Affordable Elkhart Storage Units

Moving and storage go hand in hand. Whether traveling across town or the country, moving is an exciting and fresh start. While Storage Rentals of America is here to help you with all your storage needs, we also want to help you get familiar with the area. That's why we put together this resource guide for Elkhart, Indiana.

What You Should Know About Elkhart

Elkhart, IN, could be described as a city with multiple personalities. On one hand, this small to midsize town of around 52,000 people is a hardscrabble working-class community known for manufacturing and industry. On the other hand, affordable housing and a resurgent arts scene have made it a haven for artists, innovators, and creative people.

Although Elkhart is the largest city in its namesake, Elkhart County, it's surprisingly not the county seat (that honor goes to the nearby town of Goshen). But Elkhart's artistic atmosphere and rejuvenated downtown make it a central cultural hub in northern Indiana.

What to do in Elkhart, IN

It's hard to imagine being bored in a city like Elkhart. It's an excellent place for exploring your creativity and the creativity of others who have made it their home. Some funnel that restless energy into Elkhart's art galleries and murals, while others pursue avenues like craft beer and innovative restaurants. Be sure to check out these unique Elkhart attractions:

• Midwest Museum of American Art: Offering a spectacular collection of American art from every era, the Midwest Museum of American Art also has the most extensive collection of Norman Rockwell illustrations in the country.
• Elkhart Environmental Center: Spanning more than 65 acres, the Elkhart Environmental Center is one of Elkhart's great destinations for hiking and bird watching, with many miles of trails that traverse diverse woodlands, wetlands, and meadows.
• Elkhart Jazz Festival: Every summer for over 30 years, the Elkhart Jazz Festival has brought live music and excitement to Downtown Elkhart, making it one of the city's most beloved annual events.
• Elkhart Farmers Market: Every Saturday from May through September, the Elkhart Farmers Market is a great place to find farm-fresh produce and handmade goods of all kinds, including arts and crafts from local artists.

Working in Elkhart, IN

Many jobs in Elkhart revolve around production and manufacturing, giving the city a decidedly blue-collar character. That being said, there are also a lot of jobs here in sales, management, and office / administrative support. Elkhart also has a way of attracting entrepreneurs looking to start their businesses.

The two industries Elkhart has long been known for are musical instrument manufacturing and recreational vehicle production. Several of the largest employers in the area are still in these industries, including Conn-Selmer Inc., Heartland Recreational Vehicle, and Keystone RV Co. Other top employers include Norfolk Southern and Elkhart General Hospital.

Elkhart, IN Neighborhoods

Elkhart's neighborhoods are unique and diverse. Many are traditionally working-class, and exploring the city reveals many neighborhoods on the rise, along with some that have historically been prosperous. In short, the city offers options and opportunities for practically anyone in neighborhoods like these:

• East Jackson: Just a short drive east of Downtown, East Jackson is a middle-class residential neighborhood with a median home value of $149,500. This neighborhood has lovely riverfront homes and is convenient to Elkhart's industrial area.
• Tipton: Overlooking Studebaker Park and within walking distance of all the amenities of Downtown Elkhart, the Tipton Neighborhood could be one of Elkhart's up-and-coming neighborhoods thanks to its convenient location and affordable homes with a median price of just $54,900.
• Rivercreek: One of Elkhart's more affluent neighborhoods, Rivercreek overlooks the northern shore of the St. Joseph River. Homes here have a median price of $207,500, and residents are attracted by the safe, family-friendly atmosphere.

Elkhart, IN School District

Public schools in Elkhart are part of the Elkhart Community Schools District. This district has been noted as one of the most diverse in Indiana and includes 14 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, and 5 high schools that serve over 13,000 students. Elkhart also offers numerous private schools, most with religious affiliations, including Elkhart Christian Academy and St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic School.

The South Bend-Elkhart Campus of Ivy Tech Community College is Elkhart's primary option for higher education, along with Goshen College, a private liberal arts school near Goshen, IN. The larger city of South Bend, about 30 minutes from Elkhart, offers several additional colleges and universities.

Moving to Elkhart, IN Resource Guide

If you're looking for help getting settled in Elkhart, one of the best sources of essential information is the official City of Elkhart website, which includes everything from information on local Police and Fire Departments to Elkhart Parks & Recreation and setting up your utilities through the Elkhart Department of Public Works. Gas and electricity in Elkhart are provided by NIPISCO and American Electric Power (AEP), respectively.

Elkhart, IN Housing

Elkhart's cost of living is slightly below average for Indiana and quite a bit lower than the U.S. The median cost of a home in Elkhart is $151,300, and a wide range of homes are available in virtually every price range. A majority of the homes in Elkhart are owner-occupied (58%) compared to renter-occupied (41%). The median rental price is $813.