Education, Realtors, Housing and Other Information for Relocating Industry and Individuals

Education, Realtors, Housing and other Information for Relocating Industry and Individuals

Spencer County is located on the banks of the Ohio River in Southwest Indiana. Its terrain consists of wooded hills in the eastern and northern sections and agricultural land in the southern and western area. The climate of Spencer County is quite mild for a Midwestern location and is comparable to the climate of nearby southern states.

From its friendly, welcoming residents to its breathtaking beauty, Spencer County is a great place to call home. Its excellent location, high levels of community involvement, and strong local support give residents a wide selection of recreational activities and contribute to Lincolnland's outstanding quality of life. Being designated as "rural" you'll find a peaceful country setting with big city entertainment nearby.

Education
Spencer County has two superior school districts, each rated as a “Best Buy”, the highest school rating afforded by the Indiana Department of Commerce. Many of Spencer County’s schools also carry the “Four Star” designation for academics. Strong athletic traditions keep the schools’ teams competitive.

Higher Education
The area has a number of Universities and institutions offering training for specific trades including:

University of Evansville
The University of Evansville serves the area from its Evansville campus. It is an independent university which has a student population of 2,250. It draws from over 41 states and 39 nations and also operates a campus in Harlaxton, England.

U of E has been named a “best buy” for colleges in the Midwest every year since 1993 by US News & World Report. It was also ranked 10th in the Midwest for universities by the same publication for 2001-2003.

Independent United Methodist Church affiliated university
Offers degrees in over 80 academic areas
Associate, baccalaureate and master's degrees
Continuing Education Center offering programs for business and industry
Engineering Programs
Business Programs
Medical Programs
Full range of Liberal Arts, Fine Arts and education degrees

University of Southern Indiana
The University of Southern Indiana was established in 1965 and has grown from a regional campus to a state university. The university has more than 10,000 students and offers a wide variety of academic programs.

State University
Offers associate and baccalaureate degrees in more than 70 academic majors
Graduate programs in cooperation with other universities
Continuing education programs for business and industry
Engineering Technology Programs
Medical Programs
Full range of Liberal Arts and education degrees
Extension courses

Kentucky Wesleyan College
Kentucky Wesleyan College is rated one of the best colleges in the Southeast by The Princeton Review and one of the top ten best educational values in the South by U.S. News and World Report!

Kentucky Wesleyan College is affiliated with the United Methodist Church. We are proud of our United Methodist heritage and are committed to providing our students opportunities for the integration of faith and learning.

Brescia University
Brescia University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097; telephone number 404-679-4501) to award Associate and Baccalaureate degrees and the Master of Science in Management and Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction.

Brescia University's Ministry Formation Program was granted candidacy accreditation in March 1997 by the United States Catholic Conference (USCC) Commission on Certification and Accreditation. At this time, it is the only undergraduate ministry program accredited by USCC.

Brescia University's Bachelor of Science in Social Work Program was fully accredited by the accrediting body, Council on Social Work Education, in June of 2000.

All of Brescia University's Teacher Education programs are accredited by the Kentucky Department of Education.

Brescia University is authorized by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission. This authorization must be renewed each year and is based on an evaluation by minimum standards concerning quality of education, ethical business practices, health and safety, and fiscal responsibility.

Vincennes University
Vincennes University has the distinction of being Indiana's first college. It is located in Vincennes, Indiana and has a 120 acre campus.VU maintains an open door admission policy. The University's programs are divided into two basic categories:

Academic transfer
Occupational education

VU offers the full campus life experience with six modern residence halls providing 24-hour security and all of the essentials.

Over 200 majors leading to Associate in Science, Associate in Arts and Associate in Applied Science degrees
Over 390 agreements ensure transfer to other institutions
VU offers the lowest tuition rate of any residential college in Indiana
More than six of every ten students receive some form of financial aid including scholarships, grants, loans, work study and tax credits
Over 50 major facilities including the new multi-million dollar recreational facility and Red Skelton Performing Arts Center
Provides consulting and technical assistance to business and industry clients throughout Indiana
Provides education and training programs designed to meet the specific needs of companies throughout Indiana
Administers the WIA program, the University's Adult Basic Education program and the Business and Industry Assistance program
Over 20 degree programs/certificates with all or most courses available via Distance Education.
Operates additional campuses and sites including:
- Vincennes University Jasper Center (VUJC),
- Aviation Technology Center at Indianapolis International Airport
- Military Education Program
- VU American Sign Language Program in Indianapolis.

Ivy Tech-Community College of Indiana
Ivy Tech is a two year vocational technical school and is a part of the Indiana Vocational Technical College system.

State-funded college

24 campuses throughout Indiana

500 classes in business, visual communications, applied science and health, custom and continuing education courses

Associate degrees and technical certificates in 21 fields of study

Business and Industry Training Center

Offers associate of science, associate of applied science and technical certificates

Plastics Technology Laboratory

Extension courses in Warrick County

The institution is a part of the new Indiana Community College System.

Oakland City University (OCU)
(Previously known as Oakland City College) Oakland City University is a four-year liberal arts institution. OCU's goal is to educate in a Christian atmosphere. The institution was founded by the General Association of General Baptists.
Accredited by:

Commission of Institutions of Higher Education of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
Approved for teacher-training by:
- The Indiana State Board of Education
- The National Council of Accreditation of Teachers Education (NCATE)
- The American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education.

Enrollments for the past three years has exceeded 1,500 students and has increased in each of the last five years.
Programs:

Liberal arts
Technical studies
Alternative programs offered at eight sites throughout the state
Over 40 bachelor's and two master's degree programs.
Adult degrees in Business Management may be earned by attending classes one night per week. For more information on this or similar programs, contact Mary Clark by phone at 877-707-6282 (extension 13) or by e-mail.

Elementary & Secondary Schools in Spencer County

Housing
Housing in Spencer County is affordable. The Median Sales Price of existing homes in the US in the Third Quarter 2001 was $147,500 compared to the median home value in Spencer County of $85,100 . As one of the most reasonable housing markets in the country, residents enjoy superior quality living at an affordable cost.

Spencer County offers a wide choice of locations and housing styles. From historic homes, to the beautifully planned Christmas Lake Village area, you are sure to find a home to suit your style.

Cost of Housing
Price Range	%
> $150,000	10%
$100,000 to $150,000	20%
$50,000 to $100,000	50%
<$50,000	20%

Utilities
Electric Suppliers
Vectren serves most of the larger towns in Spencer County. Vectren has over 1238 megawatts of generating capacity, with a reserve capacity of over 10%, and its rates are among the lowest in Indiana. The rural areas of Spencer County are served by Southern Indiana R.E.C.

Natural Gas Suppliers
Vectren also serves as the natural gas supplier for much of Spencer County. Other gas companies include Community Natural Gas (serving the Dale Area), Grandview Municipal Gas and Ohio Valley Natural Gas.

Sewer Systems

Rockport 400,000 GPD
Dale 440,000 GPD
Grandview 150,000 GPD
Santa Claus 500,000 GPD
Chrisney Water 140,000 GPD
Gentryville Water 150,000 GPD
St. Meinrad 45,000 GPD

Telephone Service
SBC/At&T is the major provider of local telephone services in Spencer County. Service in the rural areas is provided by the Perry-Spencer Rural Telephone Co-op.

Water Systems

Rockport Municipal Water 300,000 GPD
Dale Municipal Water 250,000 GPD
Grandview Municipal Water 450,000 GPD
Santa Claus Water 400,000 GPD
Gentryville Water Utility 63,000 GPD
St. Henry Water District 450,000 GPD
Chrisney Water 170,000 GPD
Reo Water 400,000 GPD
Finch-Newton Water 300,00 GPD
St. Meinrad Water 45,000 GPD