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.
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 area?
Reach out to
Kim Hahn,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Howard Park Ice Rink
Potowatomi Park
Veterans Memorial Park
Heroes Park
Transit
Airport
South Bend International
24 min drive
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
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in River Park, South Bend sell after 42 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in River Park, South Bend over the last 12 months is $138,401, down 2% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Improved Price.... Take a serious Charming Home Near IUSB – Just 2 Blocks Away!Great location, close to a local park! This home features 2 or 3 bedrooms (the third bedroom, which could also serve as an office, does not include a closet). The home boasts beautiful oak floors and natural wood trim throughout, adding character and warmth. The retro-style kitchen and bath provide a unique touch,
This freshly renovated 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom home is full of charm and modern comfort. Ideally located near schools, parks, the Farmers Market, the river, and more, it offers the best of both convenience and community. Inside, you'll find beautifully restored hardwood floors, a bright and stylish interior, and the ease of main-floor living with both bedrooms and laundry on the same level. The
Charming and move-in ready, this one-bedroom ranch in River Park offers a welcoming space with modern updates. The home features newer vinyl plank flooring throughout, a spacious open kitchen, and a large bedroom with plenty of natural light. Enjoy the convenience of main-floor laundry and NEW ROOF AND GUTTERS (2024). The dry, spacious basement and detached garage provide ample storage. Situated
River Shore Apartments, are located on the St. Joseph River in a quiet residential neighborhood. River Shore is a smaller community, that can be your haven of peace, tranquility, and comfortable living. Launch your kayak from your backdoor, jog or bike the Mishawaka Riverwalk or connect to the longer bike paths right out your front door. River shore is centrally located to restaurants, shopping
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
Available Now! Call Today!Welcome to this 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom residence for rent in South Bend, featuring inviting living areas ready for your personal touch. The kitchen is equipped with oven range and large refrigerator with ample food storage for daily meal prep, plus the spacious living area provides room for comfortable relaxation. Flooring varies, with a mix of hard surfaces or
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Kim Hahn,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
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.
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.
