Nice, Safe Places Downtown? (Indianapolis, Fishers: apartments, rentals, lofts)

[rotorman]

Hi all,

I will be moving to Indianapolis in the fall to attend IUSM. I will be moving with S.O who has a job in industry on the southwest side of Indy. I have mostly been looking into 1B apartments in the suburbs (Zionsville, Carmel, maybe Fishers). I like the suburban feel of these places but not so much the commute.

I'm looking any places downtown that are nice, safe, and affordable (Preferrably in the $800 or less range). I'm thoroughly finished with any sort of college-atmosphere: music blaring at 2 AM, beer bottles/mattresses in the yard, etc.

Is there a nice area with grad students or young professional types downtown for reasonable rent that might be a shorter commute than the suburbs?

Thanks

[sweetana3]

Vanrooy.com is a property manager who has a large inventory of apts. downtown and a pretty good reputation. Apollo Aurora is in my neighborhood and except for the road work they are doing on Alabama right now is very safe and quiet. The issue with apartments is availability since a large number of students come down at the same time.

I would be careful of Stallard and Zender as far as apartments under their management.

A friend lives at Oxford Gables on 38th and loves it. It has great ratings too but i am not sure of rent for their one bedrooms.

What is IUSM?

[LIS123]

Originally Posted by sweetana3

Vanrooy.com is a property manager who has a large inventory of apts. downtown and a pretty good reputation. Apollo Aurora is in my neighborhood and except for the road work they are doing on Alabama right now is very safe and quiet. The issue with apartments is availability since a large number of students come down at the same time.

I would be careful of Stallard and Zender as far as apartments under their management.

A friend lives at Oxford Gables on 38th and loves it. It has great ratings too but i am not sure of rent for their one bedrooms.

What is IUSM?

IUSM: Indiana University School of Medicine

[bilgewater]

I live in the Old North Side (ONS) neighborhood downtown (it's between 12th and 16th street, and Pennsylvania and College). It has a number of nice old apartment buildings nestled amidst very nice old houses. Quiet and leafy neighborhood. An easy bike ride to med school for sure. Or a walk. NOT a student area, but close to amenities on Massachusetts Ave very nearby (a few blocks walk). My wife teaches at IU Indy and loves being so close.

[indy_317]

Originally Posted by rotorman

I'm looking any places downtown that are nice, safe, and affordable (Preferrably in the $800 or less range). I'm thoroughly finished with any sort of college-atmosphere: music blaring at 2 AM, beer bottles/mattresses in the yard, etc.

Is there a nice area with grad students or young professional types downtown for reasonable rent that might be a shorter commute than the suburbs?

Lockefield Gardens, The Avenue, or any of the places on the canal (Canal Square, Gardens of Canal Courts...and there are others) is where you want to look. Stay way from rentals in Ransom Place, the small residential district east of The Avenue and NE of Lockefield Gardens, that is where the kids have their parties at. Additionally, 1201 Indiana Ave., known as 1201, is a huge party spot as well, plus there are some homes just across the river from IUPUI that are known party areas. Lockefield Gardens is likely going to be the cheapest place as it is the oldest of all three. Lockefield and The Avenue are the closest as you will be walking to school.

[sweetana3]

Pretty much all the historic neighborhoods in downtown are places I would live and do live. In the core, there are buildings that i would not even go into but they are pretty obvious and the rents are super low because most would not live there. If you see Chatham Arch, St. Joseph, Old Northside, Mass Ave., and others as neighborhoods, it would be worth checking the apartment.

Here is one place worth checking out. Maryden - MBA Rents : MBA Rents I have not been inside but the location is good. They have a couple of other market rate buildings but I cannot find info on rent. One call should find that out. All are well maintained on the outside and close to where I live and a walk or bike ride to IUSM.

Riley Towers web rates are beyond your limit but they say call for student rates. Worth a call. Very well maintained high rise with amenities and terrific location.

Circa is just being built and is huge and well located just off Mass and College. Worth checking and calling on availability and rent.

[rotorman]

Thanks everyone for the great ideas! Being able to walk to campus sounds awesome! Would never have been able to find all these areas by myself. We're going this weekend to scout out the places we might be interested in.

I assume not being college-town places that for most of these, one would start inquiring about vacancy 3 months or so before move-in? Around here, you sign around October-November for August housing but my understanding is that this is not generally the case.

[sweetana3]

coreredevelopment.com has a number of apartments downtown and rents some in the Harding Street Lofts. They have taken older buildings and renovated them with modern features. The Senate and Capitol Manor buildings are in a great location with easy access to the canal, short walk to school and a brand new grocery store within about 3 blocks. Easy walk downtown etc.