Indianapolis is a dynamic urban city in the Midwest. If you love arts and culture, racing, sports, fun neighborhoods, and funky eateriesthis is the place for you.You won’t find a warmer welcome even when it’s snowing outside.
This state capital is the largest city in Indiana is found along the White River. Indianapolis is actually the second capital. “Railroad City” and “Crossroads of America” are two nicknames stemming from Indianapolis’s position as a transportation hub.
Home to a major one day sporting event, The Indianapolis 500, tourists and sports fans bring a boost to the dynamic economy for this event and others. Nothing says down home Midwest more than a celebratory drink of milk by the winner of the Indy 500.
The nation’s largest privately funded zoo, world’s largest children’s museum and vast array of veteran monuments add to its unique feel. Indianapolis is the perfect Midwestern city to call home!
Indianapolis Area Communities
Western Indianapois
This part of Indianapolis has neighborhoods to the west of I-65 including Brickyard Crossing and Speedway. Speedway is close to everything racing and offers residents great access to wineries, distilleries, and restaurants.
Carmel
Located due north of Indianapolis this great suburb is gaining steam. With number 1 rankings for best place to live, best place to raise a family and public schools in the state, it is understandable why new homeowners are selecting Carmel.
Broad Ripple
Broad Ripple, located along the Monon Trail, is a walkable bevy of great coffee shops, restaurants and charming housing with many bungalows.
Southeastern Indianapolis
Find neighborhoods like Irvington, Woodruff Place, Fletcher and Fountain Square in Southeastern Indianapolis. From historic buildings to diverse housing options, these neighborhoods offer a convenience with a welcoming residential feel.
Fischers
Follow I-69 northeast out of town 20 miles to Fischers, a thriving suburb offering a variety of amenities and homes sure to please families with various styles and prices to fit any budget.
Mass Ave
Mass Ave is a cultural district, and is hip and happening, full of beautiful condominiums for those wanting an easy urban lifestyle in the midst of everything great. Restaurants, shops and historic buildings add to the experience.
Plainfield
Head southeast on I-70 to Plainfield. Sprawling single family dwellings, easy amenities and great schools make this a great place to raise a family.
Market East
Found in downtown, there is plenty of mass transit making this an easy spot to be your hub. There’s even the Indy Bike Hub, an actual parking garage for bicycles.
Zionsville
This northwestern suburb is located just outside the I-465 loop. Residents enjoy the slower paced lifestyle and can easily commute into Indy for employment.
Top Indianapolis School Districts
Indianapolis has great schools, where your children can thrive!
Finding the right school district for your children has a major impact on their quality of life and path to success. These are the top rated school districts in the Indianapolis Area; if you want to delve deeper into school records and standards for the State of Indiana, NewHomeSource has a guide to all the resources you need to find the right school for your child.
Carmel Clay Schools
Students Served: 15,918
School Breakdown: 11 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, and 1 high schools
Students Per Teacher: 19
Test Proficiency: Above state averages in most demographics
Communities Served: Carmel
Zionsville Community Schools
Students Served: 6,725
School Breakdown: 5 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, and 1 high schools
Students Per Teacher: 18
Test Proficiency: Above state averages in all demographics
Communities Served: Zionsville, Eaglewood Estates, Royalton, Allens Acres, Northern Meadows, Gadsden, Rosston
Hamilton Southeastern School District
Students Served: 21,291
School Breakdown: 13 elementary schools, 8 middle schools, and 3 high schools
Students Per Teacher: 19
Test Proficiency: Above state averages in all demographics
Communities Served: Part of Hamilton
Brownsburg Community School Corporation
Students Served: 8,477
School Breakdown: 6 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, and 1 high schools
Students Per Teacher: 17
Test Proficiency: Above state averages in all demographics
Communities Served: Brownsburg, part of Clermont
Plainfield Commuinty School Corporation
Students Served: 27,877
School Breakdown: 17 elementary schools, 8 middle schools, and 5 high schools
Students Per Teacher: 19
Test Proficiency: Above state averages in all demographics
Communities Served: Joppa, parts of Friendswood, parts of Plainfield
Avon Community School Corporation
Students Served: 9,482
School Breakdown: 8 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, and 1 high schools
Students Per Teacher: 22
Test Proficiency: Above state averages in all demographics
Communities Served: Avon, Big Four Yard
Westfield-Washington Schools
Students Served: 7,238
School Breakdown: 6 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, and 1 high schools
Students Per Teacher: 20
Test Proficiency: Above state averages in all demographics
Communities Served: Lamong, Hortonville, Eagletown, part of Westfield
Center Grove Community School Corporation
Students Served: 7,963
School Breakdown: 5 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, and 1 high schools
Students Per Teacher: 21
Test Proficiency: Above state averages in all demographics
Communities Served: Part of Banta, Kinder, Bluff Creek, El Dorado, part of Green Valley
School Town of Speedway
Students Served: 1,774
School Breakdown: 4 elementary schools, 1 middle schools, and 1 high schools
Students Per Teacher: 14
Test Proficiency: Above state averages in all demographics
Communities Served: Part of the town of Speedway
Franklin Township Community School Corporation
Students Served: 9,288
School Breakdown: 7 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, and 1 high schools
Students Per Teacher: 20
Test Proficiency: Above state averages in all demographics
Communities Served: Belle Arbor, Fox Hollow, Hunters Crossing, Wolf Run, Poplar Grove, Galader Station, Acton, Charlesmac Village, Charle Sumac Estates
Top Employers in Indianapolis
Healthcare is one of the largest sectors of the economy in Indianapolis.
Community Health Network
Community Health Network is the largest employer in the Indianapolis Area, employing 16,000 people working in the healthcare sector.
IU Health University Hospital
IU Health University Hospital is the second largest employer and health network in Indianapolis, with over 13,000 people providing great healthcare to their neighbors.
St. Vincent Health Network
The St. Vincent Health Network has numerous locations across the city, making it a major player in the employment opportunities in Indianapolis.
IUPUI
Indiana University- Purdue University Indianapolis brings almost 7,000 jobs in the education sector to the Indianapolis Area.
Eli Lilly
Eli Lilly is a major pharmaceutical company that has its company headquarters in Indianapolis, employing 6,000 people in the area.
Indianapolis Area Museums
Tour Indiana’s historic capitol.
Indiana State Museum
Home to the state’s largest IMAX, the Indiana State Museum is filled with exciting and informative exhibits covering topics like including history, science, culture and art. Learn more about the Hoosier state.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum
Indianapolis is synonymous with racing and what better way to learn more about it than a trip to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum. Home to the 500 mile race on a short-track, this museum packs a punch for race fans.
Center for Ray Bradbury Studies
The science fiction author, Ray Bradbury, has a vast collection of props, photos and manuscripts filled with memorabilia like the asbestos-bound “Fahrenheit 451”.
Indiana Medical History Museum
Quirky and fascinating are some of the best descriptors for the Indiana Medical History Museum found in the former Central State Hospital. Tour the library, labs, and teaching amphitheater and get a glimpse of the preserved human brains and skeletons.
Newfields
From outdoor festivals to a vast collection of art, Newfields is a cultural delight. From furniture to weavings to paintings there is so much to take in every time you visit.
Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site
Benjamin Harrison, the only president that haled from Indiana has a beautiful home filled with letters, medals and furniture.
Indy’s Teeny Statue of Liberty Museum
Find a bit of New York right here in Indiana. by paying homage to Lady Liberty. This tiny museum has quite the collection of the Statue of Liberty paraphernalia including snow globes, cigarette lighter and a Barbie all fashioned around this iconic statue.
Great Parks in the Indianapolis Area
Reconnect with nature in Indianapolis’ fantastic parks.
White River State Park
White River State Park is a mecca for activity. With over 250 acres, the public art, entertainment, green spaces, zoo and cultural attractions will keep you busy.
Garfield Park Conservatory & Sunken Garden
Gardeners and nature lovers alike find solace in this serene setting on the south side of Indianapolis. Frequent flower shows and demonstrations along with the stunning display of plants make this a favorite spot!
Holliday Park
The kids will love the amazing playgrounds with tunnels, bridges and slide towers. There’s also a nature center, restored ruins and loads of trails to explore along the White River.
Eagle Creek Park & Marina
As one of the nation’s largest parks, you’ll find nearly 4,000 acres of land and 1,400 acres of water at your disposal for great recreation.
Fort Harrison State Park
This great park has a golf course, walking trails and fishing access. Residents bring their sleds to enjoy the hills in the winter. Canoe down Fall Creek or enjoy a fun picnic.
Broad Ripple Park
Bring your dog and a picnic. Enjoy the boat ramp to boat and fish. Kayaks and canoes are fairly common as are the smiles on park goers’ faces.
Indianapolis Sports Teams
You Can Root On (Or Pretend You Don’t Care About)
Watch the Colts play in Indianapolis.
Sports fans are in nirvana in Indianapolis with professional football and basketball. The Indianapolis Colts and the Indianapolis Pacers keep fans busy through two professional seasons. Lucas Oil Stadium is filled with fans wearing gear sporting the horseshoe, the team logo Bankers Life Fieldhouse shares its venue for exciting Pacers’ games as well as concerts and live performances.
It’s always fun for the whole family to head to a minor league baseball game and the Indianapolis Indians have been at it since 1902. Soccer, hockey and quidditch are played in Indy.
Home to the NCAA, the main governing body for collegiate sports, there is an abundance of collegiate sports to enjoy as well. From several sporting events for Indiana University as well as NCAA tournaments, seeing sporting events is an easy endeavor here.
Of course, living in Indianapolis means you will become familiar with motorsports. The Indy 500 is a race held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for over 100 years and running. This adrenaline-pumping 200 laps with 33 drivers vying to get the checkered flag has been a mainstay in this great city.
Living in Indianapolis
Live a life you love in Indianapolis!
The lower cost of living and desirable attractions make Indianapolis an ideal spot to ponder for a new home. With a strong economy, mass transit system, many roads for commuting, and easy amenities, Indy is an easy choice.
Housing is affordable. Indianapolis residents are pleased with their service of healthcare, great quality of life and purchasing power. Groceries, utilities and transportation are all a bit lower than the national average.
Indianapolis Housing Trends
With an all around great quality of life, the demand for homes in the area is competitive. Popular suburbs offer additional housing options away from the center of the city.
Median Home Price: $191,900
There are many fabulous suburbs bustling with great schools, housing options and amenities. No matter your choice, living in this Midwestern area is a dream come true.
Growing Communities in Central Indianapolis
Stay close to the beating heart of Indianapolis when you invest in one of the new home communities in Central Indianapolis.
If you want an exciting urban lifestyle, explore new neighborhoods in Central Indianapolis like Central State and The Bakery. You’ll love your quality new construction home and your new life in one of the most exciting cities in the Mid West.
Growing Communities in North Indianapolis
Noblesville and Carmel are two fantastic suburban cities in North Indianapolis. Living here gives you a peaceful and private place to come home, without forcing you to sacrifice a convenient commute to Downtown Indianapolis, making it a great place for growing families.
People hoping to live in a serene retreat from the world, then North Indianapolis new neighborhoods like Lochaven and West Clay are waiting for you to call them home.
Growing Communities in West Indianapolis
Brownsburg has the best of all possible worlds: easy access to Indianapolis’ vibrant downtown, great schools, and a comfortable environment. If you’re ready to start living your dream life in your dream home check out Brownsburg new home communities like Heritage Hills and Wynne Farms.
Growing Communities in South Indianapolis
South Indianapolis has become a wonderful place for families. Greenwood, Smith Valley, and Bagersville are three of the wonderful towns in this comfortable part of the area that offer up wonderful neighborhoods and fantastic schools.
Making your dream home a reality in communities like Harrison Crossing, Rocklane Ridge, and Traders Point mean starting a life you’ll love.
Amazing Indianapolis Restaurants
Indianapolis knows many a great restaurant from fun urban cottage dining to upscale steakhouses and everything in between.
Bluebeard
If you’re hungry for Italian food, this restaurant named after a book is an homage to literature with books and typewriters in its décor.
St. Elmo Steakhouse
This timeless steakhouse will fill your senses with glorious smells and tastes. From the spicy shrimp cocktail to the mouthwatering steaks, St. Elmo is award-winning for good reason.
Milktooth
Winning awards for their delicious menu including sorghum glazed bacon, curry butter biscuits and spicy miso soup, this former garage is a hopping spot for cocktails or coffee. Get there early for the apple Dutch baby pancake.
Da Blue Lagoon
This Jamaican food truck is flavorful and friendly. Try the Jerk chicken, fried plantains or a Jamaican beef patty.
Tinker Street Restaurant & Wine Bark
They have thought of everything from blankets to vegetarian soups in this popular eatery. While small, it’s mighty on flavor and comfort with year round patio dining.
Asaka
You’ve found some delicious sushi at Asaka. Try the Asaka ramen or the kabocha squash roll. True sushi fans love this family-owned restaurant.
The Rathskeller
Authentic German food awaits you at this restaurant and bier garden inside the historic Athenaeum. German beers on tap along with potato pancakes, schnitzel and brats make for a great German-themed time in Indy.
Shapiro’s Delicatessen
You’ve got to be doing something right to stay in business since 1905. Maybe it’s the corned beef and pastrami on rye or the bagels. Whether you choose to enjoy your matzo ball soup in the restaurant or take it to go, Shapiro’s has a friendly feel to keep you coming back.
Goose The Market
This gourmet grocery has an extensive cheese and cured meats selection. They have a great wine selection as well. Enjoy a delicious sandwich for lunch and grab some amazing gelato.
The Tamale Place
For grab and go tamales on the west side of town, the Tamale Place serves up a variety of delicious tamales in the Indianapolis City Market.
Yats
This Midwestern restaurant brings the spices and flavor of the Cajun and Creole world to Indianapolis. The crawfish etouffe, gumbo and great southern creations are enhanced by the New Orleans’ décor.
Duos
Close to the Children’s Museum this cafeteria offers healthy, flavorful options. The crispy cauliflower tacos are fabulous!
Livery
New Age Latin dishes are served for one or shareable at this hip restaurant. Flavorful empanadas and chipotle dry rubbed skirt steaks paired with tequila make for a fun experience.
Bando Restaurant
When you’re craving more ethnic fare, this Korean restaurant is serving up delicious soups and all-you-can-eat barbecue sure to satisfy.
BurgerFule Broad Ripple
This chain restaurant takes the standard burger up a notch with delicious aioli. Order your burger to your specifications and enjoy the car-themed décor.
Cafe Patachou
On top of their farm-to-table game, this restaurant serves farm-fresh omelets, vegan Cuban breakfast and an outstanding Patachou chicken salad.
Steer-In
This Indy mainstay is a humble spot priding itself on its reputation for great food and reasonable prices. When you are hankering for a home-cooked meal with friendly service, Steer-In has you covered.
Napolese Pizzeria
Looking for brick oven pizza that’s leaps and bounds above the others? This gourmet pizza has amazing toppings from arugula to Smoking Goose sausage that will blow you away.
Great Attractions for Indianapolis Stay-cations
Are you up for the Indi-500?
Indianapolis Zoo
This year round zoo is a gem located in White River State Park. With more than 1,200 animals the memories begin the minute you enter.
NCAA Hall of Champions
With two floors of exhibits honor athletes and collegiate sports, you can test your skills with trivia challenges or see video highlights.
Golfing
The golfing in Indianapolis is exquisite. Imagine playing four holes in the infield of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Head to Fort Benjamin Harrison State Park and enjoy the beauty and challenge of a Pete Dye designed course.
The State Fair & Festivals
Nothing says fun like the Indiana State Fair. From concerts to amusement rides to arcade games the family fun never ends. Festivals are a great way to enjoy time in the Midwest. Brews, motorsports, jazz, the arts and food are just a few of the many themed festivals held in Indianapolis each year.
Monument Circle
See Indianapolis from a different perspective. his iconic monument will have you travel up 330 steps to arrive at an observation deck at the top of the Soldiers and Sailors Monument.
Explore Georgia Street
Making its debut in 2012 as part of the Super Bowl Village, Georgia Street is found on the three blocks linking the Indiana Convention Center to Bankers Life Fieldhouse. The walkability of this area along a European-inspired promenade promises great food, drinks, street performers and live music.
Unique Accommodations
The Crowne Plaza Hotel at Union Station offers quite a unique night’s stay. Located on original tracks are Pullman train cars. Tour the Union Station as part of the experience.
Lucas Oil Stadium
You don’t have to be a football fan to appreciate the amazing architectural venue known as the Lucas Oil Stadium. The retractable roof provides stunning views of the Indy skyline with seating for over 63,000.
Fountain Square
You’ll find this funky area full of artists, antiques and thrift stores. Some diverse fun happens at Fountain Square. Swing dancing with a live band is what’s going on Friday nights at Fountain Square Theatre. Eight lanes of duckpin bowling, a vintage version of bowling at Action Duckpin Bowl is a good time. You will get to roll three smaller balls in this version of bowling to try to get a strike.
Shopping
Indianapolis is shopping mecca. This large city has its share of malls and outlets but try some of the other unique stores here too including boutiques, resale, antique and thrift stores.
Unique Antiques and Other Fun Finds
When you’re looking to recycle and find some great sustainable items, be sure to head to Midland Arts & Antiques. his large store has beautiful pieces deserving of a continued or renewed life in your home.
Tim and Julie’s Another Fine Mess and Society of Salvage have pieces for that discerning eye to make your home pop with creativity and reuse. The Southport Antique Mall is a large warehouse filled with antique homewares & furniture. For specific needs like sconces, door knobs and other architectural pieces be sure to visit Architectural Antiques of Indianapolis.
Broad Ripple
This hip neighborhood has everything from charming restaurants to vibrant bars and clubs. Located slightly north of downtown, the search for vintage clothing, gifts and books, music and décor will have you intrigued by the offerings.
Bungalow-homed merchants offer designer labels. The Bungalow is a favorite boutique and gotSOLE? will outfit you in fashionable footwear. There are wonderful coffeehouses and cafes to relax after a fun-filled afternoon of shopping.
Mass Ave
Massachusetts Avenue in the downtown area is another fun spot to shop at art galleries, boutiques and fun independent stores. Mass Ave has several blocks of unique stores like Stout’s Shoes. This mainstay has been in business for over 100 years using a pulley-operated basket to bring up shoes.
Local artisan wares can be bought at Silver in the City. When you want to take up your wardrobe a notch stop into Sage and J. Benzel. This dynamic area offers an eclectic array of shopping experiences from art to exotic gifts.
Circle Center
This premiere shopping destination is found in old and new buildings downtown covering two city blocks. With ease to hotels and the Convention Center along with a large food court this shopping venue is great for travelers, the downtown workforce and those looking for a different experience than a strip center. Find great stores like Banana Republic, Lucky Brand and Finish Line. Grab something quick at the food court or try the delicious food at Harry and Izzy’s.
Places of Worship
Find the right place of worship for you and your family in Indianapolis.
Indianapolis is a diverse city, and has numerous places of worship that represent a wide range of faiths and religions.
Saint John the Evangelist
Saint John the Evangelist is a historic Catholic community in the heart of Indianapolis. This beautiful church has a stunning sanctuary that reflects its historic roots.
The Islamic Center of Indianapolis
The Islamic Center of Indianapolis is a welcoming communities of Muslims believers in downtown Indianapolis.
Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation
The Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation is a Reform Synagogue that fosters an inspiring and caring community.
An Lack Temple
The An Lack Temple is a Mahayana Buddhist temple, with a monistary for Vietnamese nuns. It has beautiful grounds with amazing statuary.
Hindu Temple of Central Indiana
The Hindu Temple of Central Indiana describes itself as the heart of the Hindu commuinty in Indianapolis. It offers worship services for Hindus and temple tours of its beautiful grounds and temple structure.
Congregation Beth-El Zedeck
Congregation Beth-El Zedeck is a Conservative congregation, committed to continual learning, social action, and interfaith engagement.
Muslim Community Center
The Muslim Community Center in Indianapolis offers Muslims daily prayers and a wide range of educational programs to help them engage with their faith.
Indiana Buddhist Center
The Indiana Buddhist Center is a space of teaching and practice to foster an enviroment of compassionand love through the teachings of Tibetan Buddhism
Lakeview Church
Lakeview Church is a welcoming Christian church that seeks to foster a diverse and caring community of believers.
Other Indiana Resources
Most Affordable Cities in Indiana 20 Most Affordable States in 2021 Your Guide to 2021 Indiana Closing Costs First-Time Homebuyer Programs in Indiana 2021 Best Suburbs Surrounding Indianapolis Top 10 Safest Cities in Indiana Moving To Indianapolis? This Relocation Guide Will Help
After graduating in 2016 from The University of Texas with a degree in English, Sanda Brown became a content writer for the BDX with a focus on website copy and content marketing.
At the BDX, Sanda helps write and edit articles on NewHomeSource.com, writes website copy for builders, and manages a team of freelancers that work on additional content needs.
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