Your Complete Relocation Guide
CENTRAL INDIANA
Everything you need to know about living, working, and raising a family in one of America's fastest-growing metro areas.
Why Central Indiana
ONE OF AMERICA'S FASTEST-GROWING REGIONS
Central Indiana is where Midwest affordability meets big-city opportunity. With a metro population of over 2 million, world-class healthcare, Fortune 500 employers, and some of the top-rated school districts in the country — it's no surprise this region keeps landing on "best places to live" lists.
Whether you're drawn by a career move, better schools, or simply a higher quality of life for less — Central Indiana delivers. A cost of living well below the national average, no local income tax surprises, and a community-first culture make this one of the smartest relocations in the country.
2M+
Metro Population
Top 15
Fastest-Growing U.S. Metro
95
Cost of Living Index (100 = National Avg)
3.05%
Flat State Income Tax
Explore
CITIES & COUNTIES
From urban energy to small-town charm, Central Indiana has a community for every lifestyle.
Carmel
Upscale, walkable, nationally ranked #1 place to live.
- • Arts & Design District
- • 150+ roundabouts
- • Top-rated schools
- • Monon Trail access
Median Home
$480K
Fishers
Fast-growing, tech-forward, family-friendly.
- • Nickel Plate District
- • Spark!Fishers events
- • Hamilton Southeastern Schools
- • Geist Reservoir
Median Home
$390K
Westfield
Small-town charm with big-city growth.
- • Grand Park Sports Campus
- • New downtown development
- • Westfield Washington Schools
- • Family-focused community
Median Home
$400K
Noblesville
Historic downtown, outdoor recreation hub.
- • Ruoff Music Center
- • Historic Courthouse Square
- • Morse Reservoir
- • Riverwalk trail system
Median Home
$350K
Indianapolis
State capital, major metro, diverse neighborhoods.
- • Monument Circle
- • Mass Ave & Broad Ripple
- • Professional sports teams
- • Indy 500 & cultural districts
Median Home
$250K
Zionsville
Charming village feel, excellent schools, upscale.
- • Brick-street downtown
- • Zionsville Community Schools
- • SullivanMunce Cultural Center
- • Rails-to-Trails corridor
Median Home
$520K
Brownsburg
Affordable, fast-growing, west-side hub.
- • Brownsburg Community Schools
- • Williams Park
- • B&O Trail
- • Easy I-74 access
Median Home
$310K
Avon
Suburban comfort, strong schools, growing retail.
- • Avon Community Schools
- • Washington Township Park
- • Hendricks Regional Health
- • Close to airport
Median Home
$300K
Greenwood
South-side anchor, affordable, revitalizing downtown.
- • Greenwood Park Mall
- • Old Town revival
- • Center Grove Schools
- • Freedom Springs waterpark
Median Home
$280K
Plainfield
Logistics hub, family-oriented, trail-connected.
- • Plainfield Community Schools
- • Splash Island waterpark
- • Trail system
- • Close to airport & I-70
Median Home
$290K
Greenfield
Small-town feel, east-side convenience.
- • Greenfield-Central Schools
- • Pennsy Trail
- • James Whitcomb Riley birthplace
- • Affordable entry point
Median Home
$260K
Anderson
Affordable, revitalizing, northeast corridor.
- • Anderson University
- • Mounds State Park
- • Hoosier Park Racing & Casino
- • I-69 corridor access
Median Home
$160K
Explore the Region
INTERACTIVE MAP
More than a map — it's a preview of your new life. Explore the places that make Central Indiana one of the best places to live in America.
Education
SCHOOLS BY COUNTY
Central Indiana is home to some of the highest-rated school districts in the Midwest.
Hamilton County
Carmel Clay Schools • Hamilton Southeastern • Westfield Washington • Noblesville Schools
Consistently ranked among the top districts in Indiana and nationally.
Top Rating
A+
Boone County
Zionsville Community Schools • Lebanon Community Schools
Zionsville is one of the highest-rated districts in the state.
Top Rating
A+
Hendricks County
Brownsburg Community Schools • Avon Community Schools • Plainfield Community Schools
Strong public schools with competitive athletics and STEM programs.
Top Rating
A
Marion County
Carmel Clay (partial) • Pike Township • Washington Township • Lawrence Township
Wide range of public, charter, and private options. IPS Innovation Schools gaining attention.
Top Rating
Varies
Johnson County
Center Grove Schools • Greenwood Community Schools • Franklin Community Schools
Center Grove is a top-performing district with strong community support.
Top Rating
A
Hancock County
Greenfield-Central Schools • Mt. Vernon Schools • Eastern Hancock
Smaller districts with personalized attention and solid academic records.
Top Rating
A-
Madison County
Anderson Community Schools • Pendleton Heights • Lapel Community Schools
Improving districts with investment in facilities and programs.
Top Rating
B+
Entertainment
MAJOR ATTRACTIONS
Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Motorsports & Iconic Venue
Speedway
Home of the Indy 500 — the greatest spectacle in racing. The IMS Museum and yard-of-bricks finish line are must-sees.
Lucas Oil Stadium
NFL & Major Events
Downtown Indianapolis
Home of the Indianapolis Colts. Hosts the Big Ten Championship, Final Four, and major concerts.
Gainbridge Fieldhouse
NBA & Entertainment
Downtown Indianapolis
Home of the Indiana Pacers and Indiana Fever. Premier venue for concerts, comedy, and live events.
Ruoff Music Center
Outdoor Concert Venue
Noblesville
One of the top outdoor amphitheaters in the country. Major touring acts perform here all summer long.
The Palladium
Performing Arts
Carmel
A world-class concert hall in the Center for the Performing Arts. Jazz, classical, and contemporary performances year-round.
Children's Museum of Indianapolis
Family & Education
Indianapolis
The largest children's museum in the world. Five floors of interactive exhibits, a planetarium, and dinosaur galleries.
Indianapolis Zoo
Wildlife & Conservation
White River State Park
AZA-accredited zoo with the world's largest collection of sharks in a landlocked state. Simon Skjodt International Orangutan Center is world-renowned.
Conner Prairie
Living History & Culture
Fishers
A Smithsonian-affiliated interactive history park. Balloon rides, 1800s settlement reenactments, and seasonal festivals.
Newfields (IMA)
Art Museum & Gardens
Indianapolis
Indianapolis Museum of Art and 152-acre campus including the Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park and seasonal Winterlights.
Victory Field
Minor League Baseball
White River State Park
Home of the Indianapolis Indians (AAA affiliate). Consistently voted one of the best minor league ballparks in America.
Calendar
SIGNATURE EVENTS
Indianapolis 500
May (Memorial Day Weekend)
The greatest spectacle in racing. 300,000+ fans pack the Speedway for this legendary event.
Carmel Christkindlmarkt
November – December
Authentic German-style Christmas market in the Carmel Arts District. Named the best holiday market in the U.S.
Indiana State Fair
August
Two weeks of agriculture, concerts, food, and family fun at the Indiana State Fairgrounds.
Gen Con
August
The largest tabletop gaming convention in the world. 70,000+ attendees descend on downtown Indianapolis.
Penrod Arts Fair
September
One of the largest single-day arts fairs in the country, held on the grounds of Newfields.
Circle of Lights
November
Indianapolis kicks off the holiday season by lighting the Soldiers and Sailors Monument with nearly 5,000 lights.
CarmelFest
July 4th Weekend
Carmel's signature Independence Day festival with concerts, parade, and fireworks.
Taste of Tippecanoe
April
Lafayette-area food and wine festival supporting local restaurants and artisans.
Spark!Fishers
June
Fishers' signature summer festival with food, live music, and fireworks at the Nickel Plate District.
Broad Ripple Art Fair
May
One of the oldest and most prestigious outdoor art fairs in Indiana, held in Broad Ripple Village.
Economy
MAJOR EMPLOYERS
Central Indiana is a hub for healthcare, pharmaceuticals, technology, advanced manufacturing, and financial services.
Eli Lilly and Company
Pharmaceuticals
Indianapolis
Anthem / Elevance Health
Health Insurance
Indianapolis
Salesforce
Technology
Indianapolis
IU Health
Healthcare
Indianapolis
Cummins Inc.
Manufacturing
Columbus / Indianapolis
Rolls-Royce
Aerospace & Defense
Indianapolis
Roche Diagnostics
Healthcare / Diagnostics
Indianapolis
Corteva Agriscience
Agriculture
Indianapolis
Allison Transmission
Manufacturing
Indianapolis
CNO Financial Group
Financial Services
Carmel
KAR Global
Automotive / Tech
Carmel
Subaru of Indiana
Automotive
Lafayette
Infosys
Technology / IT
Indianapolis
Community Health Network
Healthcare
Indianapolis
Landmarks
ICONIC BUILDINGS & LANDMARKS
Soldiers and Sailors Monument
Monument Circle, Indianapolis
The iconic centerpiece of downtown Indianapolis, rising 284 feet. Observation deck offers panoramic city views.
Indiana State Capitol
Downtown Indianapolis
The seat of Indiana state government, built in 1888. Renaissance Revival architecture with a stunning interior rotunda.
War Memorial Plaza
Downtown Indianapolis
Five-block civic plaza honoring veterans. One of the largest war memorials in the country, modeled after the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus.
Scottish Rite Cathedral
Downtown Indianapolis
A Gothic-Tudor masterpiece and one of the most ornate buildings in Indiana. World-class pipe organ and ballroom.
The Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts
Carmel
A stunning concert hall inspired by classical European architecture. The centerpiece of Carmel's arts corridor.
Indianapolis Central Library
Downtown Indianapolis
A Paul Cret-designed Neoclassical landmark. The six-story atrium and rooftop garden are architectural highlights.
Union Station
Downtown Indianapolis
Historic Romanesque Revival train station built in 1888. Now a hotel and event venue with original stained glass and grand hall.
Coxhall Gardens
Carmel
A 125-acre public garden and park featuring fountains, formal gardens, woodland trails, and the Coxhall Ruins.
Outdoors
PARKS & RECREATION
Monon Trail
Multi-use Trail
A 27-mile paved rail-trail connecting Indianapolis to Carmel and Westfield. Walking, biking, and running.
Eagle Creek Park
Reservoir & Nature Park
One of the largest municipal parks in the U.S. at 3,900 acres. Sailing, hiking, bird watching, and a nature center.
Geist Reservoir
Reservoir & Marina
A 1,900-acre reservoir on the Fishers/Lawrence border. Boating, fishing, waterfront dining, and luxury lakefront homes.
Grand Park Sports Campus
Sports & Recreation
A 400-acre world-class sports campus in Westfield. 31 soccer fields, 26 baseball diamonds, and indoor facilities.
Fort Harrison State Park
State Park
A 1,700-acre park on the east side with hiking, fishing, and the historic Fort Benjamin Harrison golf course.
White River State Park
Urban Park
A 250-acre urban park in downtown Indy. Home to the Zoo, Victory Field, NCAA Hall of Champions, and canal walks.
Central Park
Community Park
Carmel's 161-acre signature park with Jill's Hill sledding area, prairie restoration, and the Monon Community Center.
Morse Reservoir
Reservoir & Recreation
A 1,500-acre reservoir in Noblesville. Popular for boating, fishing, and waterfront homes.
Cool Creek Park
Nature & Events
A Carmel nature park with a nature center, hiking, and summer concert series at the Cool Creek amphitheater.
Food & Drink
DINING ACROSS THE REGION
From James Beard-nominated kitchens downtown to craft breweries in the suburbs — the food scene punches well above its weight.
Hamilton County
- • Divvy (Carmel)
- • Cake Bake Shop (Carmel)
- • Sahm's (Fishers)
- • Primeval Brewing (Noblesville)
- • Wolfies (Westfield)
Downtown Indianapolis
- • St. Elmo Steak House
- • Milktooth
- • Bluebeard
- • Liter House
- • Tinker Street
Broad Ripple & Midtown
- • Broad Ripple Brewpub
- • Taste of Havana
- • Union Brewing Co.
- • Napolese
- • Bazbeaux Pizza
West Side
- • Black & Brew (Brownsburg)
- • Dawson's on Main (Speedway)
- • Opa! (Plainfield)
- • Boulder Creek (Brownsburg)
South Side
- • Revery (Greenwood)
- • Jockamo Upper Crust Pizza
- • Vino Villa (Greenwood)
- • Taxman Brewing (Fortville/Bargersville)
Transportation
GETTING AROUND
By Car
- I-465: The beltway encircling Indianapolis — connects all suburbs
- I-69: Northeast corridor to Fishers, Noblesville, Anderson
- US-31: The main north-south artery through Carmel, Westfield, Zionsville
- I-65 / I-70: Major interstate connections south, east, and west
- Commute times: Hamilton County to downtown: 25-40 min. Hendricks to downtown: 20-35 min.
Transit & Air
- IndyGo Red Line: BRT service connecting Broad Ripple to downtown and south side
- Indianapolis International Airport: Consistently rated #1 in North America. Direct flights to 50+ destinations.
- Monon Trail: 27-mile biking/walking trail from downtown to Westfield
- Nickel Plate Trail: Expanding trail system through Fishers and Noblesville
- Amtrak: Cardinal line connects Indianapolis to Chicago and the East Coast
Healthcare
WORLD-CLASS HEALTHCARE
IU Health
Methodist, North, West, University, Saxony
Indiana's largest healthcare system with nationally ranked specialties and Level I trauma center.
St. Vincent / Ascension
St. Vincent Indianapolis, Carmel, Fishers, Heart Center
Comprehensive care network with a nationally recognized heart center and women's hospital.
Community Health Network
Community North, East, South, Heart & Vascular
Strong regional network with seven hospitals and 200+ care sites across Central Indiana.
Franciscan Health
Franciscan Indianapolis, Mooresville, Carmel
Part of Franciscan Alliance with focus on cancer care, orthopedics, and women's health.
Riley Hospital for Children
IU Health Campus, Downtown Indianapolis
The only comprehensive children's hospital in Indiana. Nationally ranked in multiple pediatric specialties.
Eskenazi Health
Eskenazi Hospital, Federally Qualified Health Centers
Indianapolis' public safety-net hospital. Award-winning design and community health programs.
Real Estate
MARKET SNAPSHOT
Median Home Price (Metro)
37% below the national average for comparable metros
$310,000
Hamilton County Median
Highest in the metro — premium schools, amenities, and location
$420,000
Hendricks County Median
Strong value with excellent schools and west-side convenience
$305,000
Average Days on Market
Competitive market — well-priced homes move fast
18 days
Property Tax Rate
Indiana caps property taxes at 1% of assessed value for homesteads
~0.85%
Year-over-Year Appreciation
Steady, sustainable growth across the metro
+4.2%
"
Central Indiana is one of the best-kept secrets in the country. The quality of life, the schools, the affordability — people are genuinely surprised when they see what's here. My job is to help you find exactly where you belong.
— Sheldon Barnes, Managing Broker
Ready to Explore?
LET'S FIND YOUR PERFECT COMMUNITY
Whether you're relocating from out of state or moving across town, I'm here to help you navigate every step.