Indianapolis, IN

[LaraAnn85]

Any thoughts about Indianapolis? It seems like a good sized city with enough to do. I may be faced with a decision between here and West Lafayette, and while I would not choose based on location, it does seem like Indianapolis would be a better place to spend the next 6 years!

[lalala1]

well, like you said... there is probably more to do in indy than west lafayette. although i am not really familiar with WL, i am very familiar with indy. there is a lot to do... concerts, bars, etc. any idea what side of town you want to live on? i like broad ripple a lot... a lot of young professionals, very cute, tons of little restaurants, bars, etc.

[LaraAnn85]

well, like you said... there is probably more to do in indy than west lafayette. although i am not really familiar with WL, i am very familiar with indy. there is a lot to do... concerts, bars, etc. any idea what side of town you want to live on? i like broad ripple a lot... a lot of young professionals, very cute, tons of little restaurants, bars, etc.

I keep hearing that Broad Ripple is the place to be, I will definitely look into it if I go there. I'm a typical vegetarian-eating, yoga-going Californian so I would want to find a place that has health food stores and stuff like that. I just wouldn't want it to be full of drunk 21 year olds who bang on your door at 4am or something (I used to live in a place like that). In any case, this sounds like a cool area, thanks!

[Biologic]

Anyone know much about the housing market in Indianapolis? My wife and I plan to buy a house, probably in the outskirts or one of the small towns outside Indianapolis. I am looking for some input concerning up-and-coming areas for young people to buy a house. I have heard that south of Indy, like near Greenwood is a good area. Also, I've heard west near Avon/Plainfield is also good. I am heading up in a couple of weeks to scout areas and houses, so any input in addition to what I know about these areas and otherwise? I can't believe there is only 4 months until my Ph.D. program starts this fall. Too much to do, so little time!

[rising_star]

No specific input but I would check with grad students and young faculty to see where they would live or where they do live.

[tulip1979]

I grew up right in between Indianapolis and West Lafayette and lived in Indy for about 4 years. I absolutely love Indianapolis and that would definitely be my choice over WL. Purdue is a great school and the campus area is really nice, but your options as far as things to do and places to go are much greater in Indy. I saw that you mentioend Greenwood as a possible place to live...personally Greenwood is one of my least favorite parts of Indianapolis. It is kinda run down and seems quite far away from everything. I definitely think that the Westside is your best bet. Avon, Plainfield, and Brownsburg are all excellent places to live. It is a really nice area of town and not ridiculously crowded like Carmel, Fishers, or the Keystone area. If you moved to Avon (which would be my first choice) you'd only be about 15 minutes away from downtown if you take the side roads. Plainfield is really growing, so it is starting to get a bit hectic over there, but it is very nice. Schools in the westside suburbs are also really great if you do, or plan, to have children while you're living there.

If there is anything else I can help you with, I'd be glad to

[Biologic]

Thanks for the advice, tulip. We have been leaning pretty heavily towards the Avon area, so it is good to hear this is a nice area to live. Just curious, I keep hearing a lot of good things concerning places to go and things to do in Broad Ripple...what is the commute from, say, the Avon area to the Broad Ripple area? Like I said, we'll be heading up in a couple of weeks, but is nice to have an idea of these issues before heading up. If I think of any other questions, I'll be sure to post them!

[Lev Bronstein]

Broad Ripple is terrible. I live a mile from it. Its a bunch of drunk Butler students and recent grads from Indiana's state schools. Its packed, loud, smoky bars and mediocre restaurants. I don't know why people want to live there. The commute to IUPUI is 20 min, 30 min at rush hour, plus 10 min to walk from parking to class. My neighborhood, around 52th and college, is quieter, with lots of close grocery stores, and plenty of parking.

Downtown is cool too. Most of the good downtown housing is on the north east and north side of it (around mass ave). Traveling east-west in Indianapolis is arduous though because you will catch absolutely every light regardless of where you are in the city.

[Michelley262003]

I have a few questions about Indy and IUPUI?

I'm very concerned about my ability to fit well into a big city. I did my undergrad in a very small city. I hate traffic.

Is IUPUI a super busy place- so much so that it is difficult to navigate? I have been there a few times... although not nearly as much as I would like, so that I could make a completely informed decision. When I was there I liked the city. The campus seemed nice as well. I'm a bit out-door-sey....I like to ride bikes and run and be outdoors.

I guess I am concerned that IU is not the place for me.

On the other hand, a great school in the Northeast is offering me a position. Unfortunately, for significantly less money. Which would put a bit of a stain on me- especially since I am from the opposite end of the country, and would like to travel back home to see family (to whom I am close to).

Anybody's thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

[Lev Bronstein]

This is a bit late. IUPUI is a commuter campus. The campus has several large parking lots built into the plan and there are four lane roads running through. Its not pedestrian friendly. While driving, traffic isn't bad except for at rush hour.

Indy isn't much of a "big city". There is a one mile square in the middle that is urban, and then the rest of it is quite suburban. It has a unified city/county government, and this creates misleading population statistics. Its about the same size as Louisville or Birmingham, and smaller than Pittsburgh, Milwaukee, Kansas City, and Cincinnati. From IUPUI you can be in a rural area in 15 minutes.

[Michelley262003]

As much as I liked the people at IUPUI... I found Indy to be unfriendly and kind of dull. I chose to go else where. The more I think about it, the happier I am with my decision to go to Vermont. I think Indianapolis is a nice place, and the school is very good in many respects. Not for me.

[Thomas Yang]

I am a Chinese student in Indy. It's a good place, good life quality and good bible atmosphere.

Also, if you want to more big-city feelings, it provides you with many restaurants and bars, etc.

If you want to buy a house as someone mentioned above, I indeed know Carmel (from 110st to more northern, including noblesville, etc), avon, greenwood will be best choice.

For IUPUI, I can say the School of Medicien of IU is very good.

[woolfie]

I just wouldn't want it to be full of drunk 21 year olds who bang on your door at 4am or something (I used to live in a place like that). In any case, this sounds like a cool area, thanks!

Then you DO NOT want to live in Broad Ripple. Or at least near the strip. That is exactly what Broad Ripple is like, drunken, puking, screaming 21 yos.

[woolfie]

Thanks for the advice, tulip. We have been leaning pretty heavily towards the Avon area, so it is good to hear this is a nice area to live. Just curious, I keep hearing a lot of good things concerning places to go and things to do in Broad Ripple...what is the commute from, say, the Avon area to the Broad Ripple area? Like I said, we'll be heading up in a couple of weeks, but is nice to have an idea of these issues before heading up. If I think of any other questions, I'll be sure to post them!

Avon is very far away from Broad Ripple. I grew up in Indy and I always considered Avon a different town. Also, it's very conservative and rural, just FYI. Nothing wrong with that, just saying. Places like Avon, Brownsburg, Carmel, etc, are not very friendly towards college students. They are conservative suburbs/farmland.

[woolfie]

Here is my native perspective on the neighborhoods of Indy. My knowledge is limited, so I might be excluding some parts of town I don't know. I apologize, this is just my take from living there for 20 years.

Northside:

Meridian Kessler is a nice, very expensive area, and around 52nd to 38th street in the central area of Indy is a very nice neighborhood. Some places are affordable, however. I'd try apartments on 38th street, or Washington Avenue. It's not too urban, but it's not to suburban: you actually might be able to walk to a bar or cafe. North of 52nd gets into Broad Ripple territory which is very undergraduate/partying territory. I'd say north of the intersection of Westfield Blvd and Meridian, isn't bad and gets very residential, but not quite suburban. There is a very cute neighborhood that is close to a lot of nightlife, but still far away enough, called Rocky Ripple. It's nice but not pricey. Going north of here, at this point, you have to have a car, and you will spend lots of time in the car. There are some nice neighborhoods off College Ave, Meridian, Central Ave, etc, in the middle of the city in this latitude. Once you get to 86th street you are on the north side, creeping towards the suburb of Carmel. I personally don't prefer this lifestyle: lots of highways, 4 lane streets, road rage, absolutely no room for bike traffic or walking, and rich gated communities once you are in Carmel. Then suddenly its farmland. Noblesville is its own town, I wouldn't recommend commuting. Zionsville is far out, but if you like the suburbs you might like it. Carmel is conservative, very very conservative, as is anywhere in Hamilton county.

Northeast:

To the east of central on 86th street, is mall territory: Keystone at the Crossing, and then another mall more east, Castleton. This is all big streets, big strip malls, lots of traffic, and occasional subdivisions. If you go east far enough, maybe to the south a little, (62nd street and Keystone) there are some pockets of okay, affordable neighborhoods, there is also Guiest (sp?) Reservoir once you go even more east, and you get into very rich, big mansions at this point.

Northwest:

From 71st street to 91st street is some decent housing with lots of trees. Lots of apartments at middle prices. Things change west of Michigan Ave., it gets industrial.

Downtown area:

The canal area is very nice, and therefore expensive. If I could afford it, I would live there. There are lots of places to walk to, and a very nice canal path way that you can bike/run down and it is a safe area. Also there is Massachusetts Ave, known as Mass Ave, which is known for being an arts district, good food and nightlife, and being a "gayborhood" if you will. It's just east of DT and as far as I know, a bit pricey, but cheaper than canal apartments. This area tends to be liberal. http://www.discovermassave.com/

Southside:

I don't know much about the southside; I've known people that lived in Greenwood and I've always considered it quite far. My family is from Southport and they never talk highly of it. There seems to be a lot of crime, and again, it is busy streets and strip malls. University of Indianapolis is there and there are probably good neighborhoods that I'm unaware of. Other than that, I don't think the southside is close to any schools and would be far. I think it's relatively cheap, though.

For me, and this might not apply to others, I do not like the suburbs, or the areas of multi-laned streets and highways and strip malls which are on all sides of the city. There is a lot of that in Indy. If you want to know where the unique, cute neighborhoods are, or where political divisions lay, or where good eating is, pedestrian friendly areas, etc, PM me.

Edited January 30, 2011 by woolfie

[estargrl88]

I'll be going to IUPUI this fall and am curious to know how easy it is to survive without a car in Indianapolis. If I go carless, what would be some convenient and affordable places to live with good access to campus and stores via public transportation, by foot, and/or by bike? A plus would be an artsier area and somewhere close to a park or woodsy area. From what I've read, several neighborhoods downtown including the area around Mass Ave. and Broad Ripple sound intriguing, but I'm not sure how they shape up transportation-wise. Thanks!

[Raikku13]

Hey all,

 

I am moving to Indianapolis this fall to begin my two year MA program at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis. I've been concentrating my search to areas in which I can walk to the grocery store, park, etc, in addition to not being too far from campus. I have a car, but I would prefer to only use it when going to class. My max in rent would be about $900-1100. Does any one have any experience in Indy and provide some advice?

 

Thanks!

 

 

[clearbluesky22]

I currently live in Indianapolis and attend IUPUI.  There are lots of affordable housing options here, and you should have no problem finding a place with your budget.  However, the public transportation is not great. The Broadripple neighborhood is nice, there are lots of shops, restaurants and bars and it is primarily young people who live in the area. Generally people rent or share houses instead of apartments there.  It is about 15 minutes from campus if you drive. I live on the NE side of the city, right next to Fort Ben State Park.  I live in a brand new huge one bedroom apartment with W/D and a pool and I pay $780 a month. My rent is on the higher side for the area, so you would be able to find something cheaper than that.   IUPUI has plenty of parking for students, you can buy a pass for a year for around $270.  Feel free to send me a PM if you have more specific questions.. 

Hey all,

 

I am moving to Indianapolis this fall to begin my two year MA program at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis. I've been concentrating my search to areas in which I can walk to the grocery store, park, etc, in addition to not being too far from campus. I have a car, but I would prefer to only use it when going to class. My max in rent would be about $900-1100. Does any one have any experience in Indy and provide some advice?

 

Thanks!

[Marycontrary]

Two IUPUI graduate students/friends of mine live in Stadium Lofts. http://www.coreredevelopment.com/apartments/stadium-lofts/

 

They're brand new, huge, modern, have gated parking, and have shuttle transportation from campus to the apartments. (I believe the walk is only around 30 minutes.) I LOVE these apartments, and if I were attending IUPUI, I'd definitely consider these.

 

Another friend lives in Mozzo Apartments, in the up and coming area of Fountain Square. It's a 5 minute drive, or 35 minute walk, to campus. These are modern and near lots of nice bars and restaurants. http://www.mozzoapartments.com/

 

Good luck! 

[VLynn]

Considering a program at IUPUI and have been looking into rental prices in and near downtown and campus areas. I'm a little confused by all of the varying rent prices from $1500/month 1 bedrooms to $500 house rentals. What is the deal? Are there any specific and affordable (on graduate stipend) apartments someone would suggest me to look into? 

[yee123]

Anyone know about lgbt life in Indy? Like are there events and safe bars and things? Also does IUPUI have a gay friendly campus? 
I know Indiana is known for being conservative and I’m very liberal and looking for the opposite of that. 

[you'll_never_get_to_heaven]

On 4/5/2021 at 12:32 AM, yee123 said:

Anyone know about lgbt life in Indy? Like are there events and safe bars and things? Also does IUPUI have a gay friendly campus? 
I know Indiana is known for being conservative and I’m very liberal and looking for the opposite of that. 

I'm from Indianapolis originally. Feel free to drop into my private messages with any questions! Are you from a coastal city by chance? I think the general conception of the midwest that coastal people have is... horribly inaccurate if I'm being honest.

[yee123]

I’m from the south and I ended up not going to Indy and going to Texas. It’s awful here and honestly I would do anything to leave. I would absolutely not recommend anyone going anywhere without touring first. I went here in a rush decision after being sad about going to tour Indiana and it not being for me, and now I’m stuck in this literal prison. 

[you'll_never_get_to_heaven]

On 9/25/2021 at 11:12 AM, yee123 said:

I’m from the south and I ended up not going to Indy and going to Texas. It’s awful here and honestly I would do anything to leave. I would absolutely not recommend anyone going anywhere without touring first. I went here in a rush decision after being sad about going to tour Indiana and it not being for me, and now I’m stuck in this literal prison. 

so, you mean you did not move to Indianapolis for grad school - right?