Carmel, Indiana (Indianapolis, Columbus, Fishers: houses, luxury, schools)

[Rikrich]

I have lived in Indianapolis now for nearly five years, and in all that time I have never visited Carmel. I have not visited Carmel because I am merely a working stiff with working class roots and have heard about the NOUVEAU RICHE ATMOSPHERE OF CARMEL. I also recall hearing a story that the Mayor of Carmel tried to have aluminum siding banned in his domain. I regarded that as an act of snobbery and elitism as I grew up in a lower middle class household in Eastern Pennsylvania that was covered with, you guessed it-aluminum siding. Perhaps I do not have all the facts, but I have the impression that people of my class are looked down upon by the upper class residents of Carmel. I would be most interested in hearing from anyone out there who resides in that place. I do not envy others their success, but I have never liked snobbery. Perhaps I am judging the place too harshly, especially since I have never visited. Has that Mayor proposed a ban on cars that are not luxury vehicles? If so, then I would not be permitted to drive thru the place. I didn't mean that, but then again maybe it will be proposed someday? Sorry if I sound skeptical if not cynical.

[domergurl]

I thought the vinyl siding ban was chucked out. We considered moving to Carmel, but the way the schools are made us go to Fishers (we have since left and are now in Columbus). Carmel has more of a snooty reputation than the way it really is. Yes, there's money there, new & old. But it's really not that bad.

[sweetana3]

Income tends to attract income. Most (not all) the wealthier subdivisions are around Carmel. Keystone at the Crossing is at the southern edge. Now that said, there are pockets all around Carmel of more moderate homes. However, due to the cost of land because of demand, they tend to cost more than similiar houses on the south side or Avon etc.

I find it disconcerting to drive from one side of Carmel to the other and pass subdivision after subdivision after subdivison of huge houses on small lots many built in former corn fields and all requiring a car. I like 86th Street more for the sidewalks so you can walk or bike safely or the older areas like Meridian Kessler (taxes notwithstanding).

[Rikrich]

Originally Posted by domergurl

I thought the vinyl siding ban was chucked out. We considered moving to Carmel, but the way the schools are made us go to Fishers (we have since left and are now in Columbus). Carmel has more of a snooty reputation than the way it really is. Yes, there's money there, new & old. But it's really not that bad.

Hi, thanks for the reply. I appreciate it.

[Rikrich]

Originally Posted by sweetana3

Income tends to attract income. Most (not all) the wealthier subdivisions are around Carmel. Keystone at the Crossing is at the southern edge. Now that said, there are pockets all around Carmel of more moderate homes. However, due to the cost of land because of demand, they tend to cost more than similiar houses on the south side or Avon etc.

I find it disconcerting to drive from one side of Carmel to the other and pass subdivision after subdivision after subdivison of huge houses on small lots many built in former corn fields and all requiring a car. I like 86th Street more for the sidewalks so you can walk or bike safely or the older areas like Meridian Kessler (taxes notwithstanding).

Yes, I have always known that income tends to attract income. I have visited Keystone at the Crossing a few times, but not since I first moved here nearly five years ago . I encountered quite a few individuals with their noses in the air, including some store clerks. Anyway that is as close to Carmel as I have traveled. Carmelcrats turn me off. Thanks for the reply.

[domergurl]

carmelcrats! That's a new one. I always thought they were called Carmelites. I found that in Fishers and in Carmel, there are some with an annoying "we have arrived" attitude. Those are the people that tend to live in mcmansions with no furniture and are one paycheck away from the poorhouse.

[1914BU]

I currently life in Carmel and love it. I live in the older part (between Keystone and Meridian) Reason why I love it is because I am very close to everything - tons of shopping, tons of grocery stores, tons of everything. Traffic is bad from 3:00 until about 6:00 - but other than that it isn't bad at all. I was looking for a suburb that also had a little bit of an urban feel to it and living right on the Monon is great.

As far as the snobbery thing goes. I don't notice it, so either it isn't where I live, or maybe I feel comfortable around it. Or maybe I'm a snob - I don't think so, but Carmel seems like just a normal middle class area to me

[Rikrich]

Originally Posted by domergurl

carmelcrats! That's a new one. I always thought they were called Carmelites. I found that in Fishers and in Carmel, there are some with an annoying "we have arrived" attitude. Those are the people that tend to live in mcmansions with no furniture and are one paycheck away from the poorhouse.

Is that right? I never knew that about some of the Carmelites who live in mcmansions. Thanks for sharing that with me.

[Rikrich]

Originally Posted by 1914BU

I currently life in Carmel and love it. I live in the older part (between Keystone and Meridian) Reason why I love it is because I am very close to everything - tons of shopping, tons of grocery stores, tons of everything. Traffic is bad from 3:00 until about 6:00 - but other than that it isn't bad at all. I was looking for a suburb that also had a little bit of an urban feel to it and living right on the Monon is great.

As far as the snobbery thing goes. I don't notice it, so either it isn't where I live, or maybe I feel comfortable around it. Or maybe I'm a snob - I don't think so, but Carmel seems like just a normal middle class area to me

OK, I appreciate your reply and learning of your point of view. And I certainly don't consider you a snob. There are exceptions to every situation. Take it easy.

[springwinter]

Hi domergurl,
what about carmel school? they are not good?

Originally Posted by domergurl

I thought the vinyl siding ban was chucked out. We considered moving to Carmel, but the way the schools are made us go to Fishers (we have since left and are now in Columbus). Carmel has more of a snooty reputation than the way it really is. Yes, there's money there, new & old. But it's really not that bad.