Union-Jasper Co

Located in the heart of the Midwest, Union-Jasper County in Roselawn, Indiana offers a unique blend of rural tranquility, natural beauty and small-town charm. This region is distinguished by its extensive green pastures and fertile farmland. It's conveniently about a 40-minute drive to Merrillville and just under an hour to Valparaiso. In Union-Jasper, residents will find open space for a bit of breathing room, family owned and operated businesses, and a rich sense of community engagement.

Long stretches of grasslands and woodlands border the main thoroughfares, including U.S. I-65 and U.S. 231, which both span the length of the township. Densely forested areas on the cozy secondary streets encircle well-kept ranch-style homes and farmhouses. Residents primarily rely on personal vehicles to navigate the area. During leisurely drives through the countryside, it’s common to see residences with horses galloping about. Home prices range from $260,000 and reach up to $765,000. Large lots and acres of land are also viable purchase options, ranging from half an acre to 20 acres. Plots of land cost roughly between $14,000 and $210,000.

Although residents have their private backyards to enjoy nature, Brightstone Lake offers a respite fit for camping, fishing and waterfront views. Residents can go out on the water with their personal canoes, paddle along the calm waters and soak in the scenic sky views against the lake’s reflection. For fishing enthusiasts, there are bass, crappie, perch and more. “We wanted to create a fun getaway right in our community,” says joint-owner Eric Roosma. “When we go on vacation, we stay in places similar to the ones we’re building. So, we thought we’d bring that to our own community.” Currently, camping and fishing are a favorite pastime on the lake. Cabins are 700-1,000 square feet with ornate wood trimmings and wood fireplaces. “I was born and raised here,” says Roosma. “And I wanted to bring an oasis to my hometown. We’re rooted in the community.”

Nearby Fair Oaks Park provides traditional play areas, while Fair Oaks Farms provides 40 acres of activities for all ages, including the exciting Cowtoberfest held in early October. The event features highly anticipated activities such as pumpkin carving and a pumpkin weigh-off and is hosted by Food Network stars Jon Neill and David Smith from the show Halloween Wars. Additionally, the free event offers apple picking, bounce houses and train rides for kids. By their admission, the residents are dog lovers. To celebrate their pooches, the Dog-A-Palooza event, which is also located at Fair Oaks Farms, brings together furry friends and their humans for a day of adventure. The event happens in June and the funds are donated to local animal shelters. The lineup includes a 2K Dog Walk and an amateur dog show.

Union-Jasper residents have the choice of sending their school-age children to private and public schools. Rensselaer Central Primary School and Rensselaer Middle School, which both earn an overall Niche score of a B provide a strong educational foundation before moving on to Rensselaer Central High School, which earns an overall Niche score of B-minus, with teachers and diversity earning the highest accolades. Rensselaer Central High celebrates a student-led podcast and media club, called Bomber TV, which also has its own YouTube channel.

The culinary scene nods to the rural environment in which it sits. Farmhouse Restaurant located on the compound of Fair Oaks Farms is vibrant, stately and hard to miss. The farmhouse barn is decorated with a wall-to-ceiling brick fireplace and wagon wheel light fixtures. The outdoor patio has an inviting stone fireplace. The menu highlights the Espresso Crusted Pork Ribeye, Pecan-Crusted Walleye, Fair Oaks Farms’ Mac N Cheese and Fair Oaks Farms Ice Cream. Pour House Bar & Grill keeps residents entertained until 3 a.m. Residents can stay late, play pool, order up a pizza and have a beer.

For retail shopping, Restored Resale offers unique second-hand finds, while Save a Lot sells produce and pantry essentials. The community prides itself on agriculture appreciation, by supporting local businesses such as Windy Ridge Dairy, Iroquois Swine Breeders and Ed Regan Printing Machinery Movers.

Residents who need additional retail needs, shopping and entertainment, they can visit nearby Valparaiso.

Written By

LaTasha James

Video By

Timothy Cerva