Is this house in an ok area? (Indianapolis, Carmel: for rent, neighborhood)

[hahaley]

We are relocating from Memphis and found a house for rent around Keystone and 99th. Should we be cautious about living in this area or is it fairly safe?

[ischyros]

Nothing wrong with that area at all. You're in Carmel but very easy access to Indy or 465. The only issue would be you can't turn left onto or off of Keystone Ave at 99th Street but you can still easily get around by going over to Westfield Blvd and down to 96th Street or up to 106th.

[hahaley]

Thanks! Are there any areas you strongly suggest we avoid on the north-north east-north west sides of town?
His work office is right off 465 at Priority way, if I recall, so we would like to stay close (10-15 minutes) to that area.

[ischyros]

I used to work in the Precedent Office Park area, which includes Priority Way. Really, anything in a 10-15 minute drive of there is going to be a good area. Of course, during rush hour, 10-15 minutes away from there doesn't get you too far. North of 465 would be best because your only options to cross that highway are River Rd, Keystone Ave, and Allisonville Rd thus traffic can be bad on all of those. Keystone & 96th St is especially bad at rush hour, though it has improved from what it was.

[mike0618]

99 and keystone is solid. Good area to live. Near 465. Close to carmel and indy shopping areas.

[hahaley]

We will keep that in mind. We have been seeing a few listings in the Avon, Meridian-Kessler, Nora and Broad Ripple areas that are appealing. Any thoughts on those areas?
We would really like to find something a little less expensive, but not erm...Memphis ghetto level.


Also, if so, could you give kind of...defining streets for the areas that you suggest?

[ischyros]

Originally Posted by hahaley

We will keep that in mind. We have been seeing a few listings in the Avon, Meridian-Kessler, Nora and Broad Ripple areas that are appealing. Any thoughts on those areas?
We would really like to find something a little less expensive, but not erm...Memphis ghetto level.

Those areas aren't bad, though Avon would be quite a drive during rush hour, well outside your requested 10-15 minutes. Probably closer to 30-45 minutes. Meridian-Kessler is nice and the drive isn't too bad. Broad Ripple is a decent area, but I'd probably prefer South Broad Ripple, between Kessler Blvd and 52nd St. That's just my opinion. If you're younger or don't mind the late night crowds, you may not mind being closer to the strip, which is Broad Ripple Ave/62nd Street. Nora has a lot of traffic but would certainly be an easy commute via Westfield Blvd to 96th St.

[ischyros]

Originally Posted by hahaley

We will keep that in mind. We have been seeing a few listings in the Avon, Meridian-Kessler, Nora and Broad Ripple areas that are appealing. Any thoughts on those areas?
We would really like to find something a little less expensive, but not erm...Memphis ghetto level.


Also, if so, could you give kind of...defining streets for the areas that you suggest?

I probably would cross off Avon just because of the drive from where your husband will be working.

Meridian-Kessler is basically the area bordered by Meridian St on the west, 38th St on the south, the Monon Trail on the east, and Kessler Blvd on the north, though I would stay north of probably 42nd St. South of there starts to get a bit more iffy.

Nora is the area around 86th St and Westfield Blvd and kind of runs west to Meridian St and north to 96th St. East to Keystone Ave but doesn't really go much south because that gets into the Meridian Hills area which is likely out of your price range. (Hint: That's where Peyton Manning lived. ) The area isn't bad and is mostly dominated by some big strip malls and big box chain stores. Nothing special but it would be a pretty easy commute for your husband.

Broad Ripple, like I said in my previous post, the northern part is dominated by the strip, which has a lot of local shops and restaurants and several bars and nightclubs. It is a fun hang out, but not where I'd want to live. Again, I prefer the southern part but that's just my opinion. It's essential just north of Meridian-Kessler. Between the two, I'd probably pick Meridian-Kessler.

[hahaley]

Ahh, thank you so much!
That is super helpful .

[kayanne]

I have a very good friend who lives just west of 99th and Keystone. Maybe you'll be her neighbor! It's a nice area, and property taxes are very reasonable there. Her particular neighborhood/zip code is considered Indianapolis, but I'm pretty sure kids in that neighborhood go to Carmel schools (her kids were grown before she moved there).