Homes for Sale in Norman, Indiana

Surrounded on three sides by Indiana's largest state park, this tiny, unincorporated town of Norman offers homeowners a lifestyle of privileged seclusion, enjoying intimate ties to bounty of nature. This charming, out-of-the way locale is the perfect place to lay down roots for those who would just as soon discard urban living, preferring the peace of the country to the tumult of more crowded spaces. In fact you could say that Norman offers the ultimate experience in rural tranquility with large lots, tree-lined streets, and only the sounds of wind and nature to ripple the stillness.

Located in the corner of northwestern Owen Township, which it shares with neighbors Cleary Springs and Kurtz, Norman lies along State Road 58, miles away from the county seat of Brownstown, which itself is little more than a scattered community built around a sparse, historic downtown. To reach the nearest city of note, Bloomington, Norman residents just need to cut through nearly 30 miles of mostly back road, and most of that is along State Road 446, which runs north through heavily forested Brown County State Park.

But such facts are all a part of appeal for those who want a community that’s truly peaceful. If that includes you, then Norman is well worth your consideration, and a Tucker realtor can provide you with the intimate introduction you need to determine if this is the community you've been longing for.                  

Norman Area Homes

Norman comes from humble origins and maintains that aspect in its homes. That means you're not likely to find sprawling historic mansions in this community. However, you will find cozy, quality houses built with an eye toward longevity and large lawns for play and family gatherings. If you have certain architectural preferences in mind, be certain to bring that up with your realtor. They may be able to help you find a home in Norman that suits those tastes in addition to meeting your other preferences.

Shopping and Dining

When it comes to shopping and dining out, it’s an accepted facet of life in Norman that that means a bit of travel. For a quick trip to town, there are two options that most Norman residents will chose. The first is Brownstown, just under 20 miles to the east. While Browntown itself isn’t a large town, it is the county seat and home to a historic downtown where Norman homeowners can find grocers, specialty stores, pharmacies, service shops, and small dining establishments.

The second and perhaps more popular option is Bedford, which is in the opposite direction along US-50. Bedford is actually slightly closer than Brownstown and considerably larger. In Bedford you'll find large grocery stores, national retail stores, and shopping plazas in addition to all of the smaller offerings found in Brownstone. Bedford even offers an eclectic dining scene with a host of establishments scattered along its major commercial routes including US-50.

Finally, for those rare occasions when something more is demanded or desired, Bloomington to the northeast is a manageable trip and is approximately 30 miles away. As a small city with a sizeable college student population, Bloomington offers a number of trendy shopping districts spread throughout the city. There, you'll also find an eclectic culinary scene with something to offer for any mood or craving.    

Culture and Entertainment

Recreational opportunity within Norman starts with its intimate relationship with its natural surroundings. Resting on the precipice of Indiana's largest state park, Brown County State Park, Norman residents have easy access to hiking and biking trails, guided horseback riding, campgrounds, cabins, and lodges.

Lake Monroe on the western edge of the park also offers swimming, fishing, and boating. Along the northeast corner, you'll find wineries, retreats, and even a water park at Abe Martin Lodge. Throughout the year numerous events and festivals are held within and around the park grounds, drawing visitors from all over the nation.

For alternative entertainment Bedford offers parks, a cinema, and a few other amenities, but Bloomington has even more choices. As a city whose population is over one-third college students during much of the year, Bloomington offers a vital cultural and nightlife scene. The city is home to several theater companies, both professional and amateur, hosted in historic and intimate performance arts venues.

Likewise, Bloomington also boasts a thriving music scene, both played in its local bar scene and in larger venues, which frequently bring in national tours. Adding to the fun, several arts, music, food, and ethnic festivals are celebrated in the city throughout the year including the Little 500, one of the most popular college cycling races in the country.      

Careers and Industry

Popular careers for those living in Norman include leisure and hospitality, agriculture, and manufacturing. The town's proximity to popular tourist attraction Brown County State Park means many jobs in the hotel and forestry industry as well as seasonal guide jobs. In the areas south of Norman, fertile farmlands abound, creating jobs for those skilled in farming and machinery repair and operation. Several manufacturing plants can also be found in the area.

Alternatively, one could look to some of the surrounding communities for a more diverse job market. The ambitious commuter could even hold a career in Bloomington (which boasts a stable economy highlighted by the education, healthcare, and retail sectors) while taking advantage of the quiet and low cost of living in Norman.

Schools

School-aged children living in Norman enroll in the public school district overseen by Brownstown Central Community School Corporation. The schools in this district are all located in Brownstown and bring together children from several surrounding communities to create a collaborative learning environment. Primary school students attend Brownstown Elementary School, which instills a love of learning in students from an early age, integrating this with a broad, exciting curriculum.

Brownstown Middle School offers 7th and 8th Grade students yet more educational options while increasing the challenges presented to them in order to prepare them for rigors of high school. Students finish their education at Brownstown High School where they enjoy a curriculum offers advanced placement courses, vocational training, and fine arts. Students at all levels have access to numerous academic and athletic extracurricular activities as well as opportunities for community service.