West Lafayette embodies the traditional billing of a “college town,” with extensive student housing, local restaurants catering to students, and its four-year university. “For the most part, this city is all about Purdue University,” says Cheryl Butcher, managing broker at Keller Williams Lafayette. “Schools in general, aside from the university, are some of the premier public schools in the state, and the job market here is centered around the research park that Purdue offers.” Purdue Research Park, the state’s first certified technology park, spans 725 acres and includes over 50 buildings. It houses 3,200 employees and offers 327,000 square feet of business incubation space.
Students hurry to their next class on the campus of Purdue University in West Lafayette.
Neil Armstrong is one of the many notable alumni graduating from Purdue University in West Lafayette.
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Try historic root beer at Triple XXX Family Restaurant
Amidst the restaurant and bar scene catering to Purdue University students, a small pocket of history exists at Triple XXX Family Restaurant, located on State Street, one of the main thoroughfares in West Lafayette. Thrillist named its root beer the most iconic soft drink in Indiana. Other local establishments in the city include Nine Irish Brothers, a traditional Irish pub and restaurant, and Silver Dipper Ice Cream, a late-night neighborhood creamery that serves farm-fresh ice cream. Pay Less and Meijer, two regional supermarket chains, are also within city limits.
Triple XXX Family Restaurant is one of the oldest & most popular places to grab breakfast, lunch or dinner in West Lafayette.
Students frequent Triple XXX Family Restaurant known for the best burgers & root beer in West Lafayette and attracting the attention of renowned chefs like Guy Fieri.
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Catch college sports at Purdue University
In a college town, the noise of the nearby football stadium and university students crowding the streets after football or basketball victory are regular occurrences. During the fall, the Purdue University football team faces in-state rival Indiana University in the Old Oaken Bucket game, with the winner taking home the symbolic trophy of the same name. In the winter, the Purdue men’s and women’s basketball teams host heated contests with their rivals at Indiana University and the University of Illinois. For the arts, the city features venues including the Loeb Playhouse, Patti and Rusty Rueff Galleries, and Elliott Hall of Music. The hall, one of the largest theaters in the country, showcases Broadway musicals, operas, ballets, and more.
As part of the Big Ten Conference, Purdue University is sure to put on a show when hosting some of the toughest football teams in West Lafayette.
Mackey Arena is home to the Boilermakers basketball & volleyball teams in West Lafayette.
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Mix of student housing and 20th-century ranch-style homes
With a population of 44,000, the housing market in West Lafayette varies because of the space Purdue University occupies. This inevitably creates a significant amount of student housing around the university. “One-half of the city is full of student housing so that you will find apartments and plenty of rental properties,” says Butcher. “The other half is where we see West Lafayette expand in terms of housing that fits the schools in the area. However, be prepared for higher taxes.” East of Northwestern Avenue, one of the city's main thoroughfares, sits renovated 20th-century ranch-style homes priced from $200,000 to $900,000.
Ranch homes offer affordable housing to many students in and around West Lafayette.
West Lafayette is expanding and building new and bigger home farther away from campus.
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New parks in development in West Lafayette
The West Lafayette Parks and Recreation Foundation plans to unveil two new parks within its system: Cason Family Park, a 30-acre greenspace featuring a 4.2-acre pond, 3 miles of trails, and an outdoor classroom. A community garden under the city’s Community Forestry and Greenspace program will include a municipal nursery to grow trees, shrubs, and plants to address the impact of the emerald ash borer. The John R. Daniels Wellness Center is home to a 170,000-gallon pool with four 25-yard lap lanes, open to members for free swim or aquatic classes, along with basketball courts, fitness studios and an indoor playground.
The John R. Dennis Wellness Center features a pool and place for the whole family to work out together in West Lafayette.
Celery Bog Marsh offers an escape into nature along the Wabash River in West Lafayette.
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Purdue University Airport offers weekly service to nearby cities
The Purdue University Airport provides commercial air service offered through Southern Airways Express. Round-trip daily flights allow locals and students to connect to over 240 destinations through Chicago O’Hare International Airport. Public transportation operates throughout West Lafayette via CityBus, the city’s main bus line, providing residents access to nine bus routes, including the "Connector" route, which takes locals through Purdue University and into downtown Lafayette. The nearest general hospital, IU Health Arnett Hospital, is located seven miles west in Lafayette.
Award-winning elementary school in the district
The West Lafayette Community School Corporation is the city’s central public school district. It serves 2,400 students from prekindergarten through grade 12 and has an A-plus rating on Niche. The district oversees four schools, including West Lafayette Elementary School, which received the Blue Ribbon Award from the U.S. Department of Education in 2024. Purdue University, a well-known four-year institution, is located within city limits.
West Lafayette Elementary received a Blue Ribbon Award from the U.S. Department of Education in 2024.
West Lafayette Schools serves 2,400 students from prekindergarten through grade 12 and has an A-plus rating on Niche.
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Low crime and environmental concerns
According to the FBI Data Explorer, West Lafayette's violent and non-violent crime rates have decreased over the past two years. Weather is temperate across the four seasons, although December through February can see small accumulations of snow.
Written By
Elgin Nelson
Photography Contributed By
Paul Vilela
Video By
Matt Pangman
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Angela Rohrabaugh,
an experienced agent in this area.
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.
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On average, homes in West Lafayette, IN sell after 34 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in West Lafayette, IN over the last 12 months is $387,000, up 8% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to 3709 Capilano Drive, a beautifully updated 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom home in the desirable Capilano Highlands of West Lafayette. With golf course frontage and a long list of recent updates—including a new furnace and AC (2024), roof and gutters (2018), and windows (2016)—this home is move-in ready. Inside, enjoy hardwood floors on two levels, an updated kitchen and bathrooms, crown
Better than brand new! From the moment you step inside, you will feel welcomed in this serene and designer-decorated 4-bedroom 3 bath home. You can move right in without the need to do anything. Newer Duravana Waterproof Hybrid flooring throughout the first floor area provides a seamless, clean look. The open-concept layout connects the kitchen, dining, and living areas, creating an ideal space
Welcome home to The Reagan, an open concept ranch floorplan that is personality packed and worthy of your lifestyle. This three bedroom, two-and-a-half bathroom home is the perfect option for your family. Walking in from your front porch, experience an open flex room that can be utilized as a den or bedroom depending on your needs. Two secondary bedrooms are near the flex space at the front of
Nestled on over 3 acres just outside West Lafayette, this stunning 6-bedroom, 3.5-bath custom home offers luxurious living with every thoughtful detail in place. From its private pond and beach area to the gourmet kitchen with a mixer shelf, double ovens, and brick backsplash, every inch exudes charm and function. The spacious great room features a brick fireplace flanked by built-ins, while the
Welcome to this expansive 8-bedroom, 5 1/2 bathroom home set on 1.72 acres in a quiet cul-de-sac. This property features granite counters in the kitchen, stylish Cassini tile bathrooms, and two cozy fireplaces for added comfort. Private guest quarters includes a full kitchen, offering adaptable living space to meet a variety of needs.The walkout basement provides space for recreation & storage.
Welcome to this beautiful 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home located in the highly sought-after University Farm subdivision in West Lafayette. Situated on a spacious corner lot, this home is part of the top-rated West Lafayette school district and features energy-efficient geothermal heating and cooling. Enjoy the soaring ceilings and cozy brick fireplace in the great room, along with built-ins throughout
Discover a new standard of luxury in West Lafayette, Indiana. Experience modern sophistication just minutes from Purdue University. With a wide range of exciting community amenities, including a pool, fitness center, and EV charging stations, you'll love calling Wabash Lofts home. And thanks to pet-friendly options like our spacious gated dog park and dog wash, your pets will love it here too.
Fully furnished & spacious 1 & 2 bedroom apartments walking distance to Purdue University. Apartments are 620-1215 square feet and priced based on floor plan and floor level. June, July & August 2024 move in dates. All units have refrigerator, stove, dishwasher, microwave, garbage disposal, washer & dryer. Large floor plans with big windows and 9 foot ceilings. Furnished with queen bed, dresser,
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