Residents Share Why They Love Living in Southern Indiana
Thanks to the region’s affordability, opportunities, location in the thriving Louisville metro area, great schools and ample entertainment options, living in Southern Indiana offers the perfect balance for everyone from young professionals to busy families.
“I love Southern Indiana. It’s my forever home,” says Paul Wheatley, founder and principal of the Wheatley Group advisory firm in New Albany. “We hope that if the community continues on the growth trajectory it’s on, our kids can go to college or pick up a vocation, then hopefully settle here, too.”
Economic Growth in Southern Indiana
Wheatley has watched the area grow and change from the viewpoint of an economic development professional and as someone who was born and raised in Southern Indiana.
“There have been a couple of big things that have affected the growth arc,” Wheatley says. “First was the establishment of River Ridge Commerce Center in the late ’90s. The 6,000-acre industrial park has seen over $1 billion in investments. Then the two crossings from the Ohio River Bridges Project really opened that corridor. It’s a catalyst for economic growth not only locally, but for all the surrounding counties in Indiana and Kentucky.”
Economic growth has helped the region’s downtowns flourish.
“I’m really encouraged by what I see out of local governments,” Wheatley says. “They’re not only courting the business community but planning for housing. The collective vision of our leadership has never been better.”
Community and Family Ties
Jessica Staten, executive director of the Floyd Memorial Foundation, which seeks to improve health outcomes through education, prevention and strategic investments, is a Southern Indiana native who left for college and work but eventually returned home.
“My journey has taken me several places, but Southern Indiana has always been home,” Staten says. “I went to college in Indianapolis, then after graduating, I spent about two years living and working in downtown Chicago. I moved to Louisville for a job and enjoyed four years there. Despite the excitement of city life, I found myself missing the close-knit community and family ties of Southern Indiana.”
A job opportunity brought Staten back to the region, where she met her husband. They now have a 3-year-old son and a new puppy.
“Southern Indiana is an exceptional place to raise a family,” Staten says.
“The area boasts excellent school systems that provide a strong educational foundation for children. The sense of community here is unparalleled, with neighbors who look out for one another and a safe, nurturing environment for kids to grow up in.”
Josh Kornberg, executive director of the Caesars Foundation of Floyd County, a private foundation focused on improving the county, echoes the sense of community as a draw.
“I’ve known leaders in our community for many years, so it’s been interesting as my own leadership journey has evolved and my relationships with people have changed,” Kornberg says. “But what continues to remain the same is the culture, the feeling, the hospitality and the welcoming atmosphere.”
“My journey has taken me several places, but Southern Indiana has always been home.”
Jessica Staten, Southern Indiana resident
Area Amenities Enhance Quality of Life in Southern Indiana
“As a young professional, I’m drawn to many of the big-city amenities in the area,” Kornberg says. “I could be at the airport from my house in 15 minutes. So many amenities are open to us because of our proximity to Louisville. We’re also just 1.5 hours from Indianapolis and Cincinnati, so we have a few large cities to bounce between.”
Kornberg enjoys plenty close to home, too, as the area boasts a wide variety of entertainment options, like The Enchanted Forest & Music Hall, a live music venue, plus superb retail and dining scenes in downtown Jeffersonville and New Albany.
“We have a really great food scene in the area,” Kornberg says. “I love hosting people here locally because we have so many great restaurants and fun places to entertain. In addition, we have festivals and multiple entertainment venues. We bring national acts to our small community of Southern Indiana. You are never at a loss for things to do.”
Staten notes that the region’s parks and recreational facilities are some of its greatest assets.
“The Ohio River Greenway that connects New Albany, Clarksville and Jeffersonville offers picturesque views and wonderful recreational opportunities,” Staten says. “These spaces are perfect for walking, biking and enjoying the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, the vibrant local culture, with its rich history and community events, adds to the charm and appeal of Southern Indiana.”
Get to Know Southern Indiana
Want to learn more about living and working in Southern Indiana? Check out the latest edition of Livability One Southern Indiana.