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Indianapolis, IN

Mooresville is part of the Indianapolis area. This page covers the whole metro.

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What kind of place it is

Big-city feel

Scored the same way as the quiz, against 382 U.S. metro areas. A feel is listed when Indianapolis scores 70 or higher out of 100.

Big-city feel
87 / 100
Big-city feel: 2.1 million people in the metro, 9 buildings 20+ stories, 599 bus and train stops

Less so: historic, lively, growing.

Everyday life
Shops, cafes, and daily routines
Hobbies & activities
Trails, parks, and pastimes
Nearby scenery
Lakes, overlooks, and drives

Photos and reviews come from Google Maps and show single places, not the whole area. Reviews are the most relevant ones Google returns for each place. We show the longest highly rated review under 400 characters and, when there is one, the longest low-rated review. Google doesn't verify reviews but removes fake ones when it finds them.

Around Indianapolis

Eskenazi Hospital (view from the southeast)
Eskenazi Hospital (view from the southeast) · Photo: Jaireeodell, CC BY 4.0
IU Indianapolis Campus Center
IU Indianapolis Campus Center · Photo: Walkaboutwithcamera, CC BY 4.0
The outside of the City-County Building in Downtown Indianapolis
The outside of the City-County Building in Downtown Indianapolis · Photo: deathpallie325, CC BY-SA 4.0
This photo was captured at the intersection of E
This photo was captured at the intersection of E · Photo: Momoneymoproblemz, CC BY-SA 4.0
Aerial view of Geist Reservoir and surrounding housing developments in Indianapolis...
Aerial view of Geist Reservoir and surrounding housing developments in Indianapolis... · Photo: Carol M. Highsmith, Public domain
Aerial view of Indianapolis, Indiana, with a focus on Lucas Oil Stadium,
Aerial view of Indianapolis, Indiana, with a focus on Lucas Oil Stadium, · Photo: Carol M. Highsmith, Public domain
Butler University in the Winter 2015
Butler University in the Winter 2015 · Photo: Peetlesnumber1, CC BY-SA 4.0
Coliseum Exterior 2015
Coliseum Exterior 2015 · Photo: Mberkery1, CC BY-SA 4.0
Austin Etherington reverse layup vs Maine
Austin Etherington reverse layup vs Maine · Photo: Peetlesnumber1, CC BY-SA 4.0
Butler University in the Fall, 2014
Butler University in the Fall, 2014 · Photo: Peetlesnumber1, CC BY-SA 4.0
Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, USA
Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, USA · Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 3.0
National Guard Sponsored No
National Guard Sponsored No · Photo: Sgt. John Crosby, Public domain
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Around Indianapolis

Where it is, what's close by, and trails.
Where it is
Indianapolis
Indianapolis in Indiana
Indiana in the U.S.
State outlines: U.S. Census Bureau.

What's nearby

Within 5 miles of the center of the Indianapolis area.

36
grocery stores
200+
restaurants
61
coffee shops
200+
parks
200+
playgrounds
21
libraries
5
movie theaters
23
live theaters
23
museums
32
bookstores
18
gyms
73
bars
9
pharmacies
6
hospitals

Counts from OpenStreetMap, a volunteer map, so small or new places can be missing. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.

Biking and trails

Within 5 miles of the center of the Indianapolis area.

Bike lanes and bike paths
130 miles
more than almost all U.S. towns
Walking and hiking trails
111 miles
more than almost all U.S. towns

Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Counts depend on how well local volunteers have mapped the area, so treat them as a rough guide.

Costs of moving here

Rent, the move itself, and getting set up.

What rent costs

Of about 268,597 rented homes in the Indianapolis area, 93% rent for under $2,000 a month and 99% for under $3,000.

Under $1,000: 35%
$1,000 to $1,499: 42%
$1,500 to $1,999: 16%
$2,000 to $2,499: 5%
$2,500 to $2,999: 1%
$3,000 or more: 1%

Census American Community Survey 2019 to 2023 (table B25063). Gross rent includes utilities the renter pays. Today's asking rents for open apartments usually run higher.

What moving costs

Hiring movers

Average cost: $1,946

From a 2025 survey of 1,000 people who hired movers. This Old House. Your quote depends on your stuff, stairs and the time of year.

Moving in as a renter

The middle rented home in the Indianapolis area rents for $1,000 to $1,499 a month. Before you get the keys, expect about $2,000 to $2,998 for first month plus a deposit, or up to $3,000 to $4,497 where landlords also ask for last month.

Many landlords want your income to be about 3 times the rent. For $1,000 to $1,499, that's a yearly income of about $36,000 to $53,964.

Estimate from Census rent data (2019 to 2023, rent plus tenant-paid utilities). Deposits and fees vary by landlord and state law.

Moving to Indiana: before and after

  • Forward your mail: USPS change of address. It costs about $1 online to confirm who you are.
  • Switch your driver's license and car registration. Each state sets its own deadline, often somewhere between 10 days and a few months after you move. Find the Indiana DMV.
  • Register to vote at your new address: Indiana voter registration.
  • Set up power, gas, water and trash. Some cities bill water and trash together, and some ask new customers for a deposit.
  • Update your address with your bank, employer, insurance and the IRS (Form 8822 if you're not filing soon).
  • Find a doctor and dentist early. New-patient waits can be weeks, even in big cities.

Schools and childcare

Schools

IU Indianapolis Campus Center
IU Indianapolis Campus Center · Photo: Walkaboutwithcamera, CC BY 4.0

11 public school districts in this county, with about 126,396 students in all. The county also has 68 public charter schools and 75 private schools. Which public school serves a home depends on its address.

Irvington Preparatory AcademyIrvington Community Elementary SchoolIrvington Community Middle SchoolChristel House Academy SouthChristel House Watanabe Manual High SchoolKipp Indy College Prep MiddleSe Neighborhood Sch of ExcellenceAndrew J Brown AcademyCharles A Tindley Accelerated SchVictory College PrepAvondale Meadows AcademyHerron High SchoolIndianapolis Metropolitan High SchIn Math & Science AcademyParamount BrooksideExcel Center for Adult LearnersIn Math & Science Academy - NorthIndiana Connections AcademyRise Learning CenterDamar Charter AcademyChristel House DorsPhalen Leadership Academy - in IncEnlace AcademyExcel Center - WestTindley Genesis AcademyVision AcademyKipp Indy Unite ElementaryTindley Summit AcademyChristel House Academy WestExcel Center - University HeightsGlobal Preparatory AcademyAce Preparatory AcademyHoosier College and Career AcademyCircle City Preparatory Elementary SchoolCircle City Preparatory Middle SchoolPurdue Polytechnic High School IndAvondale Meadows Middle SchoolHerron-Riverside High SchoolJames & Rosemary Phalen Leadership Academy Middle SchoolIndiana Connections Career AcademyMatchbook LearningParamount Cottage HomeAllegiant Preparatory AcademyBethel Park Elementary | Piloted SchoolsPla at George H Fisher School 93Dynamic Minds AcademyKipp Indy Legacy HighInvent Learning HubParamount EnglewoodPurdue Polytechnic High Sch NorthJames and Rosemary Phalen Leadership Academy High SchoolEmma Donnan Elementary and MiddleThe Hope Academy Inc.Phalen at Francis Scott Key 103Geo Next Generation AcademyThe Path SchoolPhalen Virtual Leadership AcademyBelieve Circle City High SchoolRooted School IndianapolisLouis B Russell Jr School 48Paramount Online AcademyPla@Promise PrepIndy Steam AcademyThe Nature School of Central IndianaHerron Preparatory AcademyBeech Grove Middle SchoolBeech Grove Sr High SchoolCentral Elementary SchoolSouth Grove Intermediate SchoolHornet Park Elementary SchoolDecatur Central High SchoolDecatur Middle SchoolStephen Decatur Elementary SchoolWest Newton Elementary SchoolLynwood ElementaryGold AcademyBlue AcademyValley Mills Elementary SchoolDecatur Twp School for ExcellenceDecatur High Ability AcademyActon Elementary SchoolBunker Hill Elementary SchoolFranklin Central High SchoolLillie Idella Kitley IntermediateThompson Crossing Elementary SchArlington Elementary SchoolMary Adams Elementary SchoolSouth Creek ElementaryFranklin Central Junior HighEdgewood Intermediate SchoolWanamaker Early Learning CenterAnna Brochhausen School 88Arsenal Technical High SchoolBrookside School 54Carl Wilde School 79Charles Warren Fairbanks Sch 105Christian Park School 82Cold Spring SchoolCrispus Attucks High SchoolDaniel Webster School 46Eleanor Skillen School 34Ips/Butler Lab at Eliza Blaker 55Ernie Pyle School 90George W Julian School 57H L Harshman Middle SchoolJames Whitcomb Riley School 43Jonathan Jennings School 109Lew Wallace School 107James A Garfield School 31Edison School of the Arts 47Meredith Nicholson School 96Ralph Waldo Emerson School 58Robert Lee Frost School 106Theodore Potter School 74Thomas D Gregg School 15Washington Irving Neighborhood SchoolIps/Butler Lab at William Bell 60William Mckinley School 39William Penn School 49Arlington Woods School 99Center for Inquiry School 2George Washington High SchoolShortridge High SchoolRousseau Mcclellan School 91Center for Inquiry School 84Clarence Farrington School 61Frederick Douglass School 19James Russell Lowell School 51Merle Sidener Gifted AcademyCenter for Inquiry School 27Northwest Community Middle SchoolGeorge Washington Carver School 87Arlington Community Middle SchoolCenter for Inquiry School 70Hw Longfellow Med/Stem Magnet MidlImpact Academy 1Thrival AcademyImpact Academy 2Impact Academy 3Fall Creek Valley Middle SchoolForest Glen Elementary SchoolBelzer Middle SchoolBrook Park Elementary SchoolCrestview Elementary SchoolHarrison Hill Elementary SchoolLawrence Central High SchoolLawrence North High SchoolMary Evelyn Castle Elementary SchOaklandon Elementary SchoolSkiles Test Elementary SchoolSunnyside Elementary SchoolWinding Ridge Elementary SchoolEarly Learning CenterIndian Creek Elementary SchoolAmy Beverland ElementaryAbraham Lincoln Elementary SchoolClinton Young Elementary SchoolDouglas Macarthur Elementary SchGlenns Valley Elementary SchoolHomecroft Elementary SchoolSouthport Middle SchoolPerry Meridian Middle SchoolPerry Meridian High SchoolSouthport Elementary SchoolSouthport High SchoolWilliam Henry Burkhart ElementaryWinchester Village ElementaryJeremiah Gray Elementary SchoolRosa Parks Elementary SchoolSouthport 6th Grade AcademyPerry Meridian 6th Grade AcademyMary Bryan Elementary SchoolHomecroft KindergartenJeremiah Gray KindergartenDouglas Macarthur KindergartenRosa Parks KindergartenNew Augusta Public Academy - NorthFishback Creek Public AcademyNew Augusta Public Academy - SouthCentral Elementary SchoolEastbrook Elementary SchoolGuion Creek Elementary SchoolGuion Creek Middle SchoolLincoln Middle SchoolPike High SchoolSnacks Crossing Elementary SchoolEagle Creek Elementary SchoolCollege Park Elementary SchoolDeer Run ElementaryArthur C Newby Elementary School 2Carl G Fisher Elementary School 1Frank H Wheeler Elementary Sch 4James A Allison Elementary Sch 3Speedway Junior High SchoolSpeedway Senior High SchoolRaymond Park Intermediate & MiddleWarren Early Childhood CenterLiberty Park Elementary SchoolBrookview Elementary SchoolCreston Intermediate & Middle SchlEastridge Elementary SchoolGrassy Creek Elementary SchoolHawthorne Elementary SchoolLakeside Elementary SchoolLowell Elementary SchoolPleasant Run Elementary SchoolStonybrook Intermediate & MiddleSunny Heights Elementary SchoolWarren Central High SchoolWarren Online AcademyAllisonville Elementary SchoolEastwood Middle SchoolGreenbriar Elementary SchoolNora Elementary SchoolNorth Central High SchoolNorthview Middle SchoolSpring Mill Elementary SchoolWestlane Middle SchoolCrooked Creek Elementary SchoolFox Hill Elementary SchoolHilltop SchoolWillow Lake Elementary SchoolClearwater Elementary SchoolNorth Wayne Elementary SchoolBen Davis High SchoolChapel Glen Elementary SchoolChapelwood Elementary SchoolChapel Hill 7th & 8th Grade CenterGarden City Elementary SchoolMaplewood Elementary SchoolMcclelland Elementary SchoolRhoades Elementary SchoolRobey Elementary SchoolLynhurst 7th & 8th Grade CenterStout Field Elementary SchoolWestlake Elementary SchoolBen Davis Ninth Grade CenterBridgeport Elementary SchoolBen Davis University High SchoolAchieve Virtual Education AcademyThe Genius SchoolLiberty Grove SchoolsMonarca AcademyExcel Center - SoutheastScecina Memorial High School (private)St Roch Catholic School (private)Little Flower Catholic School (private)St Joan of Arc/Diocese (private)St Lawrence Catholic School (private)St Thomas Aquinas School (private)St Mark Catholic School (private)St Michael-St. Gabriel Archangels Catholic Eleme (private)St Barnabas School (private)St Christopher School (private)St Jude Catholic School (private)St Luke Catholic School (private)St Matthew Catholic School (private)St Monica Catholic School (private)St Simon the Apostle School (private)Roncalli High School (private)Nativity Catholic School (private)Holy Name Catholic School (private)Holy Angels Catholic School (private)Central Catholic (private)Cardinal Ritter High School (private)The Orchard School (private)Lutheran High School of Indianapolis (private)Emmaus Lutheran School (private)St John Evangelical Lutheran School (private)Trinity Lutheran School (private)Hasten Hebrew Academy (private)Heritage Christian School (private)The Childrens House, Inc. (private)Central Christian Academy (private)Crosspointe Christian Academy (private)Suburban Christian School (private)Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School (private)Capitol City Seventh-Day Adventist School (private)Colonial Christian School (private)Chapel Hill Christian School (private)Holy Cross Central School (private)The Oaks Academy (private)Burge Terrace Christian School (private)Cornerstone Baptist Academy (private)Northside Montessori (private)Providence Cristo Rey High School (private)A Children'S Habitat Montessori School (private)Christ Temple Christian Academy (private)Purpose of Life Academy (private)Tp Schools (private)Calvary Lutheran School (private)Horizon Christian School (private)School for Community Learning (private)Cathedral High School (private)Shepherd Community Academy (private)Legacy Learning Center (private)The Independence Academy (private)The Oaks Academy - Brookside (private)The Oaks Academy (private)Apogee School for the Gifted (private)Hagia Sophia Classical Academy (private)Maria Montessori International Aca (private)Lumen Christi Catholic School (private)Calvary Christian School (private)Fall Creek Montessori Academy (private)Islamic Academy of Indianapolis (private)Geo Focus Academy (private)Harriot Tubman School of Excellence (private)Gray Road Christian School (private)Southport Presbyterian Christian School (private)Sycamore School (private)Worthmore Academy (private)School of Knowledge (private)Trinity Christian School (private)Covenant Christian High School (private)Kindercare Learning Center #1488 (private)International School of Indiana (private)St Richard'S Episcopal School (private)Holy Cross Lutheran School (private)JOHNSON COUNTYHENDRICKS COUNTYSHELBY COUNTYBOONE COUNTYHAMILTON COUNTYMARION COUNTYHANCOCK COUNTYIndianapolis
Public Public charter Private County line District that covers the center of Indianapolis: Indianapolis Public Schools
District and county lines: U.S. Census Bureau. Tap a dot for details. A home's assigned school depends on its address; check with the district before you buy or rent.

Closest public schools to the center of Indianapolis

Elementary
Center for Inquiry School 20.7 mi
Public
grades K to 8 · 435 students · 14 per teacher
Passed the state test: math 39% (state: reading 41%, math 38%)
Washington Irving Neighborhood School1.1 mi
Public
grades Pre-K to 8 · 336 students · 16.8 per teacher
Edison School of the Arts 471.2 mi
Public
grades K to 8 · 604 students · 120.8 per teacher
Passed the state test: math 20% (state: reading 41%, math 38%)
Middle
Center for Inquiry School 20.7 mi
Public
grades K to 8 · 435 students · 14 per teacher
Passed the state test: math 39% (state: reading 41%, math 38%)
Washington Irving Neighborhood School1.1 mi
Public
grades Pre-K to 8 · 336 students · 16.8 per teacher
Edison School of the Arts 471.2 mi
Public
grades K to 8 · 604 students · 120.8 per teacher
Passed the state test: math 20% (state: reading 41%, math 38%)
High school
Crispus Attucks High School1.2 mi
Public
grades 9 to 12 · 1,179 students · 18.1 per teacher
Passed the state test: math 1% or less (state: reading 41%, math 38%)
Arsenal Technical High School1.3 mi
Public
grades 9 to 12 · 2,524 students · 18.6 per teacher
Passed the state test: math 3% (state: reading 41%, math 38%)
Herron High School1.4 mi
Public charter
grades 9 to 12 · 998 students · 10.8 per teacher
Passed the state test: math 35% (state: reading 41%, math 38%)
Private
Lumen Christi Catholic School0.9 mi
Private
grades Pre-K to 12 · 109 students · 8.2 per teacher
Holy Cross Central School1.2 mi
Private
grades K to 8 · 170 students · 13.6 per teacher
Legacy Learning Center1.4 mi
Private
grades Pre-K to 12 · 161 students · 7.6 per teacher

Straight-line miles from the center of Indianapolis, nearest first. Being closest doesn't mean a school serves a given home. "Passed the state test" is the share of students who scored proficient or better on Indiana's own reading and math tests in the 2021-22 school year, the latest year the U.S. Department of Education has published for every school. Each state sets its own test and passing bar, so compare schools within the same state, not across states. Test results track family income closely and leave out a lot (teachers, programs, how a school fits your child). For newer results, see the state's school report card.

Public school districts in the county

Indianapolis Public Schools · Indianapolis
22,027 students · 14.6 students per teacher · 57 schools · grades Pre-K to 12
Msd Lawrence Township · Indianapolis
16,414 students · 19.2 students per teacher · 17 schools · grades Pre-K to 12
Perry Township Schools · Indianapolis
16,222 students · 16.2 students per teacher · 17 schools · grades Pre-K to 12
Msd Wayne Township · Indianapolis
16,086 students · 15.2 students per teacher · 19 schools · grades Pre-K to 12
Msd Warren Township · Indianapolis
11,824 students · 14.9 students per teacher · 16 schools · grades Pre-K to 12

School choice and pre-K in Indiana

Going to school in another district
State law lets each district decide whether to take students from other districts. Some do, some don't; ask the district you'd like.
Picking a different school in your district
State law says families can ask for a different school in the same district, and the district must allow it when there's room.
Free state pre-K
Indiana runs pre-K with income or work requirements; the national report doesn't count it alongside other states.

School choice: state law as summarized by the Education Commission of the States, 50-State Comparison: Open Enrollment Policies (2022). Pre-K: share of children in state-funded pre-K, National Institute for Early Education Research, State of Preschool 2025 Yearbook (2024-25 school year).

NCES Common Core of Data 2022-23, National Center for Education Statistics. Private schools: NCES Private School Survey, 2021-22. Varro doesn't rate or rank schools. For programs and newer results, see each district's site and the state's school report card.

Childcare and colleges

Daycare and preschool

Indiana keeps an official list of licensed childcare, with inspection reports and openings in many states. In a lot of towns, infant spots fill up months ahead, so it helps to get on waitlists before you move.

Search licensed childcare in Indiana →
Link via childcare.gov (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services).

10 colleges in the county and the wider metro around Indianapolis. Prices are yearly tuition and fees for full-time undergrads, before financial aid.

Ivy Tech Community College · Indianapolis
Public, 2-year (community college) · 100,077 students · $4,912 in-state, $9,465 out-of-state
Indiana University-Indianapolis · Indianapolis
Public, 4-year · 25,497 students · $10,449 in-state, $33,717 out-of-state
Butler University · Indianapolis
Private nonprofit, 4-year · 5,763 students · $45,980 a year
University of Indianapolis · Indianapolis
Private nonprofit, 4-year · 5,447 students · $36,136 a year
Marian University · Indianapolis
Private nonprofit, 4-year · 3,586 students · $39,100 a year

Moving for school? Public colleges charge state residents much less, and community colleges often charge even less to people who live in their district. Most states want you to have lived there about 12 months, for reasons other than school, before you count as a resident for tuition. The rules differ by state, so check with the college's registrar.

IPEDS 2023-24, National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS). Degree-granting public and nonprofit schools with 100+ students. Varro doesn't rank colleges.

The facts behind it
Typical home value
$291,634
What a typical home sells for across the Indianapolis area.
Source: Zillow Home Value Index, September 2026
Cost of living
About 4% below the U.S. average
Everyday prices (rent, groceries, services) run about $96 here for what costs $100 nationally.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis price index 95.7 (U.S. = 100), 2024
Average commute
25 minutes one way
How long residents' trips to work take on average, counting every job and way of getting there. U.S. average: about 27 minutes.
Source: U.S. Census (American Community Survey), 2023
Data centers nearby
1 within 15 miles
The nearest is about 12.6 miles from the town center (Verizon Wireless). The largest is about 21,000 sq ft.
Source: PNNL IM3 Data Center Atlas, from OpenStreetMap (ODbL), loaded July 2026
Homeowners insurance
About $2,887 a year
The statewide average for a typical policy in IN. Your own quote will depend on the home.
Source: Statewide estimate, 2026
Natural disaster risk
Relatively High
FEMA's overall rating for the county, covering floods, storms, wildfire, earthquakes and more.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index, December 2025
Hail risk
Relatively Moderate
FEMA's rating for hail damage in the county, compared with other U.S. counties.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index, December 2025
Hospitals nearby
6 within 5 miles
Hospitals mapped within 5 miles of the center. Emergency and specialty care vary, so check which ones fit your needs.
Source: OpenStreetMap (ODbL)
Drug overdose deaths (county)
32.9 per 100,000 people a year
323 deaths in the 12 months ending March 2026. IN average: 19 per 100,000. U.S.: 19.9. Counts are by where people lived, and recent months may still be updated.
Source: CDC National Center for Health Statistics, provisional counts through March 2026; Census population estimates 2024
People without housing (local count)
About 7 per 10,000 residents
HUD's one-night count in January 2025 found 4,860 people without housing in the Indiana Balance of State area (92 counties): 3,659 in shelters and 1,201 outside, up from 4,584 in 2024. IN: 9.6 per 10,000. U.S.: 21.9. One-night counts miss people, and how areas count differs.
Source: HUD Point-in-Time Count, January 2025 (HUD, 2025 report to Congress); Census population estimates 2024
Unemployment
3.4%
The share of people looking for work who can't find it, averaged over the year. U.S.: about 4%.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2025
Median household income
$63,450
Half of households in the county earn more than this, half earn less.
Source: U.S. Census (American Community Survey), 2023
Property tax
0.93% of home value a year
About $930 a year for every $100,000 of home value.
Source: U.S. Census (American Community Survey), 2023
State income tax
Flat 2.95%
IN's state income tax. Some cities and counties add their own.
Source: 2026

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