Thinking about moving to Indianapolis? The Hoosier State is one of the most affordable places to live in the nation, with Naptown specifically one of the best cities for real estate. Anyone looking to live in the capital of Indiana should consider these five best suburbs of Indianapolis!
Brownsburg
Photo via @stacyprestonrealtor
- Home Price: $153,000 median purchase price; $1,024 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 80% of Indiana cities
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
The Brownsburg suburb is a great place to live in West Indianapolis, with plenty of picturesque Craftsman and Ranch-style homes. Residents of Brownsburg with children are able to enroll them in nearby, highly-rated schools like Brownsburg East Middle School, Brownsburg West Middle School, and Brownsburg High School in the Brownsburg School District. There are also plenty of outdoor recreation options at Williams Park, the Watermill Splash Pad, and Arbuckle Acres Park. Along with outdoor activities, residents of Brownsburg can participate in community events like Blues in the ‘Burg and Movies in the Park, making this suburb a great choice for those living in Indianapolis!
Things to Do in Brownsburg
Bowl with family or friends or join a league at Brownsburg Bowl. Book a birthday party, bounce around on the trampolines, or play arcade games at Kid’s Planet. Find your next favorite read or attend Thursday Book Club, First Chapter Friday, or Family Movie Night at the Brownsburg Public Library. Hit the links or book an event in the Pavilion, The Lounge, or The Upstairs Club Room of the clubhouse at West Chase Golf Club. Settle in for a breakfast of Silver Dollar Gourmet Flap Jack’s, Gourmet Fruit & Nut Stuffed French Toast, or Kajafa Cherry Crepes at Flap Jacks Pancake House. Order the Boom Bang Shrimp, Black and Blue Burger, or Baked Penne Pasta at Green Street Pub and Eatery. Sample Filet Medallions with Garlic Shrimp, the Hoosier Pizza, or Barbeque Meatloaf at Boulder Creek. Or snag yourself a Da Fridge Burger, Da Sausage Sandwich, or Wells St Polish Dog after Wednesday Trivia Night at Rush Off Main.
Fishers
Photo via @laura_real_estate_
- Home Price: $225,700 median purchase price; $1,133 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 89% of Indiana cities
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families
Are you looking for a safe, affordable Indianapolis suburb with fantastic outdoor events and watersports? Try Fishers! Scattered with lakes and green spaces like Flat Fork Creek Park, Roy G. Holland Memorial Park, Ritchey Woods Nature Preserve, and Cheeney Creek Natural Area, Fishers also surrounds most of the Geist Reservoir, providing ample opportunities for swimming and boating. Besides outdoor recreation, families in Fishers also can appreciate the many great Indianapolis schools like Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) Intermediate Junior High, Fall Creek Junior High, Fishers High School, and Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) High School. And retirees living in Indianapolis can enjoy relaxing days on Fishers golf courses or poolside tranquility at venues like Gray Eagle Golf Course, Hawthorns Golf & Country Club, River Glen Country Club, and Ironwood Golf Club.
Things to Do in Fishers
Rent a pontoon for the day at the Geist Marina and cruise around the Geist Reservoir. Bury your toes in the sand, rent a kayak, or balance on a stand-up paddleboard at Saxony Lake & Beach. Set up camp with wilderness professionals at the camping workshop, take historic skills classes, attend Symphony on the Prairie, or explore the Treetop Outpost at Conner Prairie. Join a bowling or sand volleyball league at Pinheads. Try the Malibu Melt, Beef Manhattan, or Atlantic Cod Parmesan at Sahm’s Restaurant. Reserve your table for seafood and steak entrees like Ora King Salmon, Lobster Bucatini, and Prime Rib at Peterson’s Restaurant. Lounge on the outdoor patio or inside next to cozy fireplaces at 21-and-over restaurant Wolfies Grill, which offers fare like Buffalo Chicken Nachos, Horseradish Crusted Sirloin, and Baja Shrimp Tacos. Or tour culinary tastes of the south with the Chicken Maque Choux, Vegan White Chili, or Red Beans With Smoked Sausage at Yats.
New Palestine
Photo via @adambarlowre
- Home Price: $176,500 median purchase price; $891 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 86% of Indiana cities
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
New Palestine is a great place to live in East Indianapolis, due to affordable rental prices and the 30-minute commute into Downtown Indianapolis on Highway 52. The New Palestine suburb is a strong community, with many events like Summer Fest and Music on Depot that bring neighbors together on lively Main Street. Residents of New Pal can settle down in newer Modern farmhouses or classic American Foursquare, Craftsman, or Ranch-style homes in this Indianapolis suburb. Families living in Indianapolis will appreciate living in a quiet area with top-notch schools like New Palestine Elementary, New Palestine Junior High, and New Palestine High School, and safe, dignified senior care at Woodland Terrace of New Palestine.
Things to Do in New Palestine
Join the New Palestine Lions Club for Food Truck Fridays, Cash Bingo, and the New Palestine Fall Festival. Work out inside the only certified medical fitness center in the region, Hancock Wellness Center. Hike a half-mile of trails and admire the wildflowers in the Jacob Schramm Nature Preserve. Book a tee time or sign the kids up for a Junior Introduction to Golf at The Links Golf Club. Stop in at Brew 52 for a morning coffee with a Muffin, Cinnamon Roll, or Hawaiian Tropic Shaved Ice. Order the Mexi Spud, Frisco Melt, or Pulled Pork Sliders from Round the Corner Grill. Taste the Burritos Roqueta, Texas Chimichanga, and Fajita Cozumel at The Nopal. Or head over to Mama Nita’s for a classic Baked Ziti, Around The World Pizza, or Bahama Mama Pizza.
Westfield
Photo via @dansellsindy
- Home Price: $226,000 median purchase price; $1,154 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 88% of Indiana cities
- Perfect For: Families, retirees
Westfield was ranked one of the best small cities in America, and it’s no wonder why! This Indianapolis suburb has plenty of open spaces at Quaker Park, Asa Bales Park, Freedom Trail Park, and Cool Creek Park. However, the park that Westfield is best known for is the Grand Park Sports Complex, which features 400 acres of outdoor sports fields and 300,000 square feet of indoor turf. This—plus the presence of private and public schools in Indianapolis like Westfield High School, Maple Glen Elementary, and Saint Maria Goretti Catholic School—makes Westfield one of the best Indy suburbs for families. While this may make Westfield seem like a primarily family-oriented neighborhood, retirees can also feel welcome in the Westfield suburb at over-55 communities like Kimblewick by Del Webb, Maple Park Village, or The Cottages at Sanders Glen.
Things to Do in Westfield
“Make today a hole in one” with a fun day of mini golf or a birthday party at Birdies. Learn about the history of Westfield and the Washington Township, starting with the Delaware and Miami Native American tribes that first inhabited the area, at the Westfield Washington Historical Society & Museum. Attend events like Story Castle Cinema, Baby Love Story Time, or Paws to Read at Westfield Washington Public Library. Play a round of 18 holes on the Championship Course, a round of nine on the Executive Course, or take advantage of incredible amenities like the spa, pool, or tennis and pickleball courts at Chatham Hills. Enjoy live music while you tuck into a Pickle Brined Fried Chicken Sandwich, Fried Green Tomato Sliders, or Steamed Mussels at Grindstone on the Monon. Bring out your inner pirate at sea-faring themed Big Hoffa’s BBQ, where you can get The Butcher’s Bill Sandwich, The Captain, or Davey Jones. Savor the Bub’s Burger Single, Elk Burger Double, or Bub’s Portobello Sandwich at Bub’s Burgers. Or spend date night sharing dishes likes Penne Aurora, Salsiccia E Spinaci, or Cioppino at the elegant Pasto Italiano Restaurant & Bar.
Zionsville
Photo via @louwhitec21
- Home Price: $343,400 median purchase price; $1,182 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 95% of Indiana cities
- Perfect For: Families, retirees
One of the safest places to live in Indianapolis, the tucked-away suburb of Zionsville is located less than 30 minutes north of Downtown Indianapolis. This Indy suburb offers a variety of community-building activities hosted by the Zionsville Cultural District, including Community Art and the Summer Concert Series. Other community events that bring Zionsville residents together are the Zionsville Farmers Market and the Nature Play Days event. In addition to a tight-knit community, Zionsville is home to the largest parks system in Indiana, offering a variety of things to do in Indianapolis year-round at recreational spots like Mulberry Fields, Zionsville Nature Center, and Zion Nature Sanctuary. For those looking to retire in Indy, you can find great living options at Zionsville Meadows or Independence Village Zionsville East. And families in Zionsville can check out schools like Eagle Elementary School, Zionsville Middle School, and Zionsville Community High School.
Things to Do in Zionsville
Follow a summer or winter reading program or join the Storywalkers’ Club at Hussey-Mayfield Memorial Public Library. Master your dolphin kicks at swim lessons, compete on the swim team, or rock out at the Summer Concert Series sponsored by Azionaqua Swim Club. Perfect your swing in a tennis tournament, or just play a casual match at Pearson Automotive Tennis Club. Buy tickets to a national concert, competition, or the Miss Indiana Pageant at the STAR Bank Performing Arts Center. Start your day with a breakfast of Rosie Style Eggs, Breakfast Burrito, or Eggs Blackstone at Rosie’s Place. Stuff your mouth with Sea Scallops, Shrimp & Grits, or a Brisket Sandwich at Cobblestone Zionsville. Dig into Italian staples like the Pesto Pleaser, Toms Pizza, or Greek Pizza at Zionsville Pizzeria. Or go French with entrees like the Cabillaud Roti, Bavette de Black Angus, or Magret de Canard at Auberge.
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Suburb statistics from AreaVibes
