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Martindale-Brightwood

Martindale-Brightwood

Suburban Neighborhood in Indianapolis, Indiana

Marion County 46218

Neighborhood Reviews
3.7
$129,340 Average Value
$125 Average Price per Sq Ft
58 Homes For Sale

Change arrives in a historic neighborhood

Just northeast of downtown Indianapolis, the historic Martindale-Brightwood neighborhood is undergoing changes. This is especially true in the Hillside area in the southwest corner of the neighborhood, which is witnessing a spillover of the renovations and new custom builds predominant in neighboring Windsor Park and Kennedy-King. “We’re definitely seeing a change in the financial demographics of the neighborhood,” says Barbara Whiteside, Realtor with Keller Williams Indy Metro Northeast. But even amid change, Martindale-Brightwood remains one of Indy’s most distinctive neighborhoods.

Colorful new build homes are spread across Martindale-Brightwood neighborhoods.
Colorful new build homes are spread across Martindale-Brightwood neighborhoods.
Many shops including Provider can be found in Martindale-Brightwood.
Many shops including Provider can be found in Martindale-Brightwood.
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New builds mixing with early 20th century bungalows

Near the start of the 20th century, Martindale and Brightwood were distinct neighborhoods. Martindale was the original heart of Indianapolis’ Black community, and Brightwood is where immigrants from Britain, Ireland and Germany settled upon their arrival. It wasn't until 1992 that those neighborhoods officially merged together. Many bungalows dating to that era remain here today, although the majority of neighborhood homes were built in the 1940s and ‘50s. Those ready for move-in range from $85,000-295,000. Fixer-uppers can range from $28,000-150,000. In Hillside, new custom builds on sizable old lots range from $322,000-643,000.

Clean lines and architecture are the main style throughout the Martindale-Brightwood area.
Clean lines and architecture are the main style throughout the Martindale-Brightwood area.
Rows of bungalows line the streets of the residential community of Martindale-Brightwood.
Rows of bungalows line the streets of the residential community of Martindale-Brightwood.
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Douglass Park binds neighborhood past and present

When Frederick Douglass Park opened in 1921, it was the first Indianapolis city park to welcome Black residents. It remains vital to the community to this day. The park opened a new family center in 2024, featuring a gymnasium, elevated running track and more. Douglass Park also has a community swimming pool and 9-hole golf course. Joe Louis and Tiger Woods are among those to visit the course – the first in the country named after an African American – since it opened in 1928. Just blocks away, Washington Park features a disc golf course, basketball courts, and a mountain bike skills park. Oscar Charleston Park, named for the Negro Leagues legend and Baseball Hall of Famer born in the neighborhood, has two lighted baseball diamonds, tennis courts, and a tennis court-sized soccer mini-pitch.

Douglass Park Golf 
Course is a spot locals love to visit in the summer months.
Douglass Park Golf Course is a spot locals love to visit in the summer months.
Douglass Park Family Center Playground is an amazing addition for the locals.
Douglass Park Family Center Playground is an amazing addition for the locals.
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School merger affects neighborhood students

Beginning in the 2024-25 school year, K-8 students in Martindale-Brightwood will attend James Russell Montessori School No. 51, which merges with Francis W. Parker Montessori. Russell receives a C-minus grade on Niche. Students may also attend KIPP Indy Unite Elementary and KIPP College Prep Middle charter schools. The Oaks Academy’s middle school campus is also in Martindale-Brightwood. Oaks is an A-plus rated Christian school with an emphasis on providing a classical education to students from diverse racial and socioeconomic backgrounds, and has a K-5 campus on the Near Northside. KIPP Indy Legacy High, a B-minus rated charter school, opened here in 2019. Martindale-Brightwood high school students might also attend nearby C-rated Arsenal Tech or B-plus rated Scecina Memorial Catholic. Martin University, the only Primarily Black Institution in Indiana, opened in Martindale-Brightwood in 1977.

James Russel Montessori believes in the power of student-centered teaching.
James Russel Montessori believes in the power of student-centered teaching.
KIPP Legacy High School a public charter school located in Indianapolis.
KIPP Legacy High School a public charter school located in Indianapolis.
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Greek's Pizzeria, soul food favorites are neighborhood staples

Martindale-Brightwood has a diverse dining scene. In Hillside, brightly colored Greek’s Pizzeria has served the neighborhood pies since 1969. It’s a short walk down 16th Street to a pair of popular newbies – Festiva Modern Mexican, and PROVIDER Coffee and Cocktail Lounge. In the heart of Martindale, Momma’s Kitchen lives up to the label with generous portions of soul food and weekend meal specials. Big Walt’s Wings and More includes pizza, fried fish and pork chops in the “and more” section of its menu. Chef Oya’s The TRAP is a popular seafood takeaway spot with house-made butter sauces and seasonings. There is a Safeway in the neighborhood, as well as a Kroger just a few blocks away on the Near Northside.

Greek's Pizzeria in Martindale-Brightwood is donned with a beautiful mural.
Greek's Pizzeria in Martindale-Brightwood is donned with a beautiful mural.
Locals love to visit Greek's Pizzeria in Martindale-Brightwood.
Locals love to visit Greek's Pizzeria in Martindale-Brightwood.
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Multiple organizations serve the community

A multitude of organizations serve the Martindale-Brightwood community. The Martindale-Brightwood Community Development Center, Edna Martin Christian Center, Brightwood Community Center and Wheeler-Dove Boys and Girls Club are among the many involved in community improvement. The Martindale-Brightwood branch of the Indianapolis Public Library is another important community player. Originally opened as one of the library’s first branch locations in 1901, a new library built in 2020 is twice the size of its predecessor. “A lot of people really wanted to have this footprint in their community,” says branch manager Theresa Coleman. “It’s hard for us to do our own programming in our community room because the community has such demand for it.”

Intend Indiana is home based in Martindale-Brightwood and helps Indianapolis improvements.
Intend Indiana is home based in Martindale-Brightwood and helps Indianapolis improvements.
Come to the Martindale-Brightwood Library for a good book.
Come to the Martindale-Brightwood Library for a good book.
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A car-dependent neighborhood with some alternative options

Martindale-Brightwood is a primarily car-dependent neighborhood, with a bike score of 37/100 and a walk score of 35/100. IndyGo bus routes run North-South along Keystone Ave. and Sherman Dr. East-West routes run along 25th, 30th and 34th Streets. Interstate 70 forms the neighborhood’s southern boundary, while the 25-mile-long Monon Trail stretches along the western boundary.

Martindale-Brightwood is a community in close proximity to downtown Indianapolis.
Martindale-Brightwood is a community in close proximity to downtown Indianapolis.
Cyclists love the Monon Trail for a scenic ride in the neighborhood of Martindale-Brightwood.
Cyclists love the Monon Trail for a scenic ride in the neighborhood of Martindale-Brightwood.
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One Voice seeks to cut down area crime

Crime is an issue many Martindale-Brightwood residents are forced to contend with. The neighborhood receives a 7 of 10 score in the CAP Index, with the national average being 4. One Voice Martindale-Brightwood is a community organization focused on improving neighborhood safety. In 2021, the city selected the neighborhood for its “Lift Indy” program to help improve housing and economic growth.

Alex Hickey
Written By
Alex Hickey
Jennifer Rehkopf
Photography Contributed By
Jennifer Rehkopf
Andrew Perrius
Video By
Andrew Perrius

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 Justin Capps, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Indianapolis International

32 min drive

Bus

Keystone Ave & 29th St

Bus

34th St & Keystone Ave

Bus

Keystone Ave & 32nd St

Bus

30th St & Baltimore Ave

Bus

30th St & Olney St

Bus

30th St & Schofield Ave

Bus

Dr A J Brown St & 20th St

Reviews

Niche Reviews
3.7 5 Reviews
4.0 Current Resident
4/24/2017 Niche Review
Overall this is a kind and supportive community. As a community there has been a plague of crime in our area for a number of years, but the community is active in trying to rid the area of the violence through community awareness and resource programs. Through programs like Reese's Blue Ribbon Project which host Peace Marches, Peace BBQ's, street giveaways for those in need, and many other things this community is beginning to see less violence.
Are you familiar with the Martindale-Brightwood neighborhood? to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Martindale-Brightwood US
Homicide 9 4
Sexual Assault 6 4
Assault with Weapon 8 4
Robbery 6 4
Burglary 7 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 6 4
Larceny 4 4
Crime Score 6 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$130,000
Median Single Family Price
$129,500
Median Townhouse Price
$155,499
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$125
Number of Homes for Sale
58
Last 12 months Home Sales
187
Months of Supply
3.70
Median List Price
$139,999
Median Discount From 1st List Price
6%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
18%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
5,244
Median Year Built
1952
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,199
Significantly below the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,022
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,512
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
6,534

Open Houses

  • Sunday, Apr 27
    1 - 3pm

    1702 Alvord St, Indianapolis, IN 46202

    $550,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 2,332 Sq Ft
    • 1702 Alvord St
    • New 1 day ago

    Join the thriving Monon Roots community w/ this uniquely designed patio home featuring a private fenced in courtyard and Trex rooftop deck, just steps from the Monon Trail. Open main is flooded w light, low maintenance LVP Flooring, Zinga custom shades and remote shades over slider. Kitchen has dual waterfall quartz 10' island that seats 4. Dovetailed cabinets w/ chef kitchen upgrade and

    Jenni Bliss McMillion @properties

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  • Sunday, Apr 27
    12 - 2pm

    1656 Roosevelt Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46218

    $469,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 1,930 Sq Ft
    • 1656 Roosevelt Ave

    This 3 bed 2.5 bath newer construction home with finished basement, fenced yard, and two car garage sits on a larger than average downtown lot with mature trees! Open floor plan that is great for entertaining! There are some bonuses throughout this home that could give you options when making it your own. There is a gas line that runs to the exterior living room wall in case you want to add a

    Terry Brown CENTURY 21 Scheetz

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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 Justin Capps, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
14,994
Median Age
36
Population Density
6 ppl/acre
Population under 18
29.5%
Above the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
16.5%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$34,838
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$42,035

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
74.3%
Below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
10.8%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
2.3%
% Population in Labor Force
50.9%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
41''
Average Winter Low Temperature
22°F
Average Summer High Temperature
85°F
Annual Snowfall
13''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

36 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

36 / 100

Some Transit

Transit Score®

34 / 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.

Nearby Neighborhoods

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
Martindale-Brightwood
Justin Capps
Ferris Property Group
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