Butler Tarkington (Carmel, Zionsville: for sale, crime, houses)

[jpm39]

Anyone have any thoughts about Butler Tarkington? We are a family of 5 moving from the Chicago suburbs to Indy in the spring. We would prefer to send the kids to public schools, but want a more established neighborhood than we have been able to find in Carmel or Zionsville. We like the feel of Meridian Kessler, etc., but the high taxes and the not-so-great schools are concerning. I guess Butler Tarkington probably also fits into that category too, but wondered if any of you have any pearls of wisdom to impart. Thanks!

[sweetana3]

I loved Butler Tarkington when we lived there. We had no kids. I used the canal walk to walk from Butler to Keystone. Used the library in Broad Ripple. Lots of good to great private or religious schools.

The taxing issues do cause me concern. Housing prices are in a state where no one really knows what something is worth. Make sure your kids will have friends as close as you want. Some neighborhoods have few kids with age since the houses are being occupied with two income families with little kids or no kids.

Butler Tarkington is exactly like MK except it is on the other side of Meridian. Same schools, same houses, same good and bad. There are some nice subdivisions all around so choose your schools and commute and then really concentrate on the housing.

[jpm39]

thanks sweetana, that's good advice.

[hapaleeretired]

I haven't been in BT for twenty years but it used to pride itself with being the only truly integrated neighborhood in Indiana. It was a wonderful area with friendly helpful neighbors who looked out for and cared for each other. When a house when up for sale it may be a middle class or retired black family or a young family of yuppies who would move in.
I hope the area has held up. It used to be a jewel.

[Susan Van den Heuvel]

Hi,
Another area you may want to look at is Irvington. I've just been working with a professional couple and have made an offer on a wonderful home. The historical homes are beautiful and the area is becoming very popular without the price tags of Butler Tarkington or Kessler Meridian. Most all have Indiana Public School systems, which are not the greatest. Many residents send their kids to private schools. [MOD CUT: NO BUSINESS PROMOTION]

[sweetana3]

I like certain parts of Irvington also. Still some brick streets and some great homes from around the 1920s/1930s with great woodwork.

However, do your due diligence carefully. It was reported to me that Ellenberger Park is having some crime issues and groups of young men congregating. There is still quite a prostitution problem reported by a friend and as reported in the paper. The police just had a major sweep with many arrests.

There is a community spirit in Irvington that is hard to find elsewhere. But again, watch to make sure your kids will have others their age.