Best Towns for Raising a Family in Indiana

Columbus | Image credit: Ginger Jordan

Many things need to be taken into consideration when seeking out a new home. Families aim to provide a comfortable, safe life for their children, which is what draws many to Indiana. Indiana is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, safe communities, and excellent schools. Let’s look at some communities in the state that serve as choice options for raising a family.

Noblesville

Noblesville is a charming city along the White River. This pleasant community of 70,000 is quickly growing with a lot to offer families and much to explore. The city is surrounded by forests and bodies of water, including the Morse Reservoir, which includes a family-friendly park and beach. Noblesville also has hiking trails and golf courses, which help cater to an active family lifestyle.

Noblesville has solid safety ratings and a charming historic town square, which acts as its center of commerce and culture. The downtown area includes intriguing architecture, busy shopping areas, and an array of international dining destinations. 

Noblesville

Carmel

The Indianapolis suburb of Carmel is home to over 100,000 and is just a short drive from Noblesville. This city is known for its appealing look, which includes countless roundabouts and timeless architecture. It is an affluent city with high safety ratings and superb school options, and it has plenty of lifestyle attractions for families.

Carmel boasts a terrific shopping scene with abundant options at the Clay Terrace lifestyle center. The Carmel Arts & Design District is a chic area that houses galleries, stores, and performance venues. There are also fantastic golf courses and parks for families that love being outdoors.

Carmel

Columbus

Columbus has a relatively modest population of 50,000, but this unique city has developed a huge reputation as a hub for architecture and design. Families are sure to be smitten by this city’s incredible style displayed through its modern architecture and public art.

Columbus is known to be a safe, welcoming place for families to live, and it has affordable real estate options. The headquarters of Cummins, a major engine development company, contributes to the town’s strong economy, and downtown Columbus is bustling with delightful shops, restaurants, and cafes. 

Zionsville

Zionsville is an Indianapolis suburb that has grown substantially in recent years. Many flock here for its small-town charm, and it is currently home to around 30,000. Numerous public parks and gardens cover the city, making it an incredibly green place that is perfect for enjoying the weather with family.

The downtown’s black-brick streets are lined with coffee shops, bookstores, restaurants, and more. While it has a small-town ambiance, with high safety ratings and quiet residential neighborhoods, you can still find premium shopping destinations in Zionsville. It also has excellent schools found in and around the city.

Zionsville

Westfield

With a population of 50,000, this Indianapolis suburb is a dream come true for buyers seeking a community designed with families in mind. The school district in Westfield is one of the best in the state, and the town’s safety ratings are solid. The city is renowned for its public parks, art, and recreational sports opportunities. The city also hosts exciting family-friendly events throughout the year.

While Westfield has a quiet, suburban feel, the downtown is a busy area, highlighted by the Grand Junction District. This is where many of the top dining and shopping destinations in the city are found including international restaurants, major branded stores, and thriving local businesses.