5 Best Neighborhoods in Indianapolis for Families

Moving to a new city is always challenging. And a large part of that challenge is looking for a place to live. There are so many things to consider when weighing your options-house styles, neighborhood safety, quality of schools, the convenience of location-it all can be quite overwhelming.

That’s why we’ve done the research for you, so you don’t have to (and by the way of introduction, we’re Bellhop — your friendly Indianapolis movers). 

We’ve examined what it’s like living in each of these highlighted neighborhoods. And we’ve created in-depth guides with insider scoops on close-by, popular destinations. Soon, you’ll be living like a local. 

Indianapolis and the Best Neighborhoods for Families

This large mid-western city has made it onto the map of great places to live for a number of reasons. Extremely eclectic while friendly and inclusive, Indianapolis has won over the hearts of nearly one million people. Its large population is nothing compared to its size. The city spreads over nearly 375 square miles smack-dab in the middle of Indiana. 

Out of all the cities we’ve visited, Indianapolis emits some of the strongest city pride. Its creative culture is clearly seen in the city’s gorgeous and historic architecture, strong arts scene, and unique events. The city runs on a long list of interesting jobs related to the arts and the city’s culture. You’ll find anything from health care and philanthropy to quirky business ownership and Indy Car manufacturing. 

Indy’s community focus outdoes many other cities in the country. Its welcoming and walkable streets are lined by one-of-a-kind, locally-owned businesses where residents can enjoy a bite to eat and a cocktail with friends. 

The city is driven by active locals and leaders who have shown clearly how much they care about their community. Struggling neighborhoods and their communities have been carefully and thoughtfully rebuilt. City-wide events support and promote the local economy.

Indianapolis is full of amazing places to live, like the cozy and friendly Herron-Morton neighborhood, Bates-Hendricks where the HGTV show Good Bones was based, or Lockerbie, downtown’s first historic district. With dozens of growing and popular Indy neighborhoods, you may be wondering where you and your family should buy or rent. 

Look no further. Below we’ll describe the 5 best neighborhoods for families in Indianapolis to get you started on your search for your new home in this charming city.

Fishers

Fishers has grown exponentially over the past few decades. Since the 1990s, Fishers has multiplied their population 10 fold. Highly-rated schools are within minutes of every neighborhood in Fishers. This little city is also filled with places to go for a job, play with the kids, or shop local.

What’s Happening in Fishers

Fishers is split into eight districts: White River, Nickel Plate, West, Central, Saxony, Geist, East, and the Entertainment District. These different districts offer their own facet of Fishers, from Saxony Beach and the 1,900-acre Geist Reservoir to the Gray Eagle Golf Club and the beautiful and historic Ambassador House and Heritage Gardens event venue. 

The area, as you may expect, is home to many great restaurants. You’ll find a robust network of multi-use trails, farmers markets, breweries, and trendy boutiques. An evening in Fishers can look like a game of bowling at Pinheads, an adventure back in time at the Smithsonian-affiliated Conner Prairie living history museum, or live entertainment at the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater.

Schools in Fishers

Fishers’ top-notch schools include Geist Elementary School, Fall Creek Elementary School, Fall Creek Junior High, Hamilton SE Intermediate and Junior High, Fishers High School, and Hamilton Southeastern High School, among others.

Homes in Fishers

The typical home value in Fishers is around $315K. But with many homes for sale, there’s a wide range of options in different sizes, styles, and at different prices. Regardless of the size, many of Fishers’ homes are rich with historic character. 

Carmel

Located minutes north of Indianapolis, Carmel has been named one of the “Best Places to Live in America” by Money magazine. This little city is home to a world-renowned arts scene, great local food options, and hundreds of miles of walking and biking trails. 

What’s Happening in Carmel

Carmel is continuing to add great amenities to its list. The Monon Trail, a pedestrian highway for bikers, runners, and walkers, runs through Carmel and stretches from Westfield to Indianapolis. One of Carmel’s newcomers, Cake Bake Shop, won a spot on Oprah’s O List. This high-end bakery serves delicious cakes and pastries worth sampling. 

Stop by Anthony’s Chophouse for an elegant dinner. Then hop over to Sun King or 3UP Rooftop Bar for cocktails and small bites. Carmel’s arts and design district runs along what Country Living Magazine called “one of America’s best Main Streets.” Its galleries and specialty shops sell a plethora of artsy options, from oil paintings to cute souvenirs. 

Schools in Carmel

Home to many highly-rated schools, Carmel offers families access to Smoky Row Elementary School, College Wood Elementary School, Creekside Middle School, Clay Middle School, and Carmel High School, among others.

Homes in Carmel

The typical value of homes in Carmel is between $350K and $400K. But since Carmel has hundreds of homes for sale, you can find small homes that fit a small budget of just $70K or jaw-dropping mansions for $6.3M. 

Meridian Kessler

Meridian Kessler is located just four miles north of downtown Indianapolis. This historic neighborhood had its beginnings in the early 1890s. Today, nearly 18,000 people live in Meridian-Kessler, and the area is both racially and socio-economically diverse. 

This neighborhood is incredibly foot-and-pup-friendly. Residents can be seen on sunny days going for jogs. Locals ride their bikes and walk the dog past friendly neighbors sitting on their front porches. 

People don’t go hungry here, and they’d have to work hard to find themselves bored on a weekend. Those lucky enough to snag a spot in Meridian Kessler get to experience family-friendliness, nightlife, health and fitness, and easy commutes. 

What’s Happening in Meridian-Kessler

With Meridian-Kessler’s great location, you’ll never be more than a few minutes away from some of the city’s greatest offerings. Family-friendly places sit closeby, like the Children’s Museum and the Indianapolis Zoo. Nearby amenities range from White River State Park to the Indianapolis Opera. 

The neighborhood offers several nearby parks. Holliday Park, Holcombe Gardens, Monon Trail, Canterbury, and Tarkington Park offer residents dozens of acres of green space, playgrounds, and miles of picturesque hiking trails.

A quick walk or bike ride can get locals to anything they’d need. Meridian-Kessler is home to a variety of coffee shops, butcher shops, grocery stores, banks, and bakeries. Places like Upland Brewing, Cafe Patachou, and Kincaid’s Meat Market are some of the top picks in the area for dining and drinking.

Schools in Meridian-Kessler

Schools in the area offer friendly staff, talented teachers, and challenging programs. Many residents have reported that they’ve seen noticeable academic growth in their children. Top schools in the area include Shortridge High School, Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic School, and International School of Indiana, among others.

Homes in Meridian-Kessler

Meridian-Kessler offers a vast range of housing options, from smaller homes and vintage apartments to mansions. The neighborhood is known across the city for its unique housing variety and diversity. Throughout the neighborhood, regardless of the house size, lawns are well-kept and homes are well-loved and maintained. 

Avon

This close suburb to Indianapolis has long been considered one of the best places to live in Indiana. Living in this area offers residents a peaceful suburban feel where almost all residents own their homes. 

Lots of families and young professionals have made Avon their home. The town is one of the newest and fastest-growing communities in the county. Its highly rated public schools and lower crime rates are a few of the many reasons Avon has won a spot on our list.

What’s Happening in Avon

This town is home to many playgrounds and walking trails. It features 30 parks and 5 golf courses within 7 miles of the town center. You’ll also find 13 miles of multi-use trail which is currently being expanded to connect several of Avon’s neighborhoods. 

Avon’s outdoor attractions include Avon Town Hall Park and Washington Township Park, as well as Avon Gardens, recently featured as one of the best gardens in the Midwest by Midwest Living magazine. Looking to get lost in nature? Visit the vast Burnett Woods State Nature Preserve and walk the leafy trails.

Every Tuesday, June through September, Avon hosts its Farmers Market, bringing fresh produce, baked goods, and handcrafted items to local residents. The Avon Parks and Recreation Department also hosts events throughout the year designed to fit family members of all ages.

Schools in Avon

Avon is home to many highly-rated schools, including Cedar Elementary School, Maple Elementary School, River Birch School, The Goddard School of Avon, and Avon High School, among others.

Homes in Avon

In Avon, you’ll find dozens of classic suburban-style homes. Picture cul-de-sacs, attached 2-car garages, and roomy front lawns. Housing prices here hover between $180K and $425K.

Irvington

Known for its small-town feel, good schools, and distinctive 19th-century Victorian homes, Irvington has gained popularity over the years. Locals enjoy a short commute – a 10-minute drive that’s nearly never congested. Its addition of bike lanes has helped more locals travel in their own style.

What’s Happening in Irvington

Charming community events pepper the local calendar with celebrations like The Irvington Luminaria held the Sunday before Christmas each year. Its little neighborhood center along Washington Street is full of local retail shops and restaurants. A compact space, but stacked with stores, this area of Irvington is home to local favorites like Black Sheep Gifts and Homespun.

For food and drink, peruse Irvington’s tantalizing choices at places like Jockamo’s Upper Crust Pizza and Black Acre Brewing. Grab some farm-grown veggies at The Irvington Farmers Market that sets up at Ellenberger Park in warmer months. Peddle the Pennsy Trail that runs from Ellenberger Park all the way to Greenfield Park. 

Schools in Irvington

A few of Irvington’s many great school options include Lowell Elementary School, Irvington Community Middle School, and Herron High School among others.

Homes in Irvington

Irvington’s homes are big and beautiful. Stately brick Tudor houses feature leaded glass windows, historic classics show off a Victorian style, and updated homes can stretch up to 6,000 square feet. Prices in the area range, but expect to pay somewhere around $250K for a charming single-family home in Irvington.

There You Have It: 5 Family-Friendly Neighborhoods in Indianapolis!

We hope this was helpful, and if you decide to take the plunge, don’t hesitate to reach out to your friends here at Bellhop. As we said, we coordinate local and long-distance moving services in Indianapolis, and we would love to help.