A close-knit community east of Indianapolis
Drive to the far east side of Indy to find Cumberland, a suburb of 6,000 residents that has a small-town feel with all the amenities the city has to offer. While the town has dozens of restaurants and shops and easy access to both Greenfield and Indy, it’s the town’s caring and engaged residents that make Cumberland feel like home. “It’s very welcoming. I love that I can go anywhere within 15 miles of home and I can see a familiar face,” says Joni Curtis, the town historian and sixth-generation resident. “If you go into Meijer, people are talking to the person behind them, and some of them are having in-depth conversations. It’s people that don’t even know each other; it’s like there’s no strangers in town.”
Bonding over breakfast at Sero's Restaurant
Residents can start their day with a raspberry beret latte from The GREEN Bean, a sustainable coffee shop that features art and gifts from 20 local vendors, before going to Meijer, Walmart or Kroger for groceries. The town has plenty of fast food and franchise dining options, but locals know there is one restaurant that stands out above the rest. “Whoever you talk to is going to mention Sero’s Restaurant. It’s kind of the centerpiece and gathering place of our town,” Curtis says. “There’s a group of people that come in every morning and have breakfast together. And if they see someone come in by themselves for a couple of mornings, they’re like, ‘No, no, come and sit with us.’ That kind of tells you the whole flavor of Cumberland.”
New housing developments in Hancock County
Legislation prevents Cumberland from expanding further into Marion County, so development has flourished on the Hancock County side of town, where new subdivisions and apartment communities are on the rise. An existing 3-bedroom ranch or split-level with shady trees near the heart of town can range from under $200,000 to $375,000. Homes in a new housing development can cost around $350,000, according to Tamika Patterson, a Realtor with AMR Real Estate. Houses in a new covenant-controlled subdivision like Grant’s Corner can range from $250,000 for a paired villa to $440,000 for a five-bedroom new traditional home.
Three school districts to choose from
Given its unique location between two counties and three townships, students can go to schools in three separate districts. However, Curtis says many students attend schools in the Mt. Vernon Community School Corporation. Students can start at Mt. Comfort Elementary School, which receives a B-plus from Niche, before heading to the B-plus rated Mt. Vernon Middle School. From there, teens can progress to B-rated Mt. Vernon High School, which offers a state-of-the-art computer modeling and animation lab, plus a modern video production studio where students produce live news and entertainment segments for the school's television program.
Hike the Pennsy Trail
Cumberland’s park system includes three parks, two trails and a “pocket park” with green space along the old national road. Residents jog, hike and walk their dogs along the paved Pennsy Trail, one of Cumberland’s prized assets that follows the old Pennsylvania Railroad corridor. The trail was recently expanded to connect to Greenfield’s portion of the Pennsy Trail. The two basketball courts at National Road Park are almost always in use, and kids enjoy scrambling around the playground at Lions Park.
Only 10 miles from Indianapolis and Greenfield
U.S. Route 40, also known as Old National Road and Washington Street, is the town’s main thoroughfare and connects residents to Greenfield in the east and historic Irvington to the west. Cumberland is mostly car-dependent, although there are sidewalks and crosswalks throughout town. Those seeking alternative transportation can use the IndyGo bus line, which connects locals to the Indianapolis area. Cumberland is located 10 miles from downtown Indianapolis and 10 miles from downtown Greenfield. Residents have easy access to Interstate 465, and I-70 and I-74 are also within reach.
Year-round events in Cumberland
Cumberland hosts numerous events throughout the year, aiming to entertain as well as develop connections between neighbors and foster a sense of community. The Blues, Beer, & BBQ is an annual free concert series held on the last Saturday of each month from June through September. Residents face off against the Cumberland Police Department in the annual kickball tournament during Community Day, which is hosted by the police department and celebrated each August. Locals also look forward to Weihnachtsmarkt, a German winter market celebrating the town’s early German settlers.
Written By
Leslie Klosterman
Photography Contributed By
Jonathan Fairfield
