Rural South Indiana community on the doorstep of outdoor gem
Located south of Bloomington, Indiana, Smithville-Sanders sits amid rolling farmland dotted by grazing cattle and a few agribusinesses. Exuding rural charm, these attached communities have no stoplights, and their landmarks include a church and a red brick Tudor Revival building that was once a fraternal hall. “It’s a very close community, where people truly care about their neighbors,” says Leeanna Powell, the children’s minister at the Smithville Christian Church. “We just had 16 inches of snow, and I didn’t see a driveway that wasn’t helped by a neighbor to plow or shovel. It’s very much a small community feel with people who are very intentional on getting to know their neighbors.” Nearby, the 11,000-acre expanse of the Lake Monroe reservoir holds the distinction of being the largest man-made lake in Indiana. Along with the adjacent Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park resort at the bottom end of the community, it’s a major attraction for visitors and locals alike.
Smithville-Sanders sits amid rolling farmland dotted by grazing cattle and a few agribusinesses.
Cattle and horse ranches sprawl across the scenic landscape of Smithville-Sanders.
1/2
Craftsman bungalows and ranch-style houses with room
The densest pocket of housing is in the heart of Smithville-Sanders, where Craftsman bungalows and ranch-style houses exist around institutions like the Smithville Christian Church, post office and Red Men Hall. Although this area doesn’t have the space of the surrounding farmland, some properties still make ample room for patches of mature trees and yard decor. More housing exists closer to Lake Monroe, where prospective buyers will find a community of condominiums near Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park and the Golf Club at Eagle Pointe. Depending on size and proximity to the water, most of these condos run between $100,000 and $250,000. Otherwise, the area’s smaller homes run from $100,000 to nearly $400,000, while the largest ones, often exceeding 4,000 square feet of living space, can go for over $800,000.
Cottages in Smithville-Sanders are close to the town center.
Smithville-Sanders has a few Dutch Colonials on quiet cul-de-sacs.
1/2
Adventures on Indiana’s largest man-made lake
Although Lake Monroe draws many tourists and visitors, residents still enjoy it for its fishing opportunities. Other lake activities range from catching sun on the beaches and taking in scenic overlooking views to cruising the water on party boats. Those looking to spend the night here will find hundreds of camping sites — including primitive ones for those who want to break out the tents. Expansive woods with miles of hiking and running trails cover the lake’s shorelines. The Golf Club at Eagle Pointe is an 18-hole community-owned course open to the public. Smithville-Sanders also has baseball facilities, including a batting cage center. “There’s some ball fields here that are pretty popular with families. Once spring break time hits, right after that is when baseball season hits, and that’s a huge livelihood for this community,” Powell says.
Smithville-Sanders residents enjoy easy access to Lake Monroe, Indiana’s largest man-made lake.
Golfing options in Smithville-Sanders include Eagle Pointe and Stone Crest Golf Community.
1/2
Baldy’s Pizzeria and lakeside hangout at the Rusty Anchor
While Smithville-Sanders doesn’t have the busiest dining scene, a few staples serve the area. Located closer to Bloomington, Baldy’s Pizzeria is a casual spot dishing out warm pies and sub sandwiches. The Golf Club at Eagle Pointe has a restaurant and bar, where patrons mingle over comfort foods and local beers. The Rusty Anchor Lakeside Saloon is a late-night hangout right off the lake. Those looking for fresh and locally-grown produce can stop by the weekly Smithville Farmers’ Market, which runs between May and October. The Kroger on the southern outskirts of Bloomington is one of the nearest grocery stores.
Baldy's Pizzeria is open daily near Smithville-Sanders.
The Rusty Anchor Lakeside Saloon is a popular late-night hangout nestled in Smithville-Sanders.
1/2
Home to Lakeview Elementary and zoned for top 10 Indiana high school
The Monroe County Community School Corporation covers the Clear Creek Township area. Smithville-Sanders is home to Lakeview Elementary School, which gets a B from Niche. The school offers its students unique activities. They can learn about farm animals or get early exposure to computer programming, the latter of which Lakeview owes to an Indiana University partnership. Students may then attend Jackson Creek Middle School and Bloomington High School South. Niche gives both schools A grades. Bloomington South is among the 10 best schools in the state.
Children of Smithville-Sanders can attend Lakeview Elementary School, which earns a B on Niche.
The student-teacher ratio at Smithville-Sanders' Jackson Creek Middle School is 13 to 1.
1/2
Free annual Thanksgiving dinner and Labor Day celebration car show
The community organizes several events, particularly during the holidays. In November, the Smithville Community Center hosts the Holiday Bazaar, where people can buy locally made treats and gifts. During the same month, the Smithville Area Association hosts its free Thanksgiving Dinner at Red Men Hall. Set in Smithville Community Park, the Smithville Labor Day Celebration is one of the area’s signature celebrations. In addition to music and food, the event features a car show.
Fairfax Road commute to Bloomington
South Fairfax Road passes through Smithville-Sanders, providing a route north toward Bloomington. Nearby Indiana State Road 37 connects to Interstate 69, which goes to Indianapolis about 66 miles north of Smithville-Sanders. Locals going on out-of-state flights typically go to the Indianapolis International Airport. The IU Health Bloomington Hospital is the region’s flagship medical institution.
Important to know
Smithville-Sanders has an overall CAP Index Crime Score of 1 out of 10, putting it well below the national average of 4.
Photography Contributed By
Eric Lynch
Video By
Victoria York
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Ryne Shadday,
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.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Welcome to this stunningly updated condominium in the desirable LaSalle Woods community, offering a year-round view of beautiful Lake Monroe. Designed with mid-century modern charm and vaulted ceilings, this spacious home combines timeless style with contemporary updates throughout. The main level features brand-new luxury vinyl plank flooring and has been freshly painted in a neutral palette.
Welcome to your private retreat at Eagle Pointe, where breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Monroe take center stage. Perfectly positioned at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac, this beautifully updated home offers both privacy and sweeping water views from nearly every angle. The main level features a fully renovated kitchen complete with custom cabinetry, brand-new stainless steel appliances, and
Nestled on approximately 5.7 scenic acres with a stocked pond filled with bluegill, this spacious brick and concrete residence offers an incredible opportunity to create your dream estate just minutes from Lake Monroe and the Eagle Pointe Golf Resort. Surrounded by mature trees and natural beauty, the setting alone is truly a showstopper, featuring a picturesque concrete driveway, wooded privacy,
This beautifully updated condo offers comfort, style, and a peaceful wooded setting at Eagle Pointe Golf Resort. Recent improvements include all-new laminate wood flooring, new lower-level carpet, and fresh paint in modern gray tones throughout. The kitchen features updated cabinetry, solid-surface countertops, and matching stainless steel appliances, while both bathrooms have also been
Welcome to this beautifully remodeled 2-bedroom, 2-bath condo overlooking the 16th hole at Eagle Pointe Golf Resort. Enjoy convenient front-entry parking with only two steps, making access easy for full-time living, a weekend retreat, or an investment property. The updated interior features solid-surface countertops, stainless steel appliances, remodeled bathrooms, newer carpet, and a spacious
Welcome to effortless resort living in the beautiful Bay Point Village at Eagle Pointe Golf Resort! This spacious 3-bedroom, 3-full-bath townhome offers a thoughtfully designed floor plan with a private bedroom and full bath on each of the three levels, making it ideal for full-time living, weekend getaways, or hosting family and friends. Step inside to soaring vaulted ceilings, newer luxury
LaSalle Woods - Ground-Level Living with Comfort & Convenience Enjoy easy, maintenance-free living in this beautifully maintained 2-bedroom, 2-bath condo offering 1,378 square feet of spacious living space in the desirable village of LaSalle Woods at Eagle Pointe. Designed for convenience, this ground-level unit features no steps, making everyday living easily accessible. The open floor plan
Located on the 18th fairway of Eagle Pointe Golf Resort, this beautifully maintained upper-level condo offers scenic golf course views and a fantastic opportunity for either full-time living or rental investment. This unit has been thoughtfully updated, featuring a renovated kitchen with stainless steel appliances, newer luxury laminate flooring throughout, and fully updated bathrooms. Several
Resort Living Meets Modern Comfort! Welcome to this beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath townhome with a spacious loft in the sought-after LaSalle Woods Village at Eagle Pointe Golf Resort. From the moment you walk in, you'll love the vaulted ceilings, cozy wood-burning fireplace, rich hardwood floors, and freshly painted interior. The stunning kitchen has been completely updated with solid
Nestled among the trees at Eagle Pointe Resort, this 2-bedroom, 2-bath resort condo offers a peaceful retreat with seasonal woodland views and easy access to resort amenities. As an end unit, it provides added privacy and features recently installed luxury vinyl plank flooring in warm, contemporary tones throughout. The dining area flows seamlessly to a side deck that wraps around to a large
This spacious ranch over a fully finished basement sits inside a quiet neighborhood at Eagle Pointe Golf Retreat. 4 car garage, 4 bedrooms and 3 1/2 bathrooms with a floor plan perfect for entertaining. Custom cabinetry throughout as well as custom Bloomington limestone finishes. The large kitchen has exotic granite and all stainless steel appliances. Hardwood floors throughout the entire house.
Picture yourself this season on this 5 acre site with this stunning custom home with pool and entertaining floor plan. This one and a half story home over finished walk out lower level has a spectacular design with primary suite and den combo area on the main, and entertaining kitchen with island, high-end appliances, double ovens and prep sink. The kitchen is where they will gather for large
Property Id: 999047 This 3-bedroom, 1-bath home offers approximately 1,116 square feet of comfortable living space in a convenient south Bloomington location near Lake Monroe. The home features a bright and inviting sunroom just off the front porch, providing a wonderful additional space for relaxing, reading, or enjoying your morning coffee. Inside, you’ll find a functional layout,
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
