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Marion,IN Neighborhood Guides

Neighborhood Map

Discovering the Best Neighborhoods in Marion, IN

Marion, Indiana, offers a charming blend of small-town warmth and convenient amenities, making it a great place to call home. Known for its welcoming community and rich history, Marion's neighborhoods provide a variety of options for residents seeking quality living with easy access to local attractions and essential services. Whether you're drawn to quiet residential streets or more vibrant areas near downtown, the best neighborhoods in Marion have something special for everyone.

Housing, Affordability & Market Conditions

The housing market in Marion is notably affordable compared to larger metropolitan areas, making it attractive for first-time homebuyers and families. Neighborhoods like West Marion and the areas surrounding Ivy Tech Community College feature a mix of older, well-maintained homes and newer developments. Prices tend to be reasonable, with many properties offering spacious yards and classic Midwestern architecture. The market has remained stable, with moderate growth, ensuring good investment potential for those interested in the Marion neighborhoods map’s highlighted residential areas.

Crime, Safety & Neighborhood Stability

Safety is a priority for many when choosing a neighborhood, and Marion does not disappoint. While crime rates vary between areas, neighborhoods such as East Marion and near the Marion Civic Center tend to have lower incidents, fostering a sense of security and community pride. Local neighborhood watch programs and active city policing contribute to maintaining stability, making these areas some of the best neighborhoods in Marion for families and retirees alike.

Getting Around: Transit Information and Accessibility

Getting around Marion is fairly straightforward thanks to its compact size and accessible roadways. Public transit options like the CityBus system provide convenient connections within the city, linking key neighborhoods to shopping centers, hospitals, and downtown. For those who commute, major highways such as U.S. Route 35 and Indiana State Road 9 are easily accessible from most Marion neighborhoods. This makes daily travel smooth whether you’re heading to work, school, or leisure activities.

Things to Do: What Are Some Popular Attractions and Things to Do

Residents of Marion neighborhoods enjoy a variety of attractions right at their doorstep. The Mississinewa Lake Recreation Area offers beautiful outdoor spaces perfect for hiking, fishing, and picnicking. Downtown Marion boasts an array of restaurants like the cozy Red Raven and family-friendly spots such as the Marion Brewing Company. The historic Palace Theatre hosts live performances and film screenings, adding a cultural touch to neighborhood life. These activities bring a lively and engaging atmosphere to the community.

Colleges & Universities: What Neighborhoods Are the Colleges/Universities Located In?

Marion is home to Ivy Tech Community College, located near the heart of the city in a neighborhood that blends educational facilities with residential and commercial zones. This proximity means students and faculty often live nearby, contributing to a vibrant local economy and community spirit. The neighborhoods around Ivy Tech are known for their walkability and access to cafes, bookstores, and study-friendly environments, making them particularly appealing to those connected with the college.

What Are Some Things People Might Not Know About These Neighborhoods?

Beyond the well-known spots, Marion’s neighborhoods hold some delightful surprises. For example, many may not realize the city’s rich history in glass manufacturing, preserved in local museums and some historic homes. Additionally, several neighborhoods host annual events like the Marion Popcorn Festival, celebrating the city’s unique heritage. Exploring the Marion neighborhoods map can also reveal hidden gems such as community gardens and quaint coffee shops that give each area its unique charm and character.

Marion Demographics

Population 27,528
Density (People/sqml.) 1,753
Median Age 36.0
Married Couples
31%
31% of the population of Marion aged 16 years and older are married.
Have Kids
20%
20% of the population aged 16 years or older have children.

Best Neighborhoods

Hood  Med. Age  Have Kids  Home Price  Med. Income  Affordability 
Harry Cramer 41.6 24.5% $64,800 $40,250 1.2
The Village 31.4 21.5% $52,767 $37,608 1.3
Center City 39.6 25.3% $59,150 $38,994 1.4
Thomas Jefferson 28.6 34.3% $55,100 $39,151 1.4
Bend of the River 39.3 31.1% $82,550 $49,882 1.6
Foster 46.4 16.8% $115,283 $64,124 1.6
Northeast Marion 38.7 26.2% $83,000 $53,981 1.6
Andrew Manor 50.3 20.8% $150,700 $86,310 1.7
Historic Marion 43.1 26.3% $85,250 $52,267 1.7
Quarry Triangle 50.3 20.8% $150,700 $86,310 1.7

Marion neighborhoods bring their own blend of lifestyle, affordability, and long-term appeal, and the data in the table above helps highlight what makes each area stand out. By comparing home prices, median income, average age, families with kids, and housing affordability ratios, you can quickly uncover the best neighborhoods in Marion—those that balance cost, character, and overall livability. For budget-minded buyers, the table also makes it easy to identify the most affordable neighborhoods in Marion, where lower home prices combined with local income levels create meaningful value. Families can use the children-per-household data to pinpoint the best neighborhoods for families, revealing which areas offer strong community connections and a family-friendly atmosphere. Meanwhile, adults looking for quieter, age-friendly surroundings can turn to neighborhoods with higher median ages to find the best neighborhoods for retirees, where comfort, stability, and an easy pace of living tend to define the local experience. This data-driven overview offers a clear starting point for understanding how each neighborhood aligns with the lifestyle you want.

Crime in Marion

Violent Crime 70% Lower than Nat. Avg.
Property Crime 37% Lower than Nat. Avg.
Total Crime 43% Lower than Nat. Avg.
Crime
 
Reported
 
Marion
/100k
IN
/100k
National
/100k
Murder 0 0.0 5.5 5.0
Rape 6 21.4 33.5 37.5
Robbery 7 24.9 34.5 60.6
Assault 17 60.6 239.4 256.1
Total Violent Crime 30 107 313 359
Burglary 29 103.4 176.8 229.2
Theft 250 891.0 988.8 1,272.1
Vehicle Theft 31 110.5 213.0 258.8
Total Property Crime 310 1,105 1,379 1,760
TOTAL CRIME 340 1,212 1,692 2,119

Historical Crime Data

Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2024 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2025; this is the most current data available.