Carmel Overdeveloped, Where should I be looking? (Indianapolis, Greenwood: apartments, crime)

[ePoster]

From what I am seeing now, Carmel has gone on a path of overdevelopment. Density is too high with way too many apartments and near skyscrapers(5 floors+). It bills itself as an upper middle class suburb, but sure doesn't feel like it anymore. Crime is up as is traffic.

Where should one look for a nice, reasonably quiet, safe Indianapolis suburb today? Experiences of others?

[WestsideMac]

If you like Carmel and looking for more of that sort of community I'd recommend Zionsville.

You will find almost all communities will go the route of Carmel. For one Carmel only has so much more developable land and they I'm sure are looking at ways to increase their tax base, but decrease the land use for such things. While nice, single family homes won't always pay the bills...just ask Franklin Central community area in south eastern Indianapolis.

That being said I think that Zionsville and maybe even Westfield on the north side have the best chance of staying that upper middle class suburb you are looking for. Eventually the growth will come to them, but more slowly and not to the point of "skyscrapers" (I personally wouldn't call 5 floors the minimum for skyscrapers) any time soon.

Franklin or Center Grove area (PArtially Greenwood) as mentioned on these forums for the Southside would be a good spot and even Pendleton Heights or Mt Vernon in North East. West I'd say Plainfield or Brownsburg.

Again since you mentioned Carmel which is North I'd probably recommend most Zionsville if you can afford the price tag. Very quaint downtown, more rural feel, but definitely upper middle class.

[hapaleeretired]

What, besides a "safe suburb" are you looking for?
The southside has an advantage of getting out into the country much quicker than the northside. I have a motorcycle. I can be in "the country" in a matter of minutes and love it.
If you prefer better shopping and restaurant options, then I recommend the northside.

[LakeLifePA]

I loved living on the West side, and I think Avon is a great community. It has multiple options for getting downtown, and was a quick 25 minute commute for me to the Federal Courthouse downtown.

[MortonR]

Originally Posted by Robert20170

I loved living on the West side, and I think Avon is a great community. It has multiple options for getting downtown, and was a quick 25 minute commute for me to the Federal Courthouse downtown.

I would second this as a former homeowner in the Avon area. Despite Rockville Road being a pain, it’s easy to avoid via side streets and downtown and the interstate are readily accessible. If you stick to the northern part along the south side of 21st Street it’s ideal.

RM

[MortonR]

Something else to consider:

What sort of house are you looking for? Same with the neighborhood?

I ask because the Southside (south of I-465) despite being "old" is very well established, has a lot of nice older neighborhoods with community schools, and is accessible to both downtown and retail/restaurants in the area. That's Southport, Homecroft, Edgewood, etc., places like this.

Yes, the homes are going to come from the 50s/60s/70s, but they're very solid, have large yards with mature trees and have probably been refreshed several times.

Just a thought.

RM

[Berteau]

Originally Posted by ePoster

From what I am seeing now, Carmel has gone on a path of overdevelopment. Density is too high with way too many apartments and near skyscrapers(5 floors+). It bills itself as an upper middle class suburb, but sure doesn't feel like it anymore. Crime is up as is traffic.

Where should one look for a nice, reasonably quiet, safe Indianapolis suburb today? Experiences of others?

Pretty much ever other suburb. And a sky scraper is not 5 floors. Indy doesn’t even have skyscrapers

[Toxic Toast]

Originally Posted by Berteau

Indy doesn’t even have skyscrapers

The generally accepted criteria of a skyscraper is 100 meters / 330 feet tall. There are 9 buildings that meet that criteria in downtown Indianapolis.

[Serious Conversation]

If you are looking for the space that Carmel used to have, you'll probably need to go fairly far into Westfield or northern Noblesville.

[GraniteStater]

Originally Posted by Serious Conversation

If you are looking for the space that Carmel used to have, you'll probably need to go fairly far into Westfield or northern Noblesville.

Zionsville is nicer overall than either Westfield or Noblesville.