Rural Indiana community ‘where everybody knows everybody else’
The Patricksburg post office occupies a nearly century-old brick building with the word “drugs” etched just above its entrance. Although it’s not in its original location, the institution is one of the landmarks in this unincorporated Owen County community. Formerly called Lancaster, the area was originally laid out by 19th-century landowner Patrick Sullivan, who named the post office Patricksburg after himself. The post office reflects the area’s rustic setting, and many here still enjoy traditions like annual fish fries and weekly card game meetups. Patricksburg also has an elementary school, a convenience not enjoyed by everyone living on the vast farmlands between Bloomington and Terre Haute. “It’s a very rural area … where everybody knows everybody else,” says Cris Lunsford, chief of the Patricksburg Community Volunteer Fire Department. “You drive through the town, and you see someone walking alongside the road, chances are you know them and help them if they need help.”
Rustic ranch-style houses, Craftsman bungalows and Victorian homes
Homes mainly exist in the blocks around Indiana State Road 246, where decades-old cottages and single-story buildings similar to the post office still stand. Housing styles include Craftsman bungalows, ranch-style houses, manufactured and Victorian-era homes. While the heart of the community doesn’t quite have the space of the surrounding farmland, residents still enjoy some room as the median lot size is about a quarter-acre. Homes don’t frequently go on sale, and the average time they spend on the market is 193 days, five times longer than in Terre Haute and about four times longer than in Bloomington. Most home values in Patricksburg go from under $100,000 to about $200,000.
Homes in Patricksburg are modest and practical, often surrounded by open land and neighboring fields.
Farm-style homes with porches and outbuildings give Patricksburg its character—perfect for hobby farmers or quiet-country living.
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Convenient access to Patricksburg Elementary School
The community shares its name with Patricksburg Elementary School, which receives a C-plus grade from the ratings site Niche. In addition to its convenient location, the school hosts student activities like its career expo for fifth graders, where students meet with professionals in health care, law, information technology and journalism. Students may then go to Owen Valley Middle and High Schools, located in the town of Spencer. Both schools get B-minus grades.
Patricksburg Elementary offers a close-to-home option for young students with a quiet, small-campus feel.
Owen Valley High School serves as the main public high school for teens living in and around Patricksburg.
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Annual fire department fish fry and Apple Butter Festival in Spencer
On the second Saturday of September, many in the community and surrounding area flock to the volunteer fire department for the annual fish fry, a fundraiser for the public safety agency. “Throughout the five hours we serve, there’s probably 800 to 1,000 people that show up,” Lunford says. Other major regional events include the annual Apple Butter Festival, which also takes place in September in Spencer. The event includes a parade through downtown, various booths and food trucks.
Within minutes of Owen-Putnam State Forest and Spencer recreation
About 7 miles east, the Owen-Putnam State Forest is an expansive park with primitive camping, fishing, hunting and horseback riding. Indoor recreation is available in Spencer at the Owen County Family YMCA, where amenities include basketball courts, an indoor pool and fitness rooms. The venue’s operators also set up nets to turn the courts into pickleball spaces. Spencer neighbors McCormick’s Creek State Park, which offers more hiking and horseback riding through scenic woodlands.
The Owen County YMCA gives Patricksburg families a place to connect, exercise, and learn just minutes from home.
Owen-Putnam State Forest is a go-to for those in Patricksburg seeking solitude and outdoor recreation.
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Secondhand treasures at Penny Pinchers Variety Shack
Although few dining and shopping options exist in Patricksburg, it is home to Tailgaters BBQ. This food truck caters and pops up at regional events and locations. Penny Pinchers Variety Shack, a quaint secondhand store, sells goods ranging from old cookbooks to housewares and clothes. About 11 miles east, Spencer has a charming and historic downtown with several mom-and-pop shops and restaurants around the courthouse. Staples include the Sweet Escape Artisan Bakery and the Chambers Restaurant, which has a buffet with downhome cooking and comfort foods. Spencer’s chains include a Walmart.
Penny Pinchers Variety Shack near the edge of Patricksburg captures the area’s handmade, small-business charm and character.
From cookies to custom cakes, Sweet Escape offers creative sweets just a few minutes from Patricksburg.
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State Road 46 connection to Spencer, Bloomington and Terre Haute
Indiana State Road 246 passes through Patricksburg and connects to Indiana State Road 46, which goes toward Spencer and Bloomington to the east and Terre Haute to the west. Patricksburg is about 60 miles from the Indianapolis International Airport, the region’s hub for commercial flights. No hospital exists in the community, and the closest major medical institutions are in Terre Haute and Brazil, about 23 miles north of Patricksburg. Brazil is home to Ascension St. Vincent Clay, while Terre Haute has Union Hospital.
Important to know
Patricksburg has an overall CAP Index crime score of 1 out of 10, putting it well below the national average.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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Neighborhood Facts
Number of Homes in Neighborhood
36
Median Year Built
1919
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,577
Below the national average
1,924
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
20,908
Distribution of Home Values
Source: Public Records
Interested in learning more about homes in this neighborhood?
Reach out to
ANNA DAUGHERTY,
an experienced agent in this area.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
100
Median Age
45
Population under 18
24%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
23%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$64,166
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$72,885
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
94.3%
College Graduates
20%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
1.4%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
68.4%
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
20/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
10/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
