washington township (Lawrence, Fishers, Carmel: for rent, mortgage, houses)

[gottagetaway1]

Looking to relocate to indy next summer. Im interested in the washington twnshp schoo dist. (or north side of indy). What are some affordable and relatively safe neighborhoods to rent in (46240)? I need a large single family home- 4plus bdrms. Please be specific to neighborhood names(even street boundaries). Also, your opinion of the area and schools would be appreciated (I've done some research, but looking for others advice). These issues are important to me because I have school aged children to raise. I would love to have easy access to downtown.

[sweetana3]

I think you need to tell us what is "affordable" to you since it may be radically different depending on where you are coming from.

[jakesjag]

We just moved here to Washington township but are in 46260 which is bit west of where you are looking. There is a web site called greatschools.net that you can read about specific schools and feedback from the parents. We like the area because most of the houses are older, have lots of trees and good size yards. We also are renting a 4 bedroom house and had trouble finding one. It could all be different by the time you are here. I used a website called hotpads.com and set up the search for renting, single family homes etc. Can search it by map so you can focus on area you want. It would also send e-mail to let you know of new listings. Realtors can also be helpful especially in this market where people have decided to rent their houses that they could not sell.
Good luck

[gottagetaway1]

Originally Posted by sweetana3

I think you need to tell us what is "affordable" to you since it may be radically different depending on where you are coming from.

I here the cost of living in indy is pretty good. I'm hoping to be blessed with a nice home and neighborhood for $800 or less. Is that attainable? I don't want to be in a bad neighborhood. Can you recommend some areas in the washington twnshp school district now? Is this district even as nice as it sounds in research? I will be visiting within a couple of weeks and I want to ride through some of the areas, so I need specifics because I'll be using map quest as my guide.

[Rambone]

Originally Posted by gottagetaway1

I here the cost of living in indy is pretty good. I'm hoping to be blessed with a nice home and neighborhood for $800 or less. Is that attainable? I don't want to be in a bad neighborhood. Can you recommend some areas in the washington twnshp school district now? Is this district even as nice as it sounds in research? I will be visiting within a couple of weeks and I want to ride through some of the areas, so I need specifics because I'll be using map quest as my guide.

$800 a month in 46240 zip code in a nice neighborhood?

Ahhh.....no. Not without a big down payment.

Are you wanting to rent or buy? I'd say $175,000 is a starting price for a 4 BR home in a good neighborhood in Washington township. Indy is affordable, but $800 a month for 4 bedrooms in a nice area is ridiculously low. I've got a 4.5% fixed mortgage on a $165,000 3 BR, 2 BA ranch, roughly 2000 sq. ft, and I pay around $1150 a month. However, if you've got a big down payment, you may be able to approach $800 a month.

[Naptowner]

The OP mentioned renting. I don't know if one can rent a 4 br home in a nice neighborhood in Washington Township school district. (Beware, OP, because the Washington Twnsp school district only covers the northern part of Washington Township). The best prospect for finding something close to that price range is probably in the Nora area between 86th and 96th.

[gottagetaway1]

Thanks for the feedback. I'll check out the nora area (i wanted someone to give me specifics-thanks). My main goal is to stay away from the IPS system; it doesnt rate very well. However I want to stay north/northeast (I think); dont want to go too far east-hear thats kinda rough. Are there any other neighborhood/street suggestions?

[jakesjag]

We are renting house off of 92nd and Meridian - 4 BR - 2 1/2 bath paying $1600 a month. Most of the rents we saw for nice house in the areas you are talking about were between 1200-1800 a month. We were a bit limited because we picked the school first, then looked for house in the area.
Good luck

[gottagetaway1]

Originally Posted by jakesjag

We are renting house off of 92nd and Meridian - 4 BR - 2 1/2 bath paying $1600 a month. Most of the rents we saw for nice house in the areas you are talking about were between 1200-1800 a month. We were a bit limited because we picked the school first, then looked for house in the area.
Good luck

Yeah that is what I am trying to do (pick the schools first). I have one in high school, one in middle school, and 4 in elementary. Does that paint a better picture. My children's safety and education are important to me. I was also considering the Lawrence Township area but I'm a bit sketchy of the area if I go too far East. I work in the healthcare field and have a BS degree (plan on pursuing a Master's upon my arrival to Indy). My husband is in construction. We make a decent living, but it won't get us in Carmel or Fishers with a big family to care for. We just want a decent and safe place to raise our children. All suggestions will be considered even if not in or targeted area.

[Toxic Toast]

Originally Posted by gottagetaway1

I was also considering the Lawrence Township area but I'm a bit sketchy of the area if I go too far East.

East Lawrence Township is rather affluent. I don't think you would have much to worry about if you stayed along and north of 56th Street.