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Relocating to a new city can be both exciting and overwhelming. Whether you’re coming from another state or just moving across town, Indianapolis and its surrounding areas offer a vibrant and welcoming community with plenty to explore. If you’re planning to make the Circle City your new home, we’ve got you covered with a go-to guide to help you settle in smoothly!
Choosing the Right Neighborhood
Indianapolis is known for its diverse neighborhoods, each with its own unique charm! Whether you’re drawn to the historic feel of Fountain Square, the trendy vibe of Broad Ripple, or the family-friendly environment of Carmel, there’s a perfect spot for everyone. Here are a few options to consider:
Downtown Indianapolis: A bustling area with urban living, great restaurants on Mass Ave, entertainment, and cultural venues like the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra and the Indiana Repertory Theatre. With its walkable streets and diverse amenities, downtown Indy is perfect for those who enjoy city living.
Fishers: A suburban community known for excellent schools, parks, and family-friendly amenities. With an expanding shopping scene (like the Fishers District), top-rated schools, and outdoor spaces such as the Flat Fork Creek Park, Fishers offers a great balance of suburban comfort and modern conveniences.
Zionsville: A charming town with a quaint village feel, cobblestone streets, and top-rated schools. Zionsville has a small-town atmosphere with trendy boutiques, art galleries, and cozy cafes, making it an ideal spot for families and professionals who enjoy a peaceful, community-oriented environment.
Broad Ripple: A trendy neighborhood with a vibrant nightlife and arts scene. Known for its eclectic vibe, Broad Ripple offers a mix of bars, restaurants, art galleries, and music venues, along with outdoor spaces like the Monon Trail. It’s a popular choice for young professionals and those who enjoy an active, social lifestyle.
Carmel: A suburban gem located just north of Indianapolis, Carmel is known for its excellent schools, well-maintained parks, and family-friendly atmosphere. With attractions like Carmel Arts & Design District and Carmel’s Clay Terrace, the city offers a mix of cultural, recreational, and retail opportunities. Plus, its top-rated schools make it ideal for families.
Noblesville: A charming suburban town north of Indianapolis, Noblesville is perfect for those looking for a quieter place to live while still having easy access to the city. Known for Noblesville’s Historic Square, great parks like Forest Park, and family-friendly events, it offers a mix of modern living and small-town charm.
Greenwood: Located just south of Indianapolis, Greenwood is a growing suburb with excellent shopping centers (like Greenwood Park Mall) and a range of parks, such as Craig Park. It’s a great spot for families looking for more affordable housing options with quick access to Indianapolis.
Brownsburg: A fast-growing suburban area just west of Indianapolis, Brownsburg offers excellent schools, a friendly community, and a variety of parks and recreational activities. The town is also known for Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park which adds an element of excitement for racing fans.
Avon: Located west of Indianapolis, Avon offers a mix of suburban living with excellent schools, parks, and a close-knit community. With plenty of shopping and dining options, it’s an attractive spot for families seeking convenience and a peaceful suburban environment.
Lawrence: Situated on the northeast side of Indianapolis, Lawrence is known for its affordable housing options and proximity to downtown. With attractions like Fort Harrison State Park and the Lawrence Cultural Arts Center, it’s a family-friendly area with a rich history and access to outdoor activities.
Beech Grove: A small, tight-knit community located just south of Indianapolis, Beech Grove offers affordable housing and easy access to downtown Indianapolis. Known for its parks and family-friendly environment, it’s a great option for those looking for a more peaceful, suburban lifestyle with a local feel.
Find the Right Moving Company
The first step in any move is choosing a reliable moving company. For residents of Indianapolis, Colt Moving is a trusted name. Whether you’re moving a small apartment or a large family home, Colt Moving provides efficient, professional services designed to take the stress out of the relocation process. Their team is experienced, courteous, and committed to ensuring your belongings arrive safely and on time. With a focus on customer satisfaction, you can trust Colt Moving to make your transition as smooth as possible.
Finding Services & Utilities
Before you can fully settle in, you’ll need to get your utilities and services set up.
Here’s a quick checklist of services you should arrange:
Electricity & Gas: Duke Energy & AES Indiana are the main utility providers for electricity, while CenterPoint Energy covers gas.
Water & Sewer: Citizens Energy Group is the go-to for water and sewer services in the area.
Internet & Cable: There are several options for internet and cable, including Xfinity, AT&T, and Spectrum, depending on your location.
Settling Into Your New Home
Once you’ve arrived in your new home, making the space feel like your own is key. One of the easiest ways to personalize your living area is with a fresh coat of paint.
A new color can completely transform a room, creating a calming atmosphere or adding vibrant energy. For dependable painting services, Heritage Painting is an excellent choice.
With years of experience in both residential and commercial projects, Heritage Painting is known for high-quality finishes and exceptional customer service. Whether you’re refreshing a single room or repainting your entire home, their team is dedicated to helping you fall in love with your home by creating a space that feels uniquely yours. They use top-quality paints and provide meticulous attention to detail, handling all types of painting projects with ease.
Heritage Painting's team is professional, clean, and respectful of your time, ensuring a stress-free experience. If you’re looking to make your new home feel truly yours, Heritage Painting will bring your vision to life.
Where to shop for Essentials
Indianapolis and its surrounding areas offer a variety of shopping destinations where you can pick up everything from daily necessities to special finds. Whether you're looking for a mall, local boutiques, or big-box stores, here are some top places to shop for essentials:
North Side: The Fashion Mall at Keystone One of the city’s premier shopping centers, The Fashion Mall features high-end stores like Nordstrom, Apple, and Louis Vuitton. Whether you’re looking for the latest fashion trends, electronics, or home goods, this mall has it all. It also offers dining options for a shopping break.
North-East Side: Hamilton Town Center Located in Fishers, this open-air shopping center combines fashion, beauty, and dining all in one location. With stores like Target, H&M, and Dillard’s, as well as dining options like P.F. Chang’s and Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, Hamilton Town Center is a popular spot for a shopping spree or a casual day out.
East Side: Washington Square Mall While on the east side of Indianapolis, Washington Square Mall is one of the city’s more affordable options with a variety of stores like JCPenney and Kohl’s for essentials. The mall is ideal for those looking to pick up everything from clothing to home goods on a budget. It also houses restaurants and services like salons and fitness centers.
West Side: The Shops at Perry Crossing
On the west side of Indianapolis in Plainfield, this outdoor shopping center is home to stores like Lowe’s, Target, Michaels, and PetSmart—perfect for getting everyday items. With a relaxing atmosphere and a mix of dining options, it’s a great spot to shop for essentials while enjoying some fresh air.
South Side: Greenwood Park Mall
Located just south of Indianapolis, Greenwood Park Mall is a large, family-friendly shopping destination featuring popular retailers like Macy’s, JCPenney, H&M, and The Body Shop. You can easily pick up groceries, clothes, and personal items, and then treat yourself to a meal at one of the mall’s many restaurants.
North-East Side: Castleton Square Mall
Another great option on the east side, Castleton Square Mall is one of the largest malls in the area, offering a range of stores like Macy’s, Best Buy, and Bath & Body Works. It’s perfect for shopping for both essentials and special finds, with a variety of stores to suit all tastes.
Getting to Know the City
There’s so much to see and do in Indianapolis, and once you’re settled, you’ll want to get out and explore. Some must-see spots include:
White River State Park: A beautiful urban park perfect for walking, biking, and relaxing by the water.
Newfields: A world-class museum offering a blend of art exhibits and beautiful gardens.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway: Home to the famous Indy 500, it’s a must-visit for racing fans and history buffs.
Networking and Meeting New People
As a newcomer, one of the best ways to make connections is by attending local events and joining community groups. Consider joining BFF Indy, a group dedicated to creating genuine friendships among women in the Indianapolis area.
With a variety of events from casual meetups to professional networking, BFF Indy is a great way to meet like-minded individuals and explore everything Indy has to offer. (Fun Fact: There is also a Facebook page for those who would like to get connected online!
Transportation and Getting Around
Indianapolis is a car-friendly city, but there are other options for getting around, too. The IndyGo bus system serves the city with various routes, including the Red Line, a rapid transit option that makes getting around downtown quick and easy.
For those who prefer biking, the city has a growing network of bike lanes and trails, including the Monon Trail.
Healthcare and Medical Services
When moving to a new city, understanding your healthcare options is essential. Indianapolis and its surrounding areas offer a range of hospitals, clinics, and medical professionals.
Top Hospitals: Indiana University Health Methodist Hospital and St. Vincent Indianapolis Hospital are two of the top-rated hospitals in the city, offering comprehensive care for all types of medical needs.
Primary Care and Specialists: Many neighborhoods in and around Indianapolis have great primary care providers, specialists, and urgent care centers. You’ll find facilities like Riley Hospital for Children and Eskenazi Health offering specialized services.
Schools and Education
Whether you have children or are considering future family plans, it’s important to consider your educational options. Indianapolis and the suburbs have some top-rated public and private schools.
Public Schools:
Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) is the city's main public school district, offering a range of elementary, middle, and high schools. Surrounding suburbs like Carmel, Fishers, and Zionsville are also home to some of the best-rated school districts in the state, providing quality education in both suburban and urban settings.
Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) is the city's main public school district, offering a range of elementary, middle, and high schools. Surrounding suburbs like Carmel, Fishers, and Zionsville are also home to some of the best-rated school districts in the state.
Carmel Clay Schools: Consistently ranked among the top districts in the state, Carmel offers a rigorous academic environment with a variety of extracurricular programs.
Zionsville Community Schools: Known for its strong academics and commitment to student development, Zionsville is a great option for families seeking a suburban setting with excellent public schools.
Fishers Community Schools: This rapidly growing district offers a mix of new and well-established schools with a focus on innovation and technology.
Private Schools
Indianapolis is also home to many outstanding private schools that offer diverse educational experiences. These schools often have smaller class sizes, specialized curriculums, and various extracurricular activities.
Cathedral High School: A prestigious Catholic high school in Indianapolis known for its academic excellence, athletic programs, and community involvement.
Park Tudor School: An independent school offering a personalized, college-preparatory education with a focus on both academics and arts.
Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School: The only Catholic, Jesuit school that emphasizes intellectual rigor and character development while preparing students for success in college and life.
The Orchard School: A private K-8 school focusing on experiential learning and nurturing creativity, ideal for families looking for an alternative education approach.
Traders Point Christian School: A Christian-based school offering a strong academic program combined with biblical values, providing an excellent education for students from preschool through high school. Located in the northwest suburbs of Indianapolis, it is known for its supportive environment and emphasis on character development.
International School of Indiana: A unique private school offering an international curriculum with language immersion programs in Spanish, French, and Mandarin for students from preschool through high school.
Higher Education
Indianapolis is home to several universities and colleges, including Indiana University – Indianapolis, Purdue University in Indianapolis, Butler University, and University of Indianapolis, providing options for continuing education or research opportunities.
Butler University: Known for its strong liberal arts programs and successful sports teams, Butler is a top choice for higher education in the city.
IUPUI: A leading public university offering a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with specialized schools in engineering, health sciences, and business.
University of Indianapolis: A well-respected private institution with a strong focus on professional programs like nursing, business, and health sciences.
Dining and Entertainment
Indianapolis and its surrounding areas have a rich food scene, with a mix of fine dining, casual eateries, and local favorites. Whether you're into global cuisine, farm-to-table dining, or comfort food, there's something for everyone.
Downtown Dining: From upscale restaurants like St. Elmo Steak House and The Capital Grille to local favorites like The Eagle and Milktooth, downtown Indianapolis offers a diverse array of dining options.
Breweries and Coffee Shops: Indianapolis has a growing craft beer scene with popular spots like Sun King Brewery and Metazoa Brewing Co. The city is also home to trendy coffee shops like Java House for your caffeine fix.
Moving to a new city doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right services, a welcoming community, and a bit of exploration, Indianapolis can quickly feel like home. From trusted moving services like Colt Moving to professional painters like Heritage Painting, there are plenty of reliable resources to help you settle in and enjoy all that this vibrant city has to offer.