Lawrence or Orange County (Bloomington, Jasper: job market, college, live in)

[Candy T]

Is anyone here from Lawrence county or Orange county? We are looking to move this year and those are the areas we are looking at.

[mbrindle]

If I had a choice between those two and that's it - I'd go for Lawrence. Closer to Bloomington and that's where the jobs, stores, restaurants are for the area. If you could pick something else, go for Monroe County which is where Bloomington is. You can either live in town where there is that "college" vibe going on or live in the county where you can get some land and peace and quiet while still being close to what you need.

[Candy T]

Originally Posted by mbrindle

If I had a choice between those two and that's it - I'd go for Lawrence. Closer to Bloomington and that's where the jobs, stores, restaurants are for the area. If you could pick something else, go for Monroe County which is where Bloomington is. You can either live in town where there is that "college" vibe going on or live in the county where you can get some land and peace and quiet while still being close to what you need.

Thanks for the answer, mbrindle. I guess I should have elaborated. We are nearly retirement age. My husband is on disability and I work part time from home, so no need to tap into a job market. We really don't feel the need to be close to Bloomington. We are looking for hills, fresh air, dark skies at night (for observing the stars). We rarely eat out. So, with that in mind, anyone else with thoughts about Lawrence or Orange counties? Anyone here live there? We are planning to drive down again in April.

[domergurl]

I vote for Orange County.

[Candy T]

Originally Posted by domergurl

I vote for Orange County.

Thanks Have you been there? I see you earned a gold star!!

[domergurl]

Originally Posted by Candy T

Thanks Have you been there? I see you earned a gold star!!

French Lick is in Orange County. We've driven through and the topography is exactly what you are looking for ... it's in part of the hoosier national forest and it's remote too. I think it would be a lovely place to retire if you want to get away from it all. No interstates .. unless I-64 cuts through the southern half ... all 2 lane state roads. It's more of a resort area than a metro area.

[ChickeyDuck]

Originally Posted by Candy T

Thanks for the answer, mbrindle. I guess I should have elaborated. We are nearly retirement age. My husband is on disability and I work part time from home, so no need to tap into a job market. We really don't feel the need to be close to Bloomington. We are looking for hills, fresh air, dark skies at night (for observing the stars). We rarely eat out. So, with that in mind, anyone else with thoughts about Lawrence or Orange counties? Anyone here live there? We are planning to drive down again in April.

There are three counties that border Patoka Lake. Orange(French Lick), Crawford(Marengo), Dubois(Jasper). I would choose Orange County, but honestly the whole area is beautiful. I would love to retire and live off of Patoka Lake.