Hanover is a sleepy river town with a historic private college
The small town of Hanover, Indiana, is home to 3,500 people and a private university on the west bank of the Ohio River. “Hanover is a little farming community, but the college has also been a draw to the area for over 100 years,” says area native Scott Lynch, owner and broker at the F.C. Tucker Scott Lynch Group. “In recent years, it’s become a bedroom community for Louisville, Kentucky, since it’s about an hour north. There’s no real industry to speak of — that’s all up the river in Madison, so it’s stayed very rural. There are some homes, a post office and a grocery store. That’s about all there is to it.”
Ranch-style homes and cottages in quiet, wooded neighborhoods
Ranch-style homes, many built between 1940 and 1980, and older cottages from the turn of the century can be found on quiet, wooded streets. Prices start around $125,000 to $150,000. “There’s been some new construction on a couple of subdivisions lately as well,” Lynch says. The newer properties are often ranch-style homes, with Modern Traditionals in the mix. “Three Bends is the more affordable of the two areas, costing around $250,000. Over in Jefferson Manor, they’ll be pricing in the high-$300,000s and low-$400,000s.”
Hanover College adds the appeal of history to small school district
Founded in 1827, Hanover College is a major draw for the area. The campus sits on the west side of town along the banks of the Ohio River, with about 1,000 undergraduates and 35 majors. “Lots of people who move here started out at the college,” Lynch says. “They have fond memories, and they want to move back.” Younger students in Hanover attend Southwestern Elementary School, rated B by Niche. Southwestern Middle School receives a C-plus, and Southwestern Senior High gets a B-minus.
Highways 56 and 62 lead to Madison and Louisville, Kentucky
A pair of two-lane country highways serve as the main commuter lanes. “Highway 62 takes you from Hanover straight down to Louisville, which is about an hour trip,” Lynch says. Louisville is home to the closest international airport. The closest medical center, Carroll County Memorial Hospital, is also in Kentucky, albeit in the opposite direction. “Highway 56 goes the other way, east to Carroll County in Kentucky, which is a common commute for work. Most local industry is in Madison, which is about 6 miles up the road.”
The Ohio River and recreation facilities offer year-round fun
Hanover Park on the south side of town has several baseball diamonds, tennis courts and walking trails. Just down Clifford Duke Drive is Butler Falls, a public 18-hole golf course. The college’s campus also offers recreational amenities, including tennis courts, baseball fields and trails through the woods to the river. “Being right on the river is another draw for the area,” Lynch says. “Fishing, canoeing and kayaking are all big in the summer. And the deer hunting around town is great — just what you’d expect from a rural place in Indiana.”
Limited options in town, with more options a short trip upriver
While Pride Supermarkets, Dollar General and CVS are all available in town, residents of Hanover will likely need to travel for more extensive selections. “Hanover doesn’t have anything like a shopping district, just a couple of small food places along the highway,” Lynch says. “Most of the shopping is over in Madison, where they have a Walmart and one of the largest historic districts in the country.” The Madison Historic District is home to restaurants like the Off Broadway Taproom and Red on Main, but those who prefer to stay in Hanover for the evening can order takeout from Jendy’s Pizzeria or enjoy some homestyle cooking at Grumpy’s Diner.
