Elkhart, IN Homes For Rent

Homes for Rent in Elkhart, IN: What You Need to Know

Elkhart, a city in northern Indiana, is home to a unique museum with one of the largest collections of superhero memorabilia in America.  

Tourist Attractions

Tourists love the Hall of Heroes Superhero Museum, which celebrates superheroes in comics, film, and animation. It boasts of a collection of more than 60,000 comics and 10,000 toys and games. Elkhart County is known as the RV Capital of the World, so it’s no surprise that the RV/MH Hall of Fame is located in Elkhart. The museum features models of recreational vehicles and mobile homes spanning eight decades, including the Lindbergh trailer. It was owned by Charles Lindbergh, aviation icon and inventor. Elkhart County is home to about 1,000 RV manufacturers.

Transportation

The Interurban Trolley is a regional public bus service that provides an affordable alternative to driving through circulator routes linking major corridors in and around Elkhart. The service also connects Elkhart with the cities of Goshen and Mishawaka. Two Amtrak trains, the Capitol Limited and the Lake Shore Limited, service Elkhart passengers. The South Bend International Airport, 23 miles away, is the closest airport.

Cost of Living

There are solid benefits to living in Elkhart (population: 52,358), beginning with a cost of living rate that’s 8.1% lower than the national average and median gross rent at $790. Food and housing costs are 0.1% and 16.7% lower than the national average, respectively. In the Hoosier State, residents pay a flat income tax rate of 3.23% and 7% in sales tax. However, counties charge additional income taxes of up to 3.38%. 

Know Your Neighborhoods

Although Elkhart is located in its namesake county, it’s not the county’s government seat. Residents love their downtown, especially the RiverWalk, a paved connector to popular restaurants and entertainment venues in the city. More than half (52%) of city residents rent. Families in search of good schools should check out Goshen and Nappanee. Both are within commuting distance of Elkhart and known for their superb schools.

Weather and Climate

Elkhart receives 39 inches of rain a year, close to the U.S. average of 38 inches, and 55 inches of snow annually versus the national average of 28 inches. The city is located along the St. Joseph and Elkhart Rivers, which sometimes bring floods. In February 2018, an extended period of rainfall resulted in flooding not just across Indiana, but also Michigan and Ohio. On Feb. 20, 2018, the St. Joseph River rose above 23 feet in Elkhart.