Goodland is an Indiana agricultural town known for its music festival
Goodland, long ago named for the quality of its soil, offers attractive rural living in northwest Indiana. This quaint community of fewer than 1,000 is nestled amid the farmland of Newton County, roughly 100 miles from both Chicago and Indianapolis. Goodland is typical of small-town America in many ways, from its several churches to the annual summer musical festival held to benefit veterans. The community also offers an appealing combination of agriculture and industry that anchors a thriving economy.
Agriculture, manufacturing the focus of local businesses
Keystone Cooperative is an agricultural services company located in Goodland. “The town is in an area that is very strong for corn and soybeans,” says Terri Phegley of Cornerstone Real Estate Agency in Rensselaer, “so agriculture is their big thing.” Other featured businesses include Useful Products, a packaging firm founded in 1974; the corporate offices of Adkev Inc., a plastics fabrication company; and 3D Machine, which specializes in contract manufacturing.
Small-town Indiana housing market with good prices
Large Victorians stand out among the collection of historic homes that grace the town’s quiet streets. A diverse mix of housing also includes a variety of Colonial-style homes, bungalows and midcentury ranch-style homes. Historic homes date as far back as the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and several of the older homes have recently been renovated. Lush lawns are common, and ranches offer larger lots. Sidewalks in the heart of town add to the walkability. Prices range from about $65,000 to about $250,000. “Goodland is similar to Brook and Morocco, also in Newton County,” Phegley says. “Good prices, but they wouldn’t have the value of homes in Kentland.” Goodland’s CAP Index crime score of 1-out-of-10 signifies a community with the lowest possible crime rate. Residents can expect hot summers with plenty of rain and cold winters with plenty of snow.
Goodstock Music Festival benefits the area's veterans
Foster Park is a community green space in the heart of town. The park hosts the town’s signature event, the annual Goodstock Music Festival. Proceeds from the summer concert are used to help area veterans and raise awareness of related issues such as homelessness and suicide. “They’ve down that for years, and people come from all around,” Phegley says. “It’s a typical small-town festival with a beer garden, food and entertainment. It makes a lot of money for veterans. It’s very important to that town.” The Goodland & Grant Township Public Library hosts other community events. Emmett Jones Field is a popular gathering place anchored by a lighted baseball diamond, and there’s a community fishing pond that is “great for kids and families,” Phegley says.
Trio of above-average schools are located on a single campus nearby
Three schools make up the South Newton School Corporation, a district that earns a B from Niche. The schools are located on a single, sprawling campus about 8 miles away. South Newton Elementary is rated C-plus by Niche. South Newton Middle School is rated B-minus. South Newton High School is rated B. “They offer all sports and a lot of different clubs,” Phegley says. “It’s a good, well-rounded school system.” The high school features chapters for Future Farmers of America and Future Business Leaders of America. Students can attend schools in another district, but parents must provide transportation for any approved transfers.
The town of Kentland is the "go-to" for shopping and dining
Residents can grab essentials at the Dollar General in town and get gas across the street for trips to surrounding communities. Kentland and Remington are each about 8 miles away. Kentland has a Murphy’s Food King and a wider variety of dining options than Remington, which features an IGA. “Residents would go to Kentland more than anywhere else,” Phegley says. “They might travel to Rensselaer, but Kentland would be their go-to.”
U.S. 24 connects to Kentland, regional hospital in Illinois
U.S. Route 24 runs through the heart of town and connects residents to Kentland and Remington. Iroquois Memorial Hospital is about a 25-mile drive via U.S. 24. It is located across the border in Watseka, Illinois, but there is an outpatient clinic in Kentland. Interstate 65 is about 10 miles away, and it provides convenient access to Chicago and Indianapolis, the region’s premier metropolitan centers.
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Matt Pallister
