Thinking about moving to Indianapolis? Given its low cost of living, it’s no surprise that The Hoosier City is a popular place to settle down—it’s even one of the best cities for real estate! Here are five safe, affordable suburbs in the Indianapolis metro.
Fishers
Photo via @kane_lauck_realtor
- 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. With almost 600 acres of parks, nature, and multi-use trails, Fishers is a great place to live for those who love the outdoors! Fishers Park is particularly popular, as it’s the site of art classes, summer camps, a community garden, and more. A 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
Experience exceptional dining, shopping, and entertainment in the Nickel Plate District—with frequent events like the Community Concert Series, Fishers Farmers Market, and Spark!Fishers annual arts crawl at the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater. Take in breathtaking views while playing 18 holes at the public golf course at River Glen Country Club. Fish, build sand castles, walk along scenic trails, or go for a swim at Saxony Lake & Beach. Explore over 1,000 acres of interactive and educational exhibits at Connor Prairie. Get lost in Ritchey Woods Nature Preserve, a state-designated nature preserve ideal for birdwatching, running, and observing the changing of the seasons. Start your morning with a Dirty Chai, Mango Smoothie, or White Mocha at Schoolhouse 7 Cafe. Share an order of Garlic Naan, Palak Paneer, Tandoori Chicken, or Kodi Roast at India Sizzling. Get your fish fix from the Eel Cucumber Roll, Dragon Roll, or American Dream Roll with all-you-can-eat sushi at Sushi Club. Or test out traditional Vietnamese dishes like Banh Mi Bo, Pho Tai, or Goi Cuon at Pho VN.
Meridian Hills
Photo via @pfmroofs
- Home Price: $439,400 median purchase price; $1,750 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 96% of Indiana cities
- Perfect For: Families, retirees
Located about 25 minutes outside of Downtown Indianapolis, Meridian Hills is a beautiful 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. There’s a strong sense of community with annual events like the year-round Broad Ripple Farmers Market, where proceeds are given back to beautification projects in the community. Meridian Hills is also considered one of the best places to retire in Indiana, thanks to its exceptional senior living communities and budget-friendly cost of living.
Things to Do in Meridian Hills
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. Trek along the trails at the Marott Woods Nature Preserve. Looking for free things to do in Indianapolis? Explore rotating exhibits, picturesque green spaces, and more at the Indianapolis Art Center. Grab breakfast anytime with delicious dishes like the Cheesy Bacon Love Omelette, Brioche French Toast, Eggs Benedict, and more at Northside Kitchenette. Enjoy organically sourced coffee with fresh-baked muffins, crumb cakes, and biscotti from Perk Up. Devour the Dirty Mac & Cheese, Berry Fresh Salad, or a Smoky Bear Burger at Fire by the Monon. Or get authentic Mexican dishes like a Shrimp Chimichanga, Super Burrito, or Beef Nachos from La Piedad.
Plainfield
- Home Price: $147,200 median purchase price; $943 median monthly rent
- Crime: Safer than 70% of Indiana cities
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Consider living in Plainfield when moving to Indianapolis! As one of the safest suburbs of Indianapolis, Plainfield offers a small-town feel with a strong sense of interconnectedness. Get your retail therapy in at The Shops at Perry Crossing, or enjoy convenience from the Indianapolis Airport nearby. This Indianapolis suburb is ideal for nature lovers, as the White Lick Creek Trail connects riders to its various parks and green spaces. And the Sodalis Nature Park provides acres of exploration, fishing ponds, and more! The Hendricks Regional Health Plainfield Medical Center sits at the center of this Indiana suburb, providing renowned medical care to the community. Families flock to this area for its affordable homes, inclusive activities, and the Plainfield Community School Corporation, one of the top school districts in Indiana!
Things to Do in Plainfield
Soak up the sun while swimming, exercising, or playing a game of basketball at Plainfield’s rec center, the Richard A. Carlucci Recreation and Aquatic Center. Play all day at the Splash Island Family Water Park. Explore the winding footpaths of Hummel Park, with views of White Lick Creek. Spend some quiet time outdoors while fishing at Blue Heron Lake. Start your morning with a cup of coffee, a Cinnamon Twist Donut, and other sweet treats at the neighbor staple Al’s Donuts. Step into the past with classic treats like The Original Tenderloin, Philly Cheesesteak, and Hand-Crafted Sodas at the historical 1950s Oasis Diner. Order authentic Chinese dishes like Chicken Chow Mein, Beef Lo Mein, or Moo Goo Gai Pan at China Wok. Or spend date night sharing Duck Meatballs, Shrimp Cocktails, or Oysters at The Prewitt Restaurant + Lounge.
Southport
Photo via @ishutteratthethought
- Home Price: $115,400 median purchase price; $895 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 77% of Indiana cities
- Perfect For: Students, singles, young professionals, families, retirees
About 20 minutes outside of Downtown Indianapolis and ten minutes south of the University of 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. Though, it is an active neighborhood—fun year-round events are hosted by the City of Southport, like Christmas in the Park, Southport Fall Festival, Easter Egg Hunts, and more! In addition to a couple of malls and farmers market, this Indianapolis suburb provides amenities like a Southport Branch of the Indianapolis Public Library.
Things to Do in Southport
Visit popular stores like Buckle, Forever 21, and Coach at Greenwood Park Mall—or browse antiques, collectibles, and repurposed goods at Southport Antique Mall. Face your fears with a trip to Fright Manor, known as Indiana’s scariest haunted house. Pick up some of the best glazed donuts, frosted cookies, or cinnamon twists in the Indianapolis metro at Long’s Bakery. Stop by for breakfast or lunch and try Martin’s Breakfast Bowl, Home-Made Corned Beef Hash, or a Salmon BLT at Lincoln Square Pancake House. Get a taste of traditional Burmese dishes like Cantonese Noodle Soup, Tea Leaf Salad, and Pea Fried Rice at Yangon Restaurant. Or fill up on Orange Beef, Sweet and Sour Pork, or Sizzling Rice Shrimp at China Garden Restaurant.
Zionsville
Photo via @nottinghamteamindy
- Home Price: $343,400 median purchase price; $1,182 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 95% of Indiana cities
- Perfect For: Families, retirees
Known for its quiet, tree-lined streets and sprawling green areas—like the Carpenter Nature Preserve and Zionsville Nature Center—Zionsville is a safe, affordable Indianapolis suburb. In addition to its eco-friendliness, residents are also drawn to this Indiana town boasts a strong sense of community. Zionsville Cultural District works to promote art through public arts projects like the Lincoln Mural, Sidewalk Poetry, and the ZCD Concert Series. And the Lion’s Club hosts plenty of community events like Sunday Summer Concerts, Zionsville Fall Festival, and 4th of July celebrations! To top it off, this safe Indiana suburb offers large Colonial-style homes with spacious yards, a friendly community, and plenty of space for active families.
Things to Do in Zionsville
Practice your swing at Zionsville Golf Course. Appreciate the preserved farmstead or spend a family day at the splash pad at Mulberry Fields. 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, Brown Sugar Oatmeal Pancakes, 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. Share a plate of Mini Chimi’s, Dirty Fries, or Chicken Empanadas at Salty Cowboy. Try seafood specials like the Crab Poke Bowl, Gulf Shrimp Rockefeller Pasta, and Snow Crab Legs at Noah Grant’s Grill House & Oyster Bar. Or sample premium wines and bourbons while enjoying live music at Hopwood Cellars Winery.
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
