Brook is a small town that offers peace and quiet in northwest Indiana
Brook is a tiny northwest Indiana town nestled among the rural landscape of Newton County. Residents enjoy a secluded setting and a slow-paced lifestyle, where churches are the largest buildings and the library is a center of activity. The town’s CAP Index Crime Score of 1-out-of-10 signifies an area with the lowest possible crime rate. “It’s a nice, quiet little community. … It’s farm country, where you feel safe and comfortable,” says Scott James, administrator at George Ade Memorial Healthcare, a local nursing home and medical center.
George Ade Memorial is a community medical center on historic estate
George Ade Memorial Healthcare is located near the historic home of George Ade, a renowned writer. The facility occupies the same building that was once a county hospital. “Besides providing healthcare services to the elderly, we also have outpatient rehab for young adults on up,” James says. The facility has a significant footprint. “We have several staff members from the local community,” James says. “We also have a variety of events, and the community is welcome to come and join us. We have a street fair, well, a parking lot fair, once a year. We have vendors, crafts and treats, face-painting for the kids and that kind of stuff.” The original property is being revitalized, James says, with plans for a “huge walk-through garden” and house tours. “They want to involve the community with the history.”
Property values, lower taxes are attractive
Multi-level frame houses stand out among the mostly older housing stock. Several of the largest homes have impressive architecture. Cape Cods are some of the community’s smaller offerings. Homes with Craftsman-style elements and midcentury ranch-style homes can also be found. Sidewalks add walkability to quiet streets that feature an attractive mix of mature trees. Acreage homes can be found on the outskirts of town. Prices typically range from around $90,000 to about $240,000. “You have Lake County, which is north of us, and Chicago, too, so when people want to get away from the bigger cities and taxes, they tend to gravitate south, where property values and taxes aren’t quite as crazy,” says James, who lives just outside of nearby Rensselaer. “There’s also lots of open space, so you’re not going to stretch your arms out and hit the neighbor’s house.”
Small-town Main Street is "neat and clean"
“Downtown is typical small-town USA,” James says. “There’s storefronts, a hardware store, a bank, a gas station and a post office. The Brook Community Club does planting along Main Street. They always keep it up really nice. It’s neat and clean.” Our Place is a family run restaurant on Main Street that specializes in comfort food favorites, including the breaded pork tenderloin sandwich for which Indiana is known. “Good food, good portions and friendly people who are nice to talk with,” James says. Residents can travel to Kentland, about 10 miles away, for grocery shopping at Murphy’s Food King and more dining options.
Local fishing hole, library are popular destinations
Lake Kenoyer, actually a small pond, is a local fishing hole and relaxing green space. The Iroquois Conservation Club is located there. The Iroquois River offers more bankside fishing opportunities, but it is generally considered too narrow for boats. A ballfield and children’s playscapes are featured amenities in town. The adjacent Brook Community Center can be rented for events. A regular schedule of events is held at the Brook Iroquois Washington Public Library. Events range from weekly STEAM-based children’s activities to monthly movie nights to informational meetings on topics such as Medicare.
Schools are located on a single campus nearby
The South Newton School Corporation, a district that earns a B from Niche, serves the community. It consists of three schools on a single campus about 5 miles away. South Newton Elementary is rated C-plus. South Newton Middle is rated B-minus. South Newton High is a B-rated school that features chapters for Future Farmers of America and Future Business Leaders of America. Students can attend schools in another district, but parents must provide transportation for any approved transfers.
Location offers convenient travel to larger destinations
Franciscan Health Rensselaer is about 15 miles away. Brook is about 50 miles from Lafayette and Purdue University via U.S. Route 41 or Interstate 65, both of which are nearby. Chicago is about 80 miles away via U.S. 41, and Indianapolis is a little over 100 miles away via I-65.
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Matt Pallister
