Paoli is a rural community in southern Indiana
The seat of Orange County, Paoli is a small town established in 1816 and centered around a square home to a historic courthouse and surrounded by local shops. Though the town hasn’t experienced much residential growth in recent decades, there’s a Walmart and a county hospital within the community, which are major convenience factors for some. About 50 miles from Louisville, Paoli is surrounded by outdoor recreation, including hiking trails, Paoli Peaks ski resort and Patoka Lake.
Lots of 19th- and 20th-century homes, few newer builds
Craftsman cottages near the town square, usually from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, often feature covered front porches and spacious front lawns. Farther out from the town center, ranch-style homes and split-levels, including some manufactured properties, date to the latter half of the 20th century. Newer homes are relatively rare, though some minimal traditional properties have been added in the last 10 years. Home prices range from $50,000 to $350,000, though fixer-uppers can sell for less. “Housing prices have gone up recently,” says Rosemary Trinkle, a lifelong Paoli resident, broker and owner of Rosemary Trinkle Real Estate Group. “The town wants to stay small, so there’s not much building. Since housing is limited, when people put their property up, they get the price they want.” Empty lots sell for between $8,000 and $135,000 for up to 10 acres.
Community parks, plus nearby hiking, fishing and skiing
Paoli Community Park is one of the main gathering spaces for local families, with playgrounds and several athletic fields that host youth sports leagues. “There’s always lots of cars out front with kids playing softball and baseball,” Trinkle says. “It’s always busy.” The other baseball diamond in the area is at Jay Cee Ball Park. Marea Radcliff Rest Park, on the banks of Lick Creek, has a playground and picnic structure. On Paoli’s east side, Green Acres Golf Course has a nine-hole layout open to the public. Pioneer Mothers’ Memorial Forest, an 88-acre oak-hickory preserve within the larger Hoosier National Forest, borders Paoli to the south, making it a popular destination for hiking. Locals travel about 25 miles to Patoka Lake, the second-largest reservoir in Indiana, for fishing and boating, while the Paoli Peaks ski resort is a few miles away.
Local schools offer STEM and agricultural programs
Throop Elementary earns a B-minus from Niche and includes dedicated STEM studios with 3D printers and other educational technology. The C-plus-rated Paoli Junior-Senior High’s Farm to Table program helps produce fresh pork and vegetables used to make lunches at the elementary school. The animal science students raise pigs together, while the horticulture class grows fresh produce, and the agriculture business class helps facilitate the sale of these products back to the school.
Local shops and restaurants near the center of town
In the center of town is the Paoli Courthouse, surrounded by local restaurants and a few shops. The nearby El Compadre is a local favorite for Mexican food, while Porky's BBQ of Paoli serves southern classics with lots of outdoor seating. Lost River Co-op & Café offers locally sourced meats and produce, along with fresh sandwiches. There’s also a Walmart on the community’s north side.
Located at the intersection of three highways
Paoli is located at the intersection of Route 150, Highway 37 and Highway 56. Louisville, the nearest city, is under 50 miles away on Route 150. Indiana University Health Paoli Hospital is the only major medical center in the surrounding area. Louisville International Airport is about 55 miles away.
The Annual Paoli Fall Festival starts at the end of August
The annual Paoli Fall Festival takes place over three days in late August at Jay Cee Park. In addition to carnival rides and games, the celebration includes craft vendors, food trucks and live music, ending in a community parade down Main Street.
