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Downtown Carmel

Downtown Carmel

$419,851 Average Value
$227 Average Price per Sq Ft
23 Homes For Sale

Where Carmel's growth from suburb to city is evident

Carmel has evolved from a bedroom community 16 miles north of downtown Indianapolis to a booming edge city over the past 30 years, and that growth is evident at every turn in Downtown Carmel. From top-notch shopping and dining to a concert hall that attracts national touring acts, Carmel’s downtown has enough amenities to make trips to Indianapolis optional for special occasions. Yet, it is close enough to Indy for daily commutes. Further, Niche designated the city the No. 2 Best Place to Live in America in 2024, and USA Today recognized its holiday market as the Best in the USA in 2022 and 2023. “It’s the most affluent city in the state, and Hamilton County, which it is part of, is the most affluent county in the state. Everything we have here is just really, really nice – like you’d find in a big city like Chicago or Los Angeles,"
says Shelly Walters, a Realtor with F.C. Tucker Company.
Overview of Main Street in Downtown Carmel.
Overview of Main Street in Downtown Carmel.
This overview of Midtown Plaza in Downtown Carmel shows how big of an area it is.
This overview of Midtown Plaza in Downtown Carmel shows how big of an area it is.
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Downtown events, The Palladium offer a big-city feel

No matter the season, something is happening in Downtown Carmel. Summer highlights include an outdoor concert series on the grounds of City Hall. CarmelFest features live music and food vendors and culminates with Carmel’s Fourth of July parade and fireworks display. “Our parade is one of the most popular in the state,” says Carmel city councilman Adam Aasen. “People make fun of us because people put out chairs along the route like two weeks in advance.” In winter, Carmel’s Christkindlmarkt offers the quaint feel of an open-air European market. The Palladium, a 1,500-seat concert hall, touts its acoustics, with Tony Bennett, John Legend and Sting among the high-profile names to play there.
Downtown Carmel's Palladium is a magnificent venue to catch a show.
Downtown Carmel's Palladium is a magnificent venue to catch a show.
Live music is on tap at Downtown Carmel's Midtown Plaza.
Live music is on tap at Downtown Carmel's Midtown Plaza.
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Arts & Design District, Midtown Plaza offer multiple shopping and dining options

Ironically, the contemporary transformation of the city’s downtown is most noticeable in Old Town Carmel. The Arts & Design District is a creative hub that features a collection of galleries, design businesses, antique stores and boutique shops. Popular sidewalk dining stops include 3UP, a modern gastropub with a rooftop bar. Once an old yellow house now turned restaurant, Bub’s Burger’s and Ice Cream is known for its one-pound “Big Ugly” burger. Midtown is just south of the Arts & Design District. The Midtown Plaza has transformed the city’s old industrial area, providing a unique urban atmosphere surrounded by residential development, businesses and an array of dining options. Prominent among those options, in size and popularity, is Sun King Carmel, a brewery and restaurant complex that overlooks the plaza’s outdoor gathering space. Kroger, Meijer and The Fresh Market are nearby grocery options.
Midtown Plaza in Downtown Carmel is always full of action.
Midtown Plaza in Downtown Carmel is always full of action.
Downtown Carmel is a popular spot to take your furry friend for a walk.
Downtown Carmel is a popular spot to take your furry friend for a walk.
Downtown Carmel has many art installations for visitors to enjoy.
Downtown Carmel has many art installations for visitors to enjoy.
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A wide range of housing styles and prices

Single-family housing is spread throughout the downtown area. Ranch-style homes built before Carmel’s population boom — the city has tripled to more than 100,000 residents in 25 years — range between $220,000 and $530,000. Townhouses are becoming a prominent feature in Downtown Carmel, with prices ranging from $300,000 to $700,000. Depending on size and location, contemporary two-story houses range from $340,000 to as much as $1.75 million.
Many residents in the Downtown Carmel area live in townhouses.
Many residents in the Downtown Carmel area live in townhouses.
Downtown Carmel homeowners take great pride in their homes appearance.
Downtown Carmel homeowners take great pride in their homes appearance.
Carmel City Center hosts living spaces and retail shops in Downtown Carmel.
Carmel City Center hosts living spaces and retail shops in Downtown Carmel.
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Carmel-Clay Schools among Indiana's very best

Carmel-Clay Schools have contributed to the city’s growth. Niche gives the district an overall A-plus rating and ranks it second in the state while also naming it the best in Indiana for student-athletes — in particular, Carmel High’s swimming program has produced multiple Olympians. Tennis pro Rajeev Ram, one of the world’s top doubles players, is a prominent former Carmel student-athlete. Students living in Downtown Carmel attend A-rated Carmel Elementary, A-plus-rated Carmel Middle and A-plus-rated Carmel High. Niche also designates Carmel High the top-rated public school in the Indianapolis area and fourth in the state.
Carmel High School in Downtown Carmel provides students with a unique and learning environment.
Carmel High School in Downtown Carmel provides students with a unique and learning environment.
Carmel School in Downtown Carmel instills respect, responsibility, and resilience in kids.
Carmel School in Downtown Carmel instills respect, responsibility, and resilience in kids.
Carmel Middle School in Downtown Carmel emphasizes scholastic achievement.
Carmel Middle School in Downtown Carmel emphasizes scholastic achievement.
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Miniature horses, big catfish and many recreational options

The Arts & Design District is home to the Museum of Miniature Houses, which features a vast collection of miniature art. On the neighborhood’s north side, Meadowlark Park has a state-of-the-art playground and a wheelchair-accessible fishing pier where anglers can catch catfish, rainbow trout and other local fish. The private Woodland Country Club, which opened in 1956, is a draw for many neighborhood residents. Several neighborhood homes border the club’s fairways and greens. The Waterpark at Central Park is a summertime attraction with a climbing wall, pool and waterslides. Indoor recreational options in Downtown Carmel include the Carmel Racquet Club and the Carmel Ice Skadium.
The Museum of Miniature Houses in Downtown Carmel is a unique spot with many amazing pieces.
The Museum of Miniature Houses in Downtown Carmel is a unique spot with many amazing pieces.
Children play in a futuristic looking playground at Downtown Carmel's Meadowlark Park.
Children play in a futuristic looking playground at Downtown Carmel's Meadowlark Park.
Downtown Carmel's Meadowlark Park is the hot spot for a game of pickleball.
Downtown Carmel's Meadowlark Park is the hot spot for a game of pickleball.
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Monon Trail and roundabouts are city signatures

Downtown Carmel is known for a pair of signature transportation features. The 27-mile long Monon Trail, which stretches north from the heart of Indianapolis, cuts through Downtown Carmel. “The Monon Trail is a huge driver of what happens here,” Walters says. “You have a ton of new development going on right around it.” And though unusual in many American cities, roundabouts are ubiquitous in Carmel. “There are so many benefits to roundabouts. They’re more efficient and they’re safer,” Aasen says. “There could be a day where we only have one traffic light, and that’s because it is kind of historic as one of the first traffic signals in the country.”
The Monon Trail has bike lanes for community members in Downtown Carmel.
The Monon Trail has bike lanes for community members in Downtown Carmel.
The Monon Trail in Downtown Carmel  stretches for many miles into downtown Indianapolis.
The Monon Trail in Downtown Carmel stretches for many miles into downtown Indianapolis.
The Monon Trail, a popular rails-to-trails project, passes through downtown Carmel.
The Monon Trail, a popular rails-to-trails project, passes through downtown Carmel.
Roundabout's make traveling in Downtown Carmel a breeze.
Roundabout's make traveling in Downtown Carmel a breeze.
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Crime

Downtown Carmel is rated 4 out of 10 on the CAP Index, which measures crime. Citywide, Forbes ranks Carmel as the 10th-safest city in the United States with at least 100,000 residents.
Alex Hickey
Written By
Alex Hickey
Travis Patton
Photography Contributed By
Travis Patton
Antoine Allen
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Antoine Allen

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Helen Metken, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Indianapolis International

51 min drive

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Downtown Carmel US
Homicide 2 4
Sexual Assault 4 4
Assault with Weapon 2 4
Robbery 2 4
Burglary 4 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 3 4
Larceny 6 4
Crime Score 4 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Downtown Carmel Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$412,197
Median Sale Price
$405,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$399,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$504,499
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$545,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
1%
Last 12 months Home Sales
170
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
33%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$227

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
6,048
Number of Homes for Sale
23
Median Year Built
1985
Months of Supply
1.60
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,986
On par with the national average
1,927
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,869
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,647
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,113
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
13,068

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Jul 26
    12 - 2pm

    1361 Sierra Springs, Indianapolis, IN 46280

    $225,000

    • 1 Bed
    • 1.5 Baths
    • 1,207 Sq Ft
    • 1361 Sierra Springs
    • New 2 days ago

    This beautifully updated 1-bedroom condo truly has it all-and more! Located in the highly desirable enclave of The Retreat, enjoy unmatched convenience with community amenities and direct access to the Monon Trail and scenic walking paths right outside your door. This is a highly desired 2nd level unit with no one below you which is incredibly nice (with entry on the main floor with stairs

    Sean Hartwick Keller Williams Indpls Metro N

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  • Sunday, Jul 27
    1 - 4pm

    11835 Harvard Ln, Carmel, IN 46032

    $400,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 3.5 Baths
    • 2,458 Sq Ft
    • 11835 Harvard Ln
    • New 2 days ago

    Nestled in desirable CARMEL, IN, discover the condo at 11835 Harvard LN, with three bedrooms and three full baths, complemented by an additional half bath, allowing residents to spread out comfortably across the 2458 square feet living area. Open concept family/kitchen, spacious living room and bonus room provide ample rooms for relaxation. Upper deck and lower level patio has a lovely view of

    Andrea Snyder F.C. Tucker Company

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  • Sunday, Jul 27
    12 - 4pm

    537 Steinbeck Place, Carmel, IN 46032

    $420,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 1,738 Sq Ft
    • 537 Steinbeck Place
    • New 4 days ago

    Discover modern living in the heart of Carmel with this beautifully designed 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom townhome. This newly built home features a spacious open-concept layout ideal for entertaining, complete with a sleek kitchen boasting quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, and ample storage. Nearly $10,000 in custom Zinga's wood plantation shutters add timeless elegance and

    Landon Buesching 1 Percent Lists - Hoosier State Realty LLC

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Helen Metken, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
30,318
Median Age
38
Population Density
5 ppl/acre
Population under 18
19.7%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
18%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$73,629
On par with the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$99,335

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
97.6%
College Graduates
61.7%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
22.6%
% Population in Labor Force
75.3%
Above the national average
65.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
43''
Average Winter Low Temperature
20°F
Average Summer High Temperature
85°F
Annual Snowfall
18''

Area Factors

Very Bikeable

Bike Score®

77 / 100

Somewhat Walkable

Walk Score®

65 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Downtown Carmel