Located in southwest Indiana’s Vanderburgh County, Evansville sits across the Ohio River from Kentucky. The city is known for its affordability, historic districts and beloved annual events. “Buyers are moving to Evansville because the cost of living is cheaper,” says Kara Hinshaw, a broker at Key Associates Signature Realty. “It’s hassle-free living, and people love that.” Established in 1812, Evansville was settled for its fertile farmland and prime location as a transportation route along the river. Today, Evansville is home to nearly 121,000 residents, the third-largest city in Indiana. Those coming in and out of the city may cross not only state lines, but also time zones: Evansville and surrounding Indiana counties are part of the Central Time Zone, but most of Indiana uses Eastern Time. Major employers, such as Deaconess Midtown Hospital and Berry Global, the largest plastics processor in North America, form the region's employment backbone. Whether folks are drawn to the city for work, the housing market or the family-friendly activities, Evansville’s city slogan – “E is for everyone” – welcomes all.
Consider Evansville if you like classic older home styles or want to be near the Ohio River.
Deaconess Midtown Hospital is a vital healthcare resource for the community.
1/2
Colonial Revivals and historic Queen Annes
The city has eight districts recognized by the National Register of Historic Places, such as the Culver neighborhood, which include 19th century Queen Anne and Colonial Revival styles. Alternative designs include bungalows, ranch-styles and new traditional homes in gridded residential areas or downtown. “The housing market is doing well in Evansville,” says Kendra Bisesi, a Realtor with Angel Team Realty. “It’s a great time to sell, and buyers generally see a wide range of pricing within each area of town.” Most homes cost around $200,000, which is half the cost of the median property in the U.S. Prices range from as low as $20,000 for a two-bedroom bungalow fixer-upper to upwards of $800,000 for a five-bedroom Colonial Revival near downtown. New construction is moving into the eastern corner of the city, centered around the commercial hubs of the east side.
Historic Evansville homes often feature detached garages and small lawns with paved entryways.
In Evansville you'll see price points range from the low $100,000s to upwards of $300,000 for Colonial Revival homes.
1/2
City parks and waterfront views of the Ohio River
Evansville operates 46 parks, covering more than 1,600 acres. Wesselman Woods is the largest, spanning 200 acres and considered the biggest urban old-growth forest in the country. Visitors can view wildlife or visit the nature center's educational exhibits. Sunset Park is another option, with waterfront views of the Ohio River and access to a skatepark, playground and the Pigeon Creek Greenway Passage. It was developed in 2021 as part of the riverside renewal efforts. Bally’s Evansville, Indiana’s first casino, is less than a mile from downtown, offering slot machines, arcade games and overnight accommodation along the riverfront. Baseball fans can catch a game at Bosse Field, the third-oldest active ballpark in the country and home to the independent Evansville Otters. The Ford Center hosts basketball games, hockey games and concerts. Mesker Park Zoo is on the west side, with 700 animals for viewing. The city experiences all four seasons, with hot summers and cold winters averaging 15 inches of snowfall. On the east side, Swonder Ice Arena maintains winter sports year-round, with public skating and sessions for hockey or figure skating. Evansville maintains three city-owned golf courses.
Bosse Field in Diamond-Stringtown is the third oldest baseball field still in use today.
Mesker Park Zoo is the perfect place to bring your family for a day of animal fun.
1/2
Annual events and the West Side Nut Club Fall Festival
The West Side Nut Club Fall Festival is the largest annual event, attracting more than 200,000 during the first whole week of October. It’s hosted by the West Side Nut Club – a group of elected officers established in 1921 to oversee the growth of the western Evansville community. Visitors can enjoy live music, food and a parade finale along Franklin Street. “It’s one of the biggest street festivals in the country and raises a generous amount yearly for local charities,” says Bisesi. Haynie's Corner Arts District hosts over 20 events per year, including the Midwest Dragon Boat Racing Festival in June. August's Volksfest is a long-standing celebration of German culture along Fulton Avenue.
West Side Nut Club Festival brings out live music acts for all to enjoy.
Play your favorite carnival games at the West Side Nut Club Festival.
1/2
Eastside commercial hubs and local shops downtown
Most residents shop on the east side, where commercial hubs such as Eastland Mall and Lloyd Crossing are located. Retailers range from grocers like Wal-Mart and Ruler Foods to big-box stores like Target, Sam’s Club and Costco. Local boutiques, like Sixth and Zero or Honey Moon Coffee offer a curated selection of artisan soaps, apparel and novelties. For a meal out on the town, locals can choose between fast food chains and a wide selection of family-owned eateries in downtown Evansville. The Hilltop Inn serves an Ohio River Valley specialty: traditional fried pork brain sandwiches. It has been a community staple since 1839.
Diamond-Stringtown residents can shop at Target for their daily needs.
Angie's home made works of art are sold at her shop in Lamasco along Franklin Street.
1/2
Education at Evansville Vanderburgh Schools
Evansville families are zoned for Evansville Vanderburgh Schools, which earns an overall B rating from the educational review site Niche. The district serves over 21,000 students in 22 elementary, eight middle and seven high school options. Private options like Reitz Memorial High School and Mater Dei High School are also available. Another alternative is Signature School, ranked by Niche as the Best Charter High School in Indiana. Post-graduation, students can pursue higher education degrees at the University of Evansville, a private school on the east side, or the University of Southern Indiana, a larger public institution to the west of the city.
Central High School is an above average, public school located in EVANSVILLE, IN.
Benjamin Bosse High School scored an overall B- on niche.com.
1/2
Traversing Evansville and access to U.S. I-69
U.S. Route 41 and the Lloyd Expressway intersect at the heart of the city, connecting to neighboring areas and Interstate 69. “Evansville is conveniently located within a few hours of several major cities like Indianapolis, Louisville, Nashville and St. Louis, so traveling is a breeze,” adds Bisesi. The Metropolitan Evansville Transit System provides public rides, bus routes and a trolley along Main Street. Evansville Regional Airport is to the north, offering daily flights to major U.S. hubs like Atlanta and several direct flights. For healthcare, the Deaconess Midtown Hospital is on the east side. It has been ranked as the second-best hospital for Critical Care in Indiana by U.S. News & World Report for the past seven years.
Crime and environmental concerns
According to FBI data, Evansville experiences higher property and violent crime rates than the United States in general. In 2023, the Evansville Police Department reported significantly more violent incidents than the national average. The Environmental Protection Agency monitors the soil of residential properties in Vanderburgh County for lead and arsenic. The EPA replaces soil in contaminated yards for free, and the county Health Department tests kids for contamination upon request – a service they recommend for those who live in homes built before 1978. The six coal power plants within 30 miles of the city occasionally affect air quality. The area also has a risk of tornadoes; the last major deadly one was in 2005. Many homes have basements, which offer protection from high winds.
With over three decades of dedicated service in real estate, I bring a wealth of experience and a genuine passion for helping clients achieve their property goals. Whether it's guiding first-time buyers through the excitement of finding their dream home or assisting sellers in navigating the complexities of the market, I've thrived on delivering successful outcomes time and again.
My journey in real estate has been multifaceted, having served as an office owner, sales manager, and real estate trainer. These roles have equipped me with a diverse skill set that I enthusiastically share with my clients, ensuring they benefit from my years of industry knowledge.
As the proud Team Leader of The Eagleson Team, we've consistently delivered exceptional results, assisting over 160 individuals in buying and selling homes with a combined sales volume exceeding $35 million last year alone. This accomplishment solidifies our position as the leading team at Keller Williams Capital Realty in terms of volume, a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence.
Having lived my entire life in Evansville, I possess an intimate understanding of the local landscape, including the intricacies of the school systems and the unique offerings of the area. From the renowned EVSC and WCSC to the vibrant university scene featuring the University of Evansville and USI, I take pride in being a resource for clients seeking insight into our community.
Beyond real estate, I embrace the rich cultural tapestry of Evansville. Whether it's cheering on basketball games at the Ford Center, supporting our beloved minor league teams like the Evansville Otters and Thunderbolts, or tending to my garden, I'm deeply ingrained in the fabric of our city's culture. Additionally, I enjoy staying active by walking and biking along the scenic greenway at Evansville's riverfront, immersing myself in the natural beauty that surrounds us.
And when I'm not immersed in real estate or enjoying the outdoors, you'll likely find me indulging in my love for gardening, cultivating a peaceful oasis right in my backyard.
Evansville isn't just a place I call home—it's a community I'm proud to be a part of, and I'm eager to extend a warm welcome to anyone considering a move to this wonderful area. Let me be your guide as you embark on your journey to discover the countless reasons why Evansville is an exceptional place to live.
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.
