Homes for Sale in Bluffton, Indiana
Bluffton was named in 1838 after its location on the bluffs south of the Wabash River. In its early years, it was a small village; the railroad opened in 1869 and brought prosperity to the town with the sudden access to distant markets that were looking forward to buying wood products produced by local businesses. In its past years, pianos, windmills, furniture, shoes, radios, gloves, washing machines, and television tubes were important locally made products. Today, high-tech products are increasingly important.
Bluffton is a great place to call home. Give our office a call, and our realtors can help you find a house that you will make you feel at home in no time. We work hard to be experts in the local real estate market. With so much history, you can find everything from a 19th century home to a newly built one.
Bluffton Area Homes
Bluffton’s distinctive downtown Victorian architecture is a legacy of the 1890s. Bluffton was one of the first Indiana cities to have mostly paved streets, and long ago, it was called “The Parlor City.” Beautiful trees overhang wide and spacious streets that are lined with well-kept homes and fine lawns. It’s an ideal community to call home.
Bluffton includes both rural and suburban areas. Fort Wayne is only 25 miles north on State Road 1. It is also easily accessible to I-469 and I-69. Bluffton was named “1990 Outstanding Indiana Community of the Year” by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce for its significant contributions to business and commerce. The town continues to grow and prosper today.
Shopping and Dining
Bluffton’s renovated downtown area features many opportunities for shopping. There are specialty, discount, and general merchandise stores. Antiques collectors can shop in one of two antiques malls that are a short drive from Bluffton. Jefferson Pointe, located in nearby Fort Wayne, is an open-air shopping center that features restaurants and over 60 shops. Enjoy the beautiful grounds with a stroll around the fountain circle.
You can get a great meal at one of the restaurants in town. Whether you are looking for a fine dining experience or a quick, casual meal, you’ll find it in Bluffton. Locally-owned restaurants serve homemade comfort foods, ethnic food, fast food, and local favorites. You’ll also find national chain restaurants. Many restaurants are conveniently located downtown. The restaurants cater to various lifestyles and various tastes. You’ll find restaurants with early morning hours as well as late night hours. Hungry customers can always choose the convenience of take out.
Culture and Entertainment
The Wabash River runs through the center of Bluffton, providing beautiful scenery along with recreational activities. The Rivergreenway Trail runs along the river from the downtown area into the Ouabache State Park, located two miles east of town. The Kehoe Park and Amphitheater also sits along the Wabash River. Concerts and other performances take place at this outdoor theater. Ouabache State Park features a wildlife exhibit, and many sports on Kunkel Lake. For golf fans, there are two golf courses conveniently located in and near Bluffton.
Wells County Historical Society and Museum is located in the Stewart-Studebaker House, a restored Victorian home built in 1882. The Creative Arts Council sponsors the Ballantine Gallery which is available to showcase local artwork, The Wells Community Theater, a dance school, and other cultural activities. Bluffton comes alive in the fall during the annual Street Fair. It’s a great time for residents and visitors.
Careers and Industry
Many of the businesses in Bluffton can trace their origin back to pioneer times. There are many excellent companies located both in town and in its industrial parks. A Fortune 500 company, Franklin Electric, has its international headquarters in the area. The most common industry in Bluffton is manufacturing. Retail is also important, and area businesses employ many people. Other common industries are construction, transportation and warehousing, wholesale trade, and educational services. Health care professionals can find career opportunities at the Bluffton Regional Medical Center. Bluffton is also a great city to be able to commute from: Fort Wayne, Decatur, Huntington, and Muncie are all within driving distance from Bluffton.
Schools
The Bluffton Harrison Metropolitan School District was organized in 1882 and includes one elementary school, one middle school, and one high school. The elementary school teaches students from Kindergarten through 4th Grade. The school often earns an “A” from the Indiana Department of Education. The middle school houses Grades 5-8 and was named the first SMART showcase school in Indiana. The high school earned an “A” from the Indiana Department of Education for five straight years and is working on continuing that “tradition.” Technology is used effectively to increase learning in all academic areas in every school. Every student has an iPad to increase involvement in the learning process. Instruction is geared to individual learning styles and needs so that each student is able to reach his or her potential. Various programs are designed to meet the needs of each learner.
The high school offers the following programs and activities for students: Academic Bowl team, aquatics, band, business professionals club, health professionals club, Honor Society, Student Council, and various sports teams for girls and for boys. “The Comet” is the school newspaper that reports on daily happenings, sports achievements, and social opportunities.