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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 researched the up and coming neighborhoods in Indianapolis 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.
A Little About Indianapolis and its Neighborhoods
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 bit 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 to invest or move in.
Look no further. Below we’ll describe 5 up and coming neighborhoods in Indianapolis to get you started on your search for your new home.
BATES HENDRICKS
First off on our list to up and coming neighborhoods in Indianapolis, is Bates Hendricks. Located near the southside of Indianapolis, Bates Hendricks is part of an active association that works to improve the area and bring neighbors together. This community is dedicated to their neighborhood and has won multiple awards over the decades, including INRC’s Collaborative Spirit Award and the national Keep America Beautiful Award.
Bates Hendricks has picked up in popularity over the past few years because surrounding areas have become too expensive. Unfortunately, this spillover has caused a somewhat drastic increase in housing prices. But this new attention has also led to many renovations of old and vacant houses that have sat empty for decades.
What’s Happening in Bates Hendricks
This up-and-coming neighborhood is ideally situated near Downtown, as well as popular spots in the city like Fountain Square and Garfield Park. Foot and cycle-friendly, residents can easily access Downtown via East Street’s bike lanes. You’ll find plenty of restaurants, local businesses, and recreational facilities near the neighborhood.
Bates-Hendricks sits nearby great eateries, but our favorite is The Bosphorus Istanbul Cafe which serves flavorful Turkish cuisine. Locals and visitors can also easily reach Fountain Square Brewing Co., The HandleBar Indy Pedal Pub, and Ellison Brewing Co. for post-dinner drinks.
Schools in Bates Hendricks
Some of the top-rated schools in and near Bates-Hendricks include Lillian M Reiffel Elementary School, James A Garfield School 31, Sense Charter School, Indianapolis Metropolitan High School, Herron High School, and Crispus Attucks High School among others.
Homes in Bates Hendricks
Homes in this trendy neighborhood are rising. Many of Bates Hendricks’ homes are quirky and unique, painted in blues, yellows, pinks, lilac, and black. You can find small fixer-uppers for under $70 grand or newly renovated 4-bedroom homes for around $260K.
WESTFIELD
Westfield is a city in Indiana that consists of 21 smaller neighborhoods. This growing city sits just north of Indianapolis. Recently, the city of Westfield was included in Money.com’s 2020 list of “The Best Places to Live in America,” based on the area’s employment opportunities, low cost of living, and diversity.
In 2014, the city opened the Grand Park Sports Campus, which features youth and adult recreational facilities for year-round use. Since then, Westfield has grown and become a great place for families and visitors, making it a constantly progressing choice on our list of up and coming neighborhoods in Indianapolis.
What’s Happening in Westfield
Over the years, Westfield has developed a long itinerary of things to do. Its new wineries and breweries as well as an extended food scene along Park Street have helped to make this a popular new spot to live. Sample the sushi at Chiba Indy, order a plate of pasta at Italian House on Park, or taste the fresh farm-to-table flavors at Rail Restaurant & Bar.
The Westfield’s Grand Park Sports Complex has brought thousands of visitors to the city. Residents also gather for the youth sporting events at Grand Park, which features 400-acres of sports fields and hosts year-round events.
The Monon Trail, an 18-mile multi-use path, starts in Westfield and connects to Carmel and Indianapolis. Other outdoorsy destinations include the hiking trails at MacGregor Park and Cool Creek Park and Nature Center.
Schools in Westfield
Westfield is home to several great schooling options, including Oak Trace Elementary School, Shamrock Springs Elementary School, Westfield Middle School, and Westfield High School, among others.
Homes in Westfield
The hundreds of homes for sale in Westfield range in price from $25K to $4.4M. This city’s median listing price is right around $335K. With such a plethora of different options, you’ll easily be able to find something that fits your style and budget in Westfield.
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.
FOUNTAIN SQUARE
In the 1950s, hoards of inner-city dwellers moved out of the city and into the suburbs, leaving Fountain Square nothing much more than an empty shell. Soon after, the area gained a reputation as an unsafe neighborhood. Despite its great location, just five minutes from the heart of Indy’s downtown, locals began to refer to Fountain Square as “a lost little valley.”
But a few decades later, local merchants from throughout the city saw a vision for Fountain Square. They began moving their one-of-a-kind business visions into the area. The city leaders improved the infrastructure of the neighborhood, adding a school, a library, and safe green spaces. Fountain Square transformed from down and out to up and coming, and today, the neighborhood has become a burgeoning arts community.
Now, this quirky neighborhood well deserves a place at the top of our list. The area is full of galleries, laid-back eateries, indie music venues, and craft cocktail bars. Today, Fountain Square is a favorite among local Indianapolis residents. The area is very livable and safe, and real estate investors have moved in, purchasing and rehabbing many of the homes in the area.
What’s Happening in Fountain Square
Fountain Square residents enjoy their walkable access to a range of local restaurants. Modern Mexican hubs sit a few blocks away from neighborhood smokehouses. Live music, comedy clubs, and retro dance nights at the Fountain Square Theater offer locals plenty of nightlife options. Local shops sell house-made chocolates, comic books, and vinyl records.
Located just southeast of downtown, this funky neighborhood is bordered by Fletcher Place and Holy Rosary. Constantly evolving, Fountain Square is an ideal place for living and working.
Working artists sell musical instruments, clothing, fresh-cut flowers, and mead in their one-of-a-kind stores.
Some have compared it to a European village (thanks to its own town square and central fountain). Others have noted that Fountain Square is anything but square. All in all, quirky Fountain Square’s enticing entertainment, local food, and unique shops make it a great place to call home.
Schools in Fountain Square
Schools in and near Fountain Square include McKinley Elementary School 39, Henry W Longfellow Middle School 28, Sense Charter School, and Emmaus Lutheran School, among others.
Homes in Fountain Square
Over the past, Fountain Square home values have increased by 10%. Today, you can still find homes for sale with a median price of around $200K. There are tons of modern renovated single-family homes, as well as beautiful brick houses, and historic 2-bedroomers.
CARMEL
Located minutes north of Indianapolis, Carmel has been named one of the “Best Places to Live in America” by Money magazine and Niche.com. 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 Spirits or 3UP Rooftop Bar for cocktails and small bites. Carmel’s arts and design districts 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.
There you have it: Up and Coming Neighborhoods in Indianapolis!
We hope this guide to the up and coming neighborhoods in Indianapolis was helpful, and if you decide to take the plunge, don’t hesitate to reach out to your friends here at Bellhop.
Still making up your mind? Check out our guide to the best family-friendly neighborhoods in Indianapolis.. As we said, we coordinate long-distance and local moving services in Indianapolis, and we would love to help.
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