Relocating, Single Hockey Mom (Fishers, Carmel: rent, townhome, neighborhoods)

[thewall]

I am a single African-American mom thinking of moving to the Indy area from Cincinnati. My son plays travel hockey in the Fishers/Carmel, IN area... Yes, we commute every week... However, believe it or not, the drive isn't making me think of the move... It's actually our Indy experience and the people that live there. Our Indy hockey family has made us feel more at home than where we actually live. Moreover, it is the first place where we felt we could make a move and be happy.

Currently, we live in a northern Cincy suburb (West Chester/Liberty Twp) which has a decent school system. I like the idea of sending my son to a public school and would like to steer away from any additional expenses of a $$$ private school, but would consider it if needed be. Basically, I'm looking for a safe community/environment, w/good schools, and a slight urban feel to it. I am not looking to buy at the moment... Perhaps rent a townhome, small house, etc. I also work out of the home.

Suburban suggestions thus far include the obvious - Fishers, Carmel, and Zionsville. There was also a mention of Village of West Clay?

In-town suggestions were the Meridian Kessler area and possibly Broad Ripple?

Any other reco's/experiences are appreciated! Thanks!

[grmasterb]

Meridian-Kessler and Broad Ripple are desirable areas, but you would want to consider private schooling as M-K is totally within the IPS boundaries and BR is mostly within it. Broad Ripple north of the strip, I believe, is in the Washington Township school district, which most would consider among the best public districts in Marion County.

The Village of West Clay is a new ubanism development that's out in the middle of a lightly developed area. Not my cup of tea, but to each their own.

If you're looking for a slight urban feel in a good school district, I recommend Carmel around the Old Town area near the Monon. This is also close to the new city center district Carmel is developing.

Good luck in your search.

[domergurl]

M-K & BR are lovely neighborhoods, but the school district is IPS, as grmasterb said. You could look into Washington Twp in the north central school district, but you should also consider Fishers and Carmel as well.

Village of West Clay is lovely. It's closer to Zionsville than Fishers ...

Best of luck!

[thewall]

Thank you both for all of the great input! I actually had a chance to explore Carmel around the Old Town area today... and loved it. I think it might be a great place to start my search!

Thanks again!