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The city meets urban, suburban and rural in one, with the most well-known motor race in the country: The Indy 500. Apart from raceways and government buildings, Indianapolis is home to stunning waterways, unique memorials and a picturesque charm you won’t find in any other city. Indianapolis is altogether her own city and completely unique.
If you’re moving into Indy or just relocating within city limits, you’ll want to examine this list closely. You’ll find the best neighborhoods in Indianapolis for your needs as you try to make that all-important decision on where to move.
- Median 1-BR rent: $1,796
- Median 2-BR rent: $1,204
- Walk Score: 37/100
Not far from Downtown is the bustling neighborhood of Broad Ripple Village. The district is one for relaxed vibes and a community with tons of playgrounds and small businesses where families love to spend their time. Boutiques, galleries, pubs, breweries, pottery schools and other exciting options collect in this eclectic neighborhood, with reasonably priced apartments and plenty of room.
- Median 1-BR rent: $1,022
- Median 2-BR rent: $1,145
- Walk Score: 37/100
If you’re looking for a super-inclusive neighborhood in Indianapolis, then Crooked Creek is the place for you. It’s considered one of the most inclusive areas in the city, with plenty of activities for the whole family, whatever the age. Everyone can find something in one of the best neighborhoods in Indianapolis.
Crooked Creek is in the northwest part of the city in Marion County and offers you plenty of parks and bike trails, horseback riding options and the Juan Solomon Park. Average rent prices are more affordable, too. It’s farther from the center of the city than many of the other popular neighborhoods so you’ll probably need a car living here.
- Median 1-BR rent: $1,399
- Median 2-BR rent: $1,722
- Walk Score: 84/100
Sometimes called the Mile Square, Downtown Indianapolis is a neighborhood for folks looking for an active life. The neighborhood is full of cocktail bars, local festivals and marathons, art exhibits, dining establishments and coffee shops, among others. Because of the incredible revitalization occurring in the area and the booming boutiques and restaurants, Downtown Indy is one of the most popular areas in the city, especially since rent is actually pretty reasonable here.
- Median 1-BR rent: $1,022
- Median 2-BR rent: $1,145
- Walk Score: 37/100
Another historically inclined neighborhood in Indy is Fall Creek. Here you’ll find plenty of historic houses and tree-lined streets for a gorgeous, comfortable community. Nearby parks surround apartment buildings and modern amenities you’ll love.
The neighborhood went through a total urban revitalization in the early 2000s, turning the area into a cozy place where you have access to the rest of the city within minutes and lots of local dining, work and entertainment opportunities.
- Median 1-BR rent: $1,250
- Median 2-BR rent: $1,425
- Walk Score: 77/100
Another popular neighborhood in Indy is Fountain Square. It’s an affordable neighborhood where singles and professionals flock for the European city square vibe at the central fountain and plaza, along with the active nightlife and walkability of the area.
In Fountain Square, you’ll find tons of cozy apartments, single-family homes and duplexes nestled among the popular bowling alleys, billiard halls, bars, comedy clubs, live music venues and ethically-sourced home goods boutiques. Shop for clothing next door, drop into the local brewery or grab Pad Thai or street tacos at the local eateries. This is the perfect makeup of a best neighborhood in Indianapolis.
Source: Rent./E Washington St.
- Median 1-BR rent: $1,022
- Median 2-BR rent: $1,145
- Walk Score: 37/100
Named for Washington Irving, Irvington is a great neighborhood that’s filled with history and encompasses 545 acres overall. The neighborhood originally came to prominence back in 1875 and stayed as the chic spot into the late 1920s, when Butler University grew up around it. Now, the whole neighborhood is kind of a historical small town within the city with many houses on the National Register of Historic Places.
Irvington is friendly and walkable (though not so much for running errands) with plenty of easy streets and parks and green spaces for tranquil living in the middle of the urban area. You’ll find plenty of shopping and dining, as well, in the neighborhood.
- Median 1-BR rent: $1,102
- Median 2-BR rent: $1,388
- Walk Score: 41/100
Residents in Keystone at the Crossing are predominantly renters, and anyone looking for a familiar vibe will find it right here. The neighborhood suits all types of renters, too, with a concentration of jobs and nightlife in one section for the young professionals or peaceful quiet portions for families looking for some chill atmosphere.
Keystone at the Crossing is also a shopping center focused on the favorite Fashion Mall at Keystone. Apartments in the neighborhood are affordable, comfortable and reasonably easy to find, making it one of the best neighborhoods in Indianapolis.
- Median 1-BR rent: $1,711
- Median 2-BR rent: $1,099
- Walk Score: 89/100
Lockerbie Square is one of the city’s oldest surviving neighborhoods. The historic locale is Downtown and known for the residence of Hoosier poet James Whitcomb Riley. The historic district offers surprisingly affordable rent and plenty of gorgeous architecture and cobblestone streets in a highly walkable area.
In Lockerbie Square, you’ll find some Bavarian influence with German heritage events, year-round festivals and celebrations and plenty of biergartens and Bavarian restaurants. There will definitely be crowds in the hood every time there’s the annual German Fest or other German heritage events going on.
Source: Rent./N College Ave.
- Median 1-BR rent: $1,022
- Median 2-BR rent: $1,145
- Walk Score: 37/100
Meridian-Kessler is just 20 minutes from Downtown, offering residents quick, easy access to pretty much anywhere in the city for a lower housing rate than some of the other popular neighborhoods. It’s the perfect blend of urban and suburban for families and young professionals looking for green spaces, quiet streets and easy access to the main part of the city.
The median age of residents in Meridian-Kessler is 25-34, so the neighborhood is active and home to tons of local events, while the gorgeous Tudor-style houses and Craftsman-style cottages are plentiful and affordable. Butler University is just down the street, too, making it the perfect neighborhood for those working at the University or older students continuing their education.
In Meridian-Kessler, you’ll find tons of amazing local shops and restaurants, too, with offerings like short ribs and Latin American fare. You can also find a mix of books, live music, craft beer, vintage clothing and even a bridal expo at the Indiana State Fairgrounds just nearby.
- Median 1-BR rent: $750
- Median 2-BR rent: $767
- Walk Score: 51/100
Near Eastside is one of those areas of town that’s been reclaimed and turned into a hipster hotspot with trendy new restaurants and developments and loads of amenities urban dwellers are looking for. You’ll find super affordable rentals here, along with retail shops, movie theaters, breweries, coffee shops, fining and more. The vibe in this best neighborhood in Indianapolis is definitely younger millennials.
- Median 1-BR rent: $1,022
- Median 2-BR rent: $1,145
- Walk Score: 37/100
Similar to the other “near” neighborhoods, Near North is close to the heart of the city and made up of several smaller neighborhoods starting to find shape in themselves. The Near North is home to century-old houses, tree-lined streets, cultural landmarks and loads of beauty.
Plus, it’s just a five-minute drive (or Uber) away from the core of Indy, where you’ll find any nightlife or shopping you crave if you haven’t already found it here in the Near North.
Source: Rent./Vivio on Tenth
- Median 1-BR rent: $1,045
- Median 2-BR rent: $1,200
- Walk Score: 44/100
The Near Westside of Indy is a cluster of smaller neighborhoods that attract renters looking for affordable housing near the main urban area of the city. Near Westside is just 15 minutes from downtown and offers more spacious areas at a more affordable price than others a little closer to the busiest parts of town.
Near Westside is also convenient to Bloomington, Lafayette, Terre Haute and other nearby college campus towns.
- Median 1-BR rent: $1,022
- Median 2-BR rent: $1,145
- Walk Score: 37/100
North Willow is a super family-friendly area with affordable rent and plenty of choices for folks looking to settle into a cozy neighborhood with or without the kids. You’ll find it within easy access of Castleton and Keystone at the Crossing areas, as well. Plus, of course, the local entertainment and dining you’ll come to love in one of the best neighborhoods in Indianapolis.
- Median 1-BR rent: $1,145
- Median 2-BR rent: $1,439
- Walk Score: 29/100
Old Northside offers its residents and visitors a blend of historic beauty and modern appeal. Restored Victorian homes are common, some of which have landed themselves a spot on the National Register of Historic Places.
The neighborhood is a few minutes away from IU Health Methodist Hospital, making it the perfect location for folks working there. You can choose from single-family homes with yard space, condos, apartments and more. Old Northside is also home to Indiana’s first-ever gay bar and is the most LGBTQIA+ friendly neighborhood in the city.
In the neighborhood, you’ll be able to visit the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site and check out local artists at the Harrison Center. You can also participate in regular art events, take a job on the Monon Trail or enjoy the thriving nightlife in the area. Most folks do recommend a car for residents here.
Source: Rent./The Block
- Median 1-BR rent: $1,022
- Median 2-BR rent: $1,145
- Walk Score: 37/100
Some cities have a warehouse district. Indy has the Wholesale District.
Here you’ll find the shimmering lights of theater marquees and elegant soirees, where doormen welcome residents. Circle Centre mall makes way for shoppers, who fill the neighborhood with bustling expectations and a thriving art scene.
Find the best Indianapolis neighborhood for you
You’ve come to the right place to find the best neighborhoods in Indianapolis! With condos, townhouses and single-family apartments for rent in Indianapolis, you’re sure to find the right spot for your lifestyle, be that calm and cozy or hip and happening.
The rent information included in this article is based on a median calculation of multifamily rental property inventory on Apartment Guide and Rent. as of November 2021 and is for illustrative purposes only. This information does not constitute a pricing guarantee or financial advice related to the rental market.
Source: rent.com