The neighborhoods in the downtown district of Indianapolis are supremely walkable. Enjoy the city life by taking a step outside of your apartment to discover all the great food, shopping and nightlife that surrounds you. Here are some of the most hip and walkable downtown Indianapolis neighborhoods for you to check out for yourself:
Mile Square
Located in the very heart of Indianapolis, Mile Square is where the city was born. The neighborhood is the result of city planning completed in 1821 by Alexander Ralston, an associate of famous urban designer Pierre L’Enfant.
[Median Rental Rates in Indianapolis]
Ralston was originally tasked with designing the layout for a square city to function as the capital of the newly formed stated. Charged with making the city a 4 mile square, Ralston doubted the city would ever grow that large, and so settled on a 1 mile square instead.
The district is marked in the center by the Soldiers and Sailors Monument, and includes attractions such as the Circle Centre Mall, the Cabaret at the Columbia Club, the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra and the Indiana Repertory Theater, all of which are within less than a half mile of each other!
Lockerbie Square
The historic community of Lockerbie Square is steeped in the city’s past. Stately homes and buildings from the 19th century give the area a sense of traveling back in time. An abundance of sidewalks and street lighting make this neighborhood ideal for taking morning jogs and walking the dog. Residents of the area have created the Lockerbie Square People’s Club, which organizes a walking tour throughout the many historic homes of the neighborhood.
Fountain Square
Of all the Indianapolis neighborhoods, Fountain Square is definitely the funkiest. The de facto arts district of the city, this neighborhood hosts some of the coolest cultural events in town. The best part is, they are all within walking distance from each other!
[Best Spring Activities in Indianapolis]
The Tonic Ball is the square’s hottest annual event. A music celebration that uses cover bands to honor the biggest musical acts in history and raise money for charity, the concert is so popular, it sells out every year!
Check out the local art at a First Fridays open gallery tour or discover a new band at the Fountain Square Music Festival. Whatever you choose to do, there’s a good chance you won’t need a car to do it!
Old Northside
The beautiful tree-lined streets of the Old Northside combine the accessibility of city life with the comfort of suburban living. The historic homes in this area provide an idyllic setting for those looking for a quieter slice of life.
Combine this with an assortment of green spaces, a renowned theater and dance company, an independent arts center and a smattering of restaurants, and you will find this neighborhood is perfect for walking.
Indianapolis boasts many historic neighborhoods that are ideal for pedestrians. Take a walk down the streets of these areas to see for yourself just how walkable Indianapolis can be.
