c.1910 Stone Fixer Upper For Sale in Indiana $85,000

Pros of Goodland, IN

1. Very affordable housing and land

This is one of Goodland’s strongest advantages:

• Low home prices
• Affordable property taxes
• Rural acreage available at lower prices than many parts of Indiana

The town’s overall cost of living is below national averages.

This appeals to:

• Retirees
• Families wanting space
• People leaving expensive metro areas
• Homesteading/rural-lifestyle buyers

2. Quiet rural atmosphere

Goodland is extremely small (around 1,000 residents), so you get:

• Minimal traffic
• Low noise
• Slower pace of life
• Open farmland and country scenery

People looking to “get away from the rat race” often describe this kind of rural town positively.

3. Lower crime and safer feel

Like many tiny rural towns, Goodland tends to have:

• Lower violent crime
• Small-town familiarity
• Strong community awareness

Residents often appreciate the safer, more predictable environment compared to larger cities.

4. Convenient access to larger regional towns

Even though Goodland itself is tiny, it’s not completely isolated:

• About 30–40 minutes to Lafayette
• Roughly 90 minutes to Chicago suburbs
• Access to I-65 nearby

That means you can still reach:

• Major shopping
• Healthcare
• Regional jobs
• Colleges and services

…without living directly in a metro area.

5. Strong agricultural and traditional community culture

Goodland has a classic rural Indiana vibe:

• Farming community roots
• High school sports/community identity
• Family-oriented culture
• More conservative and traditional social atmosphere

For some people, this is a major positive.

Cons of Goodland, IN

1. Very limited local job market

This is probably the biggest downside.
There are few major employers directly in town, so many residents commute for work.
Opportunities are mostly tied to:

• Agriculture
• Trades
• Local services
• Nearby regional towns

Professional or specialized careers are limited locally.

2. Sparse amenities

Because the town is so small:

• Few restaurants
• Limited shopping
• Minimal entertainment
• Little nightlife or cultural activity

Most errands beyond basics require driving elsewhere.

3. Small-town social limitations

In a town this size:

• Everybody tends to know everybody
• Social circles can feel established
• Newcomers may take time to fit in

Several discussions about rural small-town living mention that it can feel isolating if you don’t already have community ties.

4. Winters and Midwest weather

Northwest Indiana weather includes:

• Cold winters
• Snow and ice
• Gray skies
• Windy conditions

It’s not as harsh as Minnesota, but winters can still feel long.

5. Limited healthcare and specialized services

Basic needs are nearby, but:

• Specialists
• Advanced healthcare
• Larger hospitals

…often require trips to Lafayette, Merrillville, or larger cities.

6. Population stagnation and limited growth

Like many small rural Midwestern towns:

• Population growth is flat or declining
• Younger residents often move away
• Economic growth is limited

Goodland’s population has slightly declined in recent years.