Markleville is a quiet, rural region near Anderson
Markleville is a quiet town surrounded by farmland, where properties can exceed 10 acres. “It’s a really family-friendly area,” says Charlotte Cotton, Realtor with Re/Max Real Estate Solutions, who has worked in Madison County for about 5 years. “Because it’s rural, the lots are bigger for kids to run around.” Residents spend most of their free time at the community park, church or the only restaurant in town. For anything else, they travel about 10 miles to Anderson.
Community park and Mounds State Park offer outdoor recreation
Markleville Community Park features a playground, basketball court, baseball field and covered picnic tables. During the holidays, the park is filled with Christmas-themed light displays. Mounds State Park gets its name from 10 earthworks made by the Adena-Hopewell tribe. “I like the walking paths there,” Cotton says. There are about 6 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy to rugged terrain. People can also fish in the White River or go camping at the park. Residents can head into Anderson for an afternoon and visit the Anderson Museum of Art, where the permanent collection includes more than 650 pieces. During the fall, people can test their bravery at Indy Scream Park, which has six haunted houses and has been featured on USA Today.
Properties are more spread out farther from town
Oak and pine trees shade the grassy lawns within town limits, where some homes are just across the street from church. There are thin sidewalks along the roads. Lots get larger, and sidewalks disappear farther from town. Some properties are at least 10 acres. Most houses were built between the late 19th and mid-20th centuries, including Colonial Revivals, minimal traditional and ranch styles and split levels. There are some new traditional homes. Prices for a single-family house generally cost $100,000 to $650,000, although the larger end of that scale is made up of newer construction or multiacre properties. The median price is about $250,000. Some land is available, starting at about $15,000 for a quarter of an acre.
According to FEMA, parts of Markleville are in a Special Flood Hazard Area. Most mortgage lenders require flood insurance in the impacted areas.
South Madison Community Schools rated B or higher
Markleville is part of the South Madison Community School Corporation. Students start at East Elementary School, which earns a B-plus from Niche, before heading to Pendleton Heights Middle and High Schools. The middle school receives a B. At the high school, which scores a B-plus, career and technical education pathways include advanced manufacturing and arts, audio/video technology and communications.
Car-dependent Markleville is about 57 miles from Indianapolis
For the most part, residents rely on cars and country roads to get around. State Route 36, which doubles as Markleville’s Main Street, runs almost parallel to Interstate 69 and leads to Indianapolis, about 36 miles away. The closest emergency room is at Ascension St. Vincent Anderson, about a 10-mile drive. Indianapolis International Airport is about 57 miles away and offers nonstop service to over 50 destinations.
Markleville Jamboree is the most popular event in town
Markleville Jamboree is a weekend-long celebration of the community. Its programming includes an obstacle course, tractor show, food, live music and entertainment. The festivities end with a church service led by the churches of Markleville on Sunday morning. Other events throughout the year include an annual Easter egg hunt, Trunk N Treat and Christmas in Markleville, with vendors selling gifts, food and a chance to see Santa.
Residents dine at the only restaurant in town or go to Anderson
There is only one restaurant in Markleville: The Grill-A, which serves burgers, sandwiches, pizza and chicken tenders. “My friends love the food there,” Cotton says. Residents travel into Anderson for more options. The Lemon Drop is a locally owned burger joint known for its onion burger. Burro Loco is a Mexican restaurant that serves $5 margaritas on Thursdays. There are several chain restaurants as well. Dollar General sells some essentials in the Markleville area, but most people travel into Anerson to get groceries from Meijer. Target, Walmart and Lowe’s are about 8 miles away.
