There’s accommodation in Indianapolis to suit all budgets and lifestyles. Listed as the 16th most populous city in the US, this sprawling Midwest metropolis offers a housing market that punches above its weight in quality and variety.
It really comes down to the type of lifestyle that newcomers to the city would be interested in. Proximity to transport, schools, economic hubs, sports facilities, parks, and so on should also be considered before buying or renting a property.
The city has a fast-growing economy. More and more people seem to be flocking to the capital because of its surprisingly low cost of living, colourful neighbourhoods bursting with cultural and culinary hotspots, and a fantastic sports scene.
Areas and suburbs in Indianapolis
Indianapolis has more than 90 neighbourhoods, so new arrivals will find plenty of areas and suburbs to choose from. Families and fun-loving young professionals will all be catered for in the city. Price points run the full spectrum. Downtown Indianapolis is likely the most popular area among young professionals, thanks to its proximity to public transport and workplaces. Often referred to as the Mile Square, Downtown Indianapolis is also home to a range of bars, cafés and cultural attractions.
Broad Ripple Village is located north of Downtown Indianapolis and has a strong sense of community. The area is undergoing ongoing revitalisation, and many new developments have cropped up in recent years. New arrivals looking for newer apartments and condos in an area that hosts quaint galleries and boutiques should look no further than Broad Ripple. Other neighbourhoods for young new arrivals to consider include Keystone at the Crossing and Fountain Square.
Small families looking for affordable housing with easy access to downtown will love Willow Lakes. This southeast neighbourhood boasts many dining options and reasonably priced apartments. Those seeking a tight-knit community in a residential setting should consider suburbs such as Brockton, North Willow and Bates Hendricks.
Bayview and Riverside offer families lake views in a residential setting. Woodruff Place and Crooked Creek are perfect for those families who want to enjoy the great outdoors without sacrificing access to city amenities. New arrivals should note that homes in some of these areas can go for a premium, so it pays to budget wisely.
Areas and Suburbs in Indianapolis
Types of accommodation in Indianapolis
People relocating to Indianapolis will be spoiled for choice, as the city boasts a wide array of housing options. It comes down to which type of community would suit new arrivals best. For some, it’s a younger, modern community in the hustle and bustle of downtown and close to public transport. For others, it’s a quiet area with resident programmes and convenient access to local shopping or a community with more space and access to parks and fields.
Apartments are mainly self-contained units in larger buildings, referred to as ‘flats’ in the UK. Duplexes are buildings divided into two separate living quarters, each with its own entrance. Condominiums are ideal for newcomers to an area. It’s a community of similarly styled homes with shared amenities, usually found in the vibey downtown area.
Single-family homes are smaller, standalone houses, usually on a small plot of land, ideal for families. Bungalows are low houses with only one storey or, in some cases, upper rooms set in the roof, typically with dormer windows. Mansions are more prominent on the outskirts of the city. They’re large houses with five or more rooms, pools, gardens and various entertainment areas.
Finding accommodation in Indianapolis
Prospective residents seeking accommodation in Indianapolis would do well to begin their search before moving to the city. The internet is flush with property sites, forums, blogs and portals that provide valuable localised information on short and long-term rental listings, amenities, utilities, and more. A word of warning: when sites demand personal information or upfront payment, steer clear. Even if they’re legitimate, there are enough free alternatives that can achieve the same objectives.
Real estate agents are another avenue to pursue when searching for a new home. They can share useful insights on Indianapolis’s housing market – although in the US, realtors are generally more focused on purchasing and selling rather than the rental market.
Some people moving to Indianapolis will be lucky enough to have a relocation company working on their behalf. These firms assess your preferences and shortlist properties for you to view, which can be a real lifesaver when searching from abroad.
Once in Indianapolis, it’s worth picking up magazines and newspapers for local listings or even just going for a drive around prospective neighbourhoods and keeping an eye out for ‘for rent’ signs.
Useful links
- Zillow: Indianapolis Rental Listings
- Trulia: Indianapolis Rental Listings
- Facebook Marketplace: Indianapolis Rentals
Renting accommodation in Indianapolis
New arrivals and expats in Indianapolis tend to rent a property, at least at first. Downtown has a booming rental market where young professionals and new families rent (furnished or unfurnished) small to large luxury apartments in high rises, duplexes in charming brick paved neighbourhoods, or more opulent condos and lofts. Neighbourhoods surrounding downtown offer a variety of more affordable single-family bungalows and houses, as well as bigger properties and mansions. The price range is vast.
Making an application
Once new arrivals have found a potential new home to their taste, they are advised to tender an application as soon as possible, as there will likely be other interested parties. Prospective renters, especially expats, will have to prove (often with bank statements) that they can indeed afford the lease, and agents or landlords will, in all probability, perform background and credit checks.
It’s also prudent to have references and testimonials from current and former employers and former landlords. Where possible, it’s wise for expats to include a reference letter from family members or friends currently residing in Indianapolis or elsewhere in the US with their application.
Leases
Lease agreements in Indianapolis are usually for a full year, but shorter-term leases are common, too. At the termination of the lease, the landlord and tenant can either agree to renew the lease or end it.
Deposits and fees
Indiana’s law makes provision for landlords to collect a one-time deposit from tenants, known as a security deposit. There is no limit in Indiana as to the maximum amount of a security deposit, but usually, it’s the equivalent of a month’s rent, and it’s customarily paid before the start of the lease, along with the first month’s rent.
Deposits can be paid in the form of cash, cheque or money order. An unusual provision in Indiana law allows landlords to accept (but not require) a lien on a tenant’s motor vehicle as an alternative to a traditional security deposit. Deposits can’t be non-refundable, as they remain the tenant’s property, but landlords are allowed to make deductions from the deposit or keep the whole amount for various reasons. These include covering unpaid rent, for damages in excess of normal wear and tear, other breaches of the lease agreement, unpaid utility bills, or, if pre-arranged with the tenant, to cover the last month’s rent.
Indiana’s landlords must return security deposits or the portion thereof that is owed to the tenant within 45 days of the termination of the lease.
Terminating the lease
It is possible to terminate a lease early, but it is generally the landlord’s prerogative whether the tenant will be liable to pay the full amount of the agreed lease. If the landlord can find a replacement tenant, the previous tenant won’t be liable to continue paying off the lease.
Read more about Renting Accommodation in the USA
Useful links
- City of Indianapolis: Notice of Tenant Rights and Responsibilities
- Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority: Renter’s Rights
Utilities in Indianapolis
It is important for prospective tenants to scrutinise a lease agreement very carefully to ascertain which utilities are included in the rental cost before committing. Some utilities may be included, but often, services such as water, electricity, gas, refuse, and internet are not part of the rental price and will be additional expenses for the tenant.
Electricity
Indiana has a regulated electricity market, so residents cannot choose their electricity supplier. AES Indiana serves Indianapolis and Marion County, while Duke Energy supplies Hamilton County. To start a new service, new arrivals can call AES Indiana’s customer service line during working hours at least three business days before their intended move-in date.
They will need to supply their name and date of birth, social security number, new address and phone number. Those who would like to transfer their service to a new address can simply fill in a form online to get the process started.
Gas
Locally owned and operated utility Citizens Energy Group supplies the natural gas and water in Indianapolis. Newcomers can submit an online application with their identity information, address and social security number to start or transfer a service, and this will typically be responded to within 24 hours. New arrivals without a strong credit report may be required to pay a security deposit to prove their creditworthiness.
Water
Drinking water in Indianapolis is treated and supplied by Citizens Energy Group. The supply is drawn from several sources, including the White River, Fall Creek, and the Geist, Morse, and Eagle Creek Reservoirs. New arrivals can apply for a new water account or transfer an existing one to a new address by completing an online form and submitting the relevant documents on Citizens Energy Group’s website.
Bins and recycling
The Indianapolis Department of Public Works is responsible for waste management in the city. Each household is assigned one collection day per week (Monday through Friday), and rubbish carts should be placed on the kerb by 7am. Lakeshore Recycling Systems (LRS) provides residential trash collection for most of Marion County, while the Department of Public Works and AFSCME service the remaining districts, including the downtown area.
Residents can also dispose of heavy items like furniture; up to two bulky items may be placed at the kerb on the regular collection day. The city also provides toxic and hazardous waste drop-off sites.
Kerbside recycling in Indianapolis is currently a subscription service through LRS. New arrivals can sign up by calling LRS or visiting their website. Free recycling drop-off sites are also available across Marion County.
The city allows its residents to recycle all colours of glass, plastic bottles and jugs, paper and aluminium, tin and steel items.