Family relocating to Columbus IN - need housing and school help (Bloomington: rental, houses)

[cartermom3]

Hi there! I am a sahm with 3 kids. My husband is being relo'd to Columbus, IN. I have 2 school age boys, one, 8 years old in a gifted 4th grade class and a 7 year old, just as smart in a 1st grade class. My daughter is 2.
So here is what I am looking for:
*a great school district - I am a very involved parent that volunteers a lot!
*need a 4 bedroom - having a hard time finding houses for rent
*don't want to be more than 30 minutes from Columbus.
What would be a good place to look into?
Thank you so much for your help!

[domergurl]

We've been in Columbus for 1.5 years. There are 2 gifted student magnet schools, Parkside Elementary and Southside Elementary. Gifted student classes start in the 4th grade and have to be tested to get into the program.

I'm pm you about a rental house ...

Outside of Columbus, I'd investigate the Center Grove school district in Greenwood. They have very good public schools.

[cartermom3]

Thanks domergurl! That is great information! Exactly what I am looking for. Where did you come from before Columbus? How do you like it? Would you recommend living in Columbus or Greenwood?

[domergurl]

Originally Posted by cartermom3

Thanks domergurl! That is great information! Exactly what I am looking for. Where did you come from before Columbus? How do you like it? Would you recommend living in Columbus or Greenwood?

We moved down here from Fishers. For me personally, I like Columbus better ... I'm over suburban living. I know that Columbus isn't for everyone and I've been known to get on my Columbus high horse ... right folks???

[cartermom3]

I have heard that Fishers is the new "hot" place to live. However, it is too far away from Columbus, where my husband will be working. Looking for something closer. So, I take it you are happy in Columbus? What is the shopping like in Columbus? Grocery and Clothing?
Do you know much about Greenwood?
You are a great help! Thanks!

[domergurl]

We almost moved to Greenwood, but the thought of a 10 minute commute vs. a 30+ minute commute on 65 ... we commuted from Fishers for a year .. yuck.

Greenwood is very nice. Again, the Center Grove School system is highly rated. I have friends of friends who have a gifted student who was in the center grove school system and now is the same here in Columbus.

[plaidmom]

Originally Posted by domergurl

We moved down here from Fishers. For me personally, I like Columbus better ... I'm over suburban living. I know that Columbus isn't for everyone and I've been known to get on my Columbus high horse ... right folks???

Neverrrrr.

I'm in Columbus too. Going on 9 years now (how did that happen?).

I'm not quite as enamored as domergurl ( ) but overall it a decent small town.

And that is the key to living here: it is a small town and on some level very much a "factory town". Shopping is.....hit or miss. We have Walmart and Target and Kroger and Sam's. Kohl's. No Costco, no Whole Foods, no Trader Joes, no Best Buy (we are about to loose Circuit City of course).

If you are a foodie (like me!) or a fashionista you will find yourself driving to Indy, Louisville or Cincy. Luckily those are all under 1.5 hrs away. Chicago is an easy weekend get-away if you need a big-city fix!

The benefits: Virtually no traffic. Minimal commute times (we got rid of one car and just share one/use our bicycles). Low stress. Nice people. Great library. Good farmer's market in spring/summer.

[domergurl]

I still go to Costco & TJ's ... even if you live in Greenwood, you'll still have to trek to northern Indy to get those stores. I still maintain and use my memberships at the Children's Museum and the Indy Zoo ... you really get spoiled down here if you find yourself having more than 10 minutes to get anywhere. I don't know, I don't find myself missing much. Wish I could get to Bloomington faster though ... sigh.

[plaidmom]

Originally Posted by domergurl

you really get spoiled down here if you find yourself having more than 10 minutes to get anywhere. I don't know, I don't find myself missing much. Wish I could get to Bloomington faster though ... sigh.

I know what you mean. We are soooo spoiled.

If we had a Bloomingfoods (Capriole chesse??? yum) and maybe a few off-shoots of some B-ton cafes/coffee shops (Soma!) I could be totally satisfied.

[domergurl]

I would totally join a Bloomingfoods!!! I love it when I was a student at IU.