Homes for Sale in Shipshewana, Indiana
For those looking for a small, tradition-rich community to lay down roots, Shipshewana is worth a long look. Located in LaGrange County along the northeastern border of Indiana, this well-kept community offers oodles of charm and natural beauty. While hosting a residential population of only a few hundred, thousands of visitors each year make their way to this humble locale to partake in its legendary hospitality and historic vibe, which is bolstered by quaint shops and eateries in its pedestrian-friendly downtown.
While much of the ambiance of this town is sourced from its strong Mennonite and Amish heritage, the community is welcoming and tolerant of all, and you'll find it a greatly rewarding and neighborly place to call home. Adding to the commercial village aspect of Shipshewana, nearby lakes and parks offer ample chances for in-town recreation. Along the south side of town, US-20 also offers easy access to nearby communities for work, shopping, or play, and the widely traveled Indiana Toll Road to the north does the same.
If you're looking to purchase a home in a unique, culturally vibrant community, Shipshewana just might be the perfect fit. At Tucker we're well aware of the strong appeal of this housing market and have developed an extensive knowledge base and community connections to help our clients discover an extraordinary future in its tree-lined streets.
Shipshewana Area Homes
Homes in Shipshewana are very often just as beautiful as the environment they inhabit. You'll find a wide range of architectural styles popular throughout the years including many well-preserved, classic homes, both of simple stature and of more extravagant design. Just as eclectic as the characteristics of the homes in Shipshewana is the variance in neighborhoods. You can find homes near the town's very walkable downtown area, full of neighborly appeal and places on more quiet streets, perhaps near Shipshewana Lake or Cotton Lake.
No matter what your preferences in neighborhood and housing style, there's a great chance you'll find it here, and Tucker is eager to give you all the tools and guidance you'll need for your search. We can help you narrow down your preferences and find matches in town that best meet those preferences head on.
Shopping and Dining
One of the perks of living in Shipshewana is that despite its small size it provides a truly unique shopping and dining experience. Highlighting the retail economy is one of the largest flea markets in the nation and over 150 retail shops that have set up shop here. Many of the latter populate the town's historic downtown where you'll also find a number of delicious boutique eateries, family restaurants, and cafes. Shipshewana is also home to a thriving auction culture, based primarily on its bustling flea market grounds.
For replenishing your kitchen, you'll also find several supermarkets, grocery stores, and general stores in town as well as butchers and small shops offering artisanal goods. Department stores also offer one-stop shopping.
While you may seldom feel the need with all of the commercial bounty that Shipshewana has to offer, urban shopping excursions are more than possible. Thanks to the town's proximity to US-20 and the Indiana Toll Road, the northern commercial hub of South Bend is less than an hour's drive away.
Culture and Entertainment
It doesn't take long to figure out that Shipshewana has a thriving cultural heritage. The historic vibe in downtown is nothing short of palpable, featuring classic store fronts, bustling streets, and the more than occasional horse and cart. While the town got its start as a Mennonite and Amish community, which remain culturally influential, the fabric of the town today is complex and inclusive.
True to this characteristic, numerous and varied festivals are held throughout the year including a massive overnight pajama party, a kite festival, crafter's fair, quilt festival, and the popular MayFest, which features food and craft vendors, rides, variety show, and a parade. The Shipshewana Events Center also hosts numerous community events from dinners and dances to automobile shows and even classes.
Residents also enjoy making use of the town's beautiful parks and campgrounds and escaping the summer heat at Shipshewana Lake. Athletic fields also provide venues for games and exercise.
For movies, theater, and nightlife, nearby Goshen is a popular option for those that don't wish to make the longer trip to South Bend. With a population of over thirty thousand, Goshen provides a convenient playground for when it comes time for a break from Shipshewana. And while it’s further of a drive, South Bend is very often well worth the trip for those who wish to take advantage of its museums, galleries, and large performance art and live music venues.
Careers and Industry
Though it’s small Shipshewana offers a varied and stable job market. Agriculture is its primary industry as evidenced by the fertile farmlands that surround the community. Retail is also a major employment sector with the town drawing shoppers from far and wide—over half a million visitors each year. Consequently, leisure and hospitality also factor strongly into the economic milieu.
Shipshewana also features a light manufacturing industry, producing manufactured homes and recreational vehicles. For those looking for even more opportunities, the nearby city of Goshen offers jobs in education, healthcare, small business, and advanced manufacturing.
Schools
Shipshewana's youth enroll in public school education through the Westview School Corporation. Primary school students get to stick close to home during their early learning years at Shipshewana-Scott Elementary. This affords them the benefit of the a more personalized learning environment—perfect for instilling a love of learning.
Secondary school students attend Westview Jr.-Sr. High School in Topeka, Indiana. Parent's will be please to know this highly regarded school has been recognized by the Indiana Department of Education as an "A-ranked" School, awarded in part due to surpassing test scores, excellent faculty, and an advanced curriculum. Students can opt to take advanced placement courses for college credit and are able to join numerous extracurricular clubs to round out their experience.