Discover Upland, Indiana: Where Innovation Meets Small-Town Warmth

Nestled in the heart of Indiana, the Town of Upland (population approximately 3,700) offers an inviting blend of small-town charm and forward-looking growth. It's the kind of place where neighbors know each other by name and life moves at a relaxed pace. Upland is known for being home to Taylor University, the renowned Christian liberal arts college that infuses the town with youthful energy, as well as iconic local institutions like Ivanhoe's Drive-In and innovative employers such as Avis Industrial and NearSpace Launch. From its rich history to its vibrant community spirit, Upland is a town with a big heart and big ambitions.

Small-Town Heritage and Community Spirit

Upland cherishes its history and tight-knit community. The town's name dates back to its 1867 railroad origins, and today locals continue to honor that heritage—even rescuing a historic train depot that had been moved away decades ago. In 1993, a group of passionate residents formed Our Town Upland with the goal of preserving Upland's history and boosting local pride. They brought the old depot back to town, established a park to house it, and later added a vintage railcar as a nod to Upland's railroad past. This spirit of volunteerism thrives today: Our Town Upland is "a team of community builders, event creators, and advocates for local growth" dedicated to making Upland vibrant and welcoming. Their collaborative efforts, alongside many other civic groups, foster an atmosphere where newcomers and longtime residents alike feel involved and valued.

Community traditions run deep. Each year, Upland hosts a Labor Day Weekend festival that's the pride of Grant County—complete with town-wide yard sales, a lively street fair, a classic car cruise-in, live music, and a parade that has marched through town for over 60 years. Thousands of spectators lined Main Street for the Lions Club Labor Day parade as far back as 1964, and the beloved tradition carries on stronger than ever. The long weekend also features a 5K run, disc golf tournaments, barbecue cookouts, and a grand finale of fireworks in Lions Club Park. Upland's holiday spirit shines as well—the annual Christmas Tree Lighting has been a cherished event for 30 years, featuring Santa visits, caroling, train rides, and the lighting of Grant County's largest live Christmas tree. A family-friendly Fall Festival brings games, hayrides, crafts, and pumpkins each autumn. Through these traditions, Upland residents of all ages come together to celebrate community and make memories.

Education and Innovation in Upland

One of Upland's greatest assets is Taylor University, which has called the town home since 1893. Taylor's picturesque campus and its student body of nearly 2,000 enrich the community culturally and economically. The university is known for academic excellence and faith-based values, and it actively encourages students to engage with the town. Initiatives like the recent downtown mural project—a large "Welcome to Upland" mural painted by Taylor students in partnership with the town—illustrate the close town-gown relationship. "We [students] are temporary four-year residents here in Upland, and so many of us benefit from what this town has to offer," a Taylor student body representative explained, emphasizing that the mural was meant as a gift of gratitude and goodwill to the community. The presence of Taylor University also means Upland enjoys amenities like collegiate athletics, concerts, and lectures that might otherwise be found only in bigger cities.

Beyond education, Upland is on the cutting edge of innovation. Located in this rural town is NearSpace Launch (NSL)—now the largest manufacturer of small satellites in the Midwest. Co-founded by a Taylor professor and an alumnus, NSL has built over 100 satellites and hundreds of satellite subsystems right in downtown Upland. They've earned contracts with NASA, the Department of Defense, and major companies, proving that a high-tech enterprise can thrive in a small town. NSL's success has spun off a nonprofit sister organization, NearSpace Education (NSE), aimed at inspiring the next generation in STEM. NSE works with schools on high-altitude balloon launches, runs youth space camps, and launched an ambitious "Dream Big" initiative to help colleges in every U.S. state send a satellite to space. Fittingly, NSE is expanding its headquarters in Upland: in 2024 they purchased a century-old downtown building to renovate into a new innovation hub complete with a large makerspace, where students and community members can get hands-on experience with technology and even build satellite components. This makerspace—slated for a ribbon-cutting during Labor Day festivities—exemplifies Upland's blend of education and enterprise. Local leaders praise NSL and NSE as "incredible sources for good" and perfect partners for Upland's growth.

Another hometown institution is Ivanhoe's Drive-In, a legendary local restaurant that draws visitors from hours away for its ice cream. For over 50 years, Ivanhoe's has served up fresh-made burgers and an astounding menu of 100 different shakes and 100 different sundaes—earning a place in Indiana lore with its famous "100 Club" challenge. This nostalgic eatery, frequented by students and families alike, embodies Upland's friendly, all-American character. From a manufacturing standpoint, Avis Industrial Corporation is headquartered in Upland as well, anchoring the local economy with a network of manufacturing subsidiaries. The mix of industry, innovation, and education in Upland is unique for a town of its size.

Revitalization and Growth

Despite its small size, Upland is a community with big plans. In recent years, the town has launched major development initiatives to revitalize its infrastructure and downtown core. In 2024, Taylor University and the town partnered on the Main Street Mile Initiative, a bold plan to inject over $100 million of grants and private investment into Upland's downtown. The Main Street Mile project is transforming the historic Main Street (State Road 22) with a complete road and bridge reconstruction, new sidewalks and streetscapes, enhanced lighting, and beautification from end to end. The Indiana Department of Transportation began work in 2024 on replacing the aging Main Street bridge and overhauling the streetscape. The improvements—aimed at increasing safety and curb appeal—include new crosswalks, defined parking, curbs and gutters, and charming streetlamps with hanging flower baskets. According to INDOT, the multi-phase project is on track for completion by late 2025, just in time to ring in a new era for downtown Upland. "Downtown serves as the front door to Upland… These enhancements will add polish to downtown to make it more inviting and welcoming," noted Andrea Masvero, who directs 1846 Enterprises, the local development organization overseeing the project. Town leaders believe a new Main Street will be "catalytic for Upland's economy and community well-being," laying the foundation for new businesses and opportunities. Even as construction temporarily detours traffic, residents can already envision the payoff: a safer, more vibrant downtown that beckons both locals and visitors to spend time.

Hand-in-hand with infrastructure, Upland is addressing another key need—housing. The town and Taylor University recently secured a $1.75 million state READI grant to kick-start new housing development as part of the broader revitalization effort. This funding will extend Ivanhoe's Drive (yes, the street named after the ice cream shop) and utilities to a planned neighborhood called Kershner Commons, opening up 22 new single-family home sites and preparing adjacent land for future development. With major employers growing and the university hiring, housing demand in Upland far outstrips supply—a recent study showed Grant County could absorb 2,000 new homes over five years. "We often hear from people looking for housing in Upland, but the options are very limited," says Masvero, adding that these new homes will "invite people to participate in our community" and bring the population growth needed to support local businesses. Construction on the new neighborhood is expected to begin soon, and the additional families will bolster Upland's tax base, school enrollment, and customer base for merchants. The town is also working on strategic annexations of adjacent areas to accommodate growth. In short, Upland's leadership is proactive in turning challenges—like an old bridge or housing shortage—into opportunities. Through smart partnerships and community input, Upland is positioning itself for sustainable growth while maintaining its close-knit feel.

Quality of Life and Amenities

Ask any resident and they'll tell you Upland is an easy place to call home. Despite all the new developments, the town retains a peaceful atmosphere surrounded by natural beauty. Upland is set amid gently rolling farmlands and is a short drive from the Mississinewa Lake reservoir—a popular spot for boating, fishing, hiking, and camping. Within town, residents take advantage of several parks and walking and biking trails. The Upland Greenways project is gradually converting old railroad corridors into recreational trails, linking neighborhoods and providing safe routes for exercise. On summer Saturday mornings, you'll find locals browsing the Upland Farmers' Market at Depot Park, picking up fresh produce and handmade goods. Whether it's walking the dog along a tranquil trail or enjoying the changing fall colors, Upland offers a dose of nature's therapy right at one's doorstep.

Families are drawn to Upland for its excellent schools and wholesome environment. The town is served by Eastbrook Community Schools, known for strong academics and athletics—the Eastbrook Panthers football team is a local pride. Meanwhile, the presence of Taylor University brings cultural enrichment: art exhibits, theater productions, and notable speakers that the public can often enjoy. The Upland Public Library and local churches also host community programs, from summer reading clubs to holiday pancake breakfasts. Crime is low, streets are walkable, and neighbors genuinely look out for one another, reinforcing a sense of safety and belonging.

Importantly, Upland is an affordable place to live and do business. The cost of living here is about 19% below the U.S. average and even 8% lower than the Indiana state average. Housing, in particular, is budget-friendly—one can find a charming older home or a modern build at a fraction of big-city prices. This affordability, coupled with Upland's convenient location (only 10 minutes from Interstate 69 and midway between Indianapolis and Fort Wayne), makes it attractive for remote workers and entrepreneurs. Indiana as a whole is known for its pro-business climate and "Hoosier Hospitality," and Upland embodies those traits on a small-town scale. The town actively welcomes new businesses; recent arrivals include boutique shops and eateries on Main Street, and there's a spirit of supporting local entrepreneurs. Upland's town council and administration have worked to modernize utilities and streamline permitting, recognizing that encouraging commerce is key to the town's vitality.

A Community That Exemplifies "Small Town, Big Heart"

Upland, Indiana, truly offers the best of both worlds: the warmth and simplicity of small-town life combined with surprising opportunities to grow, create, and innovate. It's a place where an evening might mean cheering on the Eastbrook Panthers or grabbing ice cream at Ivanhoe's, and the next morning could involve brainstorming in a high-tech makerspace or volunteering at a community event. Residents—whether born-and-raised or newly arrived—share a strong sense of community pride. They volunteer together, celebrate each other's milestones, and band together in times of need. As Upland continues to develop and welcome new faces, it remains "a town where tranquility and natural charm combine to create a peaceful, fulfilling lifestyle." With its friendly people, rich traditions, and ambitious vision for the future, Upland is more than just a dot on the map in Grant County—it's a community that exemplifies the motto "small town, big heart."

References

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