Indianapolis or Pittsburgh (Fishers, Butler, Hope: apartments, for rent, condos)

[weverjames]

Looking for the opinion of people that has lived or visited both cities frequently.
I have a job offer in both cities. Both pay about the same.
Which city would you pick to live?
The fact of being land locked. Would that be a shock if coming from a city that is in front of the big lake?
I just stayed in Westin Hotel in Indianapolis but I did not have a time to search for interesting places (for example the central canal). Did I miss nice areas or the Downtown of Indianapolis is pretty much what is in the eye range of the Westin hotel?
I am looking for information that could help me decide which city would feet me more.

[sweetana3]

We were just in Pittsburgh. We drove all over and I prefer Indy's flat landscape and easy to find location (straight streets). Our neighborhoods look pretty much the same. The one we drove thru looks just like our Meridian Kessler/Butler Tarkington. I am sure they have the same type of historic neighborhoods and suburbs.

I found the same stores in groups around Pittsburgh as we have in Indy. So if you want a large easy to get around in city choose Indy.

[weverjames]

are there areas in Indy where you can have more city life than suburban life?
I mean, areas where you can walk to restaurants, grocery stores, gym, pharmacies, and maybe living in an high floor apartment with a good view (of the city)? (rent 800-1700)
What areas should I visit to get hooked to Indy ( and to sell the idea to my wife)?
Please recommendations. I would like to give Indy a chance, since the job offer is good.
By the way, area where people is tolerant to immigrants would be a plus.

[History Rules]

Definately Pittsburgh, Indy is in the middle of cornfields and it is flat. Better ethnic foods in Pittsburgh plus you can take vacations on the Eastern Coast much easier, only six hour drive from NYC. Cost of living probably cheaper in Indy but there is a reason for that.

[Future Trooper]

Indianapolis isn't in the middle of cornfields!! Their are cornfields around but they dont encompass Indianapolis. Yes, Indianapolis is flat which I do like because Indianapolis is based on the checkerboard system so traffic in Indianapolis is very light for a city of it's size. Indianapolis has lots of ethnic restaurants but to be honest Pittsburgh probably has a better range. Cost of living in Indianapolis is definetly cheaper than Pittsburgh.

[Toxic Toast]

Originally Posted by weverjames

are there areas in Indy where you can have more city life than suburban life?
I mean, areas where you can walk to restaurants, grocery stores, gym, pharmacies, and maybe living in an high floor apartment with a good view (of the city)? (rent 800-1700)
What areas should I visit to get hooked to Indy ( and to sell the idea to my wife)?
Please recommendations. I would like to give Indy a chance, since the job offer is good.
By the way, area where people is tolerant to immigrants would be a plus.

To be completely honest, downtown (and Mass Ave area especially) is really the only area that has true urban walkability. If that is your heart's desire. There are high rise condos scattered in and around downtown; not a lot for rent though, at least not yet.

As far as urban neighborhoods, there are a few options outside of downtown; but not a lot of high rise apartments. There are some at 38th and Meridian; but that is not an area you would want to spend a lot of time walking around too much, at least south of 38th.

Now, I live in Fountain Square and routinely walk to the restaurants; about 4 blocks. I think nothing of it because I walk a lot; but I have friends from Fishers who REFUSE to walk the four blocks to businesses along Shelby/Prospect/Virginia. I guess it is a matter of perspective. I can walk to the bar, the grocery, restaurants, the library, etc. with no issue. I frequently bike downtown as well.

Regardless, outside of downtown, Irvington, Broad Ripple, Little Flower; there are a lot of nice areas in the urban core of Indy.

I have only been to Pittsburgh once, it reminded me of Cincinnati. Pittsburgh seemed ok, not a place I was itching to visit again; but that is just me.

[domergurl]

Food's better in Pittsburgh and the Steelers are cooler! Pittsburgh has an ethnic vibe, Indy is very homogenous. As Sweet pointed out, it's flat here ... very very flat. Plus Pittsburgh has the Warhol Museum .. supercool! Not sure about how cost of living compares ....

btw, congratulations on having job opportunities in both! Consider yourself a lucky person.

[hapaleeretired]

What kind of imigrants are you asking about? Spanish........Indianapolis, European...........Pittsburgh.
I miss the ethnic food of Pittsburgh. Don't miss the traffic or the sorry condition of the roads. Indy is a lot easier to get around in. It doesn't have to wind around the rivers. Pitt has more bridges than any other city.
Pittsburgh also has more dreary weather. If you want to live in a downtown type neighborhood Pittsburgh has the advantage.
Myself, I like Indy; big enough without being too big. Good, friendly midwestern people.
Lots of pros and cons for both. I wish you luck.

[MissingIndiana]

If you're still looking into Indy, I would check out downtown Indy's website at Indianapolis Downtown, Inc.

This direct link will take you to a page where you can select nearly any apartment building/complex in the downtown area. All will give you the address and telephone number, and most will also allow you to click the name and be taken directly to the apartment's homepage. Also, the main website itself has links to shopping, events, and other attractions downtown. Should be helpful to you.

[plaidmom]

I would choose Pittsburgh.
It just has a more vibrant big-city feel.

Don't get me wrong, I love my life in small-town Indiana. "Small Town" being the key concept. If I wanted to live in a largish city, I'd choose the one that feels most like a real city. Hope that makes sense.