North Indy 'burbs charm, character, town spirit? (Indianapolis, Fishers: organic, live)

[hollandv]

Till I can explore in person, I'm researching Carmel, Fishers, Noblesville, Westfield and Zionsville as prospective places to set down roots.

Interested in other's thoughts about each city's charm, character and town spirit ... subjective things, to be sure, as we all define these traits in our own way. Pretty clearly dining, arts, architecture and walkability have a lot to do with all that.

But are there less obvious, quirkier things about these towns that tickle your fancy? For example, I lived in a town where the local fire department's truck would take a slow ride down Main around Christmas, as the firefighters tossed candy to the kids. Another town had a sculpture of a supersize fork secretly planted in the dead of night where two streets Y'd together, as a birthday gift to a long-time resident who always made jokes about the fork in the road. The Fork in the Road is now a permanent fixture. To me, these things speak of charm, character and town spirit.

So, how about those north 'burbs? Anyone?

[A2DAC1985]

Originally Posted by hollandv

Till I can explore in person, I'm researching Carmel, Fishers, Noblesville, Westfield and Zionsville as prospective places to set down roots.

Interested in other's thoughts about each city's charm, character and town spirit ... subjective things, to be sure, as we all define these traits in our own way. Pretty clearly dining, arts, architecture and walkability have a lot to do with all that.

But are there less obvious, quirkier things about these towns that tickle your fancy? For example, I lived in a town where the local fire department's truck would take a slow ride down Main around Christmas, as the firefighters tossed candy to the kids. Another town had a sculpture of a supersize fork secretly planted in the dead of night where two streets Y'd together, as a birthday gift to a long-time resident who always made jokes about the fork in the road. The Fork in the Road is now a permanent fixture. To me, these things speak of charm, character and town spirit.

So, how about those north 'burbs? Anyone?

Zionsville.

https://maps.google.com/maps?q=Zions...,+Indiana&z=18

I would suggest you find a place in Indianapolis, but if you are dead set on the suburbs, then I think Zionsville would fit most of your criteria.

Small town "charm", with local restaurants, and a downtown that is "walkable" if you live close enough to it. Easy access to downtown (US 421/Michigan Road) and I-465... The city of Indianapolis lives and dies by I-465.

Next, I would say Westfield, or Carmel. Carmel is trying to become the Fort Worth to Indy's Dallas... but Carmel is trying real hard.

Fishers has a manufactured "walkable" area, and I would place it 4th.

Noblesville is older and more organically/traditionally "walkable" than Fishers, but it is farther away from Indy than Fishers is.


If Noblesville and Fishers switched places, no one would really know.


My opinions (as a 26 year resident of "Indianapolis, The Metro") , of course.