Pros and Cons of Living in Carmel Indiana | This City Isn't Perfect!

[@JASONQUANTUM1]

We moved to Carmel last summer and we love this area. It's beautiful and well taken care of. Incredibly low crime, good prices on real estate. People in Carmel are open, talkative, kind, respectful, and educated in general. This area is amazing! I also love the roundabouts. Traffic jams don't exist (especially when comparing it to the West Coast where we moved from). The schools are fantastic and are well staffed and maintained. My whole family loves it here.

[@LivingInIndianapolis]

Good to hear!

[@kamonmeadows8146]

I work in Carmel everyday. I live in Anderson Indiana though. So Carmel is way upscale from what I'm used to. It's the rich people area to me.

[@increaseyourvibes8703]

Good to hear! My hubby got a job there. Found a place to rent in Carmel. We are leaving Las Vegas after 35 years. Kids are grown so just us.

[@Iheartvon]

@@kamonmeadows8146I agree it’s def for the rich. And they TREAT you like they’re rich as well

[@debbienoderer379]

We’ve lived here in Carmel for 24 years and love everything about it! Our daughter went k-12 in Carmel schools. Endless possibilities for kids!

[@sarahhunter393]

Interesting about the affordability con, I looked on trulia and Zillow and saw so many big homes between the 200-400k price point although, I’m from Southern California so maybe that’s just unheard of for us here . So much great Information! Loved it

[@LivingInIndianapolis]

Thanks! Right... the affordability is a bit subjective. Carmel is one of the most expensive places to live in the Indy Metro. But, compared to other parts of the country it's relatively affordable.

[@NimrodClover]

Started watching more of your "Carmel IN" videos and I really liked this one. I grew up in Carmel, and finally left after college in 1994. Just a bit of trivia regarding the now famous roundabouts. That "roundabout" that you show at around 4:55 is also the one touted as the FIRST roundabout built in Carmel by the City website. This is actually incorrect in every regard. Although it is numbered as Roundabout #1 that fails on every count. 1. That is not a roundabout because it exceeds the posted speed limit to qualify as a roundabout. Yes, there are recognized international standards. This qualifies as a traffic circle NOT a roundabout. It never has had an approach speed low enough to count. It has never been a "roundabout". 2. That traffic circle was build outside the City limits at the time, so not IN Carmel. It was part of a development that the not-yet mayor had a vested business interest in. They did not want to spend the money on a traffic light that a traffic study showed they would need to install, so they built a traffic circle. 3. They did not do a good job and four years later had to close it down and rebuild the approach lanes for proper merging. So, this is the second version of this circle. By that time other true circles were build inside city limits. But even they were not the FIRST roundabout in Carmel. 4. The first traffic roundabout built in Carmel was built in 1968 at the intersection of Mohawk Hills Drive and Indian Trail Drive. It existed up until 2015 when it was demolished. It is still visible in Google Street View if you want to see it. It predates the Brainard roundabouts by nearly 30 years and it was inside Carmel. 5. If you only want to count recent roundabouts, the first one actually built in Carmel should go to the Carmel Civic Square Fountain loop, built in 1987. 6. If you only want to count pure road roundabouts, then the first one IN Carmel when it was built was roundabout #12. I know it amounts to pure trivia... but a least it is accurate and true.

[@handlehunter]

I am in NJ suburbs and wow, Carmel is very attractive and I must say relatively affordable. The desirable suburbs in NY and NJ are easily over a million for a small new construction. Refreshing and encouraged to see places like this. Video is very helpful as well, thanks for this.

[@DracoBateman]

I really love my city. Carmel is so beautiful and may be the best city in the Midwest, and one of the best in the US.

[@sabajafri3025]

Such a helpful video! Thanksn

[@raulportillo8562]

I currently make 60k - 70k a year and live in CO I can’t really afford to keep my wife at home with my daughter or purchase a home for that matter. Could I afford that in Indy more easily?

[@LivingInIndianapolis]

Likely. I have some family in Denver and I've seen a little as to what the housing market looks like there. Here you'd likely have more opportunity. But, I can't say for sure just based on your income. Many other variables would be at play. It would be best if you spoke with a lender and figured out how much you could qualify for and what that monthly payment would look like. Then... you'd want to dial it in to a number that's comfortable for you. At that point I could certainly help you with knowing what you could afford and what areas would work best.

[@jmunnyrulz6175]

I liked Carmel when I lived in Indiana several years ago but found Fishers, Indiana just as pleasant and at the time, cheaper.

[@LivingInIndianapolis]

Very true!

[@navakashgill2967]

Hey mate me and the mrs. have been seriously considering moving to Carmel ! Thank you for the great insight. 👍

[@LivingInIndianapolis]

You're welcome! Let me know if you have any specific questions

[@wks4511]

I have lived in Carmel for 4 years now and really like it. I live in the Carmel City Center bldg which is close to so many things. There is a high quality of life here. And as far as that old and lazy reputation for being snobs, I haven't found that at all. I find people here to be nice. It's usually people who don't live here or don't spend time here that just repeat the same old cliches.

[@LivingInIndianapolis]

Agreed!

[@steven4315]

I remember when the Monon trail was proposed it faced a lot of opposition from people who feared it would destroy property values.

[@LivingInIndianapolis]

Yes. Property values did quite alright didn't they?

[@thegefster1988]

Anywhere in the state with over 200 days of sun? Too many cloudy days is depressing

[@LivingInIndianapolis]

I doubt it. Plenty of sunny days but lots of clouds during the winter.

[@andy7889]

If you want to live in a place with a lot of sunshine year round, avoid Indiana. 3 or 4 months straight where you see very little sun.

[@likeawhispr]

It’s the (relatively) high cost of real estate that keeps Carmel like it is, otherwise it would rapidly decline. Fishers has been on the decline in various areas because of its lower cost of entry.. notwithstanding Geist reservoir homes. The high school is great only because of the student / parent demographics. If you placed the high school with the same teachers in Richmond, IN, it would drop to a #4 school in under a year. Infrastructure is great because the entire area is pretty new, and the shops, art, scene, etc.. is propped up by the prevailing demographics. I’d highly recommend the area for those looking to find refuge north of the I-465 “crime” loop.

[@LeeBreece]

I was so excited he mentioned Carmel's "reputation" as a con but then he said it was just that Carmel residents have a lot of money. Carmel's reputation to EVERYONE else in Indiana is definitely way more complex and negative than that. You could say you live in Beverly Hills and people would still have more respect for you than if you said Carmel.

[@LivingInIndianapolis]

It is more complex than that but isn't necessarily representative of all Carmel. Also, not all residents in Carmel have money. There are other places around Indy with a complex reputation as well. Many midwestern cities will fall into that category for sure.

[@whattowatchrightnow]

Indiana has a lot of that German stoic culture. Bragging on one's self isn't an Indiana value. Holding one's left out there will draw a lot of fire. Carmel had a reputation of being "bougy" even thirty years ago. Stay humble!

[@breadfan9]

@@LivingInIndianapolis Truth is, Indianapolis people view Carmel people in a negative light because they are looked at as the same reason you mentioned and that is that they have "more" than most

[@Frederick0220]

This is a great breakdown. Besides the dumpy restaurants, Carmel looks like Heaven on earth. The Midwest is such a steal compared to the coasts.

[@LivingInIndianapolis]

Thanks! The midwest is pretty great compared to some other expensive areas.

[@kylefosnaugh4148]

What dumpy restaurants?

[@Frederick0220]

@@kylefosnaugh4148 it sounded like Living in Indianapolis said the restaurant scene wasn’t good

[@swappedbycm1793]

the restraunts are actually rly good living in carmel idk what he's talking about

[@ketolifestylekilitinc.5955]

We are thinking about moving to Carmel from California. How is regulation with masks and vivid restrictions? In California it’s gotten ridiculous. Do you need vax passes to do anything like California?

[@i-35vagabond56]

Carmel is probably one of the snobbiest cities in all of Indiana. I never came across so many people who think they are so much more than what they are as there is in Carmel.

[@vernturnquist6729]

Well maybe they are!

[@constanceteng4571]

Hi Jason, I don't find much information about Saint John IN online. Can you possibly doing a video on Saint John IN? I know that's couple of hours or few hours from Carmel. It would be amazing to learn what you have to share about living in Saint John IN. Thank you.

[@LivingInIndianapolis]

Hi Constance! I don't know enough about St. John to speak very well about it. It's not very close to the Indy Metro. It's pretty small so I'm not surprised you can't find much about it online. Sorry!

[@LivingInIndianapolis]

Hi Constance! I don't know enough about St. John to speak very well about it. It's not very close to the Indy Metro. It's pretty small so I'm not surprised you can't find much about it online. Sorry!

[@KremKatt]

I'd like to move there because the architecture looks very pretty

[@vernturnquist6729]

Con #4: the creepy bronze statues ol Brainy keeps installing at weird locations downtown.

[@jessicarivera5613]

Hi, I’m looking into moving to Carmel, Indiana. Is there any way to reach you and chat some more?

[@LivingInIndianapolis]

Hi! Sure is. Contact info is in the description of each video. Reach out any way you are comfortable.

[@beautygiftedjowens]

This is quickly becoming my #1 choice for a move. I’m in Miami and I’m craving a slower paced, family oriented town with four seasons! Endless summers aren’t as enjoyable as one would think.

[@LivingInIndianapolis]

It's definitely a great place. Certainly a slower pace than Miami! And yes... endless summers aren't exactly the best for a lot of people. We are hitting some incredible weather during the month of October. Fall is the best time of the year!

[@beautygiftedjowens]

Living In Indianapolis I love the fall! Probably a couple years away from moving but your videos have been such a great help to learn about Indy and the surrounding areas. This next move will most likely be our last and we’re researching like crazy before putting in that job transfer bid.

[@LivingInIndianapolis]

@@beautygiftedjowens Moving is brutal! Making the next one that last move would be great. Glad the videos are helping! Plenty more to come..

[@nataliecat7562]

Can you please make a video like this about Fishers.

[@LivingInIndianapolis]

Absolutely! One like this for Fishers is in the works. Do you have specific questions about Fishers?

[@nataliecat7562]

@@LivingInIndianapolis I don"t have any specific questions at this time but definitely interested in more videos about Fishers.

[@LivingInIndianapolis]

@@nataliecat7562 Sounds good. I will have more Fishers videos in the near future.

[@alexalex-r8o]

What’s the weather like there? Does it get really cold in the winter? Does it rain a lot all year long?

[@LivingInIndianapolis]

It's beautiful right now... 70's and sunny. Our autumn is usually quite nice. The summers are fairly hot and humid. The winters are cold but we don't get as much snow as what many think. Just a little over 20 inches a year. Much of our rain comes during the winter and accompanied with storm systems in the spring and summer. But, it hasn't rained almost at all over the past month and a half. It's very dry right now.

[@alexalex-r8o]

@@LivingInIndianapolis thanks!

[@LivingInIndianapolis]

@@alexalex-r8o Sure!

[@anastasiiamoralez6763]

It’s been much warmer this year. Although it’s so cold now and snowy.

[@claudineiribeiro1575]

Hello Do you Haven of muncie indiana?

[@hmj8469]

Is carmel a good place for investors? Is renting popular here?

[@LivingInIndianapolis]

Renting is relatively popular but other cities and towns (including Indy) have a higher percentage of rentals.

[@mamarn]

Thanks for sharing this! I actually looking for a place where there good school reputation for my kid and found Carmel and Zionsville. But, upon researching and watching your vlog to feel the area. I can finally decide that Carmel is for us :)

[@LivingInIndianapolis]

Great! Glad the videos have helped!

[@kevinandrewmccann1849]

@jogger lotsofcrimelol gth

[@candyspoint]

Are there a lot of Healthcare job options?

[@LivingInIndianapolis]

There are a number of systems here... Indiana University Hospitals, Ascension St. Vincent, Riverview Hospital, Eskenazi, The VA, Methodist, etc. So plenty of choices.

[@candyspoint]

@@LivingInIndianapolis thank you so much

[@mikaylareeder1324]

I am wondering what apartment rent looks like in carmel?

[@LivingInIndianapolis]

Depends on the area. It will be more expensive in the Arts and Design District. Outside of that it should be fairly competitive with the rest of the suburbs on the north side.

[@relljones3800]

Hello there my friend! I currently reside in Las Vegas, NV & I’m considering Indy to be my next home next year. I work for the VA Hospital here & will be looking to transfer to Indy’s VA, can you do a video of the surrounding areas by the VA Hospital if possible? I’ve noticed only 2 places which were Speedway & Beech Grove....any info a be helpful thank you my friend 🙏🏾

[@LivingInIndianapolis]

Hello! Speedway and Beech Grove are on the list for future videos! However, I have a sister-in-law that works at the VA and she lives in Greenwood... not too far from the hospital. You may have more options than you think. It will depend on exactly how far you want to be. What do you do at the VA?

[@relljones3800]

Living In Indianapolis I do housekeeping for the VA & honestly distance doesn’t truly matter besides in the winter months but for me it’ll be which areas are affordable & fairly safe that’s within let’s say 25-35mins from the VA

[@LivingInIndianapolis]

@@relljones3800 You've got several options within 25 to 35 minutes of the VA.

[@relljones3800]

Living In Indianapolis Nice!!! Can you list those options? Since you reply I’ve looked at Greenwood & it seem nice there, apartments were dirt cheap compared to here in Vegas 🙄🤦🏾‍♂️

[@LivingInIndianapolis]

@@relljones3800 Sure! Greenwood has plenty of good spots. Over on the west side Avon and Brownsburg are nice as well.

[@Dark-tp5hu]

Con 1.... have you lived in Washington? Carmel sounds amazing in terms of housing.

[@LivingInIndianapolis]

Carmel is a great place. I've never lived in Washington... D.C. or the state. My wife lived in D.C. for a couple years though. Do you live there?

[@hieupham625]

@@LivingInIndianapolis I am seriously thinking about relocating to Carmel and this video was very helpful thank you. And yes I am from California! Any good ethnic restaurant in Carmel?

[@LivingInIndianapolis]

@@hieupham625 Hello! Where are you in CA? And, what kind of ethnic food are you looking for?

[@hieupham625]

@@LivingInIndianapolis I am currently in Silicon Valley right now and my family and I are looking for different ethnic cuisines like Asians, Indians, Mexicans, and Middle Eastern because that's we are used to out here in Northern California. By the way what suburb do you think would be best for us: Zionsville, Fishers, or Carmel?

[@LivingInIndianapolis]

@@hieupham625 Ethnic won't likely be as good as it is in CA. However, we do frequent some good Indian restaurants from time to time. They are scattered around. You'll find more ethnic in Carmel and Fishers than you will in Zionsville. However, neither will be extremely diverse. Indianapolis is where you'll find more. But, Carmel and Fishers are close to Indy.

[@dontask77]

It's interesting hearing you mention the cost to purchase in Carmel as a Con. We moved out here from NY 2 years ago and found Carmel to be a bargain compared to NY. Our old NY home by the beach was barely 1700sq feet and I have only seen a handful of homes in Carmel that have a higher asking price than what we sold for so for us Carmel had an incredible inventory of homes that in our old area of NY is practically impossible to find especially at Carmel prices. We found the area to be beautiful but 2 years into it I'm no longer as exited. Too many roundabouts for my taste, seems that every few hundred feet there's another one. Everything is beautiful but it's starting to feel a bit gimmicky if that makes sence. Almost like a Hollywood movie set where everything has to be perfect. Now we're looking to head out to Geist area. I was not familiar with Geist till a few months ago and we regretted not knowing about it sooner. Unfortunately very limited inventory there at any price point as we want waterfront while being in the fishers school district. Hopefully by the time I return from abroad (work) some homes start hitting the market but that may just be wishful thinking. Geist is gorgeous.

[@LivingInIndianapolis]

You're right about purchasing in Carmel... certainly not a con when comparing the prices to other parts of the country. It's just one of the more expensive places to live in the Indy Metro. And yes, Geist is a really beautiful area. It's impossible to find a match anywhere around Indianapolis. The inventory along the water in the Fishers school district will always be tight given that the choices are limited when compared to other areas. Let me know if you have any specific questions about the area. Happy to answer.

[@dontask77]

@@LivingInIndianapolis I just noticed you're in Real Estate. I saw this video and the R/E angle went right over my head. I like the secluded feel of Geist. Where we are at in Carmel it seems to out there in everyone's eyes for my taste. I like privacy and Geist seems to have more of it. I'll be away working in South America for a few months helping my Argentinean friends not get taken to the cleaners by the government but when I return I would like to explore the options in Geist. I have only looked online to get an idea of the market and it's doable from what I have seen but in all honesty I only saw 1 home that I would possibly be interested in. Think it listed for about 1.8 Is that area a once in a blue moon type market? I imagine empty lots are unheard off.

[@LivingInIndianapolis]

@@dontask77 I agree that Geist is more secluded. You can find more secluded areas in Carmel or at least individual properties that are secluded. But, the rest of the city is out there for all to see. As far as Geist having homes available once in a blue moon, it would depend on price range and exactly what type of water access you want. If you want to be on the main body then your choices would be more limited. If you're open to being on the water but more secluded in one of the coves then your options become more numerous... and less expensive. Once you're finished shielding your Argentinean friends and you return we can discuss Geist in more detail and do some exploring.

[@jasonvoorhees381]

@@LivingInIndianapolis there are many secluded areas in west Carmel with 12+ gated neighborhoods there

[@LivingInIndianapolis]

@@jasonvoorhees381 Yes. Plenty of gated communities in west Carmel

[@sdlauzon]

Everyone that I know in Carmel hates the traffic when commuting to Indianapolis.

[@LivingInIndianapolis]

It can be heavy for sure. Although, U.S. 31 is incredibly nice now that the project to improve it is complete. Removed almost every stoplight. Also, Keystone Parkway is the same... especially the 96th Street and Keystone Intersection. It used to be one of the worst in all of Indy. Keystone and U.S. 31 are major arteries between Carmel and Indy. They've improved greatly. But, will likely always have traffic.

[@mrsrobophile]

Thankfully, I have rather pedestrian taste in food, so Carmel amazes me. I'm just a born and bred Indiana lady, purely Midwestern, so Carmel offers me everything I need and want Told my husband we live in a Norman Rockwell painting. It's just so wholesome and relaxed here.

[@LivingInIndianapolis]

Nothing wrong with that! Plenty of good places in Carmel. And what you've told your husband is pretty accurate!

[@lindalewis6840]

Some years ago I complimented a restaurant server on his deportment. “Well, it’s Carmel. It’s expected”. LOL

[@LivingInIndianapolis]

Lol! That's funny

[@vernturnquist6729]

That’s mean you getting a waiter deported.

[@danieldougan269]

Carmel is lovely, but it's kind of a playground for the rich...and, unfortunately, it's hard for anyone else to get in. It's not diverse enough (and I suspect many Carmel residents like it that way), and it's relatively expensive for Central Indiana. For those who aren't really rich, they might be living beyond their means. Carmel is a place where people with money go to escape the problems of Indianapolis...but that just means they are not interested in solving those problems. Out of sight, out of mind. Carmel is, unfortunately, located in Indiana where the weather is usually either way too hot or way too cold. The landscape is flat, landlocked, and unremarkable. There's nothing they can do about that, but they do the best they can to make it livable. I live in northern Indianapolis, but my office is in Carmel, and I go to the parks, shops and restaurants in Carmel all the time. Coxhall Gardens is tremendous.

[@LivingInIndianapolis]

Coxhall Gardens is tremendous for sure. I would agree about the diversity. There are places less diverse but it's not exactly ideal in Carmel.

[@HigherQualityUploads]

A lack of racial diversity is a good thing. Safety is more important.

[@macmccarty3448]

If you ever saw Greenwood you would never want to live in CARMEL 😉

[@kamonmeadows8146]

Carmel is the rich people area to me

[@eriklakeland3857]

I completely agree on the Arts and Design District; it too is my favorite even down to the urban design. There are fewer roundabouts, narrow streets, compact walkable blocks, the fronts of buildings are close to the street, and the speed limits are lower. Those traits make it the most pleasant place to walk, bike and explore by far. Even taking a leisurely drive through it. Hats off to Carmel for building off the success of the Monon Trail “artery” with tons of connecting trails that function as capillaries. If you’re looking for a cheap-ish apartment in Carmel to try out the area as you save for a house, I suggest Main St on the Monon Apartments. About average buildings/facilities to be honest, but the location more than makes up for it and the price is very reasonable. One bedroom is like $850 per month.

[@LivingInIndianapolis]

All so true. A super cool place to be

[@gregb4395]

There is that Carmel Police Department. Yikes!

[@sunshinedewes4277]

Carmel was beautiful before it was destroyed by developers. Horses and rolling countryside pre 80's. Indianapolis was ruined in the 80's. Glad I left the state.

[@CubeNotFunny]

I’ve been looking at some historic photos google street view, etc. of Carmel and I will have to say I disagree. I think Carmel is way better now than it was before.

[@oanochie]

I think I want to move to Carmel. Coming from Boston, the housing prices you are mentioning to me are VERY AFFORDABLE. hahah. I laughed when you mentioned $500,000. That will get you a door frame, not a house, in Manhattan, DC or San Francisco. LOL

[@CoffeyBrew]

Round about capital of the US 😁

[@LivingInIndianapolis]

Sure is!

[@jimmyvo6701]

carmel have a reputation as STUCK UP and SNOB super popular reputation who would like to pay high price to buy prejudice and unfriendliness. sorry...this is just INDIANA's facts and it will be HARD TO CHANGE that.

[@kellykellssz]

Hi is Carmel racist? How would it be (you think) for a black person to live there? I only ask because my husbands job is offering him a job transfer to Carmel. After much research, it seems to be blatantly racist and the residents don’t have a problem letting blacks know they’re not welcomed. I know it’s always better to visit a place and find out for yourself. I currently live in NY, so we’re trying to get information before he accepts the position.

[@okayboomernyc]

Take the background music out as it is very annoying , and distracting.

[@LivingInIndianapolis]

Can't at this point since the video has been posted! Will work on in for future videos. Thanks!

[@okayboomernyc]

@@LivingInIndianapolis Maybe try some low volume birds chirping in the back ground - lol! I'm going to try that next.

[@LivingInIndianapolis]

@@okayboomernyc Maybe I'll try it!

[@anastasiiamoralez6763]

Sounds just fine to me.

[@Imperial0666]

Carmel is the opposite of Gary.

[@LivingInIndianapolis]

In many ways... yes.

[@LivingInIndianapolis]

In many ways... yes.

[@cubsblue1971]

High taxes, horrible infrastructure, schools are tanking due to overcrowding and no expansion. Only place worse to live in Hamilton County is Fishers.

[@kimt8162]

I actually don't like Carmel; I think it's because of the traffic. I don't know why but it always seems congested to me. And all those roundabouts are a challenge to drive because most people don't know how to drive roundabouts the right way. Then the ones close to the Carmel high school can be a nightmare to drive if you are not familiar with that area. It's just every time for some reason if we have to drive over there, I'm like Oh, no. Expect at least an hour to get anywhere around there and back. But yes they're schools do have a good reputation. My daughter who with anything school related-if you are up against Carmel in any competition. If it's sports, academic, or music; get ready for some serious competition.

[@LivingInIndianapolis]

Carmel is a little more dense than some of the surrounding suburbs. That's mostly due to the fact Carmel is completely surrounded by Westfield, Noblesville, Fishers, Zionsville, and Indianapolis. Plus, Carmel is pretty populated. And the roundabouts... they can be a challenge for some! But, I do like them. They look nicer than stoplights and are generally safer. They take some practice though!

[@jasonvoorhees381]

Kim its not that hard once you get used to itive lived in Carmel for 19 years and its automoatic for me now

[@LivingInIndianapolis]

@@jasonvoorhees381 For sure. Plenty of practice

[@r.d.9399]

More expensive housing than parts of California and New York. That's scary

[@LivingInIndianapolis]

That would be!

[@catherineshaw1122]

Certainly not in terms of rental properties. I'm from SoCal and haven't seen rents this low, even in the valley, since 2004. Rents in Carmel are really reasonable

[@tristanmirzaie2196]

What a confusing country…you have to’ worry about so much, taxes, insurances, crime……….boy some Times i think it May not be worth living There.

[@LivingInIndianapolis]

Ha ha! I guess it can be confusing sometimes.

[@whattowatchrightnow]

car mel

[@LivingInIndianapolis]

Only in California!

[@Imperial0666]

Car-mul

[@azeeze1391]

Wow, two minutes into the video finally he brings up the first con. Get to the point man. thank you

[@LivingInIndianapolis]

Thanks for the input! Something to work on for sure. Hope the content was helpful!

[@catherineshaw1122]

Maybe try decaf. There's nothing wrong with his timing and delivery here.