About Irvington

Irvington is a historical district five miles east of downtown Indianapolis founded in 1870 by prominent abolitionist lawyers, Jacob Julian and Sylvester Johnson. Named for writer Washington Irving and straddling the Historic National Road, the carefully planned neighborhood was originally platted as an independent suburban town but annexed by the city of Indianapolis in 1902.

Butler University, which called Irvington home from 1875 to 1928, helped to establish the area as a cultural and arts destination. The community has managed to retain many of its most appealing characteristics, and is especially known for its winding, tree-lined streets, beautiful parks and historically significant homes and businesses.

In 1987, Irvington became the largest district in Marion County to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 2002, community leaders established the Irvington Development Organization, a membership-based non-profit aimed at preserving the neighborhood's historic charm while promoting positive growth.

Irvington Landmarks

From Ellenberger Park to The Benton House, Irvington is peppered with historical landmarks that offer a glimpse of what the community was like a century ago. Learn more »

Demographic Snapshot

Irvington is home to more than 11,000 residents living in an area roughly bordered by 10th Street and Emerson, English and Edmondson avenues. Below are some statistics to give you a clearer picture of who we are.

Residents

11,464

Households

5,600

Owner-Occupied

63.5%

Vacancy Rate

9.7%

Median Income

$48,621

Medium Home Value

$103,686

Average age of Housing

1938

Source: ESRI Business Analyst Online 2006 Projections (based on 2000 Census)