Quality of Life
A job offer might bring someone here. A great life is what makes them stay.
That’s what sets the Southern Indiana region apart. Our location offers the perfect blend of small-town comfort, big-city access, and lifestyle flexibility. From affordable housing and top-ranked schools to scenic parks and vibrant downtowns, this region delivers the full package for families, young professionals, and relocating executives alike.
For companies, that’s more than a perk. It’s a long-term workforce advantage.
Housing That Meets Every Lifestyle and Budget
Southern Indiana offers a wide range of housing options, including riverside condos in Jeffersonville, mid-century homes in New Albany, new construction in Charlestown, and homes with acreage just outside of town. Median home prices hover around $238,000, well below the national average, and property taxes remain among the lowest in the Midwest. For those who prefer living in Louisville, the city offers a variety of housing choices and neighborhoods, all easily accessible via multiple bridge routes that make cross-river commuting simple. Whether you’re relocating with a family or looking for your first home, you’ll find value without sacrifice.
Education That Families Trust
Southern Indiana is served by several public-school systems, including Greater Clark County Schools and New Albany–Floyd County Consolidated Schools, both offering career and college readiness programs, STEM pathways, dual-credit courses, and a wide range of extracurriculars. Floyd Central High School is ranked among the top 25 high schools in Indiana. Families also have access to respected private schools like Providence High School, Christian Academy of Indiana, and Holy Family School, and more private schooling options in Louisville.
Higher Ed Options That Fuel the Future
Four major institutions are located within 30 minutes of River Ridge:
- Indiana University Southeast offers degrees in business, education, IT, and nursing.
- Purdue Polytechnic – New Albany is known for applied engineering, robotics, and computer graphics.
- Ivy Tech Community College – Sellersburg provides workforce-focused training in advanced manufacturing, logistics, welding, and more.
- University of Louisville is a nationally ranked research institution with strengths in healthcare, engineering, and entrepreneurship.
The region is also home to several respected liberal arts colleges, including Hanover College, Bellarmine University, and Spalding University, which contribute to a well-rounded talent pool with strengths in communication, critical thinking, education, and the humanities. Together, these institutions ensure a continuous pipeline of educated talent and offer professional development opportunities for long-term career growth.
A Region That Knows How to Play
Weekends here are full of possibilities. Outdoor lovers can hike the trails at Charlestown State Park, swim at Deam Lake, or ride bikes along the Ohio River Greenway. Arts and culture fans can enjoy live music at Jeffersonville’s RiverStage, theater at the Kentucky Center for the Arts, or exhibitions at the Speed Art Museum.
Foodies and bourbon fans are equally at home here. From farm-to-table favorites in New Albany like Board & You Bistro and Brooklyn and the Butcher, to fine dining and craft cocktail destinations in Louisville such as Jack Fry’s and 610 Magnolia, the culinary scene is both approachable and sophisticated. Local farmers markets, food trucks, and seasonal festivals bring fresh flavor to everyday life. Just a short drive from River Ridge, Huber’s Orchard, Winery & Vineyards offers a true taste of Southern Indiana with U-pick orchards, wine tastings, a farm-to-table restaurant, and year-round events for families and food lovers alike. For those looking to explore Kentucky’s signature spirit, the Bourbon Trail is just across the river, with tours and tastings at world-renowned distilleries.
Healthcare You Can Count On
Residents are supported by top-rated healthcare providers:
- Clark Memorial Health, now part of Norton Healthcare, provides full-service hospital care in Jeffersonville.
- Baptist Health Floyd in New Albany offers primary, surgical, and specialty care.
- Across the river, UofL Health, Baptist Health, and Norton Healthcare deliver nationally recognized care, including advanced cardiology, oncology, and pediatric services.
New residents don’t need to leave the region to find exceptional care—it’s already here.
Ready for Relocation, Built for Belonging
This isn’t just a place to move to. It’s a place to connect. Residents can quickly plug into the community through civic groups, local schools, professional organizations, and recreation leagues. Newcomers are welcomed at church picnics, neighborhood festivals, and city-wide celebrations that bring everyone together. Whether you’re relocating as a family, a couple, or on your own, this is a place where it’s easy to feel at home.
The Big Four Bridge and Two Connected Worlds
The Big Four Bridge isn’t just a pedestrian crossing. It’s a symbol of life in the Southern Indiana region. It connects two states, multiple communities, and thousands of residents who move between work, home, and play with ease. Walk it once and you’ll understand why this place works.
People Stay Where Life Works
Companies that locate at River Ridge benefit from a region where people don’t have to choose between career opportunity and quality of life. It’s all here: affordable homes, short commutes, good schools, and plenty to do on the weekends. That’s the formula for workforce loyalty.
