Moving to Urban Indianapolis (Lawrence, Fishers: apartment, condo, neighborhoods)

[CRD2006]

My wife and I are relocating to Indy for a new job and are looking to live in an more progressive urban neighborhood. We are looking for a neighborhood that is walkable, safe and vibrant. (In terms of vibrancy I understand this isn't Chicago) If anyone has suggestions please let me know!! Thanks

[Toxic Toast]

north of downtown:
Broad Ripple, Fall Creek Place, Herron-Morton

South/Southeast:
Fountain Square

Eastside:
Irvington, Little Flower

Near Eastside areas:
Holy Cross, Cottage Home, Woodruff Place

northern fringe of downtown:
St. Joseph, Chatam-Arch, Lockerbie, Old Northside, Mass Ave "Culture District"

I am probably leaving at least one place out. All of these places have varying degrees of "walkability" and vibrancy; all of them are at least pretty safe, some more than others. Broad Ripple is possibly the most vibrant; Mass Ave and the neighborhoods on the northern fringe of downtown are walkable with Mass Ave providing some vibrance along with downtown, though Mass Ave is considered downtown, it is set away from the CBD. Fountain Square is moving toward becoming more like those other areas; but I don't want to sound like a cheerleader for my neighborhood. It is certainly still a work in progress.

[ERS-One]

Are you sure you're moving to Indianapolis, not relocating to Kansas City?

Relocating to Urban KC

[MikiJayne]

Perhaps they are just considering different options in their life. Moving to a whole new city is a big deal, nobody would want to jump into it lightly.

You definitely have a lot to consider, and Indy will fit you just fine!

[CRD2006]

Actually I have an option and am in the process of deciding between KC and Indy. Thanks DC

[cmeibe]

Being from Chicago and having lived in both Kc and Indy. I would choose Indy.(actually I did) Kansas City has better weather and the people are very friendly. But its even more spead out than indy making traffic more busy. There are some bottleneck areas due to bridges that will kill your commute. Indy's downtown is much more lively and when there is nothing to do here I just drive up to chicago.

[Naptowner]

I think it depends on what you mean by 'urban.' The only urban area I can think of in Indianapolis that would meet your needs is the area around Mass Ave, where you would live in an apartment building or condo. The other neighborhoods mentioned are largely suburban, although quite close to downtown in some cases.

[immortal3]

Originally Posted by cmeibe

Being from Chicago and having lived in both Kc and Indy. I would choose Indy.(actually I did) Kansas City has better weather and the people are very friendly. But its even more spead out than indy making traffic more busy. There are some bottleneck areas due to bridges that will kill your commute. Indy's downtown is much more lively and when there is nothing to do here I just drive up to chicago.

Like you, I have lived in Indy and KC. You are right, KC traffic on I-70, and I-35 N and S are insane at rush hour (with all the people heading to the Northland, East to Lee's Summit and South to the KS suburbs). Indy really only has issue headed north on I-69 towards Fishers.

KC does NOT have better summer weather, IMO. The humidity is flat out WRONG in the summertime. Wnters are a toss up, though KC shuts down moreso for ice than the snow.

Outside of downtown (Indy's is great compared to KC), KC beats Indy in terrain, proximity to water, food, and overall culture. The Plaza is a nicer outdoor version of Keystone, the downtown view is great (I lived DT) and the cost of living is lower in nice neighborhoods (I'm comparing Brookside to Butler-Tarkington in this case).

I LOVE Indy (it's where I live now), but KC is a solid town. Too much land for the amount of people, and too far away from the next big city (Omaha is like 3 hours away, and seriously, it's Omaha), but it's truly a gem in the Midwest, much like Indy. Plus, you're only a 1/2 hour away from one of America's best college towns, Lawrence, KS