North Vernon blends city and farm life
With miles of surrounding farmland in every direction and a population of about 6,600, North Vernon may seem like a quiet small town. However, the city has recently seen an increase in housing construction and commercial development, bringing more action to the otherwise rural landscape. “In the last few years, we’ve had great leaders who are pushing a vision of growth in the community,” says Realtor Tyler Stock with Coldwell Banker, who has sold in North Vernon for over 9 years. “There are more investments from national franchises, as well as small businesses, that are bringing the town to life.” The area is centrally located between three major cities: Cincinnati, Louisville and Indianapolis. With urban hubs nearby and a steady expansion of infrastructure in town, North Vernon is becoming a coveted home base for many Hoosiers.
An expanding park system adds opportunities to get outdoors
North Vernon offers plenty of recreation options, from trails in nature reserves to boating and fishing on the Muscatatuck River. The Quarry Adventure Park recently completed its first phase of construction, which implemented elevated walking trails overlooking the bright blue reservoir below. “It makes you feel like you’re not in Indiana,” Stock says. The next phase will include a new playground and a campsite. City Park is the central gathering space in town with a playground, tennis courts and baseball fields that host travel league tournaments. The park also has an outdoor pool, a children’s play area and waterslides. An old golf course was converted into Tripton Park, which has an amphitheater for events, a playground and a disc golf course. The city received a nearly $4 million grant in July 2025 from the state to build bike and pedestrian trails that will connect these parks with downtown North Vernon.
Ranch-style, New Traditional and manufactured homes on the market
The housing market in North Vernon consists of single-family and manufactured homes. Midcentury ranch-style houses are common, and New Traditional architecture has become increasingly popular as builders construct more properties in the city. Some streets have a more suburban feel, where lots sit close together on cul-de-sacs. Properties often feature garages and driveways, so roads are wide open for children to play. Other areas are more secluded, with lots tucked far off quiet country roads. The overall median price is $175,000, though manufactured homes may sell as low as $25,000, and large properties on acreage can reach $650,000.
Mom-and-pop shops sit alongside big-box stores
A stretch of businesses on Walnut Street anchors downtown North Vernon. The road features numerous coffee shops, gyms and bars, like Miller’s Tavern. Other restaurants include Nash’s, which draws visitors from all over the county. “It’s probably the nicest restaurant in town for scratch-made food and cocktails,” Stock says. Brick Street Tavern is a classic for comfort food located on the small strip of East O and M Avenue that kept its original red-brick road. The area also has many nationally recognized chains and big-box stores, like Walmart, CVS and Jay C Food Store. “It’s one thing when people in your own community are investing in the town, and it’s another when big corporations believe in it and come here, too,” Stock says.
Education through the Jennings County School Corporation
Children may begin at North Vernon Elementary, which earns a C rating on Niche, before heading to Jennings County Middle, which scores a B-minus. Jennings County High has a C-plus and offers career and technical education programs in health sciences, advanced manufacturing and agriculture. Children may apply to any school outside their zone through the district’s school choice program. Private prekindergarten through eighth-grade education is available at St. Mary’s Catholic School, which hasn’t been rated by Niche.
Annual traditions bring spirit to the small town
The city and other local groups put on events throughout the year. The North Vernon Main Street organization works to foster community and economic growth. “It’s relatively new, and they started throwing a lot of events and programs, like a summer concert series on Walnut Street with a beer garden and food vendors,” Stock says. The city has three main Catholic churches that contribute to the community, as well. St. Mary’s Catholic Church hosts an annual festival the weekend after Labor Day with music, vendors and carnival rides. Over the holidays, residents gather downtown at dusk and into the night for a parade, a live nativity scene and visits with Santa during Christmas in the City.
Three main highways and access to health care
Indiana state routes 3 and 7 cut through North Vernon and facilitate most traffic throughout the area. Highway 50 also loops around the city. “They put in a Highway 50 bypass to get all the semi-trucks out of downtown,” Stock says. With Cincinnati, Louisville and Indianapolis all within about 70 miles, residents can choose between three international airports for commercial flights. Health care is available in the city at Ascension St. Vincent Jennings hospital.
