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Indiana Avenue

Indiana Avenue

Suburban Neighborhood in Indianapolis, Indiana

Marion County 46202

$226,294 Average Value
$173 Average Price per Sq Ft
4 Homes For Sale

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 is a historically significant neighborhood located in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Indiana Avenue features a variety of architectural styles.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

Alex Hickey
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Alex Hickey
Jason Koenig
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Jason Koenig
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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 Jerry Gemmecke, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Indianapolis International

26 min drive

Bus

Mlk St & 11th St

Bus

Mlk St & 10th St

Bus

Eskenazi Ave & Wishard Blvd

Bus

Mlk St & Drake St

Bus

Indiana Ave & West St

Bus

Indiana Ave & Blackford St

Bus

Michigan St & University Blvd

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Indiana Avenue US
Homicide 5 4
Sexual Assault 8 4
Assault with Weapon 6 4
Robbery 8 4
Burglary 10 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 9 4
Larceny 10 4
Crime Score 9 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$197,500
Median Single Family Price
$209,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$173
Number of Homes for Sale
4
Last 12 months Home Sales
14
Months of Supply
3.40
Median List Price
$214,500
Median Discount From 1st List Price
3%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
36%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
300
Median Year Built
1956
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,365
Significantly below the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,190
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,008
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
6,534

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 Jerry Gemmecke, 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.

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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
Indiana Avenue