Living and Learning

When you encounter the Uplands’ combination of urban amenities with strong community ties, you’ll understand why so many people who come here want to stay. From fundraisers to foundations, educational opportunities to workforce growth initiatives, our neighbors, towns, and businesses are dedicated to ensuring you flourish.

Welcome to Where You Belong

Uplands neighbors are unlike any others: We meet you at county fairs and on park benches, at the lake and at community events, in neighborhoods and on campuses. We pour time, energy, and resources into our communal success, supporting each other through thick and thin.

Happening at Home

What’s up in the Uplands? Local art galleries, farmers’ markets, historic theaters, artisan fairs, and sporting events for the whole family. Our neighbors cultivate strength and support for all. Come experience the Hoosier hospitality for which we’re famous; we’ll help you feel at home.

Family and Future

Flourishing families, vibrant communities, and an abundance of natural resources. Every day in the Uplands is a reminder of the depth of beauty here, from our popular parks to our welcoming towns.

All those who call the Uplands home experience a high quality of work and family life, building relationships that go deep and encountering opportunities that make each of us better, stronger, and more prosperous.

Finding The Right Home

The Indiana Uplands offers a wide range of living options to fit your lifestyle. Looking for the energy of a walkable downtown? Prefer a quiet wooded retreat? Interested in a new build or drawn to historic charm? Whether you’re buying or renting, you’ll find welcoming neighborhoods, diverse housing styles, and flexible options across the region. Whatever housing type you choose
in whatever location fits you best, welcome to the Uplands. We are happy to have you here.

Relocation Incentive Program

If you are considering the Uplands, Choose Southern Indiana could give you up to $5,000 to make your move! This talent attraction program offers relocation incentives to qualified out-of-state residents moving into many Uplands counties. The program supports remote workers, defense professionals, and recent graduates with relocation assistance and can help you get connected to available housing and neighbors in your Uplands community. Visit choosesouthernindiana.com for more details.

Education to Excellence

In the heart of the Uplands, education thrives. From our network of highly rated elementary and secondary schools to campuses of Indiana University, Ivy Tech, and Vincennes University Jasper Campus, students age 6 to 60 pursue their dreams every year. With ready school initiatives, STEM leadership training, and graduation and career coaching, every future you can imagine is right here.

PK-12 Schools

127 Public Pre-K-12 Schools (27 school districts), 35 Private & Chart K-12 Schools

Post-Secondary Education

3 Post-Secondary Educational Institutions: Indiana University – Bloomington, Ivy Tech Community College – Bloomington, and Vincennes University – Jasper

Career and Technical Education

4 Adult Career and Technical Education Centers: Hoosier Hills Career Center – Bloomington, North Lawrence Career Center – Bedford, Lost River Career Cooperative – Paoli, Patoka Valley Career & Technical Cooperative – Jasper

Innovative Programs

STEM & STEAM Learning, Robotics and Computing, Hands-On and Project-Based Learning, Makerspaces and Digital Fabrication Labs, Early College & Dual Credit, Entrepreneurship & Student-Run Businesses, Youth Apprenticeships

Higher Ground to Higher Education

The rolling hills of the Indiana Uplands create a beautiful backdrop for respected colleges and universities that offer world-class educational opportunities. Indiana University Bloomington (IU), the state’s flagship university, hosts over 40,000 students and offers nationally ranked programs in business, informatics, life sciences, music, and public affairs. IU also enriches the region with cultural events, outreach programs, Big Ten athletics, and cutting-edge research. With strong ties to high-demand employers, Ivy Tech Community College – Bloomington serves as the region’s leading community college, focusing on certificates and degrees designed for both recent graduates and adult learners. Additionally, the Vincennes University Jasper Campus offers valuable technical training and associate degrees, making it a key player in workforce development and continuing education. This region is also rich with opportunities for adults to continue learning, from community workshops to professional training. Learning doesn’t stop at graduation — it’s part of the culture.

Classroom to Career

One of our region’s standout features is the deep connection between education and community. Local employers, schools, and colleges collaborate to ensure students have access to student-run businesses, internships, modern youth apprenticeships like UpSkill Work & Learn, and hands-on learning experiences.

Rooted in Community, Ready for the Future

In the Indiana Uplands, you’ll discover not just excellent schools but a region that invests in its people and its communities. Here, education is more than classrooms—it’s a pathway to opportunity, connection, and a bright future, and we’re ready to welcome you.