Town centres immediately outside Indianapolis...? (Carmel, Noblesville: neighborhoods, private school, live)

[tourist]

Please bear with me for with the thread title, I'm having some trouble describing what I'm looking for...

I'm from Australia, and I'm new to considering the Indianapolis area as a possible home. I've noted that in many other North American cities, the urban region has grown over decades to encompass satellite towns or even cities.

What I'm looking for, if it exists in the Indianapolis region (and I apologize if it should be obvious) is for suggestions about older town centres *outside* Indianopolis itself, with *heritage-style housing* and *very high-quality schools*, that are within commuting distance (20 - 30 mins) of downtown Indianapolis.

I have read on this forum of the *un*desirablility of IPS schools and would like to avoid those. (Otherwise, my target would probably be "Old Northside.") But nonetheless I am predisposed toward public funded schools, and not just for economic reasons.

In the end, I'm seeking advice on outside-Indianapolis (outside-IPS) neighborhoods where my daughters (part-Asian) can be challenged *without prejudice* in high-calibre academic environments, and meet others of similarly mixed background.

That can possibly be a tall order in any city.

I hope that someone can help me with a recommendation for the greater Indianapolis area. I am interested in not just "the answer" but also why it makes sense, in relation to the personal circumstances I've described.

[domergurl]

I'd suggest Carmel .. but if an older town center is what you are looking for ... well, Carmel is definitely putting a ton of money in building one that looks old. Noblesville has about the oldest town center, but it will be a few minutes outside your time limit in terms of getting to Indy. Noblesville is the county seat for Hamilton county ... it's really charming ... courthouse square and everything. There's lovely older housing around it as well.

[plaidmom]

What about Zionsville?
Whenever I hear someone wants quaint, I think of those brick streets lined with shops, cafes and galleries. I have a friend who lived in an old farmhouse right near the town center for years.

Hopefully another poster can fill in the blanks re: schools and commute times.

[Future Trooper]

Yes, Zionsville is what I recommend! The schools up their are great! the commute time is manageable. From downtown Zionsville to downtown Indianapolis I would put at 25-30 minutes down Michigan Road/US 421. I have friends that take Zionsville Road South to West 86th Street to I-465 to I-65 into downtown. I think that adds a little bit of time( probably 35-40 minutes total)

Zionsville schools( as with most of the suburban schools around Indianapolis) are contineually ranked amongst the top in state and national rankings.

[MikiJayne]

The commute to the west side is about 30 minutes, and I love it here. I have been very pleased with the schools, but to form your own opinions, you should check GreatSchools - Public and Private School Ratings, Reviews and Parent Community
Avon is not an old town, it only became a town in 1995, but it has a lot going for it!

[Southside Shrek]

Trying to get downtown from the 'outside' each day in 20 to 30 minutes will be tricky, at best.

[domergurl]

Wow, big fat duh on my part ... Zionsville!!!!

[Southside Shrek]

I could make it downtown from Z'Ville in 20 minutes if I had an ambulance, flashing lights and siren.

[tourist]

Many thanks for the help!

[Future Trooper]

Your Welcome!!

If you have anymore questions feel free to ask!