Another "Moving to Indy" Post (Indianapolis, Carmel: fit in, sales)

[divehpu]

My family is strongly considering relocating to Indianapolis, but have some questions about how our family will fit in in Indy.

First, a little about us. We are a fairly liberal family living in Madison, WI. We prefer to be in the city; be able to walk safely to parks and shopping; live in a neighborhood with many kid friendly families that actually speak to each other and know each other; and we do not want to live in a mcmansion.

I'll be working downtown on Washington and would like a commute under 30 minutes. We are looking to buy a house in the $300-$450k range. Being in an area where we need to send our daughter to a private school is fine as long as there are some decent nonsectarian schools relatively close. Ideas on schools are welcome.

We'd like to be in a neighborhood with like minded individuals. In other words, not a conservative neighborhood. Finally, we'd like a neighborhood that is established and has held its value over the years, not up and coming or in the midst of gentrification.

Are there areas like this? Thanks!

[Toxic Toast]

Sounds like Broad Ripple or Butler-Tarkington. Park Tudor school is near there, I think it is non-religious.

[BU191433]

Park Tudor is a great, great private school. Certainly non-religious (I have a niece and nephew that go there - very expensive though) No school buses - but the school is close to the Williamsburg area (out of your price range) Also close to the Broad Ripple and Meridian Kessler area - so I would look in those areas. Also commute downtown is 20-25 minutes. Very established areas.

One thing to keep in mind - Indianapolis is a relatively conservative area - whereas Madison is liberal

[sweetana3]

As has constantly been repeated over and over. Inside city, Meridian Kessler, Butler Tarkington, Forest Hills, Arden, Meridian Hills. All are touching and central to old established and serviced areas. All would feed various religious and non sectarian schools. Last I heard, Park Tudor was 12,000 per year. But the family had two boys and thought it was a good deal.

All these neighborhoods are highly sought after and always have houses undergoing renovation with investment of $$$. Doctors, lawyers, executives and young DINKs make up much of the population but there are lots of kids if the toys at garage sales are any indication. Variety of ages live here with a few living all their lives in the area.

Prices from below $250,000 to over one million. mibor.com can let you see what is in your price range.

[BU191433]

Oops, in my post I meant to say Williams Creek - not Williamsburg

[domergurl]

Orchard and Sycamore schools are also secular private schools. But they are lower grades, whereas Park Tudor goes from pre-k through 12. Yea, it's expensive, definitely an investment in education.

As for Indy itself, you can't compare it to Madison in any way ... politically, geographically, topograhically ... it's totally different. You'll find like minded people, but you will have to seek them out.

I will interject that there are some older, well established areas of Carmel, east of Keystone. You should at least look there ... looking is just looking. I always thought the Brookshire neighborhoods were quaint and lovely.

[Naptowner]

I wouldn't waste your time in Carmel, it really doesn't match the description you gave. There are no "older" neighborhoods east of Keystone in Carmel, unless you consider seventies subdivisions "older." And even then, they're not walkable. There is a small old downtown area there, but a lot of renovation going on. And there is a difference, not huge but noticeable, between those who live in the suburbs and those who live "in" Indianapolis, with those living here being more liberal/progressive. Hamilton County is one of the most heavily republican counties in the state.

Broad Ripple, Forest Hills, Meridian-Kessler, and Butler Tarkington are pretty much it for you. Meridian Hills and Williams Creek are nice, but not walkable. Park Tudor is an excellent school and is close to any of these areas. Orchard, Sycamore, and the International School are also good and close. With Meridian Kessler and Butler-Tarkington you want to stay in the northern sections, since the southern boundaries are kind of run-down. The northern areas are very nice, though.

[domergurl]

Just givin' options Nap ... just givin' options.

[PhillyIndy]

Broad Ripple, Forest Hills, Meridian-Kessler, and Butler Tarkington are pretty much it for you. Meridian Hills and Williams Creek are nice, but not walkable. Park Tudor is an excellent school and is close to any of these areas. Orchard, Sycamore, and the International School are also good and close. With Meridian Kessler and Butler-Tarkington you want to stay in the northern sections, since the southern boundaries are kind of run-down. The northern areas are very nice, though.[/quote]

THis is right on the money.

Nearly moved to Indy from Philadelphia. WE live downtown and were looking for much of what you describe.

Forrest Hills or MK/Butler North of 49th, south of 58th within 3-4 blocks of Meridian is probably the best area as you can walk to all the little commercial areas. Ther is also a "Club Pool" called the Riviera Club that is pretty cheap and might be good thing to join to meet people from the neighborhood.

The area is liberal for Indy.

There is also an International School which looked to be good. google International School of Indiana.

Be tough on price negotiations. There are homes that are listed today that were listed last May 2007. You should get a reasonable deal

[domergurl]

PhillyIndy is right. Make sure you check to see if the house has been re-listed after an expiration. A listing may look new, but it's not, just a new MLS number.