Is Indianapolis a safe place to live

Thinking about moving to Indianapolis? Given its relatively low cost of living, it’s no surprise that Indianapolis is a popular place to settle down—it’s even one of the fastest-growing cities in the Midwest! If you’re looking for the best Indianapolis suburbs for safety and affordability, check out these areas in the metro!

  • Clermont
  • Fishers
  • Meridian Hills
  • Southport
  • Zionsville

Clermont

  • Home Price: $117,800 median purchase price; $1,039 median monthly rent
  • Crime Rate: Safer than 82% of Indiana cities
  • Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees

Nestled on the bank of Eagle Creek Reservoir, the suburb of Clermont is about 30 minutes outside of Downtown Indianapolis. The reservoir itself sits at the center of one of the largest city-owned parks in the U.S. and attracts residents who love outdoor recreation to the area with its fishing, boating, and other outdoor activities. This welcoming Indianapolis suburb also offers spacious single-family houses and great schools like Robey Elementary School and Ben Davis High School, which make it an ideal place for families.

Things to Do in Clermont

Catch drag races, the Fall Classic, and other incredible racing events at Lucas Oil Raceway. Enjoy a day on the course at Indianapolis’ first country club, The Country Club of Indianapolis, where members also have access to a private swimming pool and clubhouse. Check out the collection of eclectic handmade items and re-purposed furniture sold by local artisans at Roots to Wings Barn Market. Go camping for a night or check out the rodeo at Lions Club Park. Chow down on potato skins, a Philly Cheese Steak Pizza, or a Giant Cheeseburger at Raceway Pub. Check out Jimbos BBQ for classics like the Brisket Sandwich, Pulled Pork, and Mac & Cheese. Or head on over to Sabor A Flama and order items like the Tornado or Carnitas Burrito.

Fishers

  • 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

Ranked as one of the best places to live in America, Fishers is a top Indianapolis suburb to call home! A sparse suburban feel, plenty of green space, and affordable home prices make this area both one of the best places to buy a home in the Indianapolis metro, as well as one of the best Indianapolis suburbs for raising a family. In fact, Fishers’ public schools—which include Hamilton Southeastern Intermediate & Junior High and Cumberland Road Elementary—are among some of the highest rated institutions in Indiana!

Things to Do in Fishers

Explore the Nickel Plate District, which boasts exceptional dining, shopping, and entertainment at the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater. Experience Fisher’s breathtaking views by visiting the public course at River Glen Country Club. Visit Saxony Lake & Beach to go fishing, build sandcastles, walk the trails, or swim. Tour Connor Prairie, one of the most visited outdoor museums in the country and Indiana’s first Smithsonian affiliate. Get lost in Ritchey Woods Nature Preserve, a state-designated nature preserve ideal for birdwatching, running, and observing the changing of the seasons. Grab breakfast at The Roost, a favorite Fishers restaurant since 1996 that serves up dishes like The Early Bird, Biscuits & Gravy, and Indiana Grits. Order the Pizza Primavera, Pizza Prosciutto & Brie, or Arrabiata at I Tre Mori. Or finish your night at Four Day Ray Brewing with one of the brewery’s core beers like the Blood Orange Blonde or Peanut Butter Porter.

Meridian Hills

  • Home Price: $439,400 median purchase price; $1,750 median monthly rent
  • Crime Rate: Safer than 99% of Indiana cities
  • Perfect For: Families, retirees

Located about 25 minutes outside of Downtown Indianapolis, Meridian Hills is a beautiful bedroom community with clean streets, quiet neighborhoods, and affordable ranch-style houses. As a favorite spot to raise a family, this Indianapolis suburb is served by top-notch schools like North Central High School and Park Tudor School. Meridian Hills is also considered the best place to retire in Indiana, thanks to its exceptional senior living communities and budget-friendly cost of living.

Things to Do in Meridian Hills

Shop locally grown produce from community vendors at the Broad Ripple Farmers Market, where proceeds are given back to beautification projects in the community. Check out the community’s Sacred Spaces @ Second housed at Second Presbyterian Church, which includes a labyrinth and memorial garden. Take a few swings on the golf course while your kids enjoy activities around the grounds at Meridian Hills Country Club, one of the Midwest’s premier family country clubs. Grab breakfast anytime at Northside Kitchenette with dishes like the Best Breakfast Burrito Ever and the Good Morning Sandwich. Or devour the Carnivore Flatbread, Fish Tacos, or Hoosier Breaded Pork Tenderloin Sandwich at Fire by the Monon.

Southport

  • Home Price: $115,400 median purchase price; $895 median monthly rent
  • Crime Rate: Safer than 75% of Indiana cities
  • Perfect For: Students, singles, young professionals, families, retirees

About 20 minutes outside of Downtown Indianapolis is the suburb of Southport. With its heavily-wooded areas, affordable single-family homes, and good nearby schools like Mary Bryan Elementary School and Southport High School, this quaint Indianapolis suburb is ideal for anyone looking for a quiet place to live outside of the city. In addition, Southport is only about ten minutes away from the University of Indianapolis, making it a convenient home for college students and university staff.

Things to Do in Southport

Play all 18 holes at silver-rated Smock Golf Course. Get in some retail therapy at Greenwood Park Mall, where you can shop at stores like Macy’s, Forever 21, and Chico’s. Sign up for Tae Kwon Do classes at Choi Martial Arts Academy. Spend your days browsing through antiques, collectibles, and repurposed goods at Southport Antique Mall. Purchase fresh produce and support local vendors year-round at the Southport Farmers Market in Southport Park. Pick up some of the best donuts in the Indianapolis metro at Long’s Bakery. Head over to Yangon Restaurant for traditional Burmese dishes like Burmese Shan Noodles, Miso Ramen, and Pho Soup. Or chow down on mouthwatering items like the Chicken Shawarma Sandwich at Super Golden’s Fish & Chicken.

Zionsville

  • Home Price: $343,400 median purchase price; $1,182 median monthly rent
  • Crime Rate: Safer than 99% of Indiana cities
  • Perfect For: Families, retirees

Zionsville is one of the safest and most affordable suburbs of Indianapolis, and it’s an excellent place for families to settle down in Indiana. This small town offers large homes with spacious yards, a friendly community, and plenty of green space for active families. Also, Zionsville offers some of the best public schools in the Indianapolis area, including Boone Meadow Elementary, Zionsville West Middle, and Zionsville Community High School.

Things to Do in Zionsville

Practice your swing at Zionsville Golf Course. Appreciate the preserved farmstead or spend a family day at the splash park at Mulberry Fields. Take the kids to Zionsville Nature Center to learn about native Indiana flora and fauna. Check out Starkey Park, where you can go fishing, bird-watching, and hiking. Explore the only antique ceiling and desk fan museum in the world at the Antique Fan Museum. Treat yourself to breakfast items like a Cinnamon Roll or the California Egg Sandwich at Rosie’s Place. Visit the home of the Big Ugly Burger and get your picture on the Wall of Fame with Adam Richman from Man vs. Food at Bub’s Burgers & Ice Cream. Try seafood specials like the Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail, Oysters Rockefeller, and Maryland Crab Cakes at Noah Grant’s Grill House & Oyster Bar. Grab a sweet treat like French Macarons from Confectioneiress Cupcakes & Sweets. Or hop on down to Hopwood Cellars Winery for live music and premium wines and bourbons.

Frequently Asked Questions About Indianapolis

Is Indianapolis a good place to live?

Indianapolis is a great place to live. Not only does Indiana’s largest city offer affordable living in the Midwest, but it also has a healthy job market and higher education opportunities with universities like University of Indianapolis, Butler Indianapolis, and Marian University – Indianapolis.

Is Indianapolis a safe place to live?

Indianapolis is safer than 1% of Indiana cities and 2% of other U.S. cities. Though the city has a slightly higher crime rate, there are many safe neighborhoods and suburbs throughout the Indianapolis metro with lower crime rates.

Is Indianapolis expensive to live in?

The cost of living in Indianapolis is equal to the Indiana average and 12% lower than the national average. In addition, Indianapolis housing costs are 29% lower than the national average, with the median home price at $120,400 and median rent at $811 a month.

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Suburb statistics from AreaVibes