Looking for stately old urban neighborhood in Indy. Help? (Fishers: best neighborhood, houses)

[sdithers]

What's poppin'?

My employer is transferring me to Indy, and I made my first visit to the city last month. I'm hoping to buy a house in a stately old urban neighborhood. Based on some recommendations, I looked at the Old Northside, but I was less than impressed. It seemed past its prime, with plenty of decay, and I saw a few sketchy-looking people loitering on the streets. Anyway, I'm at the point in life where I don't want to live in "the hood."

ANy other recommendations for urban neighborhoods to check out?

[Chicago76]

For areas that are maybe more gentrified than the old northside but with similarly old housing stock, I'd suggest the following:

Meridian Kessler (along Meridian and parallel boulevards n of 38th)
St. Josephs (just south of Old Northside on other side of I-65
Lockerbie

[Colts]

Did you look at Mass Ave? Probably the best neighborhood in the city for urban living.

For a more stately atmosphere, Butler-Tarkington is also a good choice (north of 43)

[sdithers]

Thanks for the recommendations.

So what happened to the Old Northside? I heard so many good things about it, but it looks like it's fallen far.

[Toxic Toast]

Originally Posted by sdithers

Thanks for the recommendations.

So what happened to the Old Northside? I heard so many good things about it, but it looks like it's fallen far.

Where did you look, and what were you expecting to find? I would be curious to know the expectations and experience of someone who thinks the Old Northside has fallen hard.

[GregHenry]

Originally Posted by sdithers

What's poppin'?

My employer is transferring me to Indy, and I made my first visit to the city last month. I'm hoping to buy a house in a stately old urban neighborhood. Based on some recommendations, I looked at the Old Northside, but I was less than impressed. It seemed past its prime, with plenty of decay, and I saw a few sketchy-looking people loitering on the streets. Anyway, I'm at the point in life where I don't want to live in "the hood."

ANy other recommendations for urban neighborhoods to check out?

Sure. Consider 1998 "old," and move to Carmel. Don't try to make Indy something it isn't. The grown-up thing to do in places like Indy is to find yourself a nice place in the 'burbs and live a comfortable lifestyle.

[wh15395]

You'll definitely like Meridian Kessler. Next time you're in town looking at houses, go up to 38th and head north on Pennsylvania. After driving about a mile or two, you'll be in the center of one of the nicest urban neighborhoods in the Midwest. It basically spans the area between Meridian, 40th, College, and Kessler. Also, do yourself a favor and get an omelet at Cafe Patachou.

[Coogles]

Another vote for Meridian Kessler or Butler Tarkington here. Tons of variety in homes, from 2br bungalows in the mid $100's to $1M+ estates. Beautiful scenery, plenty to do within walking/short riding distances, and a really good k-8 school in the Center for Inquiry at 57th & Central. You're still likely looking at private school for high school unless you can wrap some knuckles and get your child into North Central, but there are plenty of options around for that too.

My wife and I bought our first home near 56th and College a little more than two years ago and plan our raising a family here. I know what a few co-workers go through with their commutes downtown from Carmel/Fishers and I'm content to avoid spending 2 hours every day in the car.