Hubby works downtown - where's a family to live? (Lawrence: real estate, renting)

[adri1079]

We've been renting in Indy for the past three years while my hubby has been in school. Now that's he's graduated we're looking to buy and we're totally lost about where we'd like to end up. It seems like we change our mind every few weeks. Hubby will be working downtown - so I'd like somewhere that the commute wouldn't kill him (and me). I would also like a decent commute to downtown for myself as we go there a lot for things to do. We have young kids so school system is very important. I'd also like to be near shopping, parks, family stuff, etc. We're also on a VERY tight budget for a house, so we'd like to go somewhere that we'd get more house for our money. Some places we've considered:

Greenwood - busy, kind of trashy (sorry if you live there)
Plainfield - wasn't impressed with the area
Avon - nice but not much going on....seems like it's just a bunch of houses, I also heard the commute is bad
Zionsville - I would love to live here...but TOO expensive
Carmel - also too expensive
Fishers - commute sucks...but I heard they may be getting a light rail soon, I've also heard traffic is bad there and it also seems like just a bunch of houses (though I've never actually been to Fishers)
Washington Township area - love this area and the proximity to downtown, it seems like there are pockets of sketchy areas though, most of the nicer houses there we wouldn't be able to afford
Lawrence - ghetto (again, sorry if you live there)

Is there something I am overlooking? Do I need to give one of these areas another chance? We're clearly running out of options and it's making me frustrated with this city. I know we're being picky but this is our first house and I don't want to regret anything.

Thanks if you made it this far!

[adri1079]

Originally Posted by DC 38

I don't live in Lawrence, but I do like it. I certainly don't think it is ALL ghetto, parts of Lawrence are VERY nice. I also don't think Greenwood is trashy. I will step aside and let the Hamilton County cheerleaders tell you how great it is. Good luck I guess.

Just so I don't come off wrong we've lived in both Lawrence and Greenwood so I feel somewhat justified in making comments like that. I am, of course, making generalizations. And you're right, there are very nice areas in both places. But Lawrence, especially, seems like it has pockets of very NOT nice areas.
This pinpoints one of the things I do not like about Indy. It seems like the city (especially as you get closer to downtown) has "pockets" everywhere. I feel like I'm in a nice area and then suddenly two blocks later I'm in a sketchy area. When I look at a home I always ask myself, "where will I do my shopping (grocery store, Target, etc)". And a lot of times a nicer area's closest shopping is in a not nice area.

...if that made sense!

[deam]

You have to prioritize - if your childrens education and you are not going the private route - it would be either Carmel, Fishers or Zionsville. Given your commute comment - I would then narrow that down to Carmel - and housing prices varies dramatically. If you look to the south side of Carmel you often get a real mix of homes and should be able to find something affordable. Good luck.

[MikiJayne]

I live in Avon and I love it out here. I don't have to commute, but have heard it isn't too bad. Much better than from Northern burbs. As far as not much to do, I disagree. Plenty of dining, shopping, parks. Great schools, and my kids are very happy in our neighborhood. Plus, your real estate dollar will stretch far here.

Come spend some time here on a Saturday or Sunday and check out the parks and shopping and stuff.

[BU191433]

There are very affordable houses in Carmel. Seems from your post that you are looking for a "nice area" first - so if that is really important to you - than Carmel is where you want to be. I'm sure you could find houses in your price range

[adri1079]

Originally Posted by MikiJayne

I live in Avon and I love it out here. I don't have to commute, but have heard it isn't too bad. Much better than from Northern burbs. As far as not much to do, I disagree. Plenty of dining, shopping, parks. Great schools, and my kids are very happy in our neighborhood. Plus, your real estate dollar will stretch far here.

Come spend some time here on a Saturday or Sunday and check out the parks and shopping and stuff.

MikiJayne:

We've actually been to Avon quite a few times and even looked at a few houses there. Is there much shopping beyond Rockville Road? We've been to Washington Township park (I think it's called) quite a few times, are there other parks in the area? Also - besides going to the park are there other things to do in the area (rec centers, town activities, etc)?

Thanks!!

[kwirges]

Originally Posted by adri1079

MikiJayne:

We've actually been to Avon quite a few times and even looked at a few houses there. Is there much shopping beyond Rockville Road? We've been to Washington Township park (I think it's called) quite a few times, are there other parks in the area? Also - besides going to the park are there other things to do in the area (rec centers, town activities, etc)?

Thanks!!

I live in Avon also and would recommend it to anybody! If you are willing to drive 10 minutes or so, there are limitless things to do. We often find ourselves driving to Plainfield (less than 10 minutes away) to shop at the new Metropolis shopping mall (which there is a rumor that Bass Pro Shops is looking to build a store there). We also joined the Plainfield Recreation Center which is an AWESOME water park (indoor waterpark too, in the winter). My family has also recently started playing Disc Golf at the new course (which is free) at the Avon Towne Hall. It is a blast and a wonderful FREE thing to do in the area. There is PLENTY to do in the Avon area - and a drive downtown is not all that bad. I work at Lilly and it takes me about 20 minutes to get there.

[MikiJayne]

In addition to Kwirges' answer (which was great) you can see movies here or in Plaifield or at the old Royal theater in Danville. There are farmer's markets nearby, community events sponsored by local businesses like Easter Egg Hunts, festivals, etc. Plus, it is an quick ride downtown if hubby and I want to go our for a nicer dinner or something like that. Sometimes we'll take the kids to Chuck E. Cheese and just spend $10 on tokens and let them play on a rainy day.

I had heard they were going to build a rec center near Wal-Mart but they haven't started yet and I don't know when they will. They are also planning a YMCA in Avon. Avon is growing and I expect there to be more growth off Rockville and more things to do for kids.

[adri1079]

Thank you both! Avon was still on our list but not at the top. We'll definitely reconsider though. The housing prices alone are enough to sway us. I LOVE our YMCA here and would love to have access to one when we move as well. Thanks again!

[Donzelle]

My family and I JUST moved to Avon this past Thursday from Memphis, TN. What a BEAUTIFUL place this is! There is so much to do, especially because of the close proximity to the city. All the posts are correct in saying there are great restaurants, shopping, parks, etc. within reach. I did some research on that Metropolis mall and it looks FABULOUS! My kids went to the mini-golf place in Plainfield and had a blast. The schools are fabulous and if you get a chance, take a drive past the Avon High School - it's so state-of-art you won't believe it! I think Avon is an up and coming city that is just tucked away in the limelight because of Carmel and Fishers. Carmel schools are incredible but the high school has something like 5,000 kids. I didn't want my boys to be a number. Fishers is great as well but the commute at $ 4/gallon is ridiculous. You can visit those places at YOUR convenience if you choose to live someplace else. We are renting in Washington Quarters right now as our home in Memphis JUST sold but in 6 months we hope to own a beautiful home right here in Avon!