Indiana’s first capital, Corydon, becomes a residential area
Corydon is made up of agricultural, historic and residential areas in South Central Indiana along the Ohio River. Downtown is in the community’s hub, as well as home to Indiana’s first state capital and the original federal-style Capitol building, which is a historic site today. “I’ve had many clients who move from Louisville over here, looking for more of a country setting. It’s only about 30 minutes away, so many of them commute for work,” says Nicole Dudley, a Realtor at Schuler Bauer Real Estate Services, with five years of experience. “It has that hometown feel; it’s not overpopulated and the schools are smaller. I think of Corydon as a little old town, like seeing old homes with big front porches.”
1900s homes and newer builds in subdivisions and on the outskirts
Minimal Traditional homes and cottages were built near downtown Corydon between the early and mid-1900s. Many of these homes are single-story with original features and are fixer-uppers. Their prices range from about $40,000 to $170,000. After the 1950s, ranch-style and New Traditional homes were erected in subdivisions and on open farmland. Ranch-style home prices range from nearly $130,000 to $530,000. New Traditionals can go from around $260,000 to $910,000, depending on property sizes, which may span over 10 acres on the town’s outskirts.
Some homes near both Indian Creek and the Ohio River, may be at elevated risks of floods.
Several school districts, school choice and dual credit in Corydon
Many residences are in the attendance boundary for South Harrison Community School Corporation, a district that lets students choose their school. Niche gives the district a B-minus grade overall. Students may enroll at Corydon Elementary School, which oversees kindergarten through third grade, and Corydon Intermediate, a fourth through sixth-grade school. Both schools earn B grades. Corydon Central Junior High School scores a B-plus and serves grades seven and eight. Corydon Central High School receives a B and offers dual credit courses, including psychology honors and principles of teaching.
Some residences in northern Corydon are zoned for the B-minus-graded North Harrison Community Schools district. Homes in the eastern region may be in the boundary of the B-graded Lanesville Community School Corporation district.
National chains and a historic downtown with art, food and shops
Downtown Corydon features brick Italianate-style buildings home to locally owned restaurants and the Vintage Treasures Antique Mall and Flea Emporium. Dining options include carryout places like Bagel Girls and sit-down establishments such as 1816 Modern Kitchen & Drinks. “Karv Meats is like a butcher, but on the other side, they have fabulous sandwiches and deli meats. It’s set up like an old tavern,” Dudley says. Downtown also has the Harrison County Arts building, where local artists can sell their work and host workshops. Local actors perform plays at Hayswood Theatre.
In northern Corydon, Walmart and Jay C Food Stores are near State Road 135. Several national stores and fast food chains are nearby. Coydon Cinemas, the local movie theater, and Colonial Lanes bowling center are also in the area.
Harrison County Fair and an annual popcorn festival
Agricultural celebrations, such as the Harrison County Fair in June, are highly attended. Harrison County Fairgrounds has hosted the week-long fair since 1860, with events varying from tractor pulls to 4-H shows. The Harrison County Popcorn Festival begins on Friday of the Fourth of July weekend and includes a parade with a popcorn canon, live music and a beer garden.
Nature trails, some along the Blue River, playgrounds and golf
The Blue River flows through Harrison-Crawford State Forest, which features four canoe ramps and 64 miles of horse-friendly trails. Additional trails, some bike-friendly, run through the forest and range from about a mile to 25 miles. Hayswood Nature Reserve’s 311 acres are split between a nature conservancy with paths and a recreation area with multiuse fields, playgrounds and open space. In Corydon’s southern region, Indiana Caverns, a local adventure park, offers boat tours through caves. The Old Capital Golf Club is a public 18-hole course with some holes on the bank of Little Indian Creek.
Commutes to Louisville and drives to the airport
Old Highway 337 runs north and south through Corydon, intersecting Interstate 64, a road to Louisville. About 32 miles away, Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport has direct flights to domestic destinations only.
