Discover Cottage Home: A Historic Neighborhood in the Heart of Indianapolis.

I first visited Cottage Home in 2018 to tour the house that would become our home. As we pulled up, our soon-to-be next-door neighbor was out front sweeping the sidewalk. I remember thinking, “People here must really care about where they live.”

Seven years and two houses later, I can confirm: they absolutely care.

When my husband and I moved to Cottage Home, we had come from renting a bungalow in Fountain Square. We had fallen in love with being near downtown Indianapolis—the walkability, the restaurants and coffee shops, and the charming older homes. So, when I saw a cute little cottage listed near Mass Ave, we scheduled a showing right away. I hadn’t heard of the Cottage Home neighborhood before. But as soon as we wrapped up our tour, we made an offer.

That night, I dove into a deep Google search—and the more I learned about Cottage Home, the more excited I became!

Cottage Home is a historic district with deep cultural roots.

The Cottage Home neighborhood was incorporated into the City of Indianapolis in 1870—and quickly grew into a bustling working-class neighborhood due to its proximity to the railroad. By 1915, most of the homes were built, and that architectural history is reflected in the Queen Anne and Folk Victorian cottages still standing today. (That’s where the name “Cottage Home” comes from!)

One block in particular tells the story best: Dorman Street between North and St. Clair. It’s home to the historic Ruskaup Mansion, an old family general store, and several duplexes designed by Vonnegut & Bohn—all adjacent to our shared Community Space at the center of our annual block party.

One of my favorite Cottage Home landmarks is the Dorman Street Saloon, known affectionately as “the Hog.” It’s one of the oldest bars in Indianapolis, and rumor has it John Dillinger once planned a bank robbery there!

Our neighborhood is community-driven and proud of it.

In 2023, I joined the board of the Cottage Home Neighborhood Association (CHNA) and within a couple years, I started serving as President. The deeper I get involved, the more I admire the incredible neighbors—past and present—who shaped Cottage Home into the community it is today.  

It really does take a village, and Cottage Home has always been full of people willing to roll up their sleeves: restoring historic homes, creating community spaces, planting gardens, and preserving the unique character of our neighborhood.

Today, neighbors still show up in all kinds of ways. People come to our bimonthly neighborhood meetings to learn about volunteer opportunities—and join SWARM days to help maintain our shared greenspaces. You’ll find friends at local concerts and pitch-ins, enjoying movie nights and bonfires, and celebrating holiday events throughout the year. It’s genuinely a hands-on, all-in kind of place.

Cottage Home offers a community space where neighbors come together.

Our Community Space is one of Cottage Home’s many gems. With a shelter, a fire pit, a playground, and rentable garden plots, it’s a gathering place for families and friends to get together and enjoy the outdoors. The community playground was added in 2017, and our Cottage Home neighbors raised funds over several years to build the shelter. 

You can even rent the space for private events, and CHNA members get a discount! We’ve seen some beautiful weddings and events over the years, and I’ve hosted everything from my baby shower to my daughter’s birthday parties there!

Looking for the #1 Best Block Party in Indianapolis?

Every fall, we host the annual Cottage Home Block Party—a well-loved community event that’s earned a reputation as one of the best in the city. Cottage Home goes all out, transforming Dorman Street with handmade decorations, paper lanterns, hay bales, and lots of lights. 

Local food, beer, and art vendors all line the streets, while live music plays long into the night. It’s my favorite event of the year—so much so, that I plan my entire calendar around it!

Cottage Home is in the middle of Indianapolis—without feeling like it.

Cottage Home is ideally located, within minutes of downtown Indianapolis and the city’s top destinations. To the south is Highland Park—with skyline views, a playground, and perfect sunsets. Nearby there is King Dough, one of the best pizza spots in Indy.

North of Cottage Home is the Factory Arts District, formerly known as the Circle City Industrial Complex. This arts and culture destination is home to many local artist studios, as well as 8th Day Distillery and Centerpoint Brewing—two dog-friendly spots where we often take our daughter to run around while we enjoy a drink.

To the east, you’ll find the historic Arsenal Tech High School—and beyond that, Woodruff Place. Woodruff is a dreamy, fountain-filled neighborhood with an annual flea market in the early summer that’s not to be missed.

And of course, to the west: Mass Ave. It’s one of the city’s premier cultural districts, with great restaurants, bars, and shops. The Ball & Biscuit, FortyFive Degrees (owned by a former Homie!), and Gordon’s Milkshakes are personal favorites. And at the end of the avenue is the Bottleworks District. This revitalized, Art Deco bottling plant is now a boutique hotel, food hall, movie theater, and also where I work!

Explore one of the most walkable neighborhoods in Indianapolis!

Easily walkable and incredibly connected, Cottage Home makes it easy to get where you want to go. I walk or bike to work most days, and the downtown area hosts all kinds of world-class sports, national conventions, and amazing concerts just a short trip away. Nearly everything I love about Indianapolis is within a 20-minute walk from my house. Most places are even less than that, including our daycare and the schools my daughter will most likely attend.

If you’re heading farther out, access to I-465 is easy, and the Indianapolis International Airport is just 15 miles away. The nearby Cultural Trail and Monon Trail also connect us to other Indianapolis neighborhoods like Fountain Square, Broad Ripple, and beyond.

Cottage Home is a genuine place that feels like home.

Everything I once read about this neighborhood—from its history to its community spirit—has come to life in the time we’ve lived here. The gardens, the events, the people, they all make Cottage Home feel like so much more than just a place to live.

Cottage Home is a place where neighbors genuinely know and support each other. It’s where historic charm meets everyday life. Where you can raise a family, host a party, and walk to dinner—all in the same week. 

And where, even after 7 years of living in Cottage Home, I find myself telling my husband, “I can’t believe we live in the best neighborhood in the city,” every time we’re out on a walk.