Roachdale, IN

Set in northern Putnam County, Roachdale is a peaceful rural community with deep railroad roots. The town sprang up in the late 1800s where two train lines met, quickly growing from quiet farmland into a bustling trade hub named after railroad executive Addison Roach. Even as the rail era faded, Roachdale held on to its down-to-earth personality and strong connection to the surrounding farmland.

ATTRLeonor Hopscotch / CC BY-SA 4.0

Today, daily life centers on long-standing local fixtures like the historic Carnegie library, neighborhood churches, and the local elementary school. It offers an easy, low-key pace of living surrounded by open country, with Greencastle just a short drive south for extra shopping and dining options. The community also enjoys having fun with its name, gathering crowds every summer for an annual roach race that remains one of the area's most memorable hometown traditions.