Tipton has a low cost of living and a short commute to nearby cities
The seat of Tipton County, Tipton offers a small-town lifestyle with cost-efficient homes, a walkable downtown packed with shops and restaurants, and proximity to Kokomo and Hamilton County. The agricultural community of about 5,000 residents has a slower pace of life and a lower cost of living within 30 minutes of employment hubs like Carmel and Noblesville. Recreational spaces, local events and houses of worship bring residents together. Tipton has had several improvements in the past few years, including a new performance downtown and a multi-million-dollar renovation project at Tipton Community School Corporation.
Single-family homes at a lower price than Kokomo and Noblesville
Tipton’s housing stock features homes that date back to the early 1900s and new builds in developing subdivisions towards the outskirts of town. Buyers can find early 20th-century styles like National Folk, Cape Cod, Colonial Revival and bungalow, as well as mid-century split-level and ranch-style homes. The median price of a single-family home is about $200,000, which is lower than the Kokomo median of about $250,000 and significantly lower than Noblesville’s median of $475,000. On average, homes tend to sell after eight days on the market, far below the national average of 69 days.
Downtown Tipton is packed with family owned businesses
The shopping and dining scene in Tipton is quiet and small-town focused. Folks shop at locally owned boutiques like Urban Homestead and Side Street Mall in its historic downtown. Dining options lean casual and unpretentious, like Wheelies Bar, The Sandwich Shoppe and The Shack, a go-to pizza joint, plus a handful of chain options. Groceries are available at Needler’s Fresh Market. Locals have more shopping options in Noblesville and the Hamilton Town Center outdoor shopping mall about 25 miles away.
Tipton schools receive $30 million in renovations
About 1,500 students are enrolled at Tipton Community School Corporation, which receives a B rating from Niche. The elementary, middle and high schools are connected. Each building received significant upgrades thanks to a roughly $30 million renovation project, which included new classrooms, STEM learning spaces, media centers, athletic facilities and more. High schoolers can participate in career pathways like agriculture, advanced manufacturing, and hospitality and tourism. The Blue Devils have several state championships and conference titles in football and boys' and girls' basketball.
Residents can commute to Hamilton County in 30 minutes
Tipton is within a 30-mile drive of Kokomo, Carmel and Noblesville. Indianapolis is about 50 miles away, or less than an hour’s drive. State Routes 28 and 19 intersect in town, and U.S. Route 31 is just a few miles from town. Medical care is available in town at IU Health Tipton Hospital. The industrial sector on the northwest side of town has an active rail line and a Norfolk Southern railyard.
The Cicero River flows south through town and poses a flood risk. Tipton County’s last major flood in 2013 severely damaged more than 50 homes, most of which were south of Route 28 in the city of Tipton.
Relaxation and recreation at Tipton Park
The city’s signature park spans more than 30 acres on the south side of town. The sprawling park has walking trails and green space for picnics and open play. Kids can let loose on the playground, while adults can work up a sweat on the basketball courts or swim laps in the pool. The municipal 18-hole golf course is adjacent to the park. The Diana Theatre has been showing first-run flicks on a single screen since 1926. The Campbell Family Foundation Stage was recently added to the downtown plaza for live music and events. Swimming, boating and fishing on Morse Reservoir are about 15 miles away.
Parades and pork chops at the annual Pork Festival
The community is known for the Tipton County Pork Festival, a celebration of all things pork-related held after Labor Day weekend. The event features live entertainment, carnival rides, parades, and a plethora of pork-based delicacies, including 1-inch-thick pork chops and pulled pork sandwiches. The Tipton County Farmers’ and Artisans’ Market brings more than a dozen vendors to the courthouse square during the summer, and the market heads indoors to the Tipton County Fairgrounds in the winter. The Tipton County Fair brings residents from around the county to town in July.
Written By
Leslie Klosterman
