Most people driving south from Indianapolis on US-31 barely notice the turnoff for State Road 252. They’re usually aiming for the bigger, louder attractions in Nashville or the state park. But if you take that turn toward Prince's Lakes Nineveh Indiana, you hit a pocket of the state that feels like it’s frozen in a very specific, very charming version of the 1950s. It’s a place where the mailboxes are often more expensive than the cars parked next to them and where "lake life" isn't a Pinterest aesthetic—it's a daily grind involving weed cutters and pontoon batteries.
Prince’s Lakes isn’t just one body of water. It’s a sprawling, interconnected cluster of about 14 different lakes, some so small you could throw a rock across them, others large enough to actually get a wakeboarder up behind a boat. It sits right in Nineveh Township, a name that sounds biblical because it is, though the vibe here is much more "fishing vest" than "ancient prophecy."
Honestly, the history of this place is a bit wild. Back in the late 1940s and early 50s, a guy named Nelson G. Prince had this vision. He started damming up the local creeks and selling lots. He wasn't building a luxury resort for the elite; he was selling the American dream to factory workers from Indy and Columbus who wanted a place to escape the heat. You can still see that DNA in the architecture. You’ll have a tiny, original cinderblock cabin from 1952 sitting right next to a $600,000 modern glass house. It’s weird. It’s inconsistent. It’s perfect.
The Reality of Living in Prince's Lakes Nineveh Indiana
Living here isn't the same as visiting. If you're looking at Zillow and thinking about pulling the trigger on a property, you need to understand the infrastructure. Most of these lakes are private. That’s a huge distinction. If you don't own property or know someone who does, you aren't putting a boat in the water. The Town of Prince's Lakes manages the utilities, and they’ve spent a massive amount of effort—and taxpayer money—over the last decade upgrading the water systems.
Nineveh itself is an unincorporated community, which basically means it's the post office and a few key businesses that hold the whole social fabric together. The Nineveh Christian Church and the local Cordry-Sweetwater area nearby often get lumped in, but Prince's Lakes has its own distinct, slightly more "down-to-earth" personality.
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Water Quality and Management
Let’s talk about the weeds. Every lake community in Indiana fights them, but in Prince's Lakes, it's a constant battle. Because these are man-made lakes, they want to turn back into swamps. It’s just nature doing its thing. The various Lake Associations (each lake usually has its own set of rules or at least a shared understanding) coordinate weed treatments and dam maintenance.
- East and West Lake: These are the big ones. This is where most of the action happens.
- The Smaller Ponds: Think Hiawatha or Lotta. These are quieter, better for kayaking or just watching the herons.
- The Dam Situations: In Indiana, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) doesn't mess around with dam safety. The Town Council stays busy ensuring these earthen structures meet modern safety codes so nobody's basement ends up becoming part of the lake.
The Social Fabric: More Than Just Fishing
If you walk into the Nineveh Senior Center or grab a tenderloin at a local spot, you’ll realize this isn't a "shushing" community. It’s loud. It’s neighborly. People know whose dog got out. They know when you’ve finally painted your deck.
The Johnson County Public Library has a branch right in Nineveh, and it’s arguably the heart of the town. It’s small, but it’s where the high-speed internet is reliable and where people actually talk to each other. For a town that feels remote, the civic engagement is surprisingly high. People show up to town council meetings. They argue about road salt. They care.
One thing that surprises newcomers is the topography. People think Central Indiana is flat. Wrong. Once you hit Nineveh, the glaciers stopped moving, leaving behind these rolling, wooded ridges. It makes for beautiful views, but it also means your driveway might be a 45-degree angle that becomes a luge run in January.
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Real Estate: The Great Shift
For decades, Prince's Lakes Nineveh Indiana was the "affordable" lake option. That changed around 2020. Like everywhere else, prices spiked, but here it felt different because the inventory is so limited. You’re not just buying a house; you’re buying a specific "Lot Number" that has been in some families for three generations.
There’s a tension now between the "weekenders" and the "full-timers." More people are working remotely, which means those tiny summer cabins are being winterized and expanded. This puts pressure on the septic systems—many homes are still on septic, though the town has been aggressive about sewer expansion where possible.
What to Look for Before Buying:
- Docks and Sea Walls: Replacing a crumbling sea wall can cost as much as a new car. Don't ignore the concrete.
- Access Rights: Just because a house is "near" the water doesn't mean it has "legal access" to a dock. Check the plat maps.
- The "Hidden" Fees: Between town taxes, conservancy district assessments, and lake dues, your monthly "holding cost" might be higher than expected.
Education and Infrastructure
Kids in the area generally head to the Nineveh-Hensley-Jackson United School Corporation, specifically Indian Creek. It's a solid school district with a massive amount of community pride. On Friday nights in the fall, the lake is empty because everyone is at the football game.
Shopping is the trade-off. You’re going to be driving to Franklin or Trafalgar for a major grocery run. There isn't a Starbucks on the corner. There’s a Dollar General, and for many, that’s the lifeblood of the town. If you need a specific organic kale variety at 9:00 PM on a Tuesday, Prince's Lakes might drive you crazy. If you need a gallon of milk and a funny story about a local mechanic, you’re in the right place.
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The "Nineveh" Identity
It’s important to distinguish between the town of Prince’s Lakes and the broader Nineveh area. Nineveh technically stretches across the county line into Brown County a bit, but the cultural center is firmly in Johnson County.
The area is also home to the Cordry-Sweetwater Conservancy District, which is just a few miles away. That area is much more regulated and, frankly, more expensive. Prince's Lakes remains the more accessible, "boots-on-the-ground" neighbor. It’s where you go to actually live, not just to be seen.
Actionable Steps for Navigating Prince's Lakes
If you're serious about exploring or moving to Prince's Lakes Nineveh Indiana, don't just browse Zillow. Do the actual legwork.
- Visit the Town Hall: Stop by the Prince’s Lakes Town Hall on State Road 252. Pick up a copy of the local ordinances. It sounds boring, but knowing the rules about golf carts (which are huge here) and burning brush will save you a headache later.
- Check the Flood Maps: Even though you're on a lake, the way the ravines drain can create "flash" zones during Indiana's famous spring downpours.
- Join the Local Facebook Groups: Search for "Prince's Lakes Community" or "Nineveh Talk." You’ll see the real issues—lost cats, power outages, and recommendations for the best plumber who actually answers his phone.
- Drive the "Loop" at Night: Some parts of the lakes are whisper-quiet. Others have neighbors who like to test their outdoor speakers. Know which vibe you’re buying into before you sign a 30-year mortgage.
- Test the Commute: If you work in Indy, drive from Nineveh to your office at 7:15 AM on a Tuesday. The drive up US-31 or I-65 can be a slog when the farm equipment is out on the roads.
Prince's Lakes isn't a manicured resort. It's a real town with real people and a lot of water. It’s a place for people who don't mind a little mud on their boots and a lot of peace and quiet. If you can handle the lack of a Target and the occasional snapping turtle in your yard, it’s one of the best-kept secrets in the state.