Welcome to Indianapolis

Welcome  to  Indianapolis  
In  the  heart  of  the  Midwest  is  a  city  rich  in  arts  and  culture,  history  and  heritage,  time-­honored  

traditions  and  endless  possibilities.  Indianapolis,  the  nation’s  twelfth  largest  city,  has  gone  through  a  
dramatic  revitalization  and  stunning  renaissance  period  that  makes  it  almost  unrecognizable  from  
the  place  it  was  less  than  two  decades  ago.  Indianapolis  is  the  right  balance  of  big-­city  style  and  

small-­town  neighborliness  that  makes  it  the  perfect  place  to  live.  Discover  more  about  this  place  
where  everyone  is  welcomed  by  the  warmth  of  genuine  smiles.  What  follows  is  just  an  overview  
about  the  Hoosier  Capital.  I  encourage  you  to  learn  more  by  visiting  www.abilityplus.com  .  Also  to  
assist  you,  this  City  Guide  includes  numerous  links  to  websites  that  provide  additional  information  

about  the  events  and  locations  mentioned.  
 
Who  We  Are  

 
SMALL TOWN WITH A BIG CITY ATMOSPHERE  
Since  the  1990’s,  Indianapolis’  successful  efforts  to  revitalize  the  heart  of  the  city  have  resulted  in  a  

downtown  package  that  includes  the  new  Lucas  Oil  Stadium,  Banker’s  Life  Fieldhouse,  Victory  Field,  
a  larger  Indiana  Convention  Center,  an  IMAX  large-­format  theater,  a  world-­class  zoo,  numerous  
museums,  high-­rise  office  buildings,  state-­of-­the-­art  sporting  facilities,  several  hotels,restored  

residential  areas,  and  Circle  Centre  Mall.  
 
Diversity  and  steady  growth  have  long  been  the  hallmarks  of  the  Indianapolis  economy  and  have  
long  been  the  foundation  of  Indy’s  strong  performance  during  the  past  decade.  Indianapolis  can  

boast  
on  diverse  strengths  in  the  manufacturing,  distribution,  retail  and  service  sectors.  Economic  diversity  
keeps  Indy  on  a  steady  growth  track,  and  away  from  the  boom  and  bust  cycles  experienced  by  many  

U.S.  cities.  
 
Where  We  Are  

Indianapolis  is  easily  accessible  from  a  wide  variety  of  locations.  Did  you  know  more  interstate  
highways  bisect  Indianapolis  than  any  other  in  the  country,  earning  our  city  the  title  of  Crossroads  of  
America?  I-­465  completely  encircles  the  city  like  a  wheel,  with  connecting  spokes  made  out  of  I-­65,  

I-­69,  I-­74  and  I-­70,  plus  US-­31,  US-­40  and  others.  Because  of  our  central  location  and  ties  to  
the  interstate  system,  half  the  nation’s  population  is  within  a  day’s  drive,  which  makes  traveling  to  
and  from  Indy  by  car  quite  convenient.  Of  course,  the  Indianapolis  International  Airport  offers  travel  
on  several  airlines  with  nonstop  and  direct  flights  to  more  than  100  destinations,  if  air  travel  is  more  

your  speed.  
 
Quick  Facts  about  Living  in  Indy  

The  Indianapolis  Region,  also  known  as  Greater  Indianapolis,  is  a  nine-­county  area  that  surrounds  
the  center  and  capital.  These  counties  are  Marion,  Boone,  Hamilton,  Madison,  Hancock,  Shelby,  
Johnson,  Morgan,  and  Hendricks.  Based  on  the  growth  of  nearby  Carmel,  Indiana,  the  Indianapolis  

statistical  area  this  describes  was  renamed  Indianapolis-­Carmel  in  2007.  
 
Population  

903,393  Marion  County  Metropolitan  Statistical  Area  2010  
1,778,568  Indianapolis-­Carmel  Metropolitan  Statistical  Area  2010  
 
Population  Segments  -­  Metropolitan  Statistical  Area  2010  

62.1%  White  
26.2%  Black  or  African-­American  
7.7%  Hispanic  or  Latino  

1.8%  Asian  
0.2%  Other  Races  

2.0%  Two  or  More  Races  
 

Size/Area  
3,854  Square  Miles  Indianapolis-­  
Carmel  Metropolitan  Statistical  Area,  2011  

396  Square  Miles  City  of  Indianapolis  (Marion  County)  
 
Labor  Force  Indianapolis-­Carmel  Metropolitan  Statistical  Area,  2012  
905,398  Total  Labor  Force  

7.8%  Unemployment  rate  
 
Cost  of  Living  Index  -­  2010  

Based  on  the  National  Average  of  100,  Indianapolis  has  a  lower  Cost  of  Living  Index  than  several  
other  cities  in  the  Midwest.  
87.2  Indianapolis-­Carmel,  IN  

90.4  St.  Louis,  MO-­IL  
97.8  Kansas  City,  MO-­KS  
92.0  Columbus,  OH  

99.4  Detroit,  MI  
93.8  Cincinnati,  OH  
116.9  Chicago,  IL  
92.8  Lexington,  KY  

87.7  Louisville,  KY  
 
Cost  of  Housing  

$183,040  Average  Price  of  New  Home  (Marion  County  2012)  
$116,061  Average  Price  of  Existing  Home  (Marion  County  2012)$151,568  Average  Price  of  Home  
(Metropolitan  Indianapolis  Area  2012)  

 
Climate  (The  Weather  Channel)  
•  July  is  the  average  warmest  month  at  84°F  

•  The  highest  recorded  temperature  was  104°F  in  1988.  
•  October  average  for  the  fall  is  64°F  
•  The  average  coolest  month  is  January  at  34°F  
•  The  lowest  recorded  temperature  was  -­22°F  in  1985.  

•  May  is  the  average  wettest  month.  
 
What  We  Have  to  Offer  

 
SPECIAL EVENTS  
From  sporting  events  to  special  events,  Indianapolis  hosts  all  kinds,  especially  during  the  summer  

months.  In  May,  join  the  swell  of  people  who  come  to  the  city  to  participate  in  the  Indianapolis  500  
Festival  including  the  Mini  Marathon,  the  nation’s  largest  half  marathon  with  a  record  35,000  
registrants.  

 
Enjoy  the  sounds  of  the  Indy  Jazz  Fest  at  downtown’s  Military  Park.  Explore  African-­American  
heritage  and  culture  in  July  during  the  weeklong  Indiana  Black  Expo  Summer  Celebration.  And  revel  
in  the  sights,  sounds,  smells  and  sensations  of  the  Indiana  State  Fair,  the  oldest  state  fair  in  the  

country  held  for  a  dozen  days  in  August  on  the  near  north  side  of  the  city.  
 
SPORTS  

Did  someone  just  say  speed?  Mention  racing  and  Indianapolis  takes  the  checkered  flag  every  time.  
Commonly  referred  to  as  the  “Racing  Capital  of  the  World,”  Indianapolis  hosts  the  three  largest  

single-­day  sporting  events  in  the  world:  the  Indianapolis  500,  the  Brickyard  400  and  the  United  
States  Grand  Prix,  which  brings  fans  to  Indy  from  across  the  globe.  The  privately-­owned  Indianapolis  

Motor  Speedway  is  located  on  the  near  west  side  of  Indianapolis  in  the  town  of  
Speedway.  Indianapolis  also  is  home  to  Lucus  Oil  Raceway  where  the  NHRA  Drag  Racing  Series  
and  USAC  Midget  and  Sprint  Cars  hit  the  track.  The  Hall  of  Fame  Museum  on  the  grounds  of  the  

 
Indianapolis  Motor  Speedway  is  where  you  can  discover  how  the  area’s  love  affair  with  racing  
started,  where  it’s  been  and  where  it’s  going.  Racing  certainly  is  not  all  Indy  has  to  offer  the  sports-­
minded.  The  city  boasts  professional  teams  in  basketball,  football,  and  baseball.  Always  known  as  a  

basketball  state  (remember  the  movie  
“Hoosiers”?),  Indianapolis  has  been  home  to  the  Indiana  Pacers  basketball  franchise  for  forty  years.  
This  rich  history  from  ABA  to  NBA  includes  winning  memories  of  star  players  from  George  

McGinnis  to  Reggie  Miller.  The  downtown  Banker’s  Life  Fieldhouse,  a  state-­of-­the-­art  building  with  a  
nostalgic  façade,  also  is  home  to  the  WNBA’s  Indiana  Fever  -­-­  2012  WNBA  Champions!  
 

Since  March  28,  1984,  the  NFL’s  Indianapolis  Colts  have  called  Indy  home.  With  a  city  of  supporters  
behind  them,  Coach  Tony  Dungy  and  MVP  Peyton  Manning  led  the  team  to  victory  in  as  Super  Bowl  
XLI  Champions  in  2007.  Their  new  home  field  with  a  retractable  roof,  Lucas  Oil  Stadium,  gives  the  

team  a  great  home  field  advantage  and  provided  the  city  with  the  opportunity  to  host  Super  Bowl  
XLVI  on  February  5,  2012.  
 
Professional  baseball  has  been  played  in  Indianapolis  since  1887,  and  today  is  home  to  the  

Indianapolis  Indians,  the  “Triple  A”  affiliate  of  the  Pittsburgh  Pirates.  The  Indians  play  ball  in  the  
heart  of  downtown  at  Victory  Field,  the  “best  minor  league  ballpark  in  America”  and  a  great  place  for  
the  whole  family  to  spend  a  summer  afternoon  or  evening.  

 
Indiana  Ice  is  a  Tier  1  hockey  team  formed  in  2004  when  it  was  purchased  from  the  former  Danville,  
Illinois,  the  Danville  Wings.  They  skate  at  the  Pepsi  Coliseum  on  the  Indiana  State  Fairgrounds  and  

at  Banker’s  Life  Fieldhouse.  
 
Indianapolis’  pro  soccer  team  Indy  Eleven  will  make  its  on-­field  debut  in  April  2014.  The  team  will  

compete  in  the  North  American  Soccer  League,  the  top  feeder  league  to  Major  League  Soccer.  
 
INDY ATTRACTIONS  
Designed  by  the  architects  of  Washington,  DC,  downtown  Indianapolis  is  laid  out  on  a  mile  square  

grid  with  Monument  Circle  serving  as  the  centerpiece.  At  the  center  of  Monument  Circle  stands  the  
284-­foot  Soldiers’  &  Sailors’  Monument.  Made  of  Indiana  limestone,  the  Soldiers’  &  Sailors’  
Monument  stands  as  a  tribute  to  the  Indiana  military  servicemen  who  served  in  the  Civil  and  

Spanish-­American  Wars.  Thirty-­two  stories  up,  an  observation  tower  provides  a  panoramic  view  of  
the  city  skyline.  
 

Located  in  the  southwest  quadrant  of  downtown,  White  River  State  Park  features  the  grassy  areas,  
trees,  water  and  walkways  visitors  expect  to  find  in  a  state  park.  In  addition,  it  is  home  to  such  
attractions  as  the  Indiana  State  Museum,  the  NCAA  Hall  of  Champions,  the  Indianapolis  Zoo,  White  

River  Gardens,  the  IMAX  Theater,  the  Eiteljorg  Museum  of  Native  American  and  Western  
 
Art,  Victory  Field  ballpark,  the  National  Institute  for  Fitness  and  Sport  and  the  Congressional  Medal  
of  Honor  Memorial.  Stroll  to  and  from  the  White  River  State  Park  attractions  on  the  many  trails  and  

paths  that  run  through  it.  
 
The  Eiteljorg  Museum  of  Native  American  and  Western  Art  is  a  showplace  for  the  art,  culture  and  

history  of  the  American  West  and  its  indigenous  people.  Educational  programs,  engaging  exhibits  
and  special  events  are  added  dimensions  of  this  unique  museum.  

 
Follow  the  journey  of  the  student-­athlete  at  the  NCAA  Hall  of  Champions.  Through  a  variety  of  highly  

interactive  displays  and  video  presentations,  visitors  are  able  to  see  and  hear  athletes  and  
coaches  describe  how  they  excelled  in  their  respective  sports.  
 

Get  back  to  nature  at  the  Indianapolis  Zoo  and  White  River  Gardens,  where  plants  and  animals  are  
the  main  attraction.  The  nation’s  only  accredited  combined  zoo,  aquarium,  and  botanical  garden,  it  
occupies  64  acres  in  White  River  State  Park.  The  Indianapolis  Zoo,  divided  into  biomes,  features  
nearly  4,000  animals  in  a  “cage  less”  setting  and  is  home  to  the  state’s  largest  aquarium.  White  

River  Gardens  gets  two  green  thumbs  up  for  its  seasonal  botanical  shows,  theme  demonstration  
gardens  and  a  5,000  square-­feet  conservatory  filled  with  tropical  plants.  
 

The  Indiana  State  Museum  is  a  showplace  for  Indiana’s  cultural  and  natural  history.  The  building,  
constructed  of  Indiana  materials,  triples  the  size  of  exhibit  and  program  space  from  its  former  
locations  while  preservation  labs  and  storage  facilities  house  the  museum’s  collection  of  more  than  

400,00  artifacts.  
 
People  of  all  ages  enjoy  the  Children’s  Museum  of  Indianapolis.  Whether  measured  by  size,  number  

of  artifacts  or  number  of  visitors,  The  Children’s  Museum  of  Indianapolis  is  the  world’s  largest  and  
was  recently  ranked  as  the  “best  children’s  museum”  in  the  country  by  Child  magazine  and  the  No.  1  
museum  in  the  Midwest  by  FamilyFun  magazine.  The  five-­story  museum  houses  100,000  artifacts  in  
10  major  galleries  that  explore  the  physical  and  natural  sciences,  history,  foreign  cultures  and  the  

arts.  Many  of  the  exhibits  are  interactive  and  participatory,  encouraging  hands-­on  learning.  Treat  
yourself  to  a  ride  on  the  turn-­of-­the-­century  carousel,  get  a  great  view  of  the  stars  at  SpaceQuest  
Planetarium  or  get  prehistoric  in  the  Dino  Discovery  Lab,  where  children  can  work  

side-­by-­side  with  professional  paleontologists  to  select  65  million  year-­old  dinosaur  fossils  for  display  
in  the  Dinosphere,  the  most  up-­to-­date  representation  of  dinosaur  behavior  in  the  world.  
 

Visit  the  Indianapolis  Museum  of  Art  to  enjoy  one  of  the  largest  general  art  museums  in  the  United  
States  where  a  $180  million  investment  project  was  completed  in  2010.  Feast  your  eyes  on  
paintings,  sculptures,  photographs  and  textiles  from  African,  American,  Asian  and  European  

collections.  While  there,  plan  to  visit  the  National  Historic  Landmark  26-­acre  estate  Oldfields-­Lilly  
House  and  Gardens.  And  wander  the  100-­acres  of  untamed  woodlands,  wetlands,  lake  and  meadow  
of  the  adjacent  Fairbanks  Art  and  Nature  Park.  
 

INDY’S MORE HISTORICAL SIDE  
Indianapolis  is  second  only  to  Washington,  DC,  in  number  of  memorials.  The  city  pays  homage  and  
respect  through  memorials  to  Medal  of  Honor  recipients,  fallen  law  enforcement  and  firefighters,  and  

Hoosiers  who  died  in  conflicts  from  the  Civil  War  to  Somalia.  Indianapolis  is  also  home  to  one  of  only  
26  national  monuments  in  the  country.  Situated  on  the  east  bank  of  the  Central  Canal,  the  USS  
Indianapolis  Memorial  recognizes  those  who  died  on  the  last  U.S.  ship  to  sink  during  World  War  II.  

Etched  on  one  side  is  the  story  of  the  sinking  with  the  names  of  all  those  who  served  on  the  other.  
 
Step  inside  the  beautiful  Hilbert  Circle  Theater  right  on  Monument  Circleto  hear  the  Indianapolis  

Symphony  Orchestra.  The  year  
-­round  performance  schedule  of  200  classical,  pop  and  holiday    
concerts  is  performed  at  the  historic  theater,  plus  summer  concerts  are  heard  under  the  stars  at  
Conner  Prairie  frontier  village.    

Just  a  few  blocks  from  Monument  Circle  stands  Indianapolis    
Union  Railroad  Station,  site  of  the  nation’s  first  union  railroad.  Built  in  1888  to  handle  the  booming  
rail  traffic,  Union  Station  has  been    

restored  into  a  beautiful  hotel  and  meeting  venue.    
http://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/indianapolis/unionstation.htm  

Also  within  walking  distance  of  Monument  Circle  is  the    
Indianapolis  City  Market.  Established  in  1886,  the  original  City  Market  is  still  standing  and  listed  in  

the  National  Register  of  Historic  Places.  In  an  Old  World  atmosphere,  the  market’s  vendors  offer  
fresh  produce,  meats,  fish,  imported  coffees  and  baked  goods.  Specialty  stands  include  gifts,  
flowers,  candy,  shoe  shines,  clothing    

alterations,  and  shoe  and  leather  repair.  Cart  vendors  ranging  f  
rom  a  portrait  artist  to  various  craft  and  jewelry  designers  add  an  ever-­changing  flavor  to  the  market.    
 
For  decades,  the  Madame  Walker  Theatre  Center  

has  been  the  heart  of  Indiana  Avenue,  once  well-­known  
throughout  the  Midwest  as  the  city’s  center  of  jazz.  Legendary  musicians  like  Bix  Beiderbecke  and  
West  Montgomery  played  at  the  Indiana  Avenue  jazz  clubs.  The  Walker  Building  and  Theatre  were  

originally  constructed  in  1927  as  the  home  of  Walker  Manufacturing,  
founded  by  the  country’s  first  female  self-­made  millionaire,  Madame  C.J.  Walker.  Travel  north  to  the  
Indianapolis  suburb  of  Fishers  for  a  stop  at  Conner  Prairie,  an  open-­air  living  history  museum.  It  

serves  
as  a  local,  regional,  and  national  center  for  research  and  education    
about  the  lives,  times,  attitudes,  and  values  of  early  19-­century  settlers  in  the  Old  Northwest  

Territory,  emphasizing  the  Indiana  experience.  The  museum  and  historic  areas  are  set  on  a  210  
acre  site  featuring  wooded  areas  and  orchards  along  the  White  River  in  central  Indiana.  Each  year,  
more  than  320,000  people  visit  this  living  history  museum  and  frontier  village  where  the  past    
becomes  the  present.  You  can  experience  authentic  frontier    

activities,  including  a  pioneer  wedding  celebration  and  camp  meeting.  Seasonal  events  and  exhibits  
throughout  the  year  enrich  the  museum  and  its  visitors.  It’s  good,  old-­fashioned  family  fun  
...1830’s  style.    

For  more  modern  outdoor  activity,  spend  the  day  at  Eagle  Creek  Park.  With  3,900  acres  of  wooded  
terrain  and  a  1,300-­acre  reservoir,  Eagle  Creek,  is  one  of  the  largest  municipal  parks  in  the  United  
States.  The  park  has  footpaths,  bike  trails,  a  nature  center,  a  36-­hole  golf  course,  archery  and  pistol  

range,  shelter  houses,  playgrounds  and  two  retreat  centers  that  are  available  for  day  conferences  or  
retreats.  Visitors  can  swim,  sail,  canoe,  bird  watch,  fish  and  cross-­country  ski.    
Horse-­drawn  carriage  rides  through  the  park  are  offered  seasonally.  Eagle  Creek  is  home  to  one  of  

only  two  rowing  courses  in  the  United  Sates  sanctioned  for  international  competition  by  the  
International  Federation  of  Rowing  Associations.  In  1994,  it  was  the  site  of  the  World  Rowing  
Championships.  
 

DINING  
All  that  activity  is  bound  to  work  up  an  appetite.  Indy’s  diverse  and  abundant  restaurant  selection  
downtown  gives  diners  a  lot  to  chew  on.  Tempt  your  taste  buds  with  a  succulent  steak  from  Ruth’s  

Chris  Steak  House  or  savor  the  seafood  at  Kona  Jack’s  Fish  Market.  Travel  around  the  globe  
without  ever  leaving  the  city  with  P.F.  Chang’s  China  Bistro,  the  Rathskeller  for  authentic  German  
cuisine  or  the  Claddagh  Irish  Pub.  Catch  the  big  game  on  one  of  the  many  TVs  at  Champps,  Rock  

Bottom  Brewery  or  Hooters.  In  addition  to  wonderful  national  restaurants  with  locations  in  
Indianapolis,  our  city  boasts  delicious  and  unique  options  for  dining  too  numerous  to  name,  but  here  
are  a  few  worth  pointing  out.A  fourth  generation  continues  the  homemade  Italian  food  tradition  

begun  in  the  1930’s  at  Iaria’Italian  Restaurant.  Sandwiches  at  Shapiro’s  Delicatessen  are  still  
stacked  so  high  they  don’t  fit  in  your  mouth.  Calling  downtown  home  for  more  than  100  years,  St  
Elmo  Steak  House  has  a  national  reputation  for  great  food,  great  service,  and  shrimp  cocktail  you’ll  
never  forget.  Select  from  hundreds  of  restaurants  in  the  area  based  on  location  or  cuisine  

at  http://indianapolis.diningguide.com  
“Two  things  I’ve  noticed  about  Indianapolis  whenever  you  go  back:  
The  people  are  nice  –automatically  nice  –and  the  food  is  better!”  

David  Letterman  
 

SHOPPING  
Explore  Circle  Centre  Mall  downtown  where  you’ll  find  

every  specialty  store  you  would  want.  If  antiques  are  what  you’re  looking  for,  take  a  short  drive  
southeast  of  downtown  to  Fountain  Square  historic  district,  where  you’ll  find  antique  dealers  in  
specialty  stores  and  art  galleries.  Or  browse  the  eclectic  boutiques  and  vintage  clothing  shops  just  a  

little  north  of  downtown  in  Broad  Ripple  Village  where  you  also  can  dine  in  one  of  their  unique  pubs  
and  eateries,  many  with  outside  seating  during  the  warm-­weather  months.  Other  area  malls  include  
Castleton  Square  on  the  northeast  side,  Glendale  Mall  to  the  north,  Greenwood  Park  Mall    
on  the  south  side,  Lafayette  Square  Mall  on  the  west  side,  and  The  Fashion  Mall  at  Keystone  on  the  

far  north  side.  Surrounding  area  malls  include  Hamilton  Towne  Centre  in  Noblesville,  Clay  Terrace  in  
Carmel,  Metropolis  in  Plainfield  and  south  of  Indianapolis,  
Edinburg.  

 
Indy  Government    
A BRIEF LESSON    

By  1970,  the  city  of  Indianapolis  had  grown  to  encompass  all  of  Marion  County.  Rather  than  two  
separate  bodies  for  city  administration  and  county  administration,  a  unified  government  or  UniGov  
was  created.  Under  UniGov,  the  City  Council  and  County  Council  combined  to  form  the  City-­County  

Council.  City-­  
County  government  is  now  divided  into  three  branches,  the  executive,  legislative,  and  judicial  
branches,  similar  to  the  federal  system  of  government.    

For  additional  detailed  information,  please  visit  the  government  website  at  www.indy.gov  
 
Executive  Branch  

The  executive  branch  consists  of  the  mayor’s  office  and  five  departments,  each  with  its  own  
functions  and  responsibilities.  Under  UniGov,  the  mayor  is  the  chief  executive  officer  of  both  the    
city  and  the  county.  Gregory  A.  Ballard  was  elected  the  48th  Mayor  of  Indianapolis  on  November  6,  

2007,  and  was  re-­elected  to  a  second  term  on  November  8,  2011.A  director  is  appointed  by  the  
Mayor  and  approved  by  the  City-­County  Council  for  each  of  the  five  departments:  Capital  Asset  
Management-­monitors  condition  of  infrastructure  assets  such  as  streets,  bridges,  sewers,  etc.,  
manages  parking  meters,  and  maintains  street  and  bridge  lighting    

Metropolitan  Development-­responsible  for  code  enforcement,  planning  and  zoning,  redevelopment,  
and  historic  preservation    
Public  Works-­collects  and  disposes  of  liquid  and  solid  waste,  monitors  air  pollution,  and  maintains  

streets,  bridges,  storm  water  drains,  and  sanitary  sewers    
 
Public  Safety-­responsible  for  overseeing  the  Indianapolis  police  and  fire  departments,  emergency  

management  planning,  weights  and  measures,  and  animal  control.  
 
Parks  and  Recreation-­maintains  and  builds  golf  courses,  neighborhood  and  regional  parks,  

community  centers,  swimming  pools,  and  other  recreational  facilities  such  as  William  Kuntz  Soccer    
Center,  Mayor  Taylor  Velodrome,  and  the  Regatta  Course  at  Eagle  Creek.  Each  department  also  
has  a  non-­salaried  policy-­making  board  that  holds  regular  public  meetings.  The  board  members  are  
appointed  by  the  mayor  and  the  council.    

 
Legislative  Branch    
The  legislative  branch  of  local  government  consists  of  the  29-­  

member  City-­County  Council.  Each  member  is  elected  for  a  four-­year  term.  Twenty-­five  of  the  
members  are  elected  by  the  voters  in    
their  districts  and  four  at-­large  members  are  elected  by  the  voters  of  the  entire  county.  In  addition  to  

powers  of  confirmation  of  mayoral  appointments,  the  council  has  exclusive  power  to  adopt    
budgets,  levy  taxes,  and  make  appropriations.  The  council  can  also  enact,  repeal,  or  amend  local  
ordinances.    

 
Judicial  Branch    

The  third  branch  of  UniGov,  the  judicial  branch,  consists  of  a  Circuit  Court;;  a  Superior  Court  withfour  
divisions  (Civil,  Criminal,  Probate,  and  Juvenile);;  a  Municipal  Court  with  13  criminal  trial  courtrooms  
and  four  civil  courtrooms;;  and  a  Small  Claims  Court  with  eight  courtrooms.    

 
Police  and  Sheriff  Merger    
In  January  2007,  the  Indianapolis  Police  Department  merged  with  the  Marion  County  Sheriff’s  
Department  to  form  the  Indianapolis  Metropolitan  Police  Department.  

 
Residential  Communities    
MARION COUNTY  

Marion  County  is  divided  into  nine  Townships  with  different  advantages  and  strengths.  It’s  like  they  
have  distinct  personalities.  If  you  are  relocating  to  Indianapolis,  you  might  want  to  spend  some  time  
in  each  area  to  determine  which  area  suits  you  best.  Each  township  is  governed  by  a  Township  

Trustee,  Township  Assessor  and  Advisory  Board.    
 
NORTH    

Lawrence  Township  
Lawrence,  Indiana,  both  the  city  and  the  township,  is  located  in  the  northeast  corner  of  Marion  
County.  Several  upscale  housing  communities  and  outdoor  recreation  facilities  are  in  the  area    

including  the  exclusive  Geist  development.The  elementary,  junior  highs  and  high  schools  have  
received  excellent  rating,  and  career  training  is  offered  in  fifteen  vocational  areas.  Also,  special    
education  and  gifted  classes  are  available.  Visit    

https://www.ltschools.org/.  
 
Pike  Township  

In  the  northwest  corner  of  Marion  County  that  includes  Eagle  Creek  Park,  Pike  Township  offers  a  
diverse  social,  cultural,  ethnic  and  economic  makeup.  The  nine  elementary  schools,  three  middle  
schools  and  one  high  school  (with  a  freshman  campus)    
maintain  high  academic  standards  in  state-­of-­the-­art  facilities.  Visit  the  school  website  

at  http://www.pike.k12.in.us/.    
Eagle  Creek  Park,  in  the  township’s  northwest  corner,  provides  a  
5,000-­acre  nature  facility  for  hiking,  fishing,  sailing  and  skiing.  It  also  includes  a  27-­hole  golf  course,  

bird  sanctuary,  archery    
range,  woodland/wildlife  preserve  and  other  family  activities.  
 

Washington  Township    
Encompassing  a  large  area  of  northern  Indianapolis,  Washington  Township  is  the  third  most  
populated  township  in  Marion  County.  It  has  a  long-­standing  reputation  for  a  fine  standard  of  living  

with  tree-­lined  neighborhoods.  Butler  University  and  Broad  Ripple  Village  are  in  Washington  
Township.  The  school  system  has  received  high  scholastic  ratings  and  special  education  programs  
are  available.  Career  training  in  fifteen  fields  is  offered  by  the  J.  Everett  Light  Career  Center.  Many  
private  and  parochial  schools  are  also  within  Washington  Township.  Visit  the  school  website  

at  http://www.msdwt.k12.in.us/  
 
Three  branches  of  the  Indianapolis/Marion  County  Public  Library  offer  excellent  facilities  including  

traveling  bookmobiles.  This  township  offers  both  public  and  private  recreational  facilities.  
 
SOUTH  

Franklin  Township    
Marion  County’s  southeast  corner  has  been  predominantly  a  rural  area  on  the  fringe  of  Indianapolis,  
however,  substantial  development  has  taken  place  and  many  new  housing  developments  can  be  

found.  The  township  is  served  by  six  elementary  schools,  two  intermediate  schools,  and  one  high  
school  that  boast  state-­of-­the-­art  athletic  facilities.  Visit    

http://www.ftcsc.k12.in.us/.  
 
Perry  Township  

In  the  south  central  section  of  Marion  County,  this  township  features  well-­established  residential  
neighborhoods.  The  town  of  Southport  is  located  in  the  southern  section  of  the  township  and  the  
University  of  Indianapolis  is  in  the  northern  section.  Perry  Township  includes  11  elementary  schools,  
two  sixth-­grade  academies,  two  middle  schools  and  two  high  schools.  Visit  the  school  website  at    

http://www.msdpt.k12.in.us/  
 
OUTSIDE OF MARION COUNTY  

Some  of  the  finest  residential  communities  in  the  Midwest  are  located  in  the  greater  Indianapolis  
area  in  the  counties  bordering  Marion  County.  
 

NORTH –HAMILTON COUNTY
 
Carmel  Indiana,  is  pronounced  Car’-­  mel,  like  the  candy!  One  of  the  fastest  growing  suburbs  in  the  

United  States,  Carmel  has  often  been  called  an  “ideal  suburb”  with  some  of  the  most  outstanding    
housing  and  most  affluent  per-­capita  incomes  in  Indiana.  Located  in  Clay  Township,  Hamilton  
County,  it  lies  immediately  north  of  Indianapolis  via  state  highways  31  and  431.  
 

Schools    
The  Carmel-­Clay  School  Corporation  earns  high  scholastic  ratings.  There  are  eleven  elementary  
schools,  three  middle  schools  and  one  high  school  with  extensive  facilities.  Vocational  and  special  

education  programs  are  offered.  Visit  the  school  website  at    
http://www1.ccs.k12.in.us/  
.    

Municipal  Information  
The  government  includes  the  Mayor  and  a  seven-­member  City  Council,  a  Clerk-­Treasurer,  a  City  
Judge,  as  well  as  Board  and  Commissions  including  the  Board  of  Public  Works,  Board  of  Zoning    

Appeals,  Redevelopment  Commission,  Plan  Commission,  Parks  and  Recreation  Board,  Economic  
Advisory  Board,  and  Housing  Authority.    
 
Miscellaneous  

Besides  easy  access  to  all  of  Indianapolis  for  entertainment  
and  recreation,  the  Carmel  area  boasts  of  top-­rated  country  clubs,  golf  courses,  health  clubs,  riding  
stables  and  shopping  districts.    

Carmel  has  its  own  Symphony  Orchestra  and  a  highly-­acclaimed  modern  public  library.  
 
Fishers  

Located  in  southeastern  Hamilton  County,  the  town  of  Fishers  began  simply  in  1872  as  a  train  stop  
called  Fishers  Switch  and  very  slowly  grew  to  a  population  of  388  by  1960.  That  all  changed    
quickly  after  Indiana  highway  37  was  relocated  and  connected  to  I-­69.  The  Town  of  Fishers  became  

a  fast-­growing  suburb  just  20  miles  north  and  east  of  downtown  Indianapolis.  By  2006,  the  
population  
was  60,000.  In  2010,  the  population  grew  to  76,950  with  an  estimated  population  of  81,850  in  2012.  
 

Schools    
Hamilton  Southeastern  Schools  have  achieved  significant  successes  in  academic  competitions,  
sports,  music,  arts  and  other  extracurricular  activities.  The  school  corporation  includes  twelve  

elementary,  three  intermediate  and  three  junior  high  schools,  a  freshman  campus  and  two  senior  
high  schools.The  schools  hold  a  Four  Star  rating  issued  by  the  Indiana  Department  of  Education.  

Visit  the  school  website  at    
http://www.hse.k12.in.us/  

.    
Municipal  Information  
The  town  of  Fishers  is  governed  by  a  seven-­member  

Town  Council  with  legislative  and  executive  powers,  plus  a  clerk  
-­treasurer  responsible  for  the  town’s  financial  matters.  The  Town  Council  elects  a  council  president  
and  vice-­president.  The  town  council  also  appoints  and  oversees  a  town  manager  whose  day  
-­to-­day  management  responsibilities  include  overseeing  the  administration,  development,  fire,  police,  

parks  and  recreation,  public  works,  wastewater  and  information  technology  departments.  
 
Miscellaneous  

In  July  2005,  Money  Magazine  unveiled  its  annual  ran  
king  of  “Best  Places  to  Live  in  the  United  States”.  The  Town  of  Fishers  was  ranked  as  twenty-­fourth  
best,  higher  than  any  town  or  city  in  Indiana.  

 
Noblesville  
Noblesville  is  the  seat  of  Hamilton  County  and  is  seventeen  miles  northeast  of  Indianapolis.  I-­69,  

with  easy  access  to  I-­465,  is  just  four  miles  southeast  of  Noblesville.  Prestigious  home  and    
condominium  communities  such  as  North,  South  and  West  Harbours  and  Forest  Bay  surround  
Morse  Reservoir,  a  boating  enthusiast’s  “dream”.  SchoolsThe  Noblesville  School  District  serves  
most  of  the  city  of  Noblesville  and  all  of  Noblesville  Township.    

 
Schools    
Include  six  elementary,  two  middle  school,  and  one  high  school  with  a  freshman  center.  Visit  

http://www.noblesvilleschools.org/.  
 
Municipal  Information  

Governed  by  a  Mayor,  a  seven-­member  Common  Council,  a  City  Planning  Commission  and  a  Board  
of  Zoning  Appeals,  the  City  of  Noblesville  also  has  a  23-­member  police  force  as  well  as  fourteen  
auxiliary  police.  Two  fire  stations  with  a  30-­man  full-­time  crew  serve  the  area.    

 
Miscellaneous    
Forest  Park  is  a  municipal  park  with  a  9-­hole  golf  course,  pool,  sports  and  picnic  facilities  and  the  
Indiana  Museum  of  Transportation  and  Communications.  Also  within  the  city  limits  is  the  newly    

enlarged  Riverview  Hospital.  Conner  Prairie  Pioneer  Settlement,  a  living  museum  of  early  Indiana  
history,  is  just  south  of  town  and  attracts  visitors  from  all  over  the  Midwest.  
 

NORTHWEST –BOONE COUNTY    
 

Zionsville  
A  historic  and  architectural  treasure  just  into  Boone  County,  Zionsville  is  a  quaint  village  less  than  
thirty  minutes  from  downtown  Indianapolis.  Restored  and  remodeled  starting  in  the  1960’s  to    
preserve  its  Colonial,  Victorian  and  Early  American  past,  Zionsville  is  one  of  the  favorite  shopping  

and  dining  villages  complete  with  brick  streets  of  yesteryear.  This,  combined  with  the  dramatic  new    
home  communities  bordering  the  town,  makes  Zionsville  a  much-­  
favored  address.  

 
Schools  
Zionsville  Community  schools  include  five  

elementary,  two  middle  schools,  and  one  high  school.    
For  more  information  about  the  schools,  visit    
www.zcs.k12.in.us  

.    
Municipal  Information  

A  five-­member  Town  Council  is  elected  along  with  a  Clerk  
-­Treasurer.  The  Redevelopment  Commission  is  made  up  of  six  members.    
 

Miscellaneous  
In  1861,  President-­elect  Abraham  Lincoln  traveled  by  train  through  Zionsville  from  his  home  in  
Illinois  to  his  inauguration.  The  train  stopped  briefly  and  Lincoln  stepped  to  the  rear  platform  of  the  
train  to  speak  to  the  assembled  crowd.  In  commemoration  that  site  was  named  Lincoln  Park.  

 
WEST –HENDRICKS COUNTY  
Avon    

On  the  west  side  of  Indianapolis,  the  Town  of  Avon  has  experienced    
explosive  growth  as  has  the  Carmel/Fishers  area  north  of  the  city.  In  1990,  the  area  claimed  a  
population  of  just  1,000,  although  it  was  not  officially  a  town  until  1997.  The  population  in  2004  was  

approximately10,000.  Officials  list  the  population  as  13,300  for  2012.  
 
Schools  

Avon  Community  School  Corporation  includes  seven  elementary  schools,  two  intermediate  schools,  
two  middle  schools  and  one  
high  school.  The  Avon  schools  recently  were  recognized  as    
Indiana  “Four  Star”  schools  by  the  Indiana  Departmen  

t  of  Education  by  placing  in  the  top  25  percent  of  all  Indiana  schools  for  its  statewide  testing  scores  
(ISTEP)  and  graduation  rate.  Visit  the  school  website  at  http://www.avon-­schools.org.    
 

Municipal  Information  
The  five  members  of  the  Town  Council  serve  as  the  executive  and  legislative  body.  A  council  
president  is  elected  by  the  town  council.  The  Town  Manager  is  the  chief  administrative  officer  who  

oversees  departments  and  staff  who  coordinate  various  services.Brownsburg    
Located  just  15  miles  north  of  the  Indianapolis  International  Airport,  Brownsburg  is  a  combination  of  
rural  and  suburban.  This  family-­oriented  own  is  home  to  one  of  the  most  diverse  auto  racing  facilities  

in  the  county,  Lucus  Oil  Raceway  at  Indianapolis,  where  more  than  100  events  are  held  each  year.    
 
Schools  
Brownsburg  Community    

School  Corporation  includes  six  
elementary  schools,  two  middle  schools,    
and  one  high  school.  Visit    

http://www.brownsburg.k12.in.us/  
.    
Municipal  Information  

The  Town  Manager,  under  the  direction  of  the  five-­  
member  Town  Council,  is  responsible  for  the  administration  of  the  town  and  has  supervisory  control  
over  all  town  personnel  except  elected  officials,  policemen  and  firemen.  

 
SOUTH –JOHNSON COUNTY  
Greenwood  /  Center  Grove  
Located  just  south  of  Indianapolis  is  the  city  of  Greenwood.  Divided  into  two  distinct  areas,  Old  

Towne  occupies  Main  Street  off  of  I-­  
65.  Many  long-­time  businesses  have  been  joined  by  new    
manufacturers  and  warehouse  facilities.  Greenwood’s  White  River  Township  is  called  Center  Grove.  

Newer  luxurious  subdivisions  dot  the  landscape  and  have  brought  tremendous  development  and  
growth  to  the  area.    

 
Schools  

Greenwood  Community  School  Corporation  includes    
four  elementary  schools,  one  middle  school  and  one  high  school.  For  more  information,  
visit  http://oak.gws.k12.in.us/.    

Center  Grove  School  Corporation  in  White  River  Township  includes  six  elementary  schools,  
twomiddle  schools  and  one  high  school.  In  addition  to  academic  excellence,  Center  Grove  also  is    
known  outstanding  sports  and  other  extracurricular  programs.  Visit  the  school  website  at  
http://www.centergrove.k12.in.us/.    

 
Municipal  Information  
Greenwood  is  managed  by  a  Mayor  and  Common  Council.  Assisting  is  the  Board  of  Public  Works  &  

Safety,  Advisory  Plan  Commission,  Economic  Commission,  Redevelopment  Commission,  and    
others.  Miscellaneous  The  Greenwood  Greenways  program  has  built  dozens  of  miles  of  multi-­use  
trails,  greenways  and  walkways  throughout  Greenwood  for  walking,  running,  cycling  and  skating    

enjoyment.  More  trails  are  planned  throughout  the  area.  
 
Let’s  Have  Some  Fun    

The  Circle  City  has  a  variety  of  off-­beat  and  exciting  things  to  do  and  places  to  go.  It  doesn’t  matter  if  
you’re  interested  in  basketball,  history  or  high-­octane  excitement,  Indianapolis  can  provide    
friendliness  and  fun  that  is  recognized  far  and  wide.  Visit    
http://visitindy.comfor  more  information.    

 
Here  is  just  a  sampling  of  some  of  the  fun  and  funky  things  Indianapolis  offers:    
•Tilt  Studio  Indy  is  your  family  FUN  destination!    

Featuring  one-­of-­a-­kind  motion  simulators,  video  games,  redemption  games  and  now  Red  Planet  
laser  tag!  We  are  Indianapolis’    
largest  arcade,  birthday  party  and  event  center  located  in  the  heart  of  downtown  Indianapolis  in  the  

Circle  Center  Mall.  
•Ride  pedal  boatsor  surrey  bikes,  rollerblade  or  jog  along  the    
Indianapolis  CanalWalk,  a  renovated  10  ½block  downtown  canal  which  features  gardens,  parks,  

decorative  bridges    
and  walkways.  The  canal  has  become  a  focal  point  for  activity  on  the  west  side  of  downtown.    
•Race  go-­karts  at  Fastimes  Indoor  Karting,  which  offer  European-­  
style,  wheel-­to-­wheel  racing  in  state-­of-­the-­  

art  karts.  Driverscan  race  against  the  clock  or  each  other  and  racing    
helmets,  suits  and  gloves  are  provided.    
If  you  need  more  of  the  “real  thing”,  drive  a  professional  race  car  at  Track  Attack  Racing  School  

•Go  duckpin  bowling  at  Action  Duckpin  Bowl  or  Atomic  Bowl  Duckpin  
in  Fountain  Square.  In  duckpin  bowling,  players  get  three  wooden,  softball-­sized  balls  per  frame  with  
which  to  knock  down  10  pint-­  

sized  pins.  Both  alleys  are  located  in  a  historic  renovated    
building  furnished  with  equipment  from  the  1950s  and  featuring  oversized  black  and  white  photos  of  
past  duckpin  bowling  greats  –  

most  of  whom  have  flattops.    
•Tour  the  Indiana  Medical  History  Museum,  what  one  travel  book  called  a  “marvelous  museum  quite  
simply  without  peer  in  the  entire  county.”  The  museum  is  housed  in  the  historic  Pathological  
Department  of  the  former  Central  State  Hospital.  The  museum    

includes  old  stethoscopes,  X-­ray  machines,  ophthalmoscopes,  lab  equipment  and  other  medical  
artifacts.    
•Spend  the  evening  stargazing  at  Holcomb  Observatory  

and  Planetarium,  Indiana’s  premier  observatory.  The  observatory  is  located  on  the  beautifully  
landscaped  grounds  of  Butler    

University,  just  a  few  miles  north  of  downtown  Indianapolis.    
•Check  out  the  Indianapolis  Motor  Speedway  Hall  of  Fame  Museum.  More  than  35  cars  that  have  

won  the  Indianapolis  500  are  on  exhibit  at  the  museum.  Shop  for  souvenirs  and  racing  mementos  in  
the  museum’s  gift  shop.  You  can  even  take  a  ride  around  the  famous  2    
½  mile  oval,  home  of  the  “greatest  spectacle  in  racing”.    

•Have  a  few  laughs  at  Crackers  Comedy  Club  Downtown  
or  Broad  Ripple,  where  the  alumni  list  includes  Tim  Allen,  Rosie  O’Donnell,  Jeff  Foxworthy  and  Drew  
Carey.    
•Take  in  an  outdoor  summer  concert  during    

Symphony  on  the  Prairie  at  Conner  Prairie.  On    
weekends,  the  Indianapolis  Symphony  Orchestra  performs  classical  music  while  the  audience  
spreads  out  on  blankets  with  picnic  dinners  in  a  wooded,  picturesque  setting  of  this  living  history  

museum.  
 
Index  of  Indianapolis’s  Arts  Groups  and  Facilities  Theatre/Dance/Music    

American  Cabaret  Theatre–authentic  European-­style  cabaret    
Asante  Children’s  Theatre–enlightening  youth  through  theatrical  arts    
Beef  &  Boards  Dinner  Theatre–year-­round    

Equity  theater  Dance  Kaleidoscope–Indiana’s  only  professional  modern  dance  company    
Freetown  Village–first-­person  living  history  portrayals    
Indiana  Repertory  Theatre–Indiana’s  Theatre  Laureate    
Indianapolis  Children’s  Choir–one  of  the  largest  in  North  America    

Indianapolis  Civic  Theatre–community  theateroperating  continuously  since  1914    
Indianapolis  Opera–opera  of  the  highest  professional  standards    
Indianapolis  Symphony  Orchestra–under  the  baton  of  Maestro  Mario  Venzago    

Massachusetts  Avenue  Arts  District–theaters,  galleries,  retail,  jazz,  trendy  restaurants  
Murat  Center–beautiful  downtown  venue    
Phoenix  Theatre–contemporary  issue-­oriented  plays    

Theatre  on  the  Square–presents  an  unorthodox  view  on  orthodox  
Attractions  and  Landmarks    
Visit  Indy–Visitor’s  Central  Athenaeum–home  of  the  American  Cabaret  Theatre    

Broad  Ripple  Village–Indy’s  version  of  Greenwich  Village    
Indianapolis  Canal  Walk–USS  Indianapolis  memorial  is  here    
The  Children’s  Museum  of  Indianapolis–the  world’s  largest    
Christ  Church  Cathedral–the  city’s  oldest  church  building    

Hilbert  Circle  Theatre–beautifully  restored  movie  palace    
http://hilbertcircletheatreindy.org/  
Conner  Prairie–life  as  it  is  was  in  1830s    

Banker’s  Life  Fieldhouse–home  to  the  NBA’s  Indiana  Pacers  and  
WNBA’s  Indiana  Fever    
Eagle  Creek  Park–every  outdoor  activity  you  can  think  of    

Eiteljorg  Museum  of  Native  American  and  Western  Art–O’Keefe,  Remington  and  more    
Garfield  Park  and  Conservatory–500  tropical  plant  varieties    
President  Benjamin  Harrison  Home–jewel  of  the  Old  North  side    

Indiana  Historical  Society–the  home  to  several  artifacts  of  Indiana  heritage  
Indiana  Medical  History  Museum–a  collection  of  scientific  artifacts  from  the  nineteenth  and  twentieth  
centuries  
Indiana  Statehouse–center  of  Indiana  government;;  tours  available    

Indiana  State  Museum–showcase  for  Indiana’s  natural  history    
Indiana  Repertory  Theater  and  Indiana  Roof  Ballroom–  
historic  gems  downtown  

Indianapolis  City  Market–Old  World  atmosphere    
Indianapolis  Motor  Speedway–Hall  of  Fame,  Brickyard  Crossing,  and  the  world  famous  oval  track    

Indianapolis  Museum  of  Art–famous  ‘LOVE’  sculpture  is  here    
Indianapolis  Zoo  and  White  River  Gardens–  
see  dolphins  perform  or  hold  a  giant  cockroach    
James  Whitcomb  Riley  Home–the  Hoosier  Poet’s  home  in  Lockerbie  Square  Madame  Walker  
Theatre  Center–landmark  in  the  Indiana  Avenue  corridor  
Massachusetts  Avenue  Arts  District–art,  jazz,  theatre  in  historic  section  retail,  restaurants  
Medal  of  Honor  Memorial–memorial  honoring  American  heroes;;  a  must  see  along  the  Indianapolis  
Canal  Walk  
Morris  Butler  House  Museum–sixteen  rooms  of  Victorian  furnishings    
NCAA  Hall  of  Champions–in  White  River  State  Park    
National  Art  Museum  of  Sport–more  than  1,000  works  of  fine  art    
Scottish  Rite  Cathedral  –magnificent  Gothic-­Tudor  structure    
Soldiers’  &  Sailors’  Monument–tribute  to  the  soldiers  who  served  in  the  Civil  and  Spanish  American  
wars    
War  Memorial  Plaza  and  American  Legion  Mall–historical  tribute  and    
popular  site  for  events    
White  River  State  Park–home  to  the  Indianapolis  Zoo,  White  River  Gardens,  IMAX  Theater,  National  
institute  for  Fitness  and  Spo  
rt,  the  Eiteljorg  Museum  of  Native  American  and  Western  Art,    
Victory  Field,  Central  Canal,  The  National  Collegiate  Athletic  Association,  NCAA  Hall  of  Champions.  
There  are  many  wonderful  cities  and  towns  in  the  Indianapolis  area.  For  assistance  in  finding  the  
right  community  and  home  for  you,  call/  text  or  email  me!    

 
317-­709-­4335  or  mailto:[email protected]    
 
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Publisher’s  Note:  Although  every  effort  was  made  to  provide  accurate  information,  some  mistakes    
may  be  made  when  the  subject  is  a  living  entity  like  our  remarkable  city.  We  apologize  for  any  errors  
or  omissions  made  in  this  guide.  
Please  feel  free  to  visit  the  main  Indianapolis  website  for    
current  updates  and  data  at    
http://visitindy.com