Indy to Bloomington commute? (Indianapolis, Greenwood: apartments, to rent, townhouses)

[newtoindy]

I posted this in the Indy forum but thought I'd post it here too.

I start work at IU in the fall and am thinking of living in Indy and commuting to Bloomington. Bloomington seems like a very nice town but small and I'd like to be closer to Chicago, where I have family.

Two questions. Is the commute doable? I only need to be on campus 2 or 3 times a week and I generally enjoy driving, but then I've never driven more than 20 miles or so to go to work.
Also, where in Indy would you recommend and what areas should I avoid? Some neighborhoods downtown -- St. Joseph's, Old Northside, Lockerbie, Chatham Arch -- sound safe and interesting. Late 20s, not looking for a busy nightlife but quiet or mildly lively areas close to downtown. Looking to rent for now. Thanks for your help!

[domergurl]

The commute being doable is up to you. I knew somone who lived in Lockerbie and commuted for a year to IU and it was fine. Got tiresome though and ended up renting in Bloomington. It will put a lot of miles on your car and you'll be paying a lot for gas and maintenance ... if that's an issue.

[JoeyBLS]

The commute from downtown Indy to the IU campus is about 1 hr 10 minutes. Literally, I've done the drive a thousand times. I would recommend something on the southside, near Greenwood , just south of I-465. There is a lot of redevelopment going on downtown, but for the convenience of your travel to Bloomington, staying on the southside near I-465 will keep your commute to about 50 minutes.

[rsally]

There is now a commuter van with Central Indiana Commuter Services (CICS) that goes to and from Bloomington to Indy. Their website is CICS - Central Indiana Commuter Services and the phone number is 317-327-ride (7433).

[McKendan]

Honestly, I think you will regret the commute. It isn't fun, there is a lot of traffic and it is pretty much slow moving. Chicago is not that much farther from Bloomington than it is from Indy, so my opinion is to live in Bloomington and save yourself 6 hours of driving per week.

[seanwill]

Similarly, my wife and I may need to move to Indiana soon. Her job would be in Bloomington and mine in Indianapolis. Any recommendations on where would be the best to live that's in the middle, perhaps a little closer to Indy? I have noticed Greenwood, Southport - also there seemed to be some decent looking apartments in Camby - is that a bad place to live? - anywhere better?

[seanwill]

Hey, this is a little bit old, but any other suggestions on where to live? It's official now that I will definitely have a job in Indy and my wife will need to go to Bloomington. Are there decent apartments/townhouses etc. to rent in the intermediate area? Driving from Southport/Greenwood seems like it will still be over 1 hour according to mapquest etc. Martinsville area seems a bit closer to Bloomington, but is that a decent place to live?

Thanks for any input!
Sean

[rrah]

You're correct in thinking Southport/Greenwood won't shorten your wife's commute by much--maybe 15 minutes shorter.

Martinsville and Morgan County is about the half way point between B-ton and Indy. If by decent, you mean safe, then yes. If you mean something else, ie nightlife or newish apts/townhouses, etc. then no.

[seanwill]

Ahh ok, safe is good. I wasn't expecting much in terms of nightlife. I haven't found too much in the way of apartments, I guess there are not too many complexes, things like that which might have a pool, washer/dryer etc?