Colloquially known as Indy, Indianapolis is the state capital and most populous city of the U.S. state of Indiana as well as the seat of Marion County. If you’re looking at rooms for rent in Indianapolis, here’s basically everything you need to know about the city!

Getting to know Indianapolis

Indianapolis is in the East North Central region of the Midwestern United States, in central Indiana. It is also the 16th largest city by land area in the US. In total, there are about 35 streams in the city, including Indian Creek and Pogue’s Run. Also, major bodies of water include Indian Lake, Geist Reservoir, and Eagle Creek Reservoir. It is also what one might refer to as a planned city.

Compared with similar-sized American cities, Indianapolis is unique. Especially since it contains some 200 farms covering thousands of acres of agricultural land within its municipal boundaries. Equestrian farms and corn and soybean fields interspersed with suburban development are very common on the city’s periphery, especially in Franklin Township.

Additionally, the stark contrast between Indianapolis’s urban neighborhoods and rural villages is a result of the 1970 city-county consolidation. This also expanded the city’s incorporated boundary to be one with Marion County. For those hoping to rent a room in Indianapolis, there is nature and so much more to look forward to!

Finding rooms for rent in Indianapolis

The city is divided into 99 community areas for statistical purposes, though many smaller neighborhoods exist within them. Indianapolis’ neighborhoods are often difficult to define because the city lacks historical ethnic divisions, as in Chicago. Keeping this in mind, let’s move on to the top neighborhoods in Indianapolis.

Top neighborhoods in Indianapolis

Old North

Like most urban areas, the central city is again attracting residents. Initially, however, it was the elegant Victorian mansions of the Old Northside. Once the homes of the city’s wealthiest, these mostly frame homes had been subdivided into apartments in the mid-20th century. Also, they were the first area of downtown Indy to see gentrification at the turn of the 21st century.

Fountain Square

Families and artists needing studio space gravitate to the neighborhood of Fountain Square. Also, the existing homes you will find here are larger. Additionally, the young professionals here love the downtown lofts. Why? Because they are specifically carved from the former factory and warehouse buildings on the eastern and southern edges of downtown.

Pike Township

Pike Township has an eclectic mix of nationalities and backgrounds. You will find lots of physicians and professors here. Many of whom come from the Indian subcontinent, Europe, or South America. Most of them often work downtown, as well as on the campus of Indiana University-Purdue University in Indianapolis. They prize not only the ease of access via I-65 but also the rural character of the area, which includes Eagle Creek Park.

Average rent in Indianapolis

Beyond the three neighborhoods mentioned above, Indianapolis is also home to other neighborhoods that have their own charm. For instance, Those used to big-city life gravitate Downtown — especially if they’re single or empty-nesters. Walking to work or the theater is easy, and also the Cultural Trail circles the core of the city with a landscaped bicycle route. So for those interested, here is the average rent in Indianapolis!

Rooms for Rent in Indianapolis	Average Rent
1 Bedroom Apartment for Rent in Indianapolis	$681
2 Bedroom Apartment for Rent in Indianapolis	$1,564
3 Bedroom Apartment for Rent in Indianapolis	$2,151

University life in Indianapolis

Indianapolis is home to 40 institutions of higher learning, and 31.1 percent of the city’s residents hold a bachelor’s degree — above the U.S. average — while 10.5 percent have a graduate degree.

Top Universities in Indianapolis

• University of Notre Dame
• Purdue University–West Lafayette
• Indiana University–Bloomington
• Valparaiso University
• Indiana University-Purdue University–Indianapolis

How transit-friendly is Indianapolis?

Indianapolis’s transportation infrastructure is fascinating for how convenient it is! Basically, it comprises a complex network that includes a local public bus system, several private intercity bus providers. But also the Amtrak passenger rail service via the Cardinal.

But that’s not all, there’s also 282 miles or 454 km of freight rail lines, an Interstate Highway System, two airports, a heliport, bike share system, 115 miles (185 km) of bike lanes, and 110 miles (177 km) of trails and greenways. The city has also recently become known for its prevalence of electric scooters!

Walkability

Indianapolis’ downtown is by far one of the most walkable in the country. On foot, visitors can reach hundreds of restaurants and attractions from their hotel and meeting space. Additionally, there exists an expansive network of climate-controlled skywalks connecting 4,700 hotel rooms to the convention center. These include the Lucas Oil Stadium, a four-story mall, and also restaurants that keep it walkable in all weather.

Roads and traffic

A recent report ranks Indiana as the second-best state for driving in the U.S. in 2020.

The report was done by WalletHub, which ranked all 50 states across 31 metrics, taking into account factors such as road quality, gas prices, insurance premiums, auto theft rates, and rush-hour traffic congestion.

Electric Scooters

Lime, Bird, and Spin‘s dockless electric scooters have arrived on the streets of Indy to equal parts delight and frustration. They have since prompted the city to create new rules and regulations governing their use.

Safety remains the top-of-mind issue for everyone, so users are asked to ride on streets and in bike lanes, but not on sidewalks. You might also risk a fine if you happen to park in restricted areas or block sidewalk ramps, private driveways, or parking spaces. Several scooters have fallen victim to vandalism and have ended up in the downtown Canal. Still, many riders find them a convenient option for short-range local commutes or to fill in the gaps between IndyGo route stops.

The Indianapolis Cultural Trail: A Legacy of Gene and Marilyn Glick

When it launched in 2013, this world-class bike/pedestrian path broke new ground as one of the most ambitious urban improvement projects of its kind in the United States. The $63 million-trail covers eight miles in total, linking five distinctive downtown cultural districts—Mass Ave, Fountain Square, the Canal and White River State Park, Indiana Avenue, and the Wholesale District. It also connects to the popular Monon Trail, built atop a former railroad line for access north to Broad Ripple, Carmel, and points beyond. Along the Cultural Trail, innovative public art installations, colorful murals, public gardens, and green spaces offer plenty of eye candy, not to mention contemplative food for thought. The best part? Guided tours are also available!

Biking in Indianapolis

Away.com named Indianapolis one of the best cities to see from a bicycle, thanks to the city’s flat landscape, innovative Indianapolis Cultural Trail, and abundance of bike paths. Some hotels offer guests complimentary bikes, or they are available at two convenient rental locations and through the Pacers Bike Share Program.

Airports in Indianapolis

The main airport in Indianapolis, Indiana is the Indianapolis International Airport (IND / KIND). This airport is 14 miles from the center of Indianapolis.

Airport Name	City	Distance From Indianapolis City Center	Airport Code
James M. Cox Dayton International Airport	Dayton (OH)	110 Miles	(DAY / KDAY)
Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport	Hebron, KY	117 Miles	(CVG / KCVG)
Cincinnati Municipal Lunken Airport	Cincinnati, OH	119 Miles	(LUK / KLUK)

Climate in Indianapolis

Summers in Indianapolis

Indianapolis has a humid climate where typically the summers are hot humid and wet. The July daily average temperature is 75.4 °F (24.1 °C). High temperatures reach or exceed 90 °F (32 °C) an average of 18 days each year, and occasionally exceed 95 °F (35 °C). Spring and autumn are usually pleasant, if at times unpredictable. The midday temperature drops exceeding 30 °F or 17 °C. And this is common during March and April.

Related: A Summer Skincare Guide To Healthy Skin

Winters in Indianapolis

Instances of very warm days (80 °F or 27 °C) followed within 36 hours by snowfall are not unusual during these months. Winters are cold, with an average January temperature of 28.1 °F (−2.2 °C). Temperatures dip to 0 °F (−18 °C) or below an average of 4.7 nights per year.

Rain in Indianapolis

The rainiest months occur in the spring and summer, with slightly higher averages during May, June, and July. May is typically the wettest, with an average of 5.05 inches (12.8 cm) of precipitation. Also, most rain is derived from thunderstorm activity. And there is no distinct dry season, although occasional droughts occur.

Healthcare in Indianapolis

Health & Hospital Corporation of Marion County, a municipal corporation, was formed in 1951 to manage the city’s public health facilities and programs. This included the Marion County Public Health Department and Eskenazi Health. Eskenazi Health operates 11 primary care centers across the city, including its flagship medical center the Sidney & Lois Eskenazi Hospital.

Additionally, Indiana University Health, a nonprofit hospital network, operates three medical centers in Indianapolis: University Hospital, Methodist Hospital, and Riley Hospital for Children. The medical centers are also anchored by the Indiana University School of Medicine’s principal research and education campus.

Additionally, the largest allopathic medical school in the U.S. Riley Hospital for Children is among the nation’s foremost pediatric health centers, recognized in all ten specialties by U.S. News and World Report. The 430-bed facility also contains Indiana’s only Pediatric Level I Trauma Center.

In 2020, IU Health detailed plans to consolidate University and Methodist hospitals and also replace Methodist with a new $1.6 billion medical center, to open in 2026.