Arcanum offers rural living for Dayton-area commuters
Arcanum is a small Darke County village that offers country charm within a short drive of metropolitan amenities in Dayton. With a population of about 2,500 residents, the agricultural community attracts commuters and folks with family ties to the area. “It’s a nice bedroom community because a lot of people in our area go to work in Richmond (Indiana), Dayton or Miami County, and Arcanum is the place you come back home to when you’re done working for the day,” says Doug Long, a lifelong Darke County resident and owner of Doug Long Real Estate.
A variety of 20th-century homes
The housing market is primarily composed of 1900s-era homes in various styles, including bungalow, foursquare, Colonial Revival, National and ranch-style. Arcanum has a median single-family price of $200,000, which is on par with Greenville’s median. “I’d say it’s a good market right now in the Arcanum area,” Long says. “Prices might be a little bit cheaper than Dayton or the Mercer County and Miami County area, but there’s every kind of price range. You’ve got new subdivisions and older housing in good condition for the most part. If it’s priced right, it’ll sell.”
College Credit Plus at Arcanum High School
Arcanum-Butler Local Schools District serves roughly 1,000 students and receives a B-plus from Niche. Kids can attend Arcanum Elementary School and Butler Middle School, both rated B-plus, before heading to B-rated Arcanum High School. Juniors and seniors can get a head start on college by participating in the College Credit Plus program. The high school offers courses through Sinclair Community College, Edison State Community College and Franklin University.
Less than 40 minutes to Dayton
State Route 49 is the main artery to Greenville, about 15 minutes away, and Dayton and Dayton International Airport, both within a 40-minute drive. Richmond, Indiana, is also less than 40 minutes away. Wayne HealthCare in Greenville is the closest hospital.
Parks and green space in town, art and culture in Dayton
Ivester Park has ample shaded green space with shelter houses, a playground and the community swimming pool nearby. Community Park hums with activity off High Street. The centrally located park is popular with athletes of all ages, from kids playing youth sports on the ball fields to adults working up a sweat on the pickleball courts. Beechwood Golf Course is open to the public a few miles south of the village and has three 9-hole courses, offering 27 holes of golf in total. Residents are close to attractions in Dayton like the Dayton Art Institute, the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force and the science-based Boonshoft Museum of Discovery.
Downtown has locally owned eateries
Downtown’s brick streets are lined with a handful of shops, restaurants and services. Miller’s Tavern is a beloved local watering hole with burgers, pizza and cold drinks. Cruizers Café, a 1950s-inspired diner, is one of the newest additions to town and serves up a simple menu of breakfast and lunch fare. On the north side of town, Picnic’s Pizza and Grille offers pies piled high with toppings for dine-in, carry-out or drive-thru. Shoppers on the hunt for fresh produce and specialty goods can stop by Brumbaugh Fruit Farm, an agritourism business with a market and bakery. It’s a popular fall tourist destination with hayrides, a corn maze, pumpkins and autumnal goodies. Family Dollar and Dollar General have essentials, but most residents drive to Greenville for groceries.
Neighbors come together for community events
The Brick Street Block Party is a two-day events with vendors, plenty of food and a hotly anticipated "super raffle." The raffle is a highlight of the festival — participants have the chance to win huge cash prizes, vehicles, vacation packages and more. Kids look forward to Christmas in the Park at Ivester Park every December. Groups compete in a park decorating contest, and kids can visit with Santa, make crafts and toast marshmallows over a bonfire.
![Leslie Klosterman]()
Written By
Leslie Klosterman
