The largest suburban community in the Indianapolis area is Carmel, which lies in southern Hamilton County. Though Carmel stretches wide along the north-central border of Indianapolis’ city limits, it’s a straight shot to downtown Indianapolis from Carmel if you head southbound on U.S. 31/Meridian Street.

Carmel has been a growing city for several decades and boasts a number of unique attractions and homes at all price ranges, from modestly priced homes to high-end custom homes.

According to 2008 data, the estimated median house or condo value was $$276,400 (compared to $201,400 in 2000). Check out this link for more data.

One of the first things you’ll learn about Carmel is its excellent public school system (Carmel/Clay schools). There are eleven elementary schools, three middle schools and one high school. Carmel Clay schools consistently rank among the state’s top academic programs. It’s significantly larger than other suburban schools and therefore there are a plethora of extracurricular activities such as various athletic teams and music. The Carmel High School football and basketball teams are regular contenders for the state title and the school’s band competes with the best in the state.

The city has prepared meticulously for its growth with controlled expansion and smart infrastructure planning. Most recently, a number of roundabouts have been constructed along some of the busiest intersections in the city to improve traffic flow.

Like many Indy-area suburban communities, Carmel has a historic downtown that’s thriving and the newly developed Carmel City Center only adds to the charm. Carmel City Center is a pedestrian oriented city-within-a-city with boutique shops, elegant dining, luxurious residences, park spaces, fountains and more.

Clay Terrace is another shopping attraction in the area; an outdoor mall and with upscale retailers, discount stores, great restaurants, a meat market and a Whole Foods Market.

The Monon Community Center (MCC) includes both indoor and outdoor pools and a massive water park. The MCC lies just west of the Monon Trail – a north/south greenway that runs all the way from Westfield (Carmel’s northern neighbor) to downtown Indianapolis. The Monon Trail is very popular for running, bicycling, rollerblading, dog walking, stroller pushing or a leisurely walk.

Beginning in 2011, Carmel will open The Center for the Performing Arts, a world-class performing arts center. The Center will include The Palladium, a state-of-the-art, acoustically perfect, 1,600-seat concert hall plus a 500-seat proscenium theater and a 200-seat studio theater.

Carmel is also home to several fine golf courses and country clubs including Woodland Country Club and Crooked Stick Golf Course, home of the 1991 PGA Championship.

There are several health-care facilities in Carmel including two regional hospitals: Clarian North Medical Center and St. Vincent Carmel Hospital.

Carmel has a little bit for everyone and is a great place to live.

City of Carmel:
http://www.ci.carmel.in.us/

Carmel Clay Schools:
http://www1.ccs.k12.in.us/district/home

Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation:
http://www.carmelclayparks.com/index.asp

Monon Community Center:
http://www.carmelclayparks.com/index.asp?action=mononcntr_overview

Center for the Performing Arts:
http://www.thecenterfortheperformingarts.org/