Finding the correct balance (Indianapolis, Lawrence: apartment complexes, lofts, low crime)

[msuspartan]

Hi Everybody!

I'm from Colorado Springs and I just accepted a job in Indianapolis (happy to be coming down) and it's along East 56th and Post Road. I was reading some of the comments that the people posted and living in an area along Post Rd. isn't the greatest idea because of higher crime than average, but certain parts along east and southeast 465 in and out of the beltway can be nice and pleasant (so I read in a few posts). What cities or areas are these, as far as low crime and 'riff raff?'

I'm single and in my upper 20s and I want to live within 10 to 15 miles or less from work. But I also want to be in a decent driving distance from the urban, happening life for singles in downtown Indy (if there is one). At the max I'm willing to spend 650 to 900/month on an apartment or apartment lofts along the east of southeast side.

If there's any area that I haven't mentioned (Northeast, Downtown etc.) possibly in the driving distance please let me know. I've never been to Indy before and I'll be down there to start work this coming Mid-March.

Off the subject, how many inches and months of snow do you guys get on average in a typical year? Sometimes we get hit hard in Colorado Springs.

Thank you guys so much!

[domergurl]

Broad Ripple young man! There is also interesting housing across the street from where you will be working, in the former Fort Ben. But you'd be missing nightlife living there.

Snow is so hit or miss anymore. My advice is be prepared to get dumped on, but don't expect to be dumped on.

[msuspartan]

Thank you domergurl! I will research more info and apartments in Broad Ripple for sure, and even across the street from work. If you think of anything else in the future, please let me know. I wish your advice about the snow would apply here in Colorado, but the majority of the time, we just get dumped on!

[CourtneyM]

I live about 10 miles from where your work would be and I just moved here two weeks ago. There are actually several apartment complexes in the area most in the 600-800/mo range for a 2 bedroom. This is all just north of 465, west of i-69. The only downside is the traffic is horrendous during rush hour (ok, granted, I'm from a small town in Missouri). However, at least the one I'm in is a little bit more back out of the way. There are a lot of restaurants and shopping centers. Single life wise - I'm not big into the bar scene and have only been to a restaurant in Broad Ripple. It was about 20min from my apt. Good luck!

[msuspartan]

Thank you for the info CourtneyM. I think being in a nice size city like Indy, traffic can be horrendous and it's hard to dodge it, and I've lived in cities where it's been soooo bad (L.A. and Atlanta), so I'm prepared for it. I'm not a huge bar scene person either, I just want to live in a decent distance from the young urban lifestyle the downtown has to offer (I assume) but away from college students to get culture and be close to the malls, etc...I know, it's hard to find the balance.....

[domergurl]

Traffic in Indy is nothing like Atlanta or LA.

Look in Broad Ripple. You'll be surrounded by people your age and you'll make a lot of social connections. You'll love the neighborhood in the summertime!

[lnorris5150]

Been here for about two months. I would not worry about the snow here it is nowhere as hard to drive as it is in the springs or in Denver. As far as what areas to move I am a christian married w/ two toddlers so don't get a chance to go out on to the clubs. I will say you really should look into purchasing a ranch style home ( own it and invest instead of giving it away in rent). I moved to Winding Ridge golf community located in Lawrence. The prices here are amazing compared to Colorado and it is just 5 mins from your job w/ no traffic. A ranch would run you about $700.00 a month

[msuspartan]

Sounds good Domergurl. I will take a look at Broad Ripple. It sounds nice. If you could give me an option 'B' as far as an area to live if I didn't want to live in the downtown area, where would that be? I am creeping on 30, and I might fall out of that 'club scene' phase pretty quick! I don't mean to make you think too hard for me, but all the advice I can get can really help me now. So if I can handle Atlanta's and LA's traffic, then Indy shouldn't be that bad, which is good to know. Thank you!

Originally Posted by domergurl

Traffic in Indy is nothing like Atlanta or LA.

Look in Broad Ripple. You'll be surrounded by people your age and you'll make a lot of social connections. You'll love the neighborhood in the summertime!

[msuspartan]

Originally Posted by lnorris5150

Been here for about two months. I would not worry about the snow here it is nowhere as hard to drive as it is in the springs or in Denver. As far as what areas to move I am a christian married w/ two toddlers so don't get a chance to go out on to the clubs. I will say you really should look into purchasing a ranch style home ( own it and invest instead of giving it away in rent). I moved to Winding Ridge golf community located in Lawrence. The prices here are amazing compared to Colorado and it is just 5 mins from your job w/ no traffic. A ranch would run you about $700.00 a month

Wow, you just relocated from Colorado? That's great! Good to hear from a Coloradan (sp?) I'm glad to hear that the snow isn't that bad out there. I really want to buy a home someday, but I'm worried that I might have to relocate again to another state in a year or two, for example, and I'm stuck trying to sell my home. I guess I'm just too cautious like that, but a ranch for 700/month is really good, compared to Colorado. So Lawrence is a good area? If there's another area or city that you know, either downtown or not, that's within 10 miles or so from E.56th and Post, can you let me know. I really thank you for your help

[domergurl]

You could go suburban in Fishers and be close to Fort Ben. You could also look at Lawrence, which is where Fort Ben is located. North of Broad Ripple is Nora and Castleton, those 2 places are decent plan B places.