A historic downtown, train whistles and rustic beauty in Fayette County
In Connersville, Indiana, American flags decorate 19th-century brick buildings on Central Avenue, a 150-year-old covered bridge still stands in Roberts Park, and the Whitewater Valley Railroad sounds its whistle, offering scenic passenger rides to Metamora. Once a thriving industry town home to grist milling and pork packing industries in the 1800s and auto manufacturers like Ford by the mid 20th century, Connersville experienced a period of economic decline in the ‘80s. It’s still recovering from the loss of industry, and today’s populations hover around 13,500 people, compared to nearly 18,000 in the 1960s. Over the last few years, the city has invested in revitalization efforts; a $100 million new Reid Health Campus is in the works on Park Road, and NOVA Chemicals brought more than 100 jobs to the area at the end of 2024. Cincinnati and Indianapolis are both less than 70 miles away, making Connersville attractive to those looking for big city access, but the comparative affordability and rustic charm of a country town. According to Betsy Slavens, director at the Fayette County Public Library, it’s the type of place where “people live for generations and generations,” visiting the same general store on Central, and taking advantage of recreation along the Whitewater River.
The Whitewater Valley Railroad offers seasonal train rides to Connersville residents.
The Fayette County Public Library is located on the north side of Connersville.
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Housing prices below the national median
Homes in Connersville range from two-story traditional homes built during the late 1800s to 1920s bungalows and mid-century ranch-style houses. The vast majority of homes, however, were constructed prior to the city’s economic decline in the ‘80s. Hilly, residential neighborhoods branch off from Central Avenue, and it's common to find detached, single-car garages. Prices can range from less than $50,000 for investment properties to upwards of $200,000 for fully refurbished homes; the median sale price in Connersville is around $150,000, significantly less than the national median. Crime rates within the city are well below national and state averages.
There are neighborhoods of small affordable homes in Connersville.
Many of the homes in downtown Connersville were built in the 1800's.
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The Fayette County School Corporation and career readiness
Public schools in Connersville belong to the Fayette County School Corporation, which earns an overall C-plus grade from Niche. There are five elementary schools, one middle school and one high school within the district, and recent years have seen improvements to athletic facilities, including upgrades to the CHS pool, new bleachers and a refreshed ball field. High school upperclassmen can also take courses at the Whitewater Career Center (WCC), where programs like cosmetology, graphic design and welding prepare them for the workforce. The Fayette County Public Library on Grand Avenue has book clubs, painting workshops and yoga classes for adults, but Slavens says children’s programming is the most popular.
Connersville's Whitewater Career Center offers 14 career programs for high school juniors and seniors.
Frazee Elementary School receives an overall Niche grade of C+.
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Unemployment rates, industry growth and transit options
Fayette County—of which Connersville is the county seat—had an unemployment rate of over 20% in 2020 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, but rates have since fallen to around 6%. Still, as of 2024, unemployment in Fayette County is the second highest in the state of Indiana. The area’s top employers include Stant Corporation, Walmart Supercenter and Reid Health, which is currently expanding its facilities in Connersville; there are more opportunities in Richmond, a city of around 35,000 25 miles away. Cincinnati is 65 miles—or just over an hour—southeast via Indiana State Road 1, and Indianapolis is approximately 70 miles from Connersville along Interstate 70. Although Connersville has its own airport, residents will typically book commercial flights from the Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky International Airport. The city’s small train station falls along Amtrak’s Cardinal route, which connects Chicago and New York City.
Connersville shoppers need not travel far to find a Walmart, with one being in town.
Reid Health is one of the largest employers in Connersville.
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The Fayette County Fair, walking trails and golf
Connersville has a small network of public parks, walking trails and athletic facilities. Robert’s Park, where locals can attend demolition derbies, chili cookoffs and ride the merry-go-round during the week-long Fayette County Fair in late July, is the city’s largest. The park also belongs to the National Register of Historic Places, home to sites like the Longwood Covered Bridge and a 20th-century police building, both popular field trip destinations. The public pool is open between Memorial Day and Labor Day. There are rustic walking paths in John Conner Nature Preserve, where local fishermen can also cast their lines on the banks of Smalley’s Pond, and golfers reserve tee times at Arbor Crossing Golf Club. Larger forested preserves like the Shrader-Weaver Woods fall just outside city limits.
Robert’s Park, where locals can attend demolition derbies, chili cookoffs and ride the merry-go-round during the week-long Fayette County Fair in late July, is the Connersville's largest.
Connersville locals can take advantage of rustic walking paths in John Conner Nature Preserve, where local fishermen can also cast their lines on the banks of Smalley’s Pond.
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Central Avenue retail
Retail in Connersville is concentrated within the city’s historic downtown, specifically along Central Avenue. There’s a handful of small restaurants, salons and a general store. Businesses have historically struggled to stay alive in Connersville’s downtown, and some buildings have sat empty for several years. Up the street, residents will find strip mall-style shopping, fast food chains and auto stores, and the Western Avenue Walmart has also attracted shoppers farther north, away from downtown.
Retail in Connersville is concentrated within the city’s historic downtown, specifically along Central Avenue.
Many would argue that Jonesy's is the finest restaurant in all of Connersville.
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