Last week I profiled University Farm Neighborhood. This week I head just South, to the other side of Cumberland Street, to profile the popular Bar Barry Heights Neighborhood. This lovely neighborhood is in the popular West Lafayette Community School, Indiana’s top rated public-school system. 1173 people reside in 525 homes that were built in the 1970s. There are many bilevel and trilevel homes in the neighborhood that help identify the age of it, but this adds to its charm in that this is NOT a cookie cutter neighborhood. Over 50% of the residents are homeowner, however the setting is far enough from Purdue University that there are few, if any, undergraduate student rentals. It is a centrally located, family friendly neighborhood that has an amazing park and fun annual events!
Bar Barry Heights is just North of Sagamore Parkway (52) in West Lafayette and a couple miles from Purdue University. It is walking distance to, and conveniently surrounded by, Payless Grocery Store and Walgreens Pharmacy to the West, CVS Pharmacy, Aldi Grocery Store and a slew of other stores on 52 to the South, and Cumberland Elementary School to the North of the subdivision. Most houses are walking distance to the #1 Public Elementary School in Indiana, Cumberland Elementary School. Many, if not most, students from this neighborhood walk to school. Sidewalks make this convenient and safe. During the school year there are 2 crossing guard that are employed to ensure the safe travels to and from school. The crossing guards even know most of the kids by name. Because of the great location and high demand for West Lafayette Community Schools, builders and real estate developers have recently purchased many of these older homes and renovated them to modern standards. As a result, lots of these homes have had beautiful facelifts, kitchen remodels, and seen great increase in property values. You know what they say, location, location, location!
Recently, more and more young families have moved into Bar Barry Heights. The average age of the neighborhood is 36 years old, much younger than the neighborhood to the North, University Farm, according to Nextdoor.com. The draw for these young families is not only the great school system and proximity to Cumberland School, but also Lommel Park. The 5-acre park is located within the neighborhood off of Wilshire Avenue and Essex Street. Lommel Park, named after an assistant city engineer of yesteryears, George E. Lommel, features 2 structures for both younger and older children, a picnic shelter, picnic tables, and grills. There are also drinking fountains, a little library, and the park is exceptionally well cared for. There is an open grassy area that is used for soccer and softball practices. This park is one of my favorites because the playground equipment is set farther away from the street than any other park in West Lafayette. If you have young children, it is easier to keep them away from traffic at this park than any other park in town.
The evidence of the friendliness and great comradery of the neighborhood is the annual 4th of July Bike Parade and Christmas Caroling. For the 4th of July Bike Parade, children decorate their bikes patriotically and parade up and down Wilshire Avenue that is blocked off to traffic for this occasion. The event ends with everyone at Lommel Park. Popsicles, smiles, and fun are guaranteed at this yearly event. I have attended the parade several years, invited by friends in the neighborhood. All are welcome and it is a fun neighborhood event. During the holiday season, several families get together and knock on doors to Christmas carol. They are frequently met with smiles and sometimes even treats from the residents. This is a special event for the neighborhood and those participating in the fun. These 2 events are examples of what makes Bar Barry Heights Neighborhood unique in West Lafayette.
The fabulous location, great school system, awesome park, and family friendly environment makes Bar Barry Heights Neighborhood one of West Lafayette’s favorites. Renovations aren’t slowing anytime soon in this neighborhood.
