West Lafayette

About West Lafayette

West Lafayette is in Tippecanoe County about 65 miles northwest of Indianapolis on the Wabash River. Home to famed Purdue University, which opened in 1869, this college town has a population of 45,000, while the student enrollment at Purdue exceeds that number.

The public schools are top notch, making it a great place for raising a family. Numerous annual festivals and events take place in West Lafayette in conjunction with the university or the town of Lafayette just across the Wabash River.

West Lafayette History

The Miami Native Americans were early residents along the Wabash River until European fur traders arrived. Then the French established Fort Ouiatenon in the early-1700s.

For more than 50 years now, an annual event called Feast of the Hunters’ Moon re-enacts the autumn gathering of the French and Native Americans on the banks of the Wabash. Originally Chauncey Village, West Lafayette was renamed in 1888. It has prospered thanks to the growth of Purdue University, the navigable Wabash River, the Erie Canal coming through in 1843, followed by the railroad in 1853.

Living and Working in West Lafayette

West Lafayette’s tightknit community of full-time residents routinely volunteer to serve on boards, adopt trails, read to kids, and help put on annual events such as Global Fest or Art on the Wabash. West Lafayette Community School Corporation is a top-rated public school system. As you’d expect, Purdue University is by far the largest employer, but its reach extends beyond education by attracting innovative companies of every size to Purdue Research Park.

West Lafayette Housing

Whether you want a secluded woodsy home, a single-family house with a big yard, an apartment with a view, or a place close to Purdue campus, there are a range of options whether you rent or own. Architecture buffs love West Lafayette, which boasts designs by architects Frank Lloyd Wright and Louis Sullivan.

In addition to well-preserved centuries-old homes, mid-century modern fans will find examples built in the post-World War II boom, including four commissions designed by noted architect Robert Smith.

West Lafayette Historic Districts

Neighborhoods on the National Register of Historic Places are Hills & Dales, a 1920s planned residential community that features Colonial Revival, Craftsmen, Tudor Revival, and French Eclectic style homes.

Named for West Lafayette’s original settlement, New Chauncey offers detailed Craftsman-style homes, cottages, plus kit houses manufactured in the early 20th century by Sears & Roebuck and Montgomery Ward. Chauncey Village is West Lafayette’s downtown, where visitors, residents, and students mingle in buildings dating from the late 1800s. Next to the Village is the Waterfront District, which on the West Lafayette side of the pedestrian bridge includes mixed-use Wabash Landing and Tapawingo Park.

Things to do in West Lafayette

West Lafayette loves to celebrate, and there are festivals year-round on campus, around town, in the Waterfront District or in Lafayette. Outdoor enthusiasts can visit Lilly Nature Center and Celery Bog Nature Center, as well as Purdue Horticulture Gardens. Paddlers launch kayaks on the Wabash River at Mascouten Park.

Residents and visitors alike enjoy walking the Chartres Labyrinth on Meyer’s Pedestrian Bridge over the Wabash River. Purdue Grand Prix is a beloved annual go-kart race. Parks & Recreation includes programs for all ages at West Lafayette’s many wonderful parks. Just north of town is Tippecanoe County Amphitheater Park and Prophetsown State Park, as is the Tippecanoe Battlefield Memorial.

West Lafayette Transportation

Local bus service is operated by CityBus, and the town is very bike-friendly. Both Greyhound and Amtrak stop nearby in Lafayette, where shuttle service is available to both Indianapolis and O’Hare international airports. Major arteries for cars are Interstate 65 and U.S. Highways 52 and 231, as well as state roads 26 and 43.

Resources for Moving to West Lafayette

Here are utility providers to help you get settled into your new home. Water is supplied by Indiana American Water Company or a private well. Duke Energy provides electric, while CenterPoint Energy handles gas. For sewer and trash, contact West Lafayette.

West Lafayette is a dynamic college town with a close-knit community. With its diverse housing, excellent schools, and convenient transportation, West Lafayette is a great place for families, young professionals, and retirees.