Amanda is a freelance writer, mom of four, and long-time resident of Fishers. Most days, you can find Amanda with a coffee in hand and kids in tow, exploring parks, trails, and shops around town. In her free time, she enjoys reading, crafting, woodworking, and going on new adventures with her family. Her biggest passion in life is creating inclusive content that inspires positivity and creativity.
Welcome to Fishers, Indiana: one of the most highly desirable suburbs of Indianapolis.
Photo courtesy of Liberty Plaza
Fishers is a vibrant, developing city that has received national accolades for livability, safety, and entrepreneurship. Over the years, our city has continuously ranked among Money Magazine’s Top 10 “Best Places to Live in the U.S.” And we’re located just 20 miles north of Indianapolis, with nearby access to both I-69 and I-465 for convenient commuting.
I was born and raised in Indiana and grew up on a small farm just outside of Shelbyville. When I moved to the inner city of Indianapolis for college, I quickly discovered that life in the city was vastly different from living in the country. I found city life to be very fast-paced and energetic, and I was excited for change and new beginnings. But I also desperately missed the calm and quietness that I was used to. Little did I know that I’d soon discover the best of both worlds in the lively city of Fishers!
After meeting my husband and deciding to start a family together, we went looking for the best place to live. Luckily, we didn’t have to look long before we knew exactly where we’d settle down and raise our children. My husband grew up in Fishers, so he’s seen firsthand how this once-small town has rapidly grown and developed.
All it takes is a quick drive from one side of town to the other, and you’ll see what Fishers has to offer. You’ll pass charming neighborhoods, top-rated schools, quaint local boutiques and coffee shops, artistic expressions, open fields, and beautiful nature landscapes. Because everything you’ll ever need is nestled right here in Fishers!
Fishers is one of the best places to raise a family in the United States.
If you’re searching for the right place to start your family, Fishers checks off all of the boxes. Our city has affordable living, a flourishing job market, and top-rated schools, as well as numerous parks, restaurants, and businesses.
One of my favorite things about living in Fishers is the abundance of family-friendly activities. From pop-up skate parks and city-wide celebrations to summer camps and nature storywalks, it’s easy to see why Fishers consistently ranks as one of the best places to raise a family.
Our public schools are also very highly rated, and many families relocate here to give their kids a better education. Our local district—Hamilton Southeastern Schools—offers thirteen elementary schools, four intermediate schools, four junior highs, and two high schools. The Indiana Department of Education has rated Hamilton Southeastern Schools as a top, A-level school corporation. And the district also received the 2020 U.S. Department of Education’s Green Ribbon Schools Award. This award recognizes schools committed to environmental sustainability, and HSE was one of only 55 recipients in the country!
Fishers
Fun Facts
Fishers is home to Conner Prairie, one of the most well-known interactive living history museums in the United States.
In Fishers, we have 24 vibrant parks with 591 acres of land and over 104 miles of multi-use nature trails.
Fishers only recently became an official city as of January 1, 2015.
Photo courtesy of Conner Prairie
Photo courtesy of Amanda Merriweather
Fishers is a city rich in history.
In 1802, William Conner built a trading post and settled along the White River in what is now present-day Fishers. The land Conner settled now serves as one of the nation’s most respected living history museums, Conner Prairie.
Conner Prairie is a must-visit spot here in Fishers. This nationally acclaimed destination stretches across 800 acres of wooded property and teaches you and your family about history. Here, you’ll explore Indiana’s natural and cultural heritage through real-life re-enactments and activities. Then, after stepping back in time, you can head over to the 1859 Balloon Voyage for a high-flying adventure. This helium-filled, environmentally safe balloon soars approximately 370 feet in the air above Conner Prairie, giving you a beautiful view.
Another historic site in Fishers in the refined Ambassador House. In 1826, the house was built at the modern-day corner of 106th Street and Eller Road. It was once home of prominent Indianapolis attorney Addison Harris, who served as U.S. Ambassador to Austria-Hungary from 1899-1901. Now, the restored historic home sits on the grounds of Fishers’ Heritage Park at White Water. It’s a real hidden gem in the city—and a top-rated venue for weddings and special events!
Fishers is full of local shops, dining, and entertainment.
Right in the heart of Fishers is the Nickel Plate District, the city’s central cultural hub. This district is a vibrant, walkable destination for shopping, dining, working, and living. And it’s always bustling with residents and visitors alike! The biggest attraction in the area is the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater (AMP), a state-of-the-art venue where the city hosts all of its major events. Throughout the year, people come to the AMP for live concerts, movies on the lawn, seasonal festivals, and community-wide events.
One of the most well-attended events at the AMP is the Fishers Farmers Market. Our market is ranked one of the best in the region. And it’s the go-to spot for finding fresh foods straight from local farmers and creators.
Each summer, the city of Fishers also hosts Spark!Fishers, one of our community’s largest annual events. The festival has a lineup of concerts, a marathon, a parade, a street fair festival, and a booming fireworks show—all in downtown Fishers! This summer celebration has become a family tradition that many Fishers residents look forward to each year.
And just east of Nickel Plate, you can tee up at Topgolf, explore our sprawling IKEA, or shop at the new Fishers District—one of my family’s favorite spots! The Fishers District is a beautiful space with an artful blend of fine dining, retail stores, entertainment, and residential living. Here, you’ll find local businesses and restaurants like the Fishers Test Kitchen, a foodie’s dream scene! The Test Kitchen is a launch pad for culinary entrepreneurs, letting them refine their menus and build up a following. I especially love that the variety of options here are endless!
One of our most exciting entertainment venues is the state-of-the-art Fishers Event Center—the largest mid-size event center in the region! This arena is designed for a variety of experiences, including world-class musicians, big community events, and lots of sports. In fact, the Fishers Event Center is home to three professional sports teams, including Indy Fuel hockey, the new Fishers Freight indoor football team, and Indy Ignite—the state’s first professional volleyball team!
Fishers offers a wealth of parks and recreational opportunities.
One of the many perks to living in Fishers is all of the wonderful parks and amenities throughout the city. It seems like everywhere you look there’s a new park or trail just waiting for you to explore!
Want to soak up some sun and relax by the water? You can sink your toes in the sand at Saxony Lake & Beach, a 20-acre lake right here in Fishers. There, you can rent kayaks and paddleboards or even cast your line at one of our local fishing spots. Geist Reservoir is another local destination for waterfront fun, with a full-service marina. They also offer pontoon rentals, kayak rentals, and a public boat launch. So, you can easily sail out onto the water.
If you’re looking for open woodland, then Ritchey Woods is a beautiful nature preserve in the city. It’s the perfect place for going on a run, hiking on the trails, or simply unplugging in nature. And on a hot day, you can take the kids to cool off at either Billericay or Holland Park’s splash pad. Those two playgrounds are family favorites, especially during the summer. While you’re at Billericay Park, be sure to check out the British phone booth at the front of the park! It’s an homage to Fishers’ sister city—Billericay, England.
All in all, Fishers has 24 different parks for you to visit without ever needing to leave the city! Flat Fork Creek includes a great place for walking trails, fishing ponds, treehouses, and even sledding in the wintertime. Heritage Park also has great sledding hills, and Brooks School Park is made for kids of all ages. So, whatever way you connect with nature, Fishers has a park for you!
Nearby
Schools
- Hamilton Southeastern School District
- Eman Schools
- Community Montessori School
Local
Restaurants
- Four Day Ray Brewing
- Sahm’s Restaurant
- C.R. Heroes Family Pub
Local
Shops
- Gratitude Boutique & Gifts
- Hammer & Stain
- Allisonville Nursery, Garden & Home
Nearby
Attractions
- Conner Prairie
- Nickel Plate District
- Geist Reservoir
Airport
Commute
- 35 Miles from Indianapolis Airport
- 40 Minute Drive
Nearby
Dog Parks
- Fishers Dog Park
- Beverly’s Bark Park
- Fort Harrison State Park Dog Park
Fishers is a thriving, inclusive, and entrepreneurial place to call home.
All in all, Fishers is a growing community that excels in education, healthcare, technology, and entrepreneurship. Every year, our home continues to thrive and welcome new people to the neighborhood. Meanwhile, our city invests in construction and infrastructure improvements to keep up our booming growth.
If you’re looking to start your own business, then Fishers offers a number of resources and incentives to support entrepreneurs. One resource is Launch Fishers, a dedicated space for creatives and innovators to work and grow their business. Launch Fishers was created in partnership with the city to support our local community and foster a culture of innovation in Fishers.
Fishers also prides itself on building an inclusive city where everyone feels welcome. From events that bring people together to volunteer opportunities in our city, Fishers truly creates a sense of community. After all, one thing that I think Fishers does best is mixing family fun with urban flair. Every event has such a beautiful, hometown feel while still offering the best big-city resources.
So, whether you’re looking for a safe place to start a family or a vibrant community with lots of things to do, Fishers is a place you can confidently—and happily—call home!
Photo courtesy of Amanda Merriweather