Does anyone think Indy is the best city in the midwest besides people who live in the city? (Indianapolis: neighborhoods, shop)

[thePR]

Originally Posted by H-TownTX 713

The majority of the people from the east and west coast think that Chicago is the best midwestern city. Why? Beautiful skyline, almost 3 million residents, lakefront beaches, diversity, great history, good sports teams, can Indianapolis even compete?

I don't don't like how people think that just because a city has a lot of people makes it better. That said, Chicago is the best city in the Midwest.

[domergurl]

Originally Posted by REM

^ When i went to chicago i didn't see many people... There where about as many people in downtown chicago as there are in downtown indianapolis on a weekday afternoon, Around rush hour on a friday no less. The only time i saw alot of people was when i was in the traffic jam getting into the city, idk where they all went to. At night i saw literally 2 people and a taxi on the street, there where a few people in the dunkin doughnuts store but they where comming from the same place we where! I didn't see many people until i got to S michigan ave and even then there where as many people out on the street as there would be in indy. Also this was the day before the gay pride parade.

The pride parade used to go in front of my apartment ... good times, good times.

Downtown empties out on the weekends because there is so much more to do all over the city. Clubs, beaches, etc ... all north of Division my friend. South Michigan is booming with development, but most people are on the north side.

[rydellbixby]

Having just returned from a three-day, whirlwind tour of Indianapolis, I thought I'd throw in my two-cents. I visit the metro area often to visit family, but until this past weekend most of my experience of the area has been confined to the sprawling, suburban nightmare of Noblesville, Westfield and Carmel. Thus, I felt unqualified to chime in regarding the city itself. I realize that one visit in no way makes me expert so please, take these comments for what they're worth: a first time visitor's initial impressions.

I personally don't think Indianapolis, from what I've seen, is even in the running for best Midwestern city. It is, however, a strong contender for worst, a title I had previously reserved for Columbus, OH. The two cities have many similarities: bland, uninspiring architecture, a distinctly suburban feel, inundation with chain stores, and a palpable lack of character or personalty. Perhaps that last bit was a little strong. Perhaps its personality traits are merely those of a giant suburb and these are traits that I am incapable of appreciating. Who knows?

You've probably realized that I don't particularly care for the burbs, and I think that's what it boils down to. If you like the suburbs, you'll probably like Indianapolis. If you don't, then not so much. It's just a matter of taste.

[grmasterb]

Originally Posted by rydellbixby

I personally don't think Indianapolis, from what I've seen, is even in the running for best Midwestern city. It is, however, a strong contender for worst, a title I had previously reserved for Columbus, OH. The two cities have many similarities: bland, uninspiring architecture, a distinctly suburban feel, inundation with chain stores, and a palpable lack of character or personalty.

Ever been out in your own suburbs, particularly Naperville/Schaumburg/Hoffman Estates/Palatine?

Chicago is the only city in the Midwest that has an urban character similar to New York/Boston/Philly/D.C. The OP should've asked the question with respect to cities other than Chicago.

[rydellbixby]

Originally Posted by grmasterb

Ever been out in your own suburbs, particularly Naperville/Schaumburg/Hoffman Estates/Palatine?

Chicago is the only city in the Midwest that has an urban character similar to New York/Boston/Philly/D.C. The OP should've asked the question with respect to cities other than Chicago.

Yes, and they stink.

And I wasn't expecting New York/Boston/Philly etc. I love all sorts of cities, big, small and in-between and there are many cities in the Midwest that I like very much: St. Louis, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Cleveland. Hell, I'm one of the few people that even likes Detroit. My contention with Indianapolis is there is no variety. Why go there when I could just go to Schaumburg instead?

[grmasterb]

Originally Posted by rydellbixby

Yes, and they stink.

And I wasn't expecting New York/Boston/Philly etc. I love all sorts of cities, big, small and in-between and there are many cities in the Midwest that I like very much: St. Louis, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Cleveland. Hell, I'm one of the few people that even likes Detroit. My contention with Indianapolis is there is no variety. Why go there when I could just go to Schaumburg instead?

Here's a direct quote from your original post:

"Thus, I felt unqualified to chime in regarding the city itself. I realize that one visit in no way makes me expert so please, take these comments for what they're worth: a first time visitor's initial impressions."

Therefore, it seems to me that without more experience you're comparing those other cities with Indy's northern suburbs. Did you not visit Broad Ripple, Chatham Arch, Fletcher Place, Lockerbie, Meridian-Kessler or Butler-Tarkington? How about Irvington, Garfield Park or Homecroft? No difference in any of those places at all?

[rydellbixby]

I went to Broad Ripple first since it's commonly touted as a must-see by residents of Indy. Frankly, I fail to understand its appeal. Every college town in the country has a little strip like this and I've seen far larger and more vibrant examples in much smaller towns: Bloomington, Iowa City, Charlottesville, VA.

I then went to the Indianapolis Museum of Art, which is a descent museum. Not mind-blowing, but solid.

After that, I traveled down to Monument Circle, went to the top of the monument, had some terrible pizza, walked around for a bit and then headed up Mass. Ave.

Perhaps I missed a whole bunch of good stuff but my particular experience of Indianapolis was not, on the whole, a good one. It just seemed very bland compared to most other cities I've visited.

[Toxic Toast]

Originally Posted by grmasterb

Therefore, it seems to me that without more experience you're comparing those other cities with Indy's northern suburbs. Did you not visit Broad Ripple, Chatham Arch, Fletcher Place, Lockerbie, Meridian-Kessler or Butler-Tarkington? How about Irvington, Garfield Park or Homecroft? No difference in any of those places at all?

His tour started in Castleton, with a tour of regionally famous Castleton Square Mall. He then dined at the world renowned Castleton Buca Di Bepo. Upon completing his Italian dish, it was time to travel west to the always hopping Jubilee Bowl on Michigan road. There, he was bowled over by the cheese sticks and exclusive special recipe marinara sauce that you can only find at Jubilee bowl. The tour then headed south to the world famous Southport SuperTarget for some great art shopping. There was then a brief visit to downtown Southport before getting back on the freeway and hitting up the east side. It was time for dinner at one of our finest dining establishments; the fabulous Washington Street Qdoba. after all of this fun, the tour headed back up Keystone Ave for a visit to that tourist trap we call the Keystone Ave Super Wal-Mart. Oh the sights to be found there! Finally, to round out the trip, the tour concluded at the always breath-taking Castleton Applebee's for drinks and conversation. A great time indeed!

Please note that this is an almost perfect description of a friend's recent visit to Indy; who then complained about how boring Indy was. It is not meant to be deragatory or inflammatory in any way.

[grmasterb]

Originally Posted by dc 38

his tour started in castleton, with a tour of regionally famous castleton square mall. He then dined at the world renowned castleton buca di bepo. Upon completing his italian dish, it was time to travel west to the always hopping jubilee bowl on michigan road. There, he was bowled over by the cheese sticks and exclusive special recipe marinara sauce that you can only find at jubilee bowl. The tour then headed south to the world famous southport supertarget for some great art shopping. There was then a brief visit to downtown southport before getting back on the freeway and hitting up the east side. It was time for dinner at one of our finest dining establishments; the fabulous washington street qdoba. After all of this fun, the tour headed back up keystone ave for a visit to that tourist trap we call the keystone ave super wal-mart. Oh the sights to be found there! Finally, to round out the trip, the tour concluded at the always breath-taking castleton applebee's for drinks and conversation. A great time indeed!

Please note that this is an almost perfect description of a friend's recent visit to indy; who then complained about how boring indy was. It is not meant to be deragatory or inflammatory in any way.

lol!

[Works Aero]

I agree with rydelbixby completely, Indy is NOT a tourist city.
Ive lived in indy off and on since i was 12 and i get so frustrated with the lack of entertainment here that I leave to go to chicago about 3 times a month for atleast the day. your choices are limited to malls, bars , movies or restaurants. which you can do about anywhere.
there is nothing about this city (unless your a die hard indycar or nascar fan) that makes tourists want to come back.
our best park (white river gardens) which is getting better! but still only consists of a glorified ditch and sidewalk.
with all that said im moving back to Chicago at the end of october and all I can say is good riddance.