Where is Indiana/Indianapolis heading? (Carmel, Marion: high crime, neighborhood, living in)

[Friesncatsup]

I grew up in Indiana, and I hated that no one there seemed to want to grow and better the place. Which I always loved because of it's natural beauty. So my question is, Do people WANT change in Indiana? And if so what would you change?

[Toxic Toast]

I think that is a loaded question that will vary based on who you ask.

My perspective as someone who lives on the near east side of Indianapolis, formerly lived in Fountain Square, and before that did not live in Indianapolis: I think the urban part of Indianapolis I occupy is trending upward. Fountain Square has changed. Downtown has changed. Holy Cross has changed. Irvington has changed. 16th Street by the Monon over to Herron Morton has changed. All of these areas are better now than they were 8 years ago. I am about halfway between Irvington and downtown in a neighborhood called Englewood. The seeds that were planted in those areas a decade ago are now being planted in my own neighborhood. I don't have a crystal ball........but I feel good about all of these areas continuing to improve.

As far as the rest of the city; I am not sure. I worry that what we are really seeing in Indianapolis is an improvement of the urban parts of the city at the expense of many of the outer townships. It would be nice to see all of Marion County be competitive, but I don't know.

As far as the rest of the state.........they can go pound sand for all I care.

[Serious Conversation]

FWIW, I live in Carmel.

I think the biggest issue Indy has is the high crime level. Almost every day you hear of a serious violent crime or murder. It's usually the regular areas "In the X block of N Rural St, 38th St, <insert urban street>, something happened today" is like the sun rising and setting. It's something that deters people from living in parts of the city.

[W & C]

You love Indiana because of natural beauty ?

[Graywhiskers]

Indiana is fiscally one of the best managed states in the US, and Indianapolis will benefit from this. Indiana has not cut funding to higher education the way most states have. Indiana has an excellent vocational system, including Ivy Tech in Indianapolis. The teachers pensions are much better funded than in states like Illinois. Indiana (and Indianapolis) has substantial water resources, and low cost electricity. Indiana is in a good position to win new jobs because of all of the above.
Indianapolis, in addition to being the amateur sports capital of the US, has a very active community in regards to the arts.
Drugs and drug related crimes are a major issue. This is common to much of the US, and there are no easy answers here.
Indianapolis doesn't have to be changed - just become aware of what is already here.

[ShellNic]

Originally Posted by W & C

You love Indiana because of natural beauty ?

Have you been here so long that you don't see it?

[ShellNic]

FWIW...I grew up in Seattle, moved to Texas before I landed in Indianapolis...so seeing your location, trust me when I say, the natural beauty of Washington State is astounding...but that still doesn't take away from Indiana. It has it's own way.

[W & C]

Originally Posted by ShellNic

FWIW...I grew up in Seattle, moved to Texas before I landed in Indianapolis...so seeing your location, trust me when I say, the natural beauty of Washington State is astounding...but that still doesn't take away from Indiana. It has it's own way.

I agree. Just not often that I see someone list that reason.

Besides, all beauty is in the eye of the beholder

[ischyros]

Originally Posted by W & C

I agree. Just not often that I see someone list that reason.

Besides, all beauty is in the eye of the beholder

Get away from the cornfields and pavement, there are some beautiful wooded areas. Especially in the forested hills of southern Indiana. But even northern Indiana has some beautiful wooded lakes. But the problem is there is a lot of flat farmland to drive through to get to those places (though some people consider flat farmland to be beautiful, too).

[W & C]

Originally Posted by ischyros

Get away from the cornfields and pavement, there are some beautiful wooded areas. Especially in the forested hills of southern Indiana. But even northern Indiana has some beautiful wooded lakes. But the problem is there is a lot of flat farmland to drive through to get to those places (though some people consider flat farmland to be beautiful, too).

A few years ago, a friend of mine made a blog post describing the beauty of Indiana. The way she said was something like - it doesn't knock you over the head, it's very subtle. It creeps up on you, you have to be still to appreciate it. She lives out in the country now somewhere near Lebanon. I do see how rural farmland in Indiana and elsewhere can be very calming and picturesque.