In Fowler Park, just to the South of Terre Haute's central downtown area, there's a collection of 20 preserved 19th-century log cabins, barns and even a gristmill called the "Pioneer Village." It's a nod to the early days of western expansion along the Wabash River, a time when covered wagons put down roots in territory originally occupied by the Wea People. Today, because of its location at the intersection of Highways 40 and 41, Terre Haute is sometimes called the "Crossroads of America." It's home to nearly 60,000 people, many of whom work in the manufacturing industries. According to Andrea Hoopingarner of Hoosier Homes & Land, Amcor is a major employer. There's also Union Hospital, a 275-bed facility home to a surgery robot and the Indiana Air National Guard. The city's Downtown has seen revitalization efforts in recent years in part thanks to Mayor Brandon Sakbun. "At 27, he's bringing some new blood into the city administration. He was one of the youngest mayors ever elected," says Cy Marlow, the founder of LJ Michaels Inc., a Terre Haute-based real estate firm. "I think that when you have someone that is of the new generation, they think differently than the elders. They bring new energy." Millions of dollars have been invested into a new convention center, a casino resort and even a Larry Bird Museum, a tribute to the Indiana State University star and NBA legend. Terre Haute is West Central Indiana City undergoing a renaissance.
For a night out with friends, 12 Points residents grab a drink and play games at Bar_Botics.
Shop for collectables at The Madam's Curiosities in Union Hospital.
Students at Indiana State University can join many clubs like the Sisters in Christ.
Restaurants in downtown Terra Haute are only 5 minutes from Collett Park.
1/4
Miniature trains, disc golf and fishing in local parks
"Terre Haute and Vigo County are known for their parks," says Marlow. "Hawthorn and Fowler I enjoy. Fairbanks Park is on the river, and they have a lot of water-based events and a hot air balloon event in September." Deming Park, which spans 175 acres, is the city's largest. "It's also one of our most popular," says Kilie Smith, assistant superintendent of the Parks Department. Along with a disc golf course, it also includes a community pool, athletic courts and even a miniature train called the "Spirit of Terre Haute" that offers rides in the warmer seasons and during Christmas in the Park, an annual festival that Smith calls "One of our biggest events." Local businesses decorate picnic shelters with string lights, and kids pose for pictures with Santa. Smith also highlights the fishing opportunities throughout the city. In June, kids flock to the pond at Dobbs Park for the annual Fishing Rodeo, and the Indiana Department of Health provides guidelines for eating fresh-caught catfish and bass. Locals can also jog or bike along the National Road Heritage Trail, a paved pathway that extends over 6 miles between Indiana State University and the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology.
Union Hospital residents can brighten up their day with a walk around Collett Park.
Terre Haute residents can jog along the National Road Heritage Trail, a six mile paved trail.
Residents of 12 Points can join a coed softball league at Spencer F. Ball Park.
Coy Park in 12 Points lets kids work on their dribbling skills.
1/4
Museums, live music and riverfront festivals
Terre Haute has over 10 museums. There's the Swope Art Museum, where admission is free; and the Vigo County History Museum and the Children's Museum, which both Marlow and Hoopingarner highly recommend for its hands-on exhibits. The Larry Bird Museum officially opened across from ISU's basketball arena in 2024; and Bird himself, who, according to Marlow, often visits the city, presided over the opening ceremony. Terre Haute is also an up-and-coming music city. Over 15,000 audience members can congregate Downtown in September for the Blues at the Crossroads Music Festival, or head to The Mill, an outdoor amphitheater beside the river, which has hosted performers like Lynyrd Skynyrd and the Beach Boys. For a fun summer event, residents enjoy the Banks of the Wabash Festival for carnival rides, fried food and live entertainment.
Union Hospital residents head to the Hulman Center to cheer on the Indiana State Sycamores.
First Street-Riverfront kids love to play with exhibits at the Children’s Museum.
The Larry Bird Museum is located just outside the First Street-Riverfront.
Collett Park residents gaze at the stunning art work that fills the Swope Art Museum.
1/4
Eateries along Wabash Avenue and big box retail off Highway 41
According to Hoopingarner, steakhouses and classic American cuisine are popular in Terre Haute. She recommends J Ford's Black Angus, a dimly-lit upscale establishment located across from the city's public library, and The Terminal Public House, housed in a former bus station. Its sister restaurant is Charlie's Pub & Grub, where regulars aged 21 to 100 years old like to order the "world famous" Tweety Burger, according to dayshift manager Kai Burnett. The majority of eateries are concentrated along Wabash Avenue Downtown, but 12 Points is also an increasingly popular neighborhood for shopping, dining and entertainment to the north of Union Hospital. When it comes to grocery stores, local favorites include Aldi, Kroger and the Fresh Thyme Market. On Saturdays, folks can head to the Terre Haute Farmers Market at the Meadows Shopping Center, and big box retailers can be found in the Haute City Center Shopping Mall and farther south along Highway 41.
Stables Steakhouse offers a fine dining experience with a beautiful bar as well.
Baesler's Market is a popular local grocery market with a great community feeling.
Charlies Pub & Grub has great food, live entertainment, and a bar with all your favorite drinks.
The local Kroger has everything you'll need for your next family dinner.
1/4
Housing coveted for its comparative affordability
As the U.S. average home value climbs toward $500,000, potential homebuyers will find comparative affordability in Terre Haute. The average home price is about $150,000, and investment properties can sell for well under $100,000. Many of these are turn-of-the-century residences, although, according to Hoopingarner, recent years have seen an increase in new construction. Higher-cost homes with large yards and mature trees can be found to the east near Deming Park, especially along Ohio Boulevard, whereas lower-cost homes can be found on the gridded streets closer to Indiana State University. Terre Haute home prices are increasing by about 1% each year.
Porches offer a perfect place to watch a summer storm roll through Indiana State University.
Fenwood neighborhood has ranch style, bungalows, and foursquare homes for you to choose from.
Higher-cost homes with large yards and mature trees can be found to the east of Terre Haute.
Some of the earliest homes in 12 Points date back to the 1890s.
1/4
The Vigo County School Corporation and institutions for higher education
Public schools in Terre Haute belong to the Vigo County School Corporation and are rated a B-minus on the educational review site Niche. The district has a student-to-teacher ratio of 14 to 1, compared to the national average of 17 to 1. Terre Haute South Vigo High School has its own planetarium and ranks as the No. 1 in Vigo County School Corporation High Schools. It boasts an 81% graduate rate, according to U.S. News & World Report. Terre Haute is also home to several major institutions for higher education, including Indiana State University, Marlow's alma mater located Downtown, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology to the east and Ivy Tech Community College to the south. According to Marlow, ISU has "really expanded" in recent years and is now home to over 6,000 undergraduates.
Terre Haute City Buses and Interstate 70 towards Indianapolis
Although most rely on their own cars to travel around the so-called "Crossroads of America," the Terre Haute City Bus offers passage between suburbs, shopping plazas and universities. Wheels to the World buses are available for ADA passengers, and there's a Greyhound station on Cherry Street Downtown for more long-distance travel. Terre Haute Regional Airport sits within city limits, but locals travel just under 70 miles along Interstate 70 to the Indianapolis International Airport for commercial travel. In the coming years, the city plans to create an infrastructure task force to prioritize pedestrians so that neighborhoods are within walking distance of outdoor recreation areas.
Tornado Risk and crime
In response to the area's tornado risk, the city encourages residents to have a family disaster plan, which includes stocking an emergency preparedness kit. There is a growing flood risk, although the threat is greater on the opposite bank of the Wabash. In a recent survey by the Terre Haute-Vigo County Community Census, 61% of residents felt that Terre Haute is a safe community. Violent crime is decreasing overall: this reflects the downward state-wide and nationwide trends since 2019. To help those experiencing homelessness, Pathways Day Center functions as a warming center, and St. Benedict Soup Kitchen provides lunch five days a week. The Terre Haute Police Department's new community alliance program has assigned an officer to each of the city's districts with the intent to improve communication and problem-solving between police and citizens.
Managing Broker, Owner and full-time REALTOR®. I was born and raised in the Wabash Valley and embarked on my journey in real estate in 2015. For seven years I worked as an associate broker for a small brokerage in Terre Haute and in 2023, I took a significant step forward by opening my own remote office. The business flourished, and so did my aspirations. By 2024, I proudly purchased our physical location at the corner of Wabash and South 16th Street in Terre Haute, marking a new chapter in my professional journey. Today, I manage a team of seven dedicated agents, each committed to providing top-notch service to our clients. My mission is to guide other agents, buyers and sellers through the ever-evolving real estate landscape, ensuring they receive the best representation and guidance.
In a market that is constantly shifting, my goal is to be a beacon of trust and expertise, helping clients achieve their real estate dreams with confidence and ease. I have 27+ million dollars in home sales experience over the last eight years and look forward to helping you navigate through your next real estate journey as well! Questions about the process? Let’s Connect:
- Kelsey Rich The Real Estate Connection 8 South 16th Street, Terre Haute, Indiana PH: (812) 240-9735
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.
