Indiana Avenue: A storied past and a reimagined future
Indiana Avenue was the commercial and residential heart of Indianapolis’ Black community for decades. Like Beale Street in Memphis, it was the place to see musical legends such as Duke Ellington and Ella Fitzgerald perform in their heyday. But it bears little resemblance to the Beale Street of today. Construction of Interstate 65 and the campus of IUPUI, now known as IU-Indianapolis, changed the neighborhood forever in the early 1970s — an estimated 17,000 residents were displaced in the process. Today's community mixes families who have lived there for generations and newcomers who appreciate proximity to employers, the university and city life. In 2024, the City of Indianapolis unveiled a five-year strategic plan to redevelop and revitalize the neighborhood, providing a blueprint to make Indiana Avenue’s future as vibrant as its storied past.
Indiana Avenue is a historically significant neighborhood located in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Indiana Avenue features a variety of architectural styles.
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IU-Indianapolis, Crispus Attucks High play major parts in neighborhood identity
Two educational institutions define Indiana Avenue. One is IU-Indianapolis, which contains Indiana University’s medical and dental schools in addition to multiple undergraduate programs. Most of the university’s 17,000 undergrads live in campus dorms and apartments. Crispus Attucks High School has long been the neighborhood’s most enduring institution — when it opened in 1927, it was the only high school in Indianapolis for Black students. Led by future Pro Basketball Hall of Famer Oscar Robertson, Attucks was the first all-Black team to win Indiana’s fabled high school basketball tournament in 1955. At present, Crispus Attucks has a medical magnet program that collaborates with the IU-Indianapolis School of Medicine. Attucks receives a C-plus grade on Niche. The neighborhood's elementary and middle school students attend Global Preparatory Academy at Riverside 44, which has a C-minus rating.
Crispus Attucks High School was the city's first high school for African American students.
Riverside School 44 is an elementary school serving students at the elementary level.
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Hospitals, university a factor in heavy area traffic
Indiana Avenue developed in the late 19th century thanks to its proximity to Downtown Indianapolis, which is separated from the neighborhood by the Downtown Canal. Residents also have direct access to I-65, which played a dramatic role in reshaping the neighborhood. Indianapolis International Airport is about 12 miles southwest of the neighborhood. Multiple IndyGo bus routes run along Indiana Avenue and Michigan Street, which cuts through the heart of the IU-Indianapolis campus towards IU Health University Hospital, Eskenazi Hospital, the Veterans Administration Hospital and Riley Hospital for Children. Given its proximity to many amenities, Indiana Avenue sees heavy traffic relative to most Indianapolis neighborhoods.
Madam Walker Legacy Center, Kurt Vonnegut Museum pay homage to legendary locals
The Madam Walker Legacy Center is Indiana Avenue’s most resonant connection between past and present. Named for Madam C.J. Walker — credited as the first self-made millionaire businesswoman in the United States — the building housed the headquarters of her cosmetics company when it was built in 1927 and is now a National Historic Landmark. The Legacy Center has an 850-seat theater, a grand ballroom and gathering spaces for groups promoting social justice, entrepreneurship and cultural education. Events at the Center include the annual MLK Day of Celebration, the Holiday Soul Revue and rotating Art on the Avenue exhibits. Across the street, another Indianapolis icon is highlighted at the Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library. The three-floor museum celebrates the author's life and works and hosts a full schedule of events during the American Library Association’s Banned Books Week.
The Indiana State Museum is a comprehensive museum located near Indiana Avenue neighborhood.
The Kurt Vonnegut Museum is located along Indiana Avenue near the Madam Walker Theater.
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Flanner House Homes and Ransom Place offer different types of historic houses
Two subdivisions survived the neighborhood’s razing — the Flanner House Homes Historic District and Ransom Place. Ransom Place, just south of the Crispus Attucks campus, has a mix of late 19th- and early 20th-century Arts and Crafts houses as well as homes built in the 1990s. Though they are constructed from more modern materials, the newer houses blend in seamlessly with the established neighborhood architecture. Flanner House Homes, just north of Crispus Attucks, consists entirely of bungalows built in the 1950s. Prices range from bungalows for as little as $140,000 to around $350,000 for one of Ransom Place’s modern Arts and Crafts houses.
Given Indiana Avenue's historical significance, you can find a mix of architectural styles.
Indiana Avenue homes reflect the trends of the time and the diverse community.
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Affordable dining options highlighted by Lincoln Square Pancake House
Many of the neighborhood’s numerous restaurants are chains and pizza joints aimed at a college student’s palate and budget. Though it’s a crowded marketplace, Realtor Trevor St. Aubin of @properties says Lincoln Square Pancake House stands out with its no-frills menu and friendly service. “It’s a great diner,” St. Aubin says. “Solid food, nothing fancy.” Parlor Doughnuts, an Indiana-based chain, is another popular option thanks to its croissant-style layered doughnuts. Grocery shopping is also convenient for residents – Kroger is just a block outside the neighborhood on Michigan Street.
Peppy Grill opened in Indianapolis in the late 1940s near the Indiana Avenue neighborhood.
Toppers Pizza makes pies with unusual toppings near the Indiana Avenue neighborhood.
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Multiple trails and parks offer a welcome escape
Though oft-congested streets and multiple parking lots give Indiana Avenue a highly urban feel, the neighborhood is close to several recreational spaces. The Downtown Canal Walk is a 3-mile loop on both sides of its namesake canal that extends from the neighborhood to White River State Park. White River State Park encompasses 267 acres, including the Indianapolis Zoo, Indiana State Museum, Everwise Amphitheater and Victory Field. Ensign Graham Edward Martin Park features a playground, basketball and tennis courts, and access to the 11-mile-long Fall Creek Greenway.
The Canal Walk offers a great setting for running near the Indiana Avenue neighborhood.
Visitors enjoy scenic views of the White River at White River State Park.
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Crime score exceeds national average
The CAP Index crime in the neighborhood is 9 out of 10, with property crime rating the highest. The national average is 4 out of 10.
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Charming Residential Home for Sale: Located just steps away from IUPUI University and Indianapolis' top hospitals, this inviting residential home offers the perfect blend of convenience and comfort. Whether you're a student, faculty member, or healthcare professional, this property provides easy access to key downtown locations while maintaining a quiet, neighborhood feel. This home offers great
Sleek, stylish, lively, convenient —The Avenue is your home away from home in Indianapolis, IN. Our apartments are conveniently located near IUI (Indiana University Indianapolis) & PUI (Purdue University Indianapolis). Step outside your home to enjoy the state of the art fitness center, resort inspired pool, social lounge, and garage parking. Enjoy a truly luxe living experience in this
Welcome to our newly renovated 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom duplex located in the heart of Indianapolis, IN. Situated on a peaceful street, this property offers a great location for those looking to be close to all the city has to offer. The unit has been recently updated with modern finishes and features, providing a comfortable and stylish living space. With its convenient location and newly renovated
Charming 1-bedroom apartment in a vibrant neighborhood! This unit offers a spacious living room with hardwood floors, a fully equipped kitchen, and a bright bedroom with a large closet. Enjoy the convenience of being steps away from public transportation, restaurants, and shopping.
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Samuel Hawkins,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
5,758
Median Age
25
Population Density
11 ppl/acre
Population under 18
25.8%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
5.5%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$60,094
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$66,429
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
95.4%
College Graduates
71.5%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
38.5%
Significantly above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
70.8%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
43''
Average Winter Low Temperature
21°F
Average Summer High Temperature
85°F
Annual Snowfall
16''
Area Factors
Very Bikeable
Bike Score®
79/ 100
Somewhat Walkable
Walk Score®
61/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
45/ 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.
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.
