Best Neighborhoods in Indianapolis
Photo Credit: Wikipedia Commons
Indianapolis is more than just car races and canals; it’s also a hub of industry, education, government, tourism, sports tournaments, memorials, museums and historic neighborhoods. Indianapolis is the capital of Indiana and is in the fastest growing region in the Midwest. If you’re moving to Indianapolis for work or school, look into the six following neighborhoods to be near culture, entertainment and excitement in Indianapolis.
Downtown
Home to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Downtown Indy is literally the center of it all. If race cars aren’t your thing, four cultural districts are downtown and include numerous shopping destinations. Downtown is also the spot for the city’s government buildings, major hospitals and the University of Indianapolis. Plus, you can see a Colts game at the RCA Dome, an Indians game at Victory Field or a Pacers game at Conseco Fieldhouse.
Mass Ave
Considered by some to be Indy’s version of New York City’s artsy SoHo neighborhood, Massachusetts Avenue, or Mass Ave to locals, is the city’s arts district, and is located downtown. This five-block area has multiple theaters, restaurants, art galleries and independent boutiques. Here, you’ll find Broadway Across America, Ann Dancing, the Indianapolis City Market, Phoenix Theatre and Athenaeum Theatre.
Irvington
Originally founded as a suburban town of Indianapolis, Irvington is a 545-acre historic district and neighborhood that was the original home of Butler University. Today, this family-friendly neighborhood hosts the Historic Irvington Halloween Festival, one of the oldest festivals in the city. Arts are alive and well in Irvington, as it is the birthplace of the art movement in central Indiana and the home of the Irving Theatre, a venue built in 1913 that hosts comedy shows, musical performances, dramas, puppet shows and acting classes.
Old Northside
Charming Victorian architecture awaits you in Old Northside, which was added to the National Register or Historic Places in 1978. Quiet, tree-lined streets abound in Old Northside, and residents love to visit the three parks in the neighborhood: Great Oak Commons, a Victorian walking park with a central fountain and sensory garden; Shawn Grove Park, a children’s park with playground equipment; and Frank and Judy O’Bannon Soccer Park.
Ransom Place
Home of Indiana University – Perdue, Indiana University Hospital, Riley Hospital for Children and the National Institute for Fitness and Sport, Ransom Place is the place to live for education and medical care. On the south side, the Indianapolis Zoo is just over the White River, and a block of museums, including the Indiana State Museum, is just to the east of that. White River State Park, Indianapolis’ answer to D.C.’s National Mall, offers Ransom Place residents a place to sightsee, learn, exercise and relax.
Broad Ripple
Located on the north side of Indianapolis, Broad Ripple is bordered on three sides by the White River, which is a popular place to kayak and canoe. This laid-back neighborhood is mostly home to students attending Butler University, though students and professionals alike enjoy Broad Ripple Park, a former amusement park has facilities for swimming and activities, as well as a dog park. Shop for vintage designer clothing and accessories here, dine at a number of ethnic eateries and stop by the Broad Ripple Art Fair in May.