Wooded 16.67-Acre Creekside Property with Ranch Home in Bloomington, Indiana — $374,900

Property Overview

Located on Bloomington’s northwest side, this 16.67-acre Monroe County property combines mature woodland, rolling terrain, natural water features, and an existing ranch-style residence. The predominantly wooded acreage includes established Indiana hardwoods, towering pines, varied elevations, and picturesque Stout Creek, which winds through the landscape over exposed natural rock formations.

A paved driveway extending more than 700 feet leads through the wooded property to an older single-story home built in 1945. The residence has two bedrooms, one full bathroom and one half bathroom, with approximately 1,780 square feet of living space. It also has an attached garage and existing utilities.

The home is being sold as-is, with no significant value assigned to the residence. Buyers can consider renovating the existing structure, removing it for a new construction project, or exploring other permitted uses of the land. Several higher, relatively level areas may offer potential building locations, although soil conditions, drainage, access, zoning, and construction suitability will need professional evaluation.

The property has been held by the same family for two generations. Its combination of mature timber, natural creek features, wooded acreage, and access to Bloomington makes it an interesting option for someone looking for a substantial piece of southern Indiana land with an existing residence.

Land, Woods and Natural Features

16.67 Acres of Predominantly Wooded Land

The acreage is characterized by mature mixed hardwood forests, towering pines, native vegetation, and rolling southern Indiana terrain. Rather than an open agricultural field, this is an established woodland property with natural variations in elevation, tree cover, and drainage.

Higher ground and several more level areas create potential locations for additional construction, subject to appropriate site assessments, zoning requirements, permits, and other applicable approvals.

The wooded setting also provides opportunities for outdoor activities, including:

• Walking and hiking through established woodland.
• Wildlife observation and nature photography.
• Hunting, subject to applicable regulations and permissions.
• Woodland conservation and responsible forest management.
• Exploring the creek and natural rock formations.
• Enjoying the changing scenery throughout the seasons.

Picturesque Stout Creek

One of the property’s distinctive natural features is Stout Creek. The creek winds through the wooded landscape, passing exposed rock formations and creating a varied natural setting.

The combination of flowing water, mature trees, and rolling terrain gives this portion of Monroe County acreage a character that is different from a conventional residential lot. The creek and surrounding woodland contribute to the property’s recreational and conservation appeal.

Potential Timber Value

The mature hardwoods and established pine growth may offer potential timber value. A professional forestry assessment would help determine the species, quantity, quality, accessibility, and current marketability of the timber.

Selective timber management may be worth considering for buyers interested in maintaining the woodland while managing its resources. Properly planned forestry practices can support forest regeneration, improve habitat, and maintain the long-term health of the property.

No specific timber valuation or guaranteed timber income has been established. Buyers interested in this possibility should consult a qualified forester before making decisions about harvesting.

Existing Home and Improvements

Older Single-Story Ranch-Style Residence

The existing residence is a single-story home constructed in 1945, with concrete block construction and an unusual floorplan. Its approximately 1,780 square feet include two bedrooms, one full bathroom, and one half bathroom.

The home has several distinctive design elements that may appeal to someone considering a renovation project. It also has an attached garage and a newer roof, as described in the property information.

The residence appears to have functioning plumbing, electrical, heating, and cooling systems, but its age and overall condition warrant a thorough professional inspection. Substantial renovation and updating may be necessary, and complete removal of the existing structure is another possibility for buyers planning new construction.

The home is being offered in as-is condition. Buyers should independently evaluate the structure, roof, foundation, mechanical systems, and all other components before purchase.

Utilities and Property Infrastructure

The property has existing electrical service, natural gas, a private well, and a septic system. These existing improvements provide an established utility setup for the current residence.

Buyers considering substantial renovation, replacement construction, or additional residences should investigate the condition and capacity of the existing infrastructure. Well water quality and yield, septic system condition and capacity, utility connections, and the requirements for any new installations should be independently verified.

The newly paved driveway extends more than 700 feet through the wooded acreage, providing access from Maple Grove Road to the existing residence.

The property is not an agricultural farm. Its primary characteristics are wooded recreational acreage, an existing older residence, natural water features, and potential residential building opportunities.

Possible Uses and Ownership Opportunities

The combination of acreage, mature woodland, an existing residence, and access to Bloomington creates several possibilities for a future owner. The most appropriate use will depend on individual plans, property inspections, local regulations, and any necessary approvals.

Residential Ownership

A buyer may choose to renovate the existing home or investigate the possibility of replacing it with a new single-family residence. The property’s higher and more level areas may warrant further investigation for building suitability.

Weekend Retreat and Recreation

The wooded setting and creek provide a natural backdrop for a weekend getaway or private recreational property. Hiking, wildlife observation, nature photography, and time outdoors are among the activities that the land may accommodate.

Woodland Stewardship

The mature timber offers an opportunity to investigate responsible forest management. A qualified forester can evaluate the woodland and help determine whether selective harvesting, conservation practices, or other management approaches are appropriate.

Additional Residential or Rental Possibilities

The acreage may warrant investigation for additional residential construction or a future rental property. Any additional dwelling, short-term rental, long-term rental, subdivision, or development proposal would require verification of zoning, permitted uses, access, septic capacity, utilities, and applicable county or municipal approvals.

All water and mineral rights are represented as transferring with ownership. Buyers should confirm the precise rights and any associated restrictions during their title and due diligence review.

Location: Northwest Bloomington, Indiana

The property is situated on Bloomington’s northwest side in Monroe County, offering a wooded rural setting within reach of the city’s educational, commercial, healthcare, and recreational amenities.

Bloomington is home to Indiana University and serves as an important educational, cultural, and economic center in southern Indiana. The surrounding region has a long history connected to education, limestone quarrying, forestry, agriculture, and the natural landscapes of the southern part of the state.

Indiana University was founded in 1820 and has played a major role in Bloomington’s development. Today, the community combines university-related employment and activity with local businesses, healthcare services, arts, dining, shopping, and outdoor recreation.

The city had an estimated population of approximately 83,300 in 2025, while Monroe County’s estimated population was approximately 143,345. These figures reflect the broader community rather than the immediate neighborhood surrounding the property.

Southern Indiana experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers, colorful autumns, cool winters, and springtime vegetation. The area’s wooded terrain and natural water features are an important part of its landscape.

Nearby Outdoor Recreation

Griffy Lake Nature Preserve

Griffy Lake Nature Preserve is one of Bloomington’s established outdoor recreation destinations. The 109-acre lake is surrounded by more than 1,200 acres of nature preserve, providing opportunities for hiking, fishing, and non-motorized boating.

The preserve has a network of trails with different lengths and difficulty levels. Visitors can also enjoy fishing from shore or from a non-motorized watercraft. Kayaks and other permitted boats are available through the Griffy Lake Boathouse during its operating season.

Griffy Lake offers a useful recreational complement to the property’s own woodland and creek environment.

Cascades Park and Cascades Golf Course

Cascades Park is another established Bloomington outdoor destination, with walking areas, natural surroundings, and recreational facilities. The adjacent Cascades Golf Course provides an additional option for golfers.

Lake Monroe

Lake Monroe, south of Bloomington, is a major regional destination for outdoor recreation. Boating, fishing, camping, and other water-based activities make it one of the area’s principal recreational resources.

McCormick’s Creek State Park

McCormick’s Creek State Park provides access to southern Indiana’s characteristic wooded landscapes, hiking trails, creek features, and natural scenery. It offers another option for day trips and outdoor activities.

Morgan-Monroe State Forest

Morgan-Monroe State Forest is another regional destination for hiking, forest exploration, and outdoor recreation. Its extensive woodland environment reflects the natural character of this part of Indiana.

Schools and Education

The property is located in the Bloomington area of Monroe County. Monroe County Community School Corporation serves a substantial portion of the surrounding area.

Bloomington North High School is a nearby educational reference point on the northwest side of the city. Prospective buyers with school-age children should independently confirm the current elementary, middle, and high school assignments for this exact parcel. School proximity does not establish enrollment eligibility or attendance boundaries.

Indiana University is also an important educational resource in Bloomington, offering undergraduate and graduate education, research facilities, cultural programs, and public events.

Healthcare and Medical Services

Bloomington has established hospital and outpatient healthcare facilities serving Monroe County and the surrounding region.

IU Health Bloomington Hospital

IU Health Bloomington Hospital is a full-service hospital located at 2651 E Discovery Parkway in Bloomington. The facility provides hospital services and emergency medical care.

Urgent Care

Bloomington also has urgent care facilities, including IU Health Urgent Care on Woodscrest Drive and MedExpress on Franklin Road. These facilities provide options for non-emergency illnesses and minor injuries.

Additional primary care practices, medical specialists, pharmacies, and outpatient services are available throughout Bloomington.

Shopping, Dining and Everyday Services

Although the property has a wooded setting, Bloomington’s commercial areas provide access to everyday shopping and services.

Grocery Shopping

Kroger operates several grocery stores in Bloomington. Its Kinser Pike location at 1825 Kinser Pike is one of the established grocery options on the north side of the city.

Other grocery retailers and general merchandise stores are available throughout Bloomington, along with specialty food shops and local markets.

Restaurants and Local Businesses

Downtown Bloomington has a varied selection of restaurants, cafes, independent retailers, and service businesses. Additional shopping and dining options can be found along the city’s major commercial corridors.

Banks, pharmacies, gas stations, hardware stores, professional services, and other everyday businesses are also available throughout the city.

Transportation and Regional Access

The property’s northwest Bloomington location provides access to several important regional roadways.

• Interstate 69: Provides north-south highway access toward Indianapolis and southern Indiana.
• State Road 37: Forms part of the regional north-south transportation network around Bloomington and connects with Interstate 69.
• State Road 46: Provides east-west access toward communities including Columbus and Terre Haute.

Downtown Bloomington and Indiana University are approximately 5–7 miles from the property, based on the supplied location information. Indianapolis is approximately 50–55 miles to the north.

Monroe County Airport provides regional general aviation facilities west of Bloomington. Commercial air travel is available through larger regional airports outside the immediate city.

Utilities and Internet Connectivity in the Area

The property’s existing utility arrangements include electricity, natural gas, a private well, and septic service.

Utility and communications providers serving portions of the wider Bloomington and Monroe County area include Duke Energy, CenterPoint Energy, Smithville Broadband, AT&T, and Comcast. Actual service availability varies by address and infrastructure.

Buyers should confirm electricity and natural gas arrangements, water and septic conditions, trash collection, broadband availability, and cellular coverage directly with the appropriate providers. The availability of a service elsewhere in Bloomington does not establish that it is available at this particular property.

For any proposed new residence or additional construction, utility capacity and connection requirements should be investigated before proceeding.

Bloomington Housing Market

Bloomington’s housing market provides useful context for buyers considering residential property in Monroe County. The local market includes a mixture of established homes, newer construction, university-related housing, rural residential properties, and larger acreage parcels.

The Indiana Association of REALTORS’ December 2025 annual market report recorded a median annual sale price of approximately $291,000 for Bloomington. The report indicated that the median sale price was approximately 35% higher than five years earlier.

The same report recorded 2,088 closed residential sales during 2025, with average daily inventory of 779 properties and approximately 43 days from listing to pending sale.

These figures describe the broader Bloomington residential market. They are not a valuation of this particular property and should not be treated as directly comparable to a wooded acreage property with an older residence, a creek, and potential future construction opportunities.

Land characteristics, timber resources, site suitability, access, utility infrastructure, and the condition or replacement cost of the existing residence can all influence how a property of this type is evaluated.

Property Taxes and Assessment

The supplied property information identifies a tax-assessed value of $211,600 and an annual property tax amount of $2,731 for the 2024 tax year.

Property taxes and assessed values can change from year to year. Buyers should confirm the current assessment, applicable exemptions, tax obligations, and any changes associated with a future transfer or improvement of the property through Monroe County.

Development, Zoning and Future Possibilities

The acreage may offer potential for residential construction beyond the existing residence, but no additional building rights or approved development plan should be assumed.

Buyers interested in constructing another home, replacing the existing residence, dividing the land, or pursuing a rental use should contact Monroe County planning and zoning officials to establish the permitted uses and applicable requirements.

Particular attention should be given to the wooded terrain, creek, natural drainage, soil suitability, driveway access, well and septic capacity, setbacks, and any environmental or land-use restrictions.

A professional survey, soil evaluation, septic inspection, well inspection, and appropriate zoning review would be sensible parts of the due diligence process.

Important Property Considerations

This property is primarily a wooded acreage offering with an older residence rather than a recently renovated conventional home. Buyers should consider the following before making a purchase decision:

• The residence is being sold as-is.
• The home may require substantial renovation or complete removal.
• The existing well and septic system should be professionally evaluated.
• Potential new building sites require soil and site suitability assessments.
• Additional residential construction is subject to zoning and applicable approvals.
• Timber value requires a professional forestry assessment.
• Creek conditions, drainage, and any applicable environmental restrictions should be investigated.
• Water and mineral rights should be confirmed through title review.

Property Summary

Property information, measurements, utility details, taxes, and land characteristics should be independently verified by prospective buyers. School assignments, building suitability, permitted uses, and utility availability are subject to confirmation.

Property information courtesy of the property owners. Original photography credits should be retained with the respective photographs; individual photographer names were not supplied.