Bordered by train tracks to the north and the St. Joseph River to the south, River Park is an established neighborhood unafraid of change. It saw its heaviest development between 1920 and 1960, with houses of many styles filling the streets. Though upward progression slowed and turnover rates increased around the turn of the century, the neighborhood is back on the rise with improvement proposals from the city. Home to many renters, the area is a choice for investors and first-time homebuyers. "The proximity to Notre Dame is still pretty good, but the homes aren't as expensive as other neighborhoods nearby," says Sharon McDonald, a Realtor with RE/MAX 100 who has been selling in the area for 19 years. "It's also close to Bethel University and Indiana University South Bend, so many students and faculty live there." A growing shopping strip, a historic zoo, and every option for getting around have swung River Park back into an upward trajectory.
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.
Residents of River Park can be found snapping photos of the exotic animals at Potawatomi Zoo.
River Park is most known for being the home of Indiana University South Bend.
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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.
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.
Rows of bungalows sit closely together throughout River Park.
Colonial revival homes can be found throughout River Park.
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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.
International Fuse is a locally owned sports bar in River Park.
International Fuse is highly recommended by the locals of River Park.
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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.
Nuner Fine Arts Academy located in River Park and boasts a C rating on Niche
Most students in River Park attend Jefferson Intermediate School.
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River Park Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in River Park, South Bend sell after 61 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in River Park, South Bend over the last 12 months is $142,500, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
PRICE TO SELL, BRING AN OFFER ! Discover this adorable 2 bedroom home large living room and large kitchen, great if you are a first-time or sizing down. Nestled in a desirable location, close to college campus Enjoy a bright living space, a functional kitchen, and comfortable bedrooms. The backyard offers plenty of space for outdoor enjoyment, great yard for your furry friends. Close to campus,
Updated home featuring a first-floor laundry, brand-new kitchen with white shaker cabinets, stainless steel space saver microwave, range/oven and dishwasher. Bathroom completely remodeled from top to bottom. Fresh paint, all new lighting, and new flooring throughout. Large, covered deck ideal for cook outs outdoor entertaining or relaxing. Fenced yard with oversized garage and additional parking
Charming renovated bungalow in popular River Park! Move right into this 2 bedroom home with tons of updates to enjoy. Convenient location close to schools, shopping, and dining options. Sleek exterior with vinyl siding and brand new windows throughout. Large enclosed front porch to enjoy this fall. As you step through the front door, you are greeted by freshly painted walls, brand new luxury
Welcome to Riverwalk Commons!Looking for super convenient housing? Riverwalk Commons is the perfect choice, located directly across from Indiana University South Bend (IUSB). While we primarily cater to students, we welcome all renters who want the convenience of being just steps away from campus, dining, shopping, and entertainment.At Riverwalk Commons, we’ve created a community
TERMS: Price and availability may change; information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Renter pays all utilities. Monthly income to be 3 x rent; have no bankruptcies or evictions within the last 4 years. Security deposit equal to rent; 1-year lease. Small-pet-friendly, subject to owner’s approval; fully refundable pet deposit starts at minimum of $300 per pet, can be more per pet; Pitbulls
TERMS: Price and availability may change; information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Renter pays all utilities. Monthly income to be 3 x rent; have no bankruptcies or evictions within the last 4 years. Security deposit equal to rent; 1-year lease. Small-pet-friendly, subject to owner’s approval; fully refundable pet deposit starts at minimum of $300 per pet, can be more per pet; Pitbulls
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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.
