A Local Expert’s Guide To 10 Budget-Friendly Neighborhoods to Rent in Indianapolis

Indianapolis is not only the state capital of Indiana, it’s also a shining example of what Midwestern living is all about. I’m Wendy, your ApartmentHomeLiving.com Indianapolis Local  expert and I am here with a list of some of my favorite neighborhoods to live in the area where you might be able to find some really great deals. Many of the neighborhoods in the area blend together, creating a unified city that is diverse and unique. The city is made beautiful by both the architecture and the people. Let’s explore each of my top neighborhoods for finding cheap Indianapolis apartments and homes for rent and discover together what makes Indianapolis the shining star of the Midwest!

Barrington

Barrington neighborhood is located within Fishers city limits. It is a fast-growing, friendly neighborhood with a lot of potential. It is family friendly and has a large selection of apartment complexes to choose from. You can also find an abundance of well-maintained single family homes.

Schools in the area are also known for their academic and athletic programs. Frederick Douglas and William McKinley Schools are two of the most well-known. The family-oriented community offers an abundance of green spaces for outdoor activities. Families can always find something fun to do!

Just off of 116th Street and a few miles from Meridian/Highway 31, it allows for easy access to Indianapolis and many of the major medical centers. Fishers is also known for its shopping plazas and nice restaurants. It's the perfect blend of big city and small town living.

Brookside

Brookside is a very diverse and welcoming community. It is a growing community just off of Massachusetts Avenue and Brookside Parkway. It's also a few blocks from I-70. Brookside Park is within walking distance and is a great place for family-oriented, outdoor activities. There are several parks in the area to explore.

Arsenal Technical High School and H.L. Harshman Magnet Middle School are well-known throughout the Indianapolis area for their many achievements. Ivy Tech Community College and Indiana/Purdue University Indianapolis campus is also a short distance away. There are many educational opportunities to explore in and near the Brookside neighborhood.

There is something for everyone in Brookside. Whether you have children who are still in school or are getting ready to retire, everyone is welcome. There are many older homes in the area, as well as apartment complexes to accommodate families of all sizes. It's a nice place to start a family. It may not be one of the wealthiest neighborhoods, but it is thriving!

Butler-Tarkington

Butler-Tarkington is an inviting neighborhood close too downtown Indianapolis. There are several condo, townhouse, and apartment complexes throughout the neighborhood making it an ideal place for young people to get a fresh start. Houses in the area are spacious and well-maintained. Michigan Road runs through the community giving direct access to the downtown area.

James Whitcomb Riley School, Fox Hill Elementary, and Shortridge High School are the most well-known, especially when it comes to academics. Tarkington Park is a large multi-faceted green space perfect for many different outdoor activities. The neighborhood is a nice place to be if you like to be outside or go for walks.

Crown Hill Cemetery, the Indiana State Fairgrounds, and the Children's Museum of Indianapolis are all close by (under a mile away). Butler-Tarkington is also close to I-65, giving you access to the shopping areas that are close to I-469. There is plenty to do in the area if you like to explore the world around you!

Keystone-Orchard

Keystone-Orchard is the place to be if you have a full social life. While there are many single family homes, you have multiple options if you prefer apartment or condo living. The bustling, fast-paced neighborhood is ideal if you like to shop or go out to eat. Located in the northeast section of Indianapolis, Keystone at the Crossing has everything you are looking for.

Shortridge High School and Joyce Kilmer School are well-known throughout the area, as well as Butler University and Marian University. If you like looking at the stars, you can visit SpaceQuest Planetarium. White River State Park is one of the most beautiful green spaces in the area and provides a full menu of activities for people of all ages, especially kids.

Keystone Avenue and Allison Road provide easy access to I-465. 96th Street makes up the northern most border and has two of the area's most popular restaurants, Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant and Bawarchi Biryani's Indian Cuisine. After dinner, visit Royal Pin Woodland and bowl a few games with the family.

Mapleton-Fall Creek

The Mapleton-Fall Creek neighborhood is inviting and friendly. Even though it is close to downtown Indy, it is a true Midwestern neighborhood with happy families and small town values. It is nestled between 30th and 38th Streets and Meridian and Keystone Avenue. Crown Hill Cemetery is just to the northwest with Fall Creek running down the middle.

Historic Meridian Park offers a variety of outdoor activities for people of all ages. Fall Creek Montessori Academy and the Oaks Academy offer quality educational programs and a positive learning environment for all their students. Ivy Tech Community College is also less than 10 minutes away. The Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center is 10 minutes away to the northeast.

The neighborhood is mostly single family homes, but those looking for an affordable apartment still have plenty to choose from. The neighborhood has a lot to offer families, but singles and young couples just starting out will be able to enjoy the simplistic, laid-back atmosphere. You are close to downtown but still have the benefits of a quiet, residential community.

Martindale-Brightwood

The Martindale-Brightwood neighborhood is located on the near north side of Indianapolis. This is a friendly and welcoming neighborhood where families can thrive and explore the world around them. It is within 10 minutes of downtown and 20 minutes from the major shopping centers along I-465. I-65 and I-70 are less than 5 minutes away making it easy to access all of Indy's top attractions.

Frederick Douglas Park is close by and a great place for adults and children alike. The Oaks Academy at Fall Creek and the Oaks Academy Middle School are just a few minutes away. Avondale Meadows Academy and KIPP Indy Public Schools are also in or near the Martindale-Brightwood neighborhood. Ivy Tech Community College and Martin University are also within a few miles.

Primarily residential, Martindale-Brighton is full of single family homes of all types and styles of architecture. There are several apartment complexes scattered throughout the neighborhood. This is a family-oriented environment that allows you to be in close proximity to everything Indianapolis is known for, including Fall Creek and other natural attractions.

Meadows

The Meadows is nestled between Fall Creek and Keystone Avenue and 34th and 38th Streets. This is a small but mighty community close to downtown Indianapolis. Residents love their neighborhood and work hard to keep it safe and provide a welcoming environment to visitors. The neighborhood is mostly single family homes, but there are plenty of apartment complexes for those who are looking to rent.

There is no shortage of academic excellence in the Meadows. Cathedral High School, Avondale Meadows Academy, and Indianapolis Metropolitan High School provide students with top-ranking educational programs. Washington Park Disc Golf Course and the basketball and tennis courts at Frederick Douglas Park are nearby for residents who want to get a little exercise.

Old and young alike love the Meadows. It's a great place to start a family. Couples who are ready to retire will also enjoy the area and all it has to offer. It's close enough to downtown to enjoy a social life and just far enough away to enjoy the peace and quiet.

Meridian-Kessler

Meridian-Kessler is surrounded by Meridian Street to the west, Kessler Boulevard to the north, Keystone Avenue to the east, and 46th Street to the south. The neighborhood is known for its spacious homes and nice condos. There are a variety of apartments to choose from as well. It is a family-oriented community that takes pride in everything it has to offer new residents who choose to call it home.

Meridian-Kessler is well-known for its schools and their commitment to excellence. Park Tudor, Bishop Chatard, and the School for the Deaf have all received recognition for their academic and athletic programs. The Meridian-Kessler neighborhood is also within a 30-minute drive to most of the universities and colleges in the area.

If you are looking for fun things to do, Meridian-Kessler is just a few blocks from the Indiana State Fairgrounds. Go in the opposite direction and you will find Clowes Hall and Hinkle Fieldhouse. For people who like to go for walks, venture out into your neighborhood and get to know some of your neighbors. Share a few smiles and get some fresh air!

Oakhill

Oakhill is one of the larger neighborhoods in the Indianapolis are. Much of the space is taken up by Frederick Douglas Park. This large recreational area has basketball courts, tennis courts, and offers a variety of other activities. For people who like to be near the water, Fall Creek is just a short distance to the west. Oakhill is a very family-oriented community that is proud of all its residents and their accomplishments.

KIPP Indy Public Schools, Shortridge, Indianapolis Metropolitan High School, and Arsenal Technical Schools are closest to Oakhill. The Wheeler-Dowe Boys & Girls Club is a few minutes to the northeast of the neighborhood. Ivy Tech Community College is to the west along with the Children's Museum of Indianapolis.

Surrounded by Dr. Andrew J. Brown Avenue, 30th Street, Keystone Avenue, and 25th Street, Oakhill is full of natural beauty and open spaces. With Fall Creek close by, there are plenty of places to go for a walk or get some fresh air.

Reagan Park

Reagan Park is located in the southwest section of Indianapolis near Brownsburg. You can access the larger highways by taking College Ave and 22nd Street. The neighborhood is tucked away from the busier neighborhoods making it a favorite for retirees. Families also like the laid-back environment. There is a good mix of single family homes, condos, and apartments to choose from.

Reagan Elementary School is popular with both students and parents. It is one of several schools in the Brownsburg Community School System that serve the Meadows neighborhood. The Oaks Academy Fall Creek is also just a few minutes away. There are a few parks scattered throughout the area where families can enjoy time outside.

Residents can visit the Fall Creek Place Arboretum or drive a few minutes toward downtown to see what is going on at the different museums. Just because the neighborhood is quiet it doesn't mean you can't find something to do!