Brownstown has rural charm, respected schools and outdoor recreation
Set against the backdrop of rolling hills and rich farmland in southern Indiana, Brownstown is the seat of Jackson County and home to roughly 3,000 people. “It’s kind of a bedroom community because a lot of people work in Seymour, or some work in town, where the county government offices are,” says Rick Grant, a Realtor with the Joe Hoene Realty Team with more than eight years of experience. “Brownstown has its own school system, and they do really well in sports. A lot of people work elsewhere but stay for the school system because it’s small.” Along with parks in town and lakefront camping at Starve Hollow State Recreation Area, locals also take pride in their agricultural roots. Watermelon is especially celebrated, with a dedicated festival every August.
Southern Indiana’s natural beauty surrounds the community
Brownstown has several parks, and residents are within a short drive of the vast forests and hilly terrain that make southern Indiana a go-to destination for outdoor enthusiasts. “Starve Hollow State Recreation Area, just south of town, has a lot of camping with its own lake, fishing and hiking,” Grant says. The community is also close to Jackson-Washington State Forest, Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge and parts of Hoosier National Forest. Closer to home, stock car drivers from across the country come to town for racing tournaments at Brownstown Speedway.
Original homes and new construction under $300,000
Buyers can find homes built throughout the 1900s and freshly constructed infill housing along Brownstown’s gently sloping streets. Sidewalks, street parking, and small detached and attached garages are standard. Fixer-uppers typically cost between $50,000 and $150,000, but most move-in ready homes sell for $150,000 to $250,000. Larger homes and newer builds can range from $200,000 to $350,000. “There’s new construction, but the river runs really close, so you’ve got flood plain areas outside of town, and the farmers usually don’t want to sell their land,” Grant says. “But lots have been built and there’s some new infill housing. There’s still a desire for housing.” Homes in the private waterfront community of Forest and Lake can cost between $600,000 and $900,000.
Public and private school options in town
Kids can start at Brownstown Elementary, which receives a B-minus grade from Niche, followed by Brownstown Central Middle, which receives a B. Brownstown Central High School, rated B-minus, offers 25 dual credit courses through Ivy Tech Community College. There's also Lutheran Central School, a private K-8 institution that is unrated by Niche.
The watermelon festival draws thousands for music and fun
The Jackson County Watermelon Festival and Rock the Rind concert series celebrate the start of the watermelon season during the first weekend in August. Hosted downtown, the weekend event features live country music, a watermelon smash competition and a 5K run. “We get more than 4,000 people in a 2,900-person town for the concerts, so it’s a big deal,” Grant says. The weeklong Jackson County Fair brings more than 100,000 visitors to the fairgrounds just outside of town.
Local dining includes pub fare, pizza and Mexican classics
Local farm stands dot the roadsides and offer fresh produce, including watermelons grown in Jackson County’s sandy soils. For daily needs, residents shop at Jay C for groceries and several dollar stores for essentials. When it’s time to dine out, The Bearded Hobo offers hearty pub food and craft brews, while Azteca Mexican Restaurant serves up authentic classics in a lively, casual space. Blondie’s Pizzeria and Pub stands as a beloved downtown fixture for locals and visitors alike. “If you want more elaborate dining, you go to Seymour,” Grant says.
Tractors and traffic lights reflect the laid-back pace
Life moves slowly in Brownstown, as do the tractors that share the road in the spring and fall. “There’s two traffic lights in town, so you want to be careful that you don’t get caught in a traffic jam,” Grant says with a laugh. U.S. Route 50 provides a direct commute to Seymour and Schneck Medical Center, 10 miles away, and it's about 60 miles to Louisville and Louisville International Airport. Indianapolis and its airport are about 80 miles.
Faith is an important part of life for many residents. Multiple denominations serve the community, including Brownstown United Methodist Church, St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Brownstown Church of Christ and First Pentecostal Church of Brownstown.
Written By
Leslie Klosterman
