$276,436Average Value$158Average Price per Sq Ft48Homes For Sale
Interstate access could key growth spurt between Bloomington and Indy
At one point in the early 1900s, Martinsville was known as one of the country's top three sources of mineral water. Reminders of that identity remain even though that’s no longer the case — a prominent downtown sign proudly declares Martinsville the “City of Mineral Water,” and the lone high school’s mascot is the Artesians. Today, Martinville’s economy is more tied to the highway that runs through it than the streams that flow through it. Interstate 69, connecting 40 miles north to Indianapolis and 20 miles south to Bloomington, reached completion in 2024 following a decade-long construction project. This newfound commuter convenience presents an opportunity for this town, where the population has hovered around 12,000 residents since 1990, to grow into a new identity. “We’re kind of in this niche where commuting is super easy for everybody, but Martinsville hasn’t been fully discovered yet,” says Michelle Chandler, Realtor and co-owner of the Shelia and Michelle Team. “We just sit in the heart of everywhere you want to go.”
From old homes on city blocks to large properties in the country
Residents categorize Martinsville homes in two ways: "in town" or "out of town." "Town" is the more established part of Martinsville, where houses sit on gridded streets with smaller city-sized lots. These homes date from the late 19th century to the mid-20th century, and many are bungalows. Houses in the more rural northernmost portion of Martinsville have more elbow room between them, ranging from multi-acre wooded lots to large contemporary houses beside Fish Hatchery Lake, Foxcliff Lake and Foxcliff Golf Club. Homes located in town are typically at the lower end of the area’s price range, with small cottages in need of some updates starting at around $110,000. Homes out of town with more land and square footage could sell for as high as $2 million. The median home price in Martinsville is about $30,000 more than in Indianapolis and $50,000 less than in Bloomington.
Although the city’s property crime rate is slightly above the national average, its violent crime rate is well below.
Craftsman style new build homes lining E York St in Martinsville.
A rambler next to a bungalow on S Main St in Martinsville.
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Martinsville High features student-produced broadcasting program
The Metropolitan School District of Martinsville earns a B-rating from Niche. Kindergarten through fourth-grade students attend one of seven elementary schools before advancing to Bell Intermediate Academy for fifth and sixth grades. John R. Wooden Middle School, named for Martinsville’s most well-known native son, incorporates Wooden’s Pyramid of Success into its curriculum. Martinsville High has a student-produced, FCC-licensed TV station that also broadcasts Artesian sporting events.
North Elementary School in Martinsville serves grades PK-2.
Bell Intermediate Academy
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Fisheries play unique role in local economy
Ozark Fisheries has a sprawling complex of ponds north of town and is the oldest continuously operating private goldfish and koi farm in the United States. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources also operates a fish hatchery, raising fish to be released throughout the state’s lakes and streams. Though the fisheries are unique to Martinsville, the city’s largest private employers include IU Health Morgan Hospital, Walmart Supercenter and novelty sock-maker For Bare Feet. The city and county governments and the Metropolitan School District of Martinsville are also prominent area employers.
Ozark Fisheries is another large employer in Martinsville.
Ozark Fisheries has a plethora of ponds on the property in Martinsville.
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A thriving downtown of locally owned businesses
Martinsville’s downtown square is a thriving shopping and dining district in the blocks surrounding City Hall and the Morgan County Courthouse. “You could literally just walk around the square and go from store to store,” Chandler says. “And they’re all small mom-and-pop businesses owned by people within the community.” Martinsville Candy Kitchen, a soda shop and candy store in operation since 1919, is one of the town’s most enduring businesses. An array of national chain restaurants and stores are found along the I-69 corridor.
Downtown Martinsville is lined with charming two-story historic buildings.
I love pizza; try the lunch buffet at Mr Gatti's Pizza in Martinsville.
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Parks and golf courses reflect the rolling hills of Southern Indiana
The nearly 25,000 acres of Morgan-Monroe State Forest are just 5 miles south of Martinsville. Morgan-Monroe is open for boating, fishing, hunting, hiking and even gold-panning. Jimmy Nash City Park is the gem of Martinsville’s park system, with multiple picnic shelters and playgrounds amid a landscape that serves as a proper introduction to the rolling hills of southern Indiana. A pair of public golf courses, Martinsville Golf Club and Foxcliff Golf Club, also take advantage of the local topography, which begins changing dramatically from the flatlands of Central Indiana.
Kids head to the play structure at Martinsville City Park after school.
Martinsville City Park has a pool, playground and pickleball courts.
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High school sports play a large role in local culture
High school sports have been a big deal in Martinsville for over a century. John Wooden was a basketball star at Martinsville High in the 1920s before playing at Purdue University and then coaching UCLA to a record 10 NCAA men’s basketball national championships in the 1960s and ‘70s. Many residents can simply walk to games on Friday or Saturday nights. Big-time college athletics are a short drive away – sporting events at Indiana University are just 20 miles south of town, and it’s not unusual for Martinsville hotels to fill up on weekends when the Hoosiers are playing at home. Major annual Martinsville events include the Morgan County Fair and the Fall Foliage Festival.
John R Wooden Middle School
Students heavily use the athletic fields behind Martinsville High School.
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Important to know
The legacy of one of the most notorious hate crimes in Indiana history — the 1968 killing of a 20-year-old Black woman who was selling encyclopedias door-to-door — affected the city’s reputation for decades as the case remained unsolved. In 2001, an out-of-towner who was traveling through Martinsville at the time of the murder was finally apprehended and charged with the crime. The town’s population was 99% white in the 2000 U.S. Census, compared to 95% in the 2020 Census.
Written By
Alex Hickey
Photography Contributed By
Jack Adams
Video By
Nick Seitz
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Amber Wilson,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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On average, homes in Martinsville, IN sell after 54 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Martinsville, IN over the last 12 months is $229,000, up 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This home offers all of the charm, and sustainability you can imagine! As you walk into the front entrance you're welcomed with natural lighting and a spacious great room and dining layout. With a split floor plan, you will see the master bed and bath on one end of the home, and two bedrooms with a full bath on the other end. A large yard with room to roam and relax, and fully fenced for privacy!
Adorable newly built chateau with gorgeous views of the lake! This three-bedroom, two full bathrooms, and one half bath, offers a blend of modern living and serene surroundings. The home has an open concept on the main level which provides a functional layout for a family. The kitchen is truly a chef's dream; SS appliances and boasting stone countertops that provide ample workspace, and a large
Step into a piece of local history with this iconic family-owned limestone farmhouse, a rare blend of timeless charm and modern updates! Designed for flexibility, this ranch with a walkout basement features two primary suites-one on each level-perfect for in-law quarters or multi-generational living. The open kitchen, dining, and great room flow makes entertaining effortless, anchored by two
Prepare to be wowed! With 5 bedrooms, 3 bath, Huge sunroom, outdoor kitchen, inground pool all on 6 acres!! This is where your dreams of a life well-lived begin! The kitchen is ready for your culinary adventures, boasting shaker cabinets that add a touch of modern elegance and a stylish backsplash that brings a pop of personality to the space. Imagine creating memorable meals here, surrounded
This is your opportunity to build your forever home in this Fantastic subdivision. If you desire to build your dream home in an area that is conveniently located out of town but close to everything, but yet surrounded by mother nature then look no further. City water, city sewer and all utilities.
This is your opportunity to build your forever home in this Fantastic subdivision. If you desire to build your dream home in an area that is conveniently located out of town but close to everything, yet surrounded by mother nature then look no further. City water, city sewer and all utilities.
2 Bed/1 Bath Duplex. Tenant pays electric. Washer/Dryer hook-up. Large front and back yard. $925/mo and $900 deposit. Small pets only. Breed restrictions apply. $300 non-refundable pet deposit and $25/additional monthly pet fee, per pet. Max 2 pets. If interested, send inquiry and application will be provided. Tours provided after approved application.
2 bed/1 bath duplex with car port and large front and back yard. Tenant pays electric. Small pet considered with pet deposit and additional monthly pet fee. Washer/Dryer hook-up. $900 deposit due at lease signing. Applicants will be contacted via email address provided. Tours permitted after approved application.
2 Bed/1 Bath 725 sq foot duplex Tenant pays electric No Washer/Dryer Hook-Up. Please send an inquiry and application will then be sent via email address provided.
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