Young Professional Wanting to Move to Castleton from Oregon- Advice? (Fishers: 2010, apartments)

[hk111]

Hi everyone,

I was wondering if the experts and locals out there could help provide some direction for my move. I just graduated from college in Illinois and am originally from Oregon. I decided that Castleton would be the best place for me because I need more structure than Broad Ripple (because of work), but still want to meet people and have a good time.

Any suggestions for specific apartment buildings? I saw a thread mention the Lakeshore Apartments, but that hasn't been updated since 2007 and a lot can change. I saw various threads about how to meet people in the area (I plan on joining the young professionals group), but really would like a good location and community to be a part of. I plan on moving around January 2010.

Thanks in advance for your help!

[chalcedony]

Castleton is probably filled with young professionals, but it is essentially suburban in nature and my guess is many of these professionals would be a bit more settled--owning homes and pushing baby strollers around. Not sure if you're single, but a suburban environment isn't nearly as good for chance encounters or friendly meet-ups with people of either sex, unless you plan to hang out at Castleton Mall.

If Broad Ripple seems a bit too hectic you might try Irvington on the east side, which seems to bit more mixed in ages than Broad Ripple but still has local shops and a very cohesive little scene. Downtown might work as well, though not if you're hoping to avoid hectic (but then again, most people would say Castelton is hectic as well). Fountain Square might be good if you're okay with a slightly higher crime rate, and some of the other hoods on the near North Side (SoBro, Fall Creek Place, Herron Morton, Old Northside) should have a fair number of young professionals.

I'd check out apartment buildings by Van Rooy, Buckingham, or Flaherty & Collins for good urban living. Perhaps someone else here can help you better with Castleton in particular.

[sweetana3]

I dont know what "more structured" means but Castleton is pretty much just a center for shopping and those chain stores. However, if you work there, you would have the choice of apartments around Keystone at the Crossing just down 86th, some in Fishers just north of Cas. (and can use a frontage road to stay off the interstate), or a little farther along 86th or 96th. But again, Castleton is only a geographic center for shopping.

So I dont really understand your desire to live in Castleton?

[Southside Shrek]

If you want to have a 'good time', the area around Keystone at the Crossing has plenty of nice dining spots, bars/watering holes, stores and plenty of people. Just walk into Sullivan's and you'll see what I mean.

[hk111]

Thanks for the responses so far!

To answer some of the questions, I am single and 22. I have little knowledge of the Indy area, so I'm open to all suggestions. I plan on living with one of my buddy's from college and he didn't want to live in Broad Ripple because, "all they want to do is party." Basically, we wanted to live in Castleton because everything is within driving distance and I've heard that there's a good population of young people who live there. My friend doesn't really drink so it's a hard balance to strike for a living situation. I'm basically the type of guy who can have a great time on the weekends, but I mostly buckle down or take it easy during the weekdays. I'm a marketing consultant so the hours put-in can be a bit rough.

Based on this new info, should I be looking at places other than Castleton for sure?

[Toxic Toast]

Originally Posted by hk111

Thanks for the responses so far!

To answer some of the questions, I am single and 22. I have little knowledge of the Indy area, so I'm open to all suggestions. I plan on living with one of my buddy's from college and he didn't want to live in Broad Ripple because, "all they want to do is party."

I am sorry, I just have to publicly laugh at the Broad Ripple comment.

Broad Ripple is only alive with partiers on the weekends. I took my 50 year old Dad to Broad Ripple on a weeknight and he LOVED it. BR Ave is really a pretty tame area, except on Friday and Saturday night after 10 pm.

[sweetana3]

I love Broad Ripple too. Lots of coffee shops, French bakery, monon trail, Art Institute, my eye glass place, my doctor, Farmers Market, nice interesting walks especially north into the area most dont do to, oldest Indy health food stores, some non chain gift shops, etc. Bazbeauz pizza, Patachou restaurant, etc.

One of the only truly walkable neighborhood shopping areas in Indy with the widest variety of places to visit.

And quieter than you would imagine most of the time. In the early 80s, we ate at Fox's Deli every weekend. They are gone now but the vibe is still in the area.

[BU191433]

I wouldn't necessarily look in the Castleton area - although like has been mentioned to those who live in the metro area - Castleton is a shopping destination. Whether you want to live in Broad Ripple or not is up to you. You have to decide if you want to live in a little quietiert area or more in the think of things.

My suggestion is come and visit and see for yourself.

Me personally I enjoy going to BR but wouldn't want to live there - but then I would want to live in Castleton either

[HansSchnier]

If you decide to live in Castleton, I'd recommend Shadeland Station Apartments. I've lived there for a little over two years. I'm a pretty no-frills person, so I can't speak to the quality of the amenities and such, but it's quiet, safe and well-maintained. Their 2 BD/2 BA floorplan is pretty well suited for a roommate situation.

As far as the Castleton area itself, it's convenient in that everything you need will most likely be close. There are some bars around, but none of them are very hip, especially compared with Broad Ripple. In fact, Castleton is permeated by a "corporate" type feel, if you know what I mean. Lots of chain stores, etc. The area does get crowded with shoppers on the weekend, which makes getting around a hassle. I probably wouldn't choose to live in Castleton if I didn't work there, but you could certainly do worse.