Where you live can shape your lifestyle. Choosing the right neighborhood means you look forward to your time off and weekends. The best neighborhoods in Indianapolis bring an impressive mix of desirable homes, restaurants, shops, boutiques, and recreation.
So, what are the best neighborhoods in Indianapolis? The best neighborhoods each have their own unique style and personality. Perhaps you crave a collegiate atmosphere. Or maybe your ideal home is near the water.
Consider your budget, hobbies, and family when deciding which neighborhood would make you the happiest to live in.
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Table of contents
1. Broad Ripple
The Broad Ripple neighborhood has a more residential feel despite being city living. There is a bohemian feel that brings excitement for life to the downtown area.
Young professionals are attracted to this area because it is walkable to thriving entertainment, dining, and nightlife scenes. The Monon Trail goes through the middle of Broad Ripple, giving residents a beautiful place to walk or bike.
Because this neighborhood is older, you will find many more housing options. There are single-family homes, townhomes, and condos. The price tags are high despite the homes being older, and many need remodels.
If living in a thriving art community while you call a 1960s bungalow home sounds ideal, Broad Ripple is for you.
The annual art fair is A notable event in Broad Ripple. Over 225 artists and craftsmen come together to share their creations in this outdoor festival. There are plenty of food vendors that make this an enjoyable community event for everyone in attendance.
2. Meridian-Kessler
As the oldest neighborhood on this list, you can find plenty of stunning homes that ooze historic charm. It is technically out the outer edge of the downtown area. Because of this, it has a quieter atmosphere that is perfect for families and older individuals enjoying retirement.
Instead of a single main street through the neighborhood, you will find pockets of businesses. There are plenty of dining options, which makes living here peaceful and enjoyable. There is also a sense of community that people here value.
The homes in this neighborhood feature elegant architecture and are set on tree-lined streets. Each home was custom-built, so there are no cookie-cutter houses here. You will find Victorian, Tudor, and French country-inspired homes.
Unlike Broad Ripple, the homes here have been carefully remodeled and maintained. When touring homes, you will see elegantly staged homes that perfectly showcase the home’s historic beauty.
3. Fountain Square
Fountain Square is easily considered the best neighborhood in Indianapolis for young up and coming professionals. It has an eclectic feel that blends vintage charm with modern amenities. This unique charm is thanks to millennials moving into this once extremely run-down area and turning it into a delightfully charming neighborhood.
Located in the heart of Indianapolis, residents are just ten minutes from downtown. It is also two miles from Monument Circle, the very center of downtown.
The best part of this neighborhood is Virginia Avenue. It is full of ethnic eateries, antique shops, and art galleries. This is the perfect place to grab an artisan coffee and take a stroll.
The homes in this area are mixed in with the commercial spaces. You will find that reasonably priced homes are quickly appreciating as more people discover this desirable neighborhood.
Homes are unique in their architecture, both old and new construction. However, the new construction homes are priced noticeably higher than the older ones.
4. Carmel
Just to the north of Indianapolis is one of the upscale neighborhoods. This large city has a hometown feel with upscale neighborhoods, high-quality schools, and plenty of small businesses.
This is a place where you can raise a family and make life-long friends. Residents can enjoy the Monon Trail. This trail system stretches for 25 miles and snakes its way throughout Indianapolis.
While there are plenty of shops, boutiques, and restaurants in Carmel, you are also a short 30-minute drive from downtown.
Carmel is also the perfect place for attending community events and festivals throughout the year. There is a strong German heritage here, so the Carmel Christkindlmarkt celebrates that with a festival holiday German market.
5. Downtown Indianapolis
You will find more than just sidewalks and highrises in downtown Indianapolis. Within the downtown area, you will find small cultural districts. Urban living here is enjoyable, with a safe downtown area.
You will find the best dining in the city here. Celebrity chefs routinely visit and inject world-class cuisine.
Downtown is a major sports area due to the stadiums. Lucas Oil Stadium, home of the Indianapolis Colts, is located here. Victory Field, home of the Indianapolis Indians, is also downtown.
One of the sporting events the city is most well-known for is the Indianapolis 500. For over 100 years, this car racing event has drawn thousands of fans to the city.
Housing in Downtown is somewhat challenging to find. Due to the limited supply, one never has to worry about selling a house in a slow market. The majority of housing here consists of condos, townhomes, and apartments. The great walkability of the area makes up for the lack of living space.
6. Irvington
Irvington is well-known for its large, stunningly beautiful 19th-century Victorian homes. You will also see historic leaded glass windows sitting prominently in brick Tudor homes.
This neighborhood is quiet and has a laid-back atmosphere. The historic charm helps to create a traditional sense of community.
The best time to visit Irvington is during the Irvington Winter Luminaria. For half a century, the community has hosted this event on the Sunday before Christmas. Candles line the walkways, welcoming visitors to experience this historic neighborhood in a traditional way.
Professionals working downtown will appreciate the 15-minute commute.
7. Butler-Tarkington
The Butler-Tarkington neighborhood gets its name from Butler University and Booth Tarkington. Butler University calls this area home. Booth Tarkington is a famous local. There is an affluent academic atmosphere in this neighborhood.
It also borders Broad Ripple, so some of the artistic and bohemian feel blends over. There are plenty of events happening in this neighborhood, many student and university-related.
Located in Butler-Tarkington is the Central Canal Towpath, also known as the IWC Canal Greenway. This crushed limestone path is lined with trees and has two 19th-century iron bridges. Views from the trail include Butler University, the Indianapolis Museum of Art, and Holcomb Gardens.
8. Castleton
The Castleton neighborhood is a tight-knit community with a suburban feel. In true suburban fashion, Castleton has a well-renowned shopping infrastructure. It is home to the largest mall in Indiana.
Located near the highway, downtown is easily accessible. There are also plenty of shopping, restaurants, and recreational facilities nearby. Residents appreciate the friendly environment and low crime rate.
Castleton offers a wide range of housing options, including single-family homes, condos, apartments, and townhomes. However, the neighborhood is less walkable than others, so you will likely depend on your vehicle more.
9. Zionsville
The Zionsville neighborhood has a small-town feel with a strong sense of community. Its picturesque Main Street features charming boutiques and cafes. You will feel as though you walked into a real-life Hallmark movie.
This is the perfect community for those wanting a peaceful life but also live an active lifestyle. The school system here is impressive, making it an ideal place for growing families. There is also a low crime rate, making it incredibly safe.
A potential drawback of this beautiful community is the high cost of living. With this, you will find plenty of large single-family homes. They feature beautiful architecture.
10. Geist
If you are looking for waterfront living, then Geist is the neighborhood for you. This affluent community has plenty of amenities that naturally come with waterfront living. Politicians and professional executives live here.
Geist Standout Park is a beautiful 70-acre park that residents and visitors to the neighborhood enjoy. There is a playground, walking trails, and a sandy beach.
The lifestyle in Geist is upscale, with a winery and sailing club. The Geist Reservoir is a massive body of water that will have you forgetting you are in Indianapolis.
You do not feel like you are living near a city when in Geist. There are plenty of lush wooded grounds. The drawback is that the commute to the city can be lengthy in some areas.
Explore the Best neighborhoods in Indianapolis, Indiana
There are plenty of beautiful and charming places to live in and around Indianapolis. There is something for everyone, with each neighborhood having its unique charm and personality. Geist is ideal for waterfront living.
Broad Ripples offers a creative, bohemian vibe. The neighborhoods of Meridian-Kessler and Irvington have some of the most beautiful historic homes in the area. Then there is Butler-Tarkington, with its collegiate atmosphere.
The best way to decide where you want to live is to experience the best neighborhoods in Indianapolis in person. With iBuyer.com’s help, you can sell your current home without any of the traditional hassles.
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