Downtown Indy Ranked Among Nation’s Best
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowA national website has ranked Indianapolis among its Top 10 Best Downtowns in the country. Livability.com cites Indianapolis' “hip destinations” in making it attractive for young families and professionals.
March 2, 2015
News Release
Franklin, Tennessee — In cities big and small, downtowns across the country continue to gain populations, and more and more people opt to live in these thriving urban playgrounds. Young professionals between the ages of 22 and 34 are especially drawn to downtowns, where people can congregate, enjoy shopping and dining, walk, bike and, most importantly, live. With this in mind, Livability.com has named Indianapolis a Top 10 Best Downtown, 2015. Indianapolis is home to a growing population and high Walk Score, and offers residents and visitors alike lively entertainment options and dynamic arts and cultural attractions.
Our editors focused on small to mid-sized cities, taking into consideration increasing housing values and populations to find cities that are growing and thriving. They looked for areas with new construction because cranes are often a great sign of economic and cultural recovery. They found downtowns with vibrant arts scenes and walkable streets.
In addition, our well-traveled editors weighed in with their own opinions. The data drives our short list, but our journalistic judgment helps determine the final rankings.
“We’re really in a new golden age of American downtowns,” says Livability editor Matt Carmichael. “Throughout cities large and small, the energy and resources focused on restoring Main Streets and urban cores is paying off.”
Downtown Indianapolis neighborhoods continue to evolve into hip destinations that attract young families and professionals, and help make the city’s cultural and business center one of the best in the country. Mass Avenue, the city’s arts and theater district, is filled with locally owned stores, coffee shops and galleries, while the Canal and White River State Park area packages both natural amenities and cultural excursions along a 250-acre urban park. City officials have focused on improving sidewalks, adding bike lanes, and creating trails that connect residential areas to parks and shopping centers, helping give the city a high Walk Score.
Top 10 Best Downtowns, 2015
1. Pittsburgh, PA
2. Minneapolis, MN
3. Indianapolis, IN
4. Greenville, SC
5. Salt Lake City, UT
6. Alexandria, VA
7. Fargo, ND
8. Lincoln, NE
9. Somerville, MA
10. Evanston, IL
About Livability.com:
Livability.com explores what makes small to mid-sized cities great places to live, work and visit. We examine issues related to livability such as walkability, cultural amenities, transportation, urban planning, and sustainability through exclusive research and discussions on our blog. We celebrate the accomplishments of these cities through our monthly top 10 lists, our annual ranking of livable cities, our rich photography and conversations with readers in social media. Livability.com is a division of Journal Communications, Inc.
Source: Livability.com
Write-up From Livability.com
Indianapolis, Ind. — Neighborhoods in downtown Indianapolis, Ind., continue to evolve into hip destinations that attract young families and professionals, and help make the city's cultural and business center one of the Top 10 Best Downtowns in the country. Both commercial and residential spaces get occupied quickly as more companies and homebuyers find the allure of downtown Indy hard to pass by. Nearly 23 percent of homeowners in the downtown area moved here during the last five years, quickly taking occupancy of the buildings that have been renovated into modern apartments and condos.
Market East is one of the newest examples of downtown districts that have been transformed into inviting entertainment areas. The Canal and White River State Park area packages both natural amenities and cultural excursions along a 250-acre urban park. Mass Avenue, the city's arts and theater district, is filled with locally owned stores, coffee shops and galleries.
Residents throughout downtown Indianapolis find convenient access to the city's many cultural amenities, shopping areas, restaurants and sports facilities. The website WalkScore.com gives the 46204 zip code a score of 91, indicating it's a walker's paradise. City officials have focused on improving sidewalks, adding bike lanes, and creating trails that connect residential areas to parks and shopping centers. Cobblestone and brick streets lined with trees in downtown's many historic neighborhoods provide a charming look, while new modern restaurants and stylish shops add a level of sophistication.
Home to the Indianapolis Colts, Paces and the WNBA's Fever, downtown Indy is often filled with sports fans cheering on their favorite teams. Families find many things to do in Indianapolis, including visits to the Children's Museum of Indianapolis, the nearby Indianapolis Zoo and admiring the artistry of Monument Circle.
Source: Livability.com