Downtown Indianapolis is a booming metropolis and the heart of Indiana.

I never thought I was going to stay in Indianapolis. When I moved here in 2017 to pursue a Masters in Museum Studies at IUPUI, I thought Indy was just a stop along the way to D.C. or Chicago, where I’d live my Night at the Museum dreams. 

But something changed. The longer I stayed, the more I fell in love with Indianapolis. 

Even before I lived downtown, I felt a deep need to explore the city and get my bearings. I remember parking on Vermont St. somewhere in Lockerbie and just walking. I wandered the streets around Mass Ave for hours, popping into shops and learning street names, monuments, and landmarks.

I made a promise to myself that no matter if I left the city or stayed forever, I’d live downtown for at least a year. Now, I’ve lived all over the city, from the Southside to the Near Eastside to Eagle Creek. But I knew I still needed my downtown dream. 

This wasn’t a move for vanity. When I started my brand City of Shay, my goal was to help people live a full life here in Indianapolis—the same way I did when I first moved here and still do to this day. 

For my business and brand, I needed to be close to the action and happenings in the city, so I could better serve those I wanted to support. So, in 2019, I moved to the Old Northside neighborhood blocks from the Mile Square and then relocated to Lockerbie Square just a few years later. I had really made it.

Downtown Indy is an incredibly walkable place to live.

Moving to downtown Indianapolis wasn’t just a business decision but an entire lifestyle change. Daily life downtown means there really never is a dull day. There’s always something to do, see, and experience, and it’s all within walking distance. 

This was super exciting to me because in other neighborhoods, I had to drive to most places. In comparison, downtown amenities are extremely convenient. You can walk just about anywhere downtown within 20 to 30 minutes. From work events and date night dinners to strolling the Monon and dropping off books at the library, the list of things you can do on a short walk just goes on and on. 

As someone who works for themselves from home, I can truly take my work anywhere. I love walking to a local coffee shop like Coat Check Coffee or Kaffeine Coffee Company to get a delicious hot latte from their seasonal menu while I work on my laptop for a few hours. (Then, I head home to eat the lunch I’ve meal prepped because I still want to save money while living a full life downtown.) 

How much does it cost to live in downtown Indianapolis?

Speaking of, the cost of living in downtown Indy can also be a misconception. If you do your research right and take your time touring, you can find incredible places to live downtown at a great value. I know friends who have paid less than $1,000 in rent a month for a prime downtown location. 

I pay a little closer to $1,700 a month. But for my apartment’s location and amenities, it really is one of the best bangs for your buck downtown.

Downtown Indy is packed with both residential amenities and world-class attractions.

There are so many things that surprised me about living downtown! You really can walk anywhere around the Mile Square, whether you’re shopping at the farmer’s market on Monument Circle, catching a Colts game at Lucas Oil Stadium, or admiring art at the Eiteljorg Museum.

The best part about living in an area with so many businesses is that I can easily head over to Needler’s Fresh Market for groceries or just ingredients I’ve forgotten for a recipe. Places like Fusek’s Hardware gives you easy access to tools and home essentials. And living steps away from Mass Ave makes it so easy to spend the night out with friends. 

My friend group recently had a girls night that started with dinner at Livery and candle pouring at Penn + Beech. Then, we carpooled over to Astrea—the new rooftop bar at the Intercontinental Hotel to enjoy delicious cocktails and an amazing sunset over Monument Circle.

While this may sound like things could get expensive, living downtown has helped me feel less “FOMO” because everything is in easy proximity. I don’t feel like I have to rush to visit everything on my bucket list or worry that I’ll miss out on something fun. Because there’s always something fun going on.

How safe is living in downtown Indianapolis?

Another thing that surprised me was how safe I felt in Indy. Downtown Indianapolis is statistically safer than a lot of other neighborhoods in the city—and the country at large. We may deal with the same sort of issues other major cities have, but using common sense goes a long way here.

If you’re nervous to go exploring, you can start by getting familiar with the local trails and walking paths, like the Canal Walk, the Monon, or the Cultural Trail. For me, a work day isn’t complete without a quick walk around Chatham-Arch with my dog—the perfect way to see the city and enjoy seeing all of the historic homes downtown.

Indianapolis is becoming a major global destination.

Living in downtown Indianapolis, I’ve gotten the chance to see so much change over the years. The Bottleworks District is now home to the #1 Boutique Hotel in the Country. GANGGANG gave Indianapolis a new annual tradition in the BUTTER Fine Art Fair, and the Indianapolis Zoo stepped up its conservation work, opening the Global Center for Species Survival. 

Everywhere I look, downtown is thriving with these developments, becoming an oasis for food, fun, and so much more. These attractions pave the way for both tourists and residents to enjoy our downtown community, and every weekend it feels like more and more people are out and about.

It’s always exciting to hear that someone is visiting from out of town because there’s so much to recommend for them to try out! From catching a concert at the Rathskeller to cheering on the Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, there’s something for all interests. Even if you don’t like the nightlife, you can have a sunset picnic at White River State Park or curl up with a good book at the library.

What makes Indianapolis one of the top event cities in the United States?

Obviously, the world already knows us for the Indianapolis 500, which is the Greatest Spectacle in Racing for a reason. But did you know that Indy’s been named the Best Sports-Event Host City and the #1 Convention City in America?

Just since I moved here, Indianapolis has hosted amazing events like the Olympic Swimming Trials, two All-Star Games, the entire March Madness tournament, and three jam-packed nights of the Taylor Swift Eras Tour. That’s not even counting our big annual conventions like Gen Con and the PRI Show.

Downtown Indy is an ideal home in the center of the action.

Looking back, I think that the fact I wasn’t born a Hoosier made me love Indianapolis even more. I got to experience the city with fresh eyes and perspective, and I genuinely believe that Indy isn’t boring. (Maybe you just need to shift your mindset!)

At this point, I’ve lived on all sides of the city except the northside—and who knows? Suburbs of Shay could be in my future someday! But since day one, my time living downtown has been an absolute treasure. 

If you’re moving to Indianapolis and looking for a place to live, I would definitely recommend living downtown. It may be a little pricier, but honestly most downtown apartments offer amenities and locations that make it a good value. I hope everyone gets the chance to try living here for at least a lease! 

If you’re the kind of person who loves being close to the action, who’s the first in line to try something new, and who enjoys walking and biking everywhere, then downtown Indianapolis is definitely for you.