Broad Ripple is the perfect blend of urban and suburban living in Indianapolis. 

Located six miles north of downtown Indy, Broad Ripple and SoBro (aka South Broad Ripple) is the perfect balance of urban and suburban living. The neighborhoods are full of shops, restaurants, local culture, civic pride, and that genuine “Hoosier Hospitality” many hear about upon their arrival to Indianapolis.

As a young professional who did not grow up in Indiana, I longed for an area that would remind me of home but also had options for people just starting their career.

Nearly 7 years later, I still find myself loving Broad Ripple with my dog, Bubba, and my cat, Forrest Gump. (Yes, if you were wondering, they are named after the movie!)

Broad Ripple is one of Indy’s most popular cultural districts.

When I am not working at my office in Bottleworks, I tend to spend my time exploring the neighborhood and the city of Indianapolis. 

On days when I don’t want to drive, I catch a ride on the Red Line, Indy’s bus rapid transit system. If my day is flexible and the weather permits, it’s very fun to grab a bike and travel using the Monon. The Monon Trail is a paved rail-to-trail path spanning through Central Indiana, connecting you with downtown Indianapolis and the Cultural Trail.

One thing that I’ve noticed as a young professional in my late twenties, Broad Ripple has long been known as THE bar and nightlife spot in the Indy region. But when I hang out with my little brother through Big Brothers Big Sisters, there are equally just as many things for us to do with him as a high schooler. Whether that’s playing basketball at Arsenal Park or grabbing a bite to eat on the Broad Ripple strip, there’s always a good blend of city life and suburban activities to choose from.

Broad Ripple has a great mix of historic homes and state-of-the art apartments.

Currently, I’m a renter here in Indy, and Broad Ripple allowed me to rent a great house with unique features, including a backyard for my dog (which feels almost impossible to find.) Many homes in Indy are resident-owned, so the neighborhood is well taken care of and really allows you to appreciate the hard work so many put into their homes. 

Although I hope to own a home in Indy, renting a house was perfect for what I needed and wanted in the interim. And while I chose to go the house route, I know so many young professionals who love Broad Ripple because of all the new and updated apartment complexes.

Broad Ripple Avenue is a hot spot for young professionals and college students, especially those at Butler University. I can’t say it enough, this neighborhood really is the perfect balance of urban and suburban. The selection of housing is just one more element that showcases that blend. 

Broad Ripple residents have many public transportation options.

I mentioned it briefly before, but the proximity to both public transportation and a major biking trail played a significant role in choosing Broad Ripple as a place to live. A quick walk north of my house brings me to the Monon Trail, and an equally quick walk west brings me to a Red Line IndyGo bus stop. 

I use the Monon Trail daily. As a dog owner, it’s an amazing advantage to have a dog-friendly walking trail so close by. 

If I’m being honest, I would say my mental health is dependent on my proximity to the Monon Trail. There is just something good for the soul being that close to nature and getting out there every single day. If you’re someone who loves to walk, run, or bike, neighborhoods right on the Monon Trail like Broad Ripple are perfect. 

And as someone who grew up in Washington D.C., I’ve been an avid user of public transportation my entire life. I love being close to Indy’s first bus rapid transit line, and Indy isn’t stopping with the Red Line. Plans and construction are already underway for additional lines throughout the city.

Broad Ripple is also a great place to raise a family.

While I can’t speak to raising kids directly, I do know that the parents raising kids in my neighborhood love it here. There is something unique and special about having that suburban feel in your front and backyard, while only being a quick five-minute walk to one of the most urban locations the Indy region has to offer. 

Still looking for more? Broad Ripple Park opened a new family center in 2023. They offer a variety of recreational and educational programs for people of all ages, including fitness classes, youth sports programs, arts and crafts classes, music programs, day camps, and senior activities. 

The community center also has numerous features such as an indoor track, multipurpose courts, an indoor playground, two fitness-style rooms, and space for events and meetings. Outdoor amenities include a playground, outdoor pool, tennis courts, multipurpose fields, and walking trails. 

I’m sure Broad Ripple’s close proximity to the largest children’s museum in the world doesn’t hurt either!

The proximity of Butler University provides many resources to Broad Ripple residents.

One of my favorite things about Broad Ripple is our great location. Places like Butler University, the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, and the Monon (just to name a few big-ticket items) are all within a five-minute drive of the neighborhood. 

Being so close to Butler University offers many opportunities to get out and do new things. The campus hosts a variety of events, performances, and speakers that are usually open to the public. Some of these are even free, which is something many young professionals are looking for. 

And it wouldn’t be fair to talk about Butler without a quick mention of the historic Hinkle Fieldhouse, home of the Butler Bulldogs and where the famous movie Hoosiers was filmed. I worked in education when I first moved to Indy, so I love the historical significance of Hinkle. 

Whether you’re in college, just graduated, or are raising a family, Broad Ripple is a neighborhood worth exploring. And I’m a firm believer that people make the city. So, above everything else I’ve talked about, it’s the people I’ve met in Broad Ripple who make the neighborhood amazing.