Rural South Indiana community on the doorstep of outdoor gem
Located south of Bloomington, Indiana, Smithville-Sanders sits amid rolling farmland dotted by grazing cattle and a few agribusinesses. Exuding rural charm, these attached communities have no stoplights, and their landmarks include a church and a red brick Tudor Revival building that was once a fraternal hall. “It’s a very close community, where people truly care about their neighbors,” says Leeanna Powell, the children’s minister at the Smithville Christian Church. “We just had 16 inches of snow, and I didn’t see a driveway that wasn’t helped by a neighbor to plow or shovel. It’s very much a small community feel with people who are very intentional on getting to know their neighbors.” Nearby, the 11,000-acre expanse of the Lake Monroe reservoir holds the distinction of being the largest man-made lake in Indiana. Along with the adjacent Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park resort at the bottom end of the community, it’s a major attraction for visitors and locals alike.
Craftsman bungalows and ranch-style houses with room
The densest pocket of housing is in the heart of Smithville-Sanders, where Craftsman bungalows and ranch-style houses exist around institutions like the Smithville Christian Church, post office and Red Men Hall. Although this area doesn’t have the space of the surrounding farmland, some properties still make ample room for patches of mature trees and yard decor. More housing exists closer to Lake Monroe, where prospective buyers will find a community of condominiums near Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park and the Golf Club at Eagle Pointe. Depending on size and proximity to the water, most of these condos run between $100,000 and $250,000. Otherwise, the area’s smaller homes run from $100,000 to nearly $400,000, while the largest ones, often exceeding 4,000 square feet of living space, can go for over $800,000.
Adventures on Indiana’s largest man-made lake
Although Lake Monroe draws many tourists and visitors, residents still enjoy it for its fishing opportunities. Other lake activities range from catching sun on the beaches and taking in scenic overlooking views to cruising the water on party boats. Those looking to spend the night here will find hundreds of camping sites — including primitive ones for those who want to break out the tents. Expansive woods with miles of hiking and running trails cover the lake’s shorelines. The Golf Club at Eagle Pointe is an 18-hole community-owned course open to the public. Smithville-Sanders also has baseball facilities, including a batting cage center. “There’s some ball fields here that are pretty popular with families. Once spring break time hits, right after that is when baseball season hits, and that’s a huge livelihood for this community,” Powell says.
Baldy’s Pizzeria and lakeside hangout at the Rusty Anchor
While Smithville-Sanders doesn’t have the busiest dining scene, a few staples serve the area. Located closer to Bloomington, Baldy’s Pizzeria is a casual spot dishing out warm pies and sub sandwiches. The Golf Club at Eagle Pointe has a restaurant and bar, where patrons mingle over comfort foods and local beers. The Rusty Anchor Lakeside Saloon is a late-night hangout right off the lake. Those looking for fresh and locally-grown produce can stop by the weekly Smithville Farmers’ Market, which runs between May and October. The Kroger on the southern outskirts of Bloomington is one of the nearest grocery stores.
Home to Lakeview Elementary and zoned for top 10 Indiana high school
The Monroe County Community School Corporation covers the Clear Creek Township area. Smithville-Sanders is home to Lakeview Elementary School, which gets a B from Niche. The school offers its students unique activities. They can learn about farm animals or get early exposure to computer programming, the latter of which Lakeview owes to an Indiana University partnership. Students may then attend Jackson Creek Middle School and Bloomington High School South. Niche gives both schools A grades. Bloomington South is among the 10 best schools in the state.
Free annual Thanksgiving dinner and Labor Day celebration car show
The community organizes several events, particularly during the holidays. In November, the Smithville Community Center hosts the Holiday Bazaar, where people can buy locally made treats and gifts. During the same month, the Smithville Area Association hosts its free Thanksgiving Dinner at Red Men Hall. Set in Smithville Community Park, the Smithville Labor Day Celebration is one of the area’s signature celebrations. In addition to music and food, the event features a car show.
Fairfax Road commute to Bloomington
South Fairfax Road passes through Smithville-Sanders, providing a route north toward Bloomington. Nearby Indiana State Road 37 connects to Interstate 69, which goes to Indianapolis about 66 miles north of Smithville-Sanders. Locals going on out-of-state flights typically go to the Indianapolis International Airport. The IU Health Bloomington Hospital is the region’s flagship medical institution.
Important to know
Smithville-Sanders has an overall CAP Index Crime Score of 1 out of 10, putting it well below the national average of 4.
