small towns

“There is a perceived novelty in what we do, given our rural community nestled in the Heartland,” says Jonathan Balash, president and director of Spencer Pride. “People hear about small towns being small-minded, but that’s a big misconception.”

Slowly and steadily, the Hancock County center is coming into its own—without losing its rural character.

A lot of city people think it’s farther than Timbuktu, but 20 years ago they’d have said the same thing about Zionsville: ‘Where?’” You can get from the store to Victory Field seats in 30 minutes flat.

There are many things a small town has to offer: friendships, a casual pace not often found in the city, and a feeling of well-being and security no lock can provide. But if you’re looking for privacy, you’re better off in the city, where you can live next door to someone for a dozen years without ever learning their names or knowing anything about them.

A surprisingly sweet Main Street makes this town past Geist a best-kept secret.

With a revitalized courthouse square, the Johnson County seat has emerged from Greenwood’s suburban shadow.

An unfiltered look at Central Indiana’s most livable small towns.

With more than 20 miles of trails, Plainfield is one of the area’s most connected communities.

Here, small towns flourish close enough that you can drive in to Indianapolis for work or dinner, all while maintaining their autonomy and singular charms.

Compiling his writings about the state for the first time, a new book reveals just how important those Hoosier ties were to Pyle.