Planted among vast Indiana farmland, Gaston is a small town about 20 minutes from the heart of Muncie. The first settlers arrived in the 1830s and carved paths from the swampy wilderness, which later became fertile ground for crops. “It’s a farming community, and there are a lot of repetitive families,” says Brenda Ragland, a resident of 50 years and a real estate agent with Real Living Property House. “I just sold a house to a guy whose father lived in a house on that same street," Ragland says. "It’s a lot of people returning to where they came from.”
Gaston is bisected by Elm and Sycamore Streets.
Family farms surround the areas around Gaston.
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Homes are hard to come by in Gaston
Some of the bungalows, farmhouses and ranch-style homes in Gaston are more than 150 years old. However, limited inventory and low turnover mean homes are hard to come by. “Anything that goes up for sale in this area, if it’s priced right, it won’t stay on the market for a week. The next day, it’ll be gone,” Ragland says. “If you see a house and you want it, by George, you better have your preapproval ready because if you like it, it’ll be gone.” Fixer-uppers can range from $10,000 to $60,000, while small two- or three-bedroom homes cost between $80,000 and $150,000. Larger homes on roomy parcels can range from $180,000 to $250,000. Outside of town, rural properties on multiple acres with room for farm equipment and workshops can cost between $200,000 and $450,000.
Gaston homes tend to occupy modest lots with mature trees.
Larger homes in Gaston come with larger lots.
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Wes-Del Community Schools are STEM certified
Wes-Del Community Schools Corporation integrated STEM into its curriculum at all levels. Wes-Del Elementary, rated C-plus by Niche, is home to a STEM Lab featuring 3D printers and a laser engraver. Wes-Del Middle/High, rated B-minus, has an Innovation Lab and Studio, where enterprising digital creatives can utilize state-of-the-art computers to edit video and design graphics.
Wes-Del Elementary students attend grades Kindergarten through 5th.
Wes-Del Middle/High School is recognized for its STEM program.
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Ice cream flights at The Barking Cow
Shopping and dining options in town are limited, but residents take pride in supporting their local businesses. The Barking Cow serves scoops of homemade ice cream alongside a savory menu of burgers, sandwiches and wraps. Adventurous eaters can tackle the Pig Trough Challenge: five scoops of ice cream atop a layer of Oreos, a brownie and soft serve, plus all the fixings. Challengers have 30 minutes to finish and, if they survive, earn a free T-shirt. Mill Street Inn is another local favorite, offering a menu of rotating blue-plate specials and Pizza King pies. Residents grab essentials at Dollar General, but Muncie has more options for shopping and dining. Meijer is the closest grocery store, about 15 minutes away.
The Barking Cow offers Gaston residents a place for ice cream.
New Corner Bar is located in the Mill Street Inn in Gaston.
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Hiking and biking on the Cardinal Greenway
Gaston is the northernmost point on the Cardinal Greenway, a 62-mile multiuse trail that stretches across Indiana from Marion to Richmond. The scenic path follows an old railroad corridor and sprawls across five counties, making it the longest rail-trail in Indithe stateana. Manuel Lykins Park, the town’s only green space, received major upgrades in 2024. Newly constructed pickleball courts and a new basketball court complement the existing playground and community center, which serves as a gathering place for residents. The American Legion and the Gaston Lions Club are popular after-work hangout spots for locals.
Cardinal Greenway offers Gaston residents 62 miles of hiking and biking trail.
Lykins Park in Gaston includes a community center.
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Demo derbies and chicken dinners at the Gaston Fair
The three F’s — faith, family and farming — are central to everyday life in Gaston. The area has six churches, many of which serve as resource centers and gathering places. In 2017, Ragland organized Brenda’s Closet, a clothing pantry in Gaston Community Church. “I started working on it, but I got really sick and went into a coma,” Ragland says. “When I got better and went back about six months later, all the clothes that were there were already hung up and placed by the women in the church. I asked for help in 2017, and it just keeps going.” Locals also gather at spots like the American Legion or the Gaston Lions Club for activities and events. “The American Legion has a lot of stuff like a raffle drawing,” Ralgand says. “You’ll know what night they have their drawing because their parking lot overflows.” One of the most anticipated celebrations of the year is the Gaston Lions Club Fair, a four-day affair with vendors, a pageant and grandstand events like a demolition derby. Snagging a barbecue chicken dinner on the first night of the festival is a must. Brenda’s Closet hosts a Christmas giveaway during the second weekend in December.
Locals drive 20 minutes to Muncie
Sidewalks line a few of the streets, but residents rely on cars to get around. Interstate 69 is easily accessible from U.S. Route 35, and the closest hospital is IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital, about 20 minutes away in Muncie.
Written By
Leslie Klosterman
Photography Contributed By
Kenyon Gerbrandt
Video By
Conar McDaniel
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Matt Glentzer,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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