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Greenfield, IN

Frequently asked questions

Greenfield, IN

Greenfield is a city in and the county seat of Hancock County, Indiana, United States It lies in Center Township and is part of the Indianapolis metropolitan area. The population was 23,488 at the 2020 census. Greenfield was a stop along the Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Chicago, and St. Louis Railroad that connected Pittsburgh to Chicago and St. Louis.

Hancock County was created on March 1, 1828, and named for John Hancock, the first person to sign the Declaration of Independence. The town of Greenfield was chosen as the county seat on April 11, 1828. The Commissioners announced, "The seat of Justice of Hancock County shall be known and designated by the name and title of Greenfield." The population of the county at that time was 400.

Early settlers built along the two creeks that flow south through Center Township, which includes Greenfield. The first businesses were small gristmills for grinding corn and wheat for settlers.

U.S. Route 40, the National Road, was built through Hancock County around 1835. It was heavily traveled by wagon trains going west and livestock going to Cincinnati. In 1853, the first steam railroad was completed by the Indiana Central Railroad at the south edge of Greenfield. The railroad became part of the Pennsylvania Railroad system and later the Penn-Central. These tracks were removed in the 1980s.

During this time, Greenfield's population continued to grow. Greenfield was incorporated as a city in 1876 with a population of 2,023. The greatest single period of growth began in 1887 when natural gas was discovered in the area. Greenfield was a boomtown for 20 years, with the founding of manufacturing plants and other industries.

Greenfield is located in central Hancock County. U.S. Route 40 passes through the center of the city as Main Street and leads east 13 miles (21 km) to Knightstown and west 21 miles (34 km) to downtown Indianapolis. Interstate 70 parallels US-40, passing through the northern limits of Greenfield with access from Exit 104. I-70 leads east 50 miles (80 km) to Richmond near the Ohio border and west through Indianapolis 99 miles (159 km) to Terre Haute. Indiana State Road 9 (State Street) crosses US-40 in the center of Greenfield and leads north 15 miles (24 km) to Pendleton and south 18 miles (29 km) to Shelbyville.

According to the 2010 census, Greenfield has a total area of 12.662 square miles (32.79 km2), of which 12.55 square miles (32.50 km2) (or 99.12%) is land and 0.112 square miles (0.29 km2) (or 0.88%) is water. Located on the east side of historic downtown lies Riley Park, which flows the Brandywine Creek, a south-flowing tributary of the Big Blue River and part of the watershed of the East Fork White River.

Greenfield places a strong emphasis on the health and wellness of its residents. The Hancock Regional Hospital, a cornerstone of the community, ensures that quality healthcare services are readily available. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the Greenfield Parks and Recreation Department offers. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include Greenfield Fitness, Planet Fitness, and Anytime Fitness. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Greenfield, such as the Riley Park and Thornwood Preserve. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.
 

Top sites in Greenfield, IN include Tuttle Orchards, Riley Home Museum, Strike Force Lanes, and Hancock County Historical Society.
 

Population: 24,785 (2022). Elevation: 861 feet. Area: 13.71 sq mi (35.50 km2). ZIP Code: 46140. Area code(s): 317.

FAQs

What is Greenfield, Indiana famous for?

Greenfield is the birthplace of one of America’s most famous writers. James Whitcomb Riley is best known for his poetry, which became the inspiration behind Raggedy Ann and the musical Annie. But according to Matt McKinney for WRTV, “James Whitcomb Riley was so much more than a poet to Indiana. He was an ambassador for the state, somebody who helped put Indiana on the map in the late 1800s to the early 1900s.” He even sold out Madison Square Garden in a comedy show with Mark Twain!

Is Greenfield, IN a good place to live?

Living in Greenfield offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Greenfield, there are a lot of parks. Many families and young professionals live in Greenfield and residents tend to be conservative. The public schools in Greenfield are above average.

What's the crime rate in Greenfield, Indiana?

The crime rate in Greenfield is considerably higher than the national average across all communities in America from the largest to the smallest, although at 13 crimes per one thousand residents, it is not among the communities with the very highest crime rate. The chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Greenfield is 1 in 77. Based on FBI crime data, Greenfield is not one of the safest communities in America. Relative to Indiana, Greenfield has a crime rate that is higher than 75% of the state's cities and towns of all sizes.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Greenfield 

Hancock Regional Hospital

Greenfield Parks and Recreation Department 

Greenfield Fitness

Planet Fitness  

Anytime Fitness

Riley Park 

Thornwood Preserve

Tuttle Orchards 

Riley Home Museum 

Strike Force Lanes 

Hancock County Historical Society

Lifeinindy

Niche

Neighborhood Scout

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