perimeter, and guests can feed the giraffes lettuce." At the southwest corner of the neighborhood is Veterans Memorial Park. Mature trees on grassy rolling hills shade a pavilion and playground behind a baseball diamond illuminated in the evenings. The East Bank Trail and Northside Trail, each 3 miles long, converge in River Park, just south of the baseball diamond. Passing under train tracks, pedestrian bridges and highways, the trails follow along the curves and banks of the St. Joseph River.
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Elementary programs with Notre Dame
In the neighborhood, and less than a mile and a half away from every home, is Nuner Fine Arts Academy. Rated a C by Niche, the elementary school has multiple partnerships with Notre Dame to promote cultural immersion and learning with art. Jefferson Intermediate Traditional School is also rated a C, and Adams High School is rated an A-minus. In addition to a comprehensive athletics program, the high school has more than 15 extracurriculars for students to get involved in.
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Sidewalks and main streets receiving updates
Sidewalks line every street in town, but their condition varies greatly. Though roots and cracked slabs are common, proposals are in place to improve conditions with the help of Together South Bend's River Park neighborhood plan. The plan also aims to reduce traffic and speeding along the main thoroughfares like Mishawaka Avenue and Logan Steet. Bus stops and designated bike lanes are along a few roads, making it easy for residents to choose their mode of transportation when commuting to work. Employers downtown, Notre Dame and Indiana University South Bend are all under 3 miles away. The nearest hospital is downtown, and South Bend International Airport is 6 ½ miles northwest.Gathering at the local coffee shop
East Mishawaka Ave runs through the neighborhood, acting as the main shopping strip for residents. Salons, laundry cleaners, clinics and bait shops have stood since the late 1980s, when the neighborhood was still rising. In more recent years, Family Dollar and Gospel Center Missionary Church have joined the area. Thyme of Grace offers "Upscale Eclectic Dining," where appetizers, salads and sandwiches are served on a bed of lettuce with edible flowers. Patrons can sip lattes on mismatched leather chairs and couches inside The Well Coffee House. Hosting performances, game nights and craft nights, the establishment acts as a community center as much as a coffee shop. Four miles north, grocery stores, national retailers and fast-food chains are along Grape Road.
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Written By
Heather Haggerty
Photography Contributed By
Jace Hirosky
Video By
Charles Kennedy
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Agents Specializing in this Area
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Dennis Bamber
Dennis Bamber
Responds QuicklyCressy & Everett- Elkhart
(574) 307-6776
180 Total Sales
6 in River Park
$70K - $180K Price Range
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Yvonne Comeno
Yvonne Comeno
MASTERSON & ASSOC., INC.
(574) 498-8136
80 Total Sales
1 in River Park
$115,000 Price
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Carolyn Crooks
Carolyn Crooks
Keller Williams Thrive South
(574) 325-5242
168 Total Sales
1 in River Park
$166,000 Price
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Kim Hahn
Kim Hahn
eXp Realty, LLC
(574) 406-1429
38 Total Sales
2 in River Park
$110K - $115K Price Range
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Abram Christianson
Abram Christianson
Howard Hanna SB Real Estate
(574) 406-0056
305 Total Sales
13 in River Park
$27K - $289K Price Range
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Scott Hammontree
Scott Hammontree
Responds QuicklyCressy & Everett- Elkhart
(574) 622-5226
114 Total Sales
3 in River Park
$95K - $175K Price Range
Schools
Source:
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
- 9th to 12th
- Public
- 6th to 8th
- Public
- K to 5th
- Public
Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to , an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Howard Park Ice Rink
Potowatomi Park
Veterans Memorial Park
Heroes Park
Transit
Crime and Safety
| 1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime | River Park | US |
|---|---|---|
| Homicide | 4 | 4 |
| Sexual Assault | 4 | 4 |
| Assault with Weapon | 4 | 4 |
| Robbery | 3 | 4 |
| Burglary | 4 | 4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 3 | 4 |
| Larceny | 3 | 4 |
| Crime Score | 4 | 4 |
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
River Park Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in River Park, South Bend sell after 45 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in River Park, South Bend over the last 12 months is $138,000, up 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Housing Trends
Median List Price
$145,000
Median Sale Price
$138,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$140,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
3%
Last 12 months Home Sales
98
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
1%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$83
Neighborhood Facts
Number of Homes in Neighborhood
2,244
Number of Homes for Sale
13
Median Year Built
1924
Months of Supply
1.60
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,444
Significantly below the national average
1,933
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,983
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,699
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
5,662
Distribution of Home Values
Homes for Sale
Homes for Rent
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$599 - $1,100 per month
- Riverwalk Commons- Student Housing
- 1 Bed
- 1-2 Baths
- 1106 S 20th St
- South Bend, IN
Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to , an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
5,338
Median Age
36
Population under 18
26.1%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
14.4%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$49,010
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$59,786
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
90.5%
College Graduates
25.6%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
10.8%
% Population in Labor Force
75.6%
Above 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
Very Bikeable
Bike Score®
81
/ 100
Somewhat Walkable
Walk Score®
69
/ 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
Sunnymede
Historic homes fill a desirable neighborhood between three major employers
Swanson Park
Offers proximity to top-notch healthcare, Indiana’s oldest zoo and Notre Dame
Howard Park-East Bank
A youthful riverside neighborhood near employers and entertainment
Monroe Park
Historic homes on cobblestone streets being renovated into rental properties
Northeast South Bend
Notre Dame plays a part in the suburban life of those living close to campus
Southeast South Bend
Community is strong in this neighborhood that is unafraid of growth and change
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