Older hip family oriented areas near indy? (Lawrence, Fishers: houses, neighborhoods)

[sarahmhall74]

I am from San Jose, Cali considering a move to Indiana. I have 2 young children. I am a teacher and my husband is a diesel mechanic for the transport. system here.

I am so turned off by moster sized tract-cookie cutter homes. I might be able to afford one but the thought of furnishing one stresses me out!

I want an older renovated stylish home on a tree lined street, nice schools, near Indiannapolis in the 250-300k range. I am somewhat of a liberal and am concerned that neighborhoods in the Hamilton county area might not be a good fit for us. Perhaps I am wrong though. We have an area called Willow Glen in San Jose that is very old, desirable and expensive (1.5 million might get you a modest home.) If you happen to know that area, then you'll know what I am talking about! I want a small town feel with frendly neighbors, walk to nice shops, restaurants but without the hefty price tags. I don't want to live anywhere near a Walmart. Target is Ok though! Am I dreaming?

Any thoughts, good leads, or suggestions?

Thanks.

[sweetana3]

I am biased but you have to at least visit Meridian Kessler, Butler Tarkington, Broad Ripple, Arden. Older (1920-1950), tree lined streets, grid layout with pockets of stores. Canal for walking, Monon Trail for biking and walking, stores in walking distance. Very traditional neighborhoods with diversity.

You will have to check out the available schools for yourself but the whole area is full of families and young people. Broad Ripple is mostly smaller starter or renovated cottages but there are family homes. MK and BT are family sized houses. There is everything from an unrenovated house to magazine featured homes. Home tours every year. Just had the MK one.

Your price range will get you a nice home, the higher end with a renovated kitchen/baths and a nice pretty lot. For about $250,000 you can live on almost next door to the governor's mansion and get a double lot across the street from a private school.

The closest Target is on 86th street right now but they are rebuilding a wonderful little mall with a great library right now at 62nd and Keystone. It will have a Target which the neighborhood considers a benefit. The mall will be within about one or two miles from the areas so not in your face but so nice and close. Good walking sidewalks. There are several natural food stores, coffee shops, groceries, and all the facilities you would need even if walking.

check out Marion County, Washington Township,on mibor.com for the multiple listing service. These listings have pictures and you can pick a house and get the map.

[domergurl]

I hope you take a nice long visit before you commit to leaving SJ. The neighborhoods Sweet mentioned are all great family neighborhoods and all have terrific private schools (Orchard & Sycamore schools, St. Richards, various Catholic schools). Public schools are hit or miss, mostly miss. With your price range, you'll be able to name your home pretty much. BT and MK are your best bets in terms of family homes with tree lined streets.

To be a little different, try the area around Geist Reservoir also. Geist is surrounded by Lawrence Twp (Indy) on one side and Fall Creek Twp (Fishers), on the other. 113th street in Fishers/Fortville, off Olio Road also has some gorgeous homes (former Pacer, Reggie Miller still has a home on 113th).

Best of luck and keep us posted.

[sarahmhall74]

Thanks for the valuable info. I checked out mibor.com. We are very encouraged. Makes us want to leave SJ even more! We are flying out to Indy in August to check everything out.

[domergurl]

If any of us can answer questions you may have between now and August, let us know ok? August can be pretty hot and muggy in Indy!

[sarahmhall74]

I am not interested in sending my kids to a private school or teaching in one. I don't want to pay and don't want a private shcool teacher salary.

What are the good school districts in and near Indy? Or at least which school districts have the better schools?

[domergurl]

In Indy, Washington Twp and Lawrence Twp have good public schools. Lawrence has a magnet school program with specialty schools (spanish immersion, sci & tech, world studies). In the burbs, Fishers is in the Hamilton SE school system (we just moved out of the district and I can't say anything bad). Carmel and Zionsville are also top rated schools. You may want to look into Zionsville. It's an older, established town with a beatiful downtown and very controlled growth.