Beech Grove is "city within the city"
About 6 miles southeast of downtown Indianapolis, Beech Grove is a completely independent “city within the city” with a rich industrial history and a palpable sense of civic pride. Beech Grove started as a cattle-farming settlement in the 1800s before welcoming a major railroad locomotive and equipment plant in the early 20th century. Railroad companies including Amtrack remain major employers in the city today, along with Alro Steel, ADM Milling and other industry companies. Beech Grove is home to around 15,000 people who enjoy its self-contained, community centered feel.
Community has mix of homes and walkable blocks
The city features “quite a mix of homes,” says real estate agent Bob Kincaid. “There’s not a whole lot of new construction; it’s mostly existing houses.” Indeed, many of the homes here date between the 1920s and the 1970s, though there are some constructions from the ‘90s and later, too. Ranchers with stone, brick and wood facades run throughout the city, as well as traditional midcentury homes, Tudors, split-levels and bungalows. Sidewalks connect the different lots and blocks together and make the community highly walkable, especially in the center of town. Most homes here range from the $100s to the $300s, making the cost of living lower than many other Indy-adjacent areas.
Beech Grove has its own district
As an independent city, Beech Grove features its own public school system. It includes two elementary schools — Central and Hornet Park — South Grove Intermediate School for fourth through sixth grade students, Beech Grove Middle and Beech Grove High. Every public school in the city features the same mascot, the Hornets, meaning kids who grow up going to Beech Grove City Schools remain part of the Hornet community the whole time. The city is also home to two private schools: Holy Name Catholic School welcomes pre-K, elementary and middle school students; and Montessori Children’s House accommodates pre-K and elementary children.
Main Street anchors dining scene
Few cities or towns in the United States maintain a “Main Street U.S.A.” feel, and Beech Grove is one of them. Most of the city’s most popular businesses can be found right on Main Street, which is within easy walking distance from many homes. Good eats on the main drag include Rustic Root, a sophisticated tearoom with sandwiches, soups, salads and high tea. Just a few doors down is the classy Napoli Villa Italian Restaurant and Silver Linings Coffeehouse. And right around the corner is Beech Grove Bowl, a nearly 80-year-old establishment that FOX59 recently named the best bowling alley in Indianapolis.
Year-round events include holiday and seasonal celebrations
Rolling a strike isn’t Beech Grove’s only idea of a good time. This city is alive with local pride, with local organizations hosting traditional events year-round. These include the annual Fall Festival, Independence Day fireworks, the Music on Main live music festival, and other family-oriented events for Easter, Halloween and the winter holidays.
Sarah T. Bolton Park offers laidback recreation
Residents who prefer a more relaxed kind of recreation will enjoy a visit to Sarah T. Bolton Park, former home of the eponymous poet and women’s rights activist. The park includes the trailhead for the Franciscan Trail, a 2-mile path that runs alongside the relaxing Lick Creek.
Commuters can quickly access I-465
Day-to-day convenience is a major draw to Beech Grove, with many of its biggest employers right in town or just nearby. Those who work a little farther away can easily access the USS Indianapolis Memorial Highway — or Interstate 465. And when the shopping needs to get done, Walmart, Lowes and several other big-name brands operate just south of the highway.
Photography Contributed By
Jon Puckett
