Kentland is a small Indiana town with a big focus on community
Nestled among the rich farmland of north Indiana near the Illinois border is Kentland, a small town that thinks big. Though agriculture is still significant, Kentland now prioritizes modern development to offer better amenities for residents. “It is a small town that is very community based,” says LaDonna Davidson of The Real Estate Shoppe LLC, who lives in Kentland. “We have a lot of local businesses and community funded programs.” Working with regional partners, the town has built a children’s park and raised more than $200,000 to renovate an existing park. Kentland’s opportunity zone task force organizes the town’s economic development efforts. The task force is the local arm of the federally funded Rural Opportunity Zone Initiative, under which the town has embarked on an ambitious, multi-phase project to build Thrive Intergenerational Wellness Campus.
Wonder Park is a small residential park with a new playground.
Kentland blends small-town charm with modern amenities, surrounded by Indiana’s rich farmland.
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Diverse housing mix includes Colonials, ranches and contemporary homes
Kentland offers a diverse mix of housing options. “We have all kinds of styles, from traditional farmhouses to Colonials to new, modern construction,” says Davidson, who adds that Kentland tends to attract more people than surrounding towns because it is bigger and has more amenities. Craftsman bungalows and Tudors can also be found among the community’s mostly older housing stock, and midcentury ranch-style homes add to the architectural diversity. Sidewalks add appealing walkability to quiet streets lined with mature trees. The town’s newest homes are a collection of ranch-style and contemporary designs with driveways and attached garages in the small subdivision of Eastmeare Estates. Prices typically range from around $60,000 for the smallest older homes to about $280,000 for larger homes on spacious lots. Kentland has a CAP Index Crime Score of 1 out of 10, lower than the national average of 4.
Attached garages and spacious lots are common in Kentland’s subdivisions.
Some single family homes in Kentland feature two car garages with large yards.
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Senior living center, park renovation part of community development
Thrive Intergenerational Wellness Campus is the first project of Kentland’s business development “prospectus.” The initial phase of the $4.5 million project included the construction of a privately funded senior living center. Autumn Trace offers independent living, assisted living and respite care. Renovating the adjacent Batton Park was the next step. “It has all-new playground equipment, a new bathroom and covered park benches,” Davidson says. Initial plans also called for a childcare center and medical facilities, but Davidson says those have yet to come to fruition. Across the street from Batton Park are athletic courts, the Kentland Community Center and the town swimming pool, better known as Blue Devil Lagoon. Cast Park is a large green space with a pond on the north side of town. Wonder Park on the south side of town is the community’s newest. “It is intended for younger children, so it’s an enclosed area with a lot of smaller equipment,” Davidson says.
Batton Park features a playgroud, basebaell fields, a covered pavilion, and more.
Cast Park has a colorful playground, a large open field, a sledding hill, and a pond.
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Three schools located on a single campus nearby
The community is served by the South Newton School Corporation, a district that earns a B from Niche and is one of the top local employers. Its three schools are conveniently located on a single, sprawling campus in outlying Kentland, about 4 miles from the heart of town. South Newton Elementary is rated C-plus, South Newton Middle School is rated B-minus and South Newton High School is rated B. The high school’s extracurricular offerings include 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.
South Newton Elementary School has 439 students with a student-teacher ratio of 14 to 1.
South Newton Senior High School has 241 students with a student-teacher ratio of 11 to 1.
South Newton Middle School has 189 students and serves grades 6-8.
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Shopping and dining options downtown and across the border in Illinois
The downtown district is anchored by the courthouse square. The post office, the hardware store and Murphy’s Food King are across the street. The bank and Downtown Lounge and Trattoria, a featured community dining destination, are nearby. More shopping and dining options are concentrated along 7th Street, also known as U.S. Route 41, and Seymour Street, also known as U.S. Route 24. "The town has a little bit of everything you'd need," Davidson says. "It’s also super convenient that we are so close to the state line, with the added convenience of a bigger town in Illinois like Watseka, which has a Super Walmart and a larger grocery store." Watseka is quickly accessible via U.S. 24.
Kentland locals gather at Downtown Lounge for Italian cuisine and community events.
Residents rely on the Kentland post office for mail and essential services.
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Highways offer access to work, cities such as Chicago and Indianapolis
U.S. 24 provides convenient travel to surrounding towns in both Indiana and Illinois. The highway provides access to Iroquois Memorial Hospital in Watseka, about 16 miles away. Kentland does have an Iroquois Memorial outpatient clinic. U.S. 41 provides access to regional destinations for those who work outside of the community. “If you are not one of our small-business owners, you’re probably driving to Lafayette, Lake County or even Kankakee, Illinois,” Davidson says. Chicago is about 85 miles away via U.S. 41. Interstate 65 is within 20 miles, offering access to Indianapolis, which is about a 100-mile drive. Residents can expect rain in the summer and snow in the winter, both of which impact travel times.
Iroquois Memorial Hospital provides essential care for Kentland residents.
IMH Medical Group provides services and offers outpatient care for Kentland residents.
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Written By
Matt Pallister
Photography Contributed By
EB Fox
Video By
Bob Yukich
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
LaDonna Davidson,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Kentland, IN sell after 49 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Kentland, IN over the last 12 months is $170,000, up 14% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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Cozy 2 story home with a full finished basement for game room, entertaining etc. Home has a nice eat in kitchen, dining room with built in corner cupboard, living room with brick fireplace and crown molding. 2 bedrooms down with 1 full bath and 1/2 bath. Upstairs has 2 bedrooms with built ins, lots of storage space and stool and sink bathroom. Appliances include gas range top, refrigerator,
Holy moly did this home go through a total transformation!! We are so excited to reveal all that has been done to this gorgeous updated home! The thoughtful design & layout is evident when you walk into the back door from the spacious garage. An oversized half bath w/storage PLUS a utility room w/laundry have been smartly added for the convenience of the home owner. As you progress into the heart
Welcome to 307 N Sixth St! This spacious 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath home offers an impressive 4,485 square feet of living space situated on a generous 0.4-acre lot. Inside, you'll find a comfortable family room and a welcoming living room featuring a cozy fireplace, perfect for gathering with family and friends. The home's expansive layout provides plenty of room to spread out, while abundant attic
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Move right in to this beautifully renovated 4 bedroom, 2 bath home where everything has been updated for modern comfort and peace of mind. Featuring all new mechanicals, an updated exterior, and a completely redesigned interior, this home offers the perfect blend of style and functionality. Step inside to discover fresh finishes throughout, including updated flooring, fixtures, kitchen and
INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY! This 3 unit, townhouse style property is fully occupied, well maintained, and income producing from the start of ownership. If you are looking to add to your portfolio or start investing in passive income opportunities, this is the property for you. Low maintenance, convenient location, and a high demand rental market will keep the income flowing. Call an agent today.
Looking for a home that offers a practical and functional layout with a large yard, plenty of storage AND flex space? This is the one! Check out the split floor plan, thoughtfully designed master suite, large guest bedrooms with separate bath, and cozy living room with fireplace. The kitchen boasts plenty of storage, and the large utility room or flex space has potential for added family room,
Investment Opportunity - Duplex or Single-Family Home, Your Choice! Currently zoned as a duplex, this versatile 2-story property offers multiple possibilities for investors, owner-occupants, or those looking for a multi-generational living arrangement. The main level features 2 bedrooms (one very small), a kitchen, and an ADA-accessible 3/4 bath with wheelchair ramp access. The upper level offers
COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY!! 1.55 acres with approximately 340 feet of US 41 frontage. This is a prime location for your business venture! Traffic count is HUGE on this US Highway that runs through the heart of Kentland, Indiana. Bring your business plan and build your dreams! Call an agent today.
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