"Bad" Neighrboods (Indianapolis, Boston: living in, move to, area)

[sweetana3]

If you are coming from Boston, check out Butler Tarkington, Meridian Kessler, and Arden (all the realtors know these neighborhoods) for family friendly and very old fashioned living. They are the kind of neighborhoods where the people actually know each other, there is great diversity in ages and types of families, good vibes. Walkable with grid streets (therefore few traffic issues), good sidewalks, strong neighborhood organization, lots of a variety of historic homes of all sizes.

Short drive to work or any shopping. Meaning a few minutes or even a walk depending on where the house is located. Variety of small stores and schools.

I lived there or around it for 25 years. We moved downtown but this area would be my strong second choice. It is a constantly improving area and does command a premium. But it can be a worthwhile premium for the neighbors, the time saved in commute and the atmosphere.

I always love driving around or walking around the area.

[domergurl]

While I completely agree with you about the areas you listed, schools are the big issue. I know of folks in those areas who are having a heck of a time selling their homes because of the school system. If one can afford to go private, then it's not an issue. But if someone wants to stay in the city and have a decent public school system, then go for Washington or Lawrence Twp.

[Zig'sbird]

Everything so far makes sense. One thing to be aware of though is that Indy is a little different. If you are inside the 465 loop, neighborhoods are a hit and miss situation. In the city proper, one neighborhood and be 1mil+ houses and then just two blocks away you'll be in the 'hood.

Good luck

[krock1dk]

Correction: Indianapolis is 20 miles by 20 miles (400 square-miles) and not 10 miles by 10 miles (100 square-miles) as someone stated earlier. Anyway...no matter what you rent or buy, it will be cheaper than in Boston--half the $$ at best. Housing in Indianapolis is plentiful, so there should be no difficulty. HERE ARE A FEW THINGS TO REMEMBER:

1. Housing is affordable here no matter where you live and will cost you half of what it would in Boston--at best. So your options are plenty. Housing in the northern areas, especially Hamilton County (Carmel, Fishers, Noblesville) and the Geist area is more expensive than the average for the Indianapolis area. A new there home would set you back at least $200,000, still affordable by Boston standards. The south side (Perry and Franklin Townships, Greenwood or Franklin in Johnson County) is more affordable yet. A new home there would set you back anywhere from $150,00 or more for a new home. You could also try the areas of Zionsville, Plainfield, Avon and Brownsburg. They are going thru a growth spurt right now as the rest of the area.

2. Parts of Indianapolis are spotty when it comes to safety. The south side is usually safer than most of Indianapolis. It's more laid back also. It has nice quiet neighborhoods. Try NOT to live on the east side, at least no closer than Mitthoefer Rd. The north side and most areas north of 62nd street aren't too bad. The west is a similar story, but outside I-465 is the best option. As a general rule, it is usually safer outside the I-465 beltway,except for the east side.

3. Indianapolis is within a short driving distance to Cincinnati oir Louisville and about 3 hours from Chicago. You can get to the other side of Indianapolis in about 30-45 minutes, depending where your going and the traffic. Going from Franklin in the far south to Noblesville or Carmel in the north would take 45- minutes at best. Much longer during rush hour. US 31 and I-465 are very busy during rush hour and I-69 is pretty bad too. It may be best to live near where you work.

Hope you like Indy. It's a good place to rasie a family and there's a lot to do if you look around. We have a # of good restaurants, arts, a world-renowned orchestra, museums and the Indianapolis Museum of Art is the 8th largest in the country. We have sports teams too and the pace of life is slower than in Boston, but the people are pretty down to earth.

Welcome to Indy!

[razinalim]

You can find many nice 'vinyl' neighborhoods even inside 465, if you look around. We lived 9 years in Stratford Glen in Pike township, sent kids to excellent elementary and middle schools. Now our pretty 1993 house is for rent or sale at 6047 Polonius Ct. See craigslist.com or rentalindy.com for details, search in Pike or NW Indy. You may find something you like.

[escapeartist]

Little Flower on Indy's much maligned eastside. There are great Catholic schools right in the neighborhood and it is very family friendly. There's an odd little Luxon house wedged in there, but most of the homes are pre-war era bungalows that have been well maintained.

[escapeartist]

Originally Posted by krock1dk

Correction: Indianapolis is 20 miles by 20 miles (400 square-miles) and not 10 miles by 10 miles (100 square-miles) as someone stated earlier. Anyway...no matter what you rent or buy, it will be cheaper than in Boston--half the $$ at best. Housing in Indianapolis is plentiful, so there should be no difficulty. HERE ARE A FEW THINGS TO REMEMBER:

1. Housing is affordable here no matter where you live and will cost you half of what it would in Boston--at best. So your options are plenty. Housing in the northern areas, especially Hamilton County (Carmel, Fishers, Noblesville) and the Geist area is more expensive than the average for the Indianapolis area. A new there home would set you back at least $200,000, still affordable by Boston standards. The south side (Perry and Franklin Townships, Greenwood or Franklin in Johnson County) is more affordable yet. A new home there would set you back anywhere from $150,00 or more for a new home. You could also try the areas of Zionsville, Plainfield, Avon and Brownsburg. They are going thru a growth spurt right now as the rest of the area.

2. Parts of Indianapolis are spotty when it comes to safety. The south side is usually safer than most of Indianapolis. It's more laid back also. It has nice quiet neighborhoods. Try NOT to live on the east side, at least no closer than Mitthoefer Rd. The north side and most areas north of 62nd street aren't too bad. The west is a similar story, but outside I-465 is the best option. As a general rule, it is usually safer outside the I-465 beltway,except for the east side.

3. Indianapolis is within a short driving distance to Cincinnati oir Louisville and about 3 hours from Chicago. You can get to the other side of Indianapolis in about 30-45 minutes, depending where your going and the traffic. Going from Franklin in the far south to Noblesville or Carmel in the north would take 45- minutes at best. Much longer during rush hour. US 31 and I-465 are very busy during rush hour and I-69 is pretty bad too. It may be best to live near where you work.

Hope you like Indy. It's a good place to rasie a family and there's a lot to do if you look around. We have a # of good restaurants, arts, a world-renowned orchestra, museums and the Indianapolis Museum of Art is the 8th largest in the country. We have sports teams too and the pace of life is slower than in Boston, but the people are pretty down to earth.

Welcome to Indy!

Considering the rash of unsolved arsons on the southside, I find it odd that anyone would say it's "the safest" part of Indy. I don't have that impression of the southside at all.

[sweetana3]

"Southside" means different things. Immediately south of downtown until about I465 is part of the donut of older and in some cases poorly maintiained business routes and small neighborhoods. You do have to watch out for industrial areas. There are some pockets of truly affordable homes and gems but you have to check out the overall area and realize it is part of the donut effect that commuters just drive thru. You will see the donut effect also around the East side to Washington Square and on the West side.

"Southside" also means the whole area south of I465 which encompasses Southport and I64, Greenwood, 135 corridor, etc. Many subdivisions of all ages and prices (although leaning to the more affordable than Carmel). All available shopping (except perhaps the very high end). Generally quiet on the crime front at least that which is reported as big time news.

Indy is such a big place. I believe I could find a safe and affordable home almost anywhere in the city with the proper due diligence. But a picture on the internet is not going to tell you what the neighborhood is like. It wont give you a feeling for whether the area is improving or deteriorating.

[Dom13]

Now I've lived in Indy my whole life, I could tell you where not to live. Escapeartist is right, the south side is not that safe. The east side is where a lot of criminal activity occur. The are places like Brightwood, Mozel Sanders Projects, Blackburn Terrace Projects, and Brookside that you should avoid. They are all on the east side. The west side is pretty nice though. The north side is nice, too. I grew up on the east side in the Blackburn Terrace Projects and trust me, you do not want to live there. Stay on the west and north sides of town. You will feel much safer.

[bdean13]

My boyfriend and I are looking to rent a home and move out of our apartment. Someone is renting out a nice home on the southeast side of Indianapolis. She said it was on Cottage Avenue. I have heard that the East side is a bad area, and I know that Rural Street is not great. I was wondering if anyone has heard of this place? She said it's by Pleasant Parkway? Thanks!