on Jun 7th, 201010 Ten Reasons to Love Indianapolis Indiana!
Wonder what there is to love about Indianapolis Indiana? Plenty! Here are the Haddad Team’s top picks, in no particular order!
1. Manageable Traffic
The average commute time for Indianapolis is only 21 minutes, according to US Census statistics. Although that’s only 3 minutes less than the nation’s average commute time of 24 minutes, it all adds up!
2. Reasonably Priced Housing
Indianapolis is consistently named to the Forbes.com list of Most Affordable U.S. Real Estate Markets, and 2009 was no exception, when the Circle City landed the No. 12 spot for affordability on the Forbes.com list of America’s Best Bang-For-The-Buck Cities.
3. Indianapolis Greenways and Parks
More than 188 parks and seven major bike/pedestrian trails are located in Marion County alone. The Monon Trail starts downtown and continues north all the way to Carmel. The White River Wapahani Trail is the longest trail in Central Indiana, and covers 27 miles tracing the White River. Indianapolis parks offer lots of green space for recreation, relaxation, and a whole lot of fun!
4. Indiana State Fair
Every August, Hoosiers from around the state travel to Indianapolis to partake in the festivities in the Indiana State Fair. The 150-year-old tradition offers something for everyone, including carnival rides, yummy treats (fried Coca-Cola!), 4-H competitions, and big name concerts.
5. Sports
Sports fans have plenty of reasons to cheer in Indianapolis. The Colts, Pacers, and Fever all offer exciting professional competition. The Indianapolis Indians minor league baseball team and the Indiana Ice hockey team also provide great entertainment. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway makes Indy the mecca for racing fans with the Indianapolis 500, Brickyard 400, and Formula One races each year. The NCAA headquarters also calls Indy home.
6. Monument Circle
Indianapolis is home to the most war memorials of any city in the country. And none is more impressive than the towering limestone and bronze statue at the intersection of Meridian and Market street. This Indianapolis landmark, a memorial statue of Indiana pre- World War I war military heroes, gives a spectacular view of the city and is the site of many festivals and celebrations throughout the year.
7. Museums of Indianapolis
The city is home to several unique museums showcasing everything from American Indian artifacts to modern art to sports and more! The Indianapolis Children´s Museum, the largest of its kind in the country, spreads out over 14 acres of land and is filled with exciting hands-on activities for kids of all ages. The beautifully renovated Indianapolis Art Museum has displays for all tastes from French impressionists to classic Asian art!
8. White River Gardens & Indianapolis Zoo
Located on the banks of the White River, this facility is the only nationally-recognized zoo, botanical garden, and aquarium in one. Pathways through the gardens allow you to experience the beauty of more than 1,000 different plant and butterfly species. Special exhibits at the zoo this year include Cheetah: The Race for Survival.
9. Winter, Spring, Summer & Fall
All four seasons are represented in Indianapolis, and each is accompanied by local festivals, events, and traditions.
10. Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra
One of only 18 year-round orchestras makes Indianapolis its home at the Hilbert Circle Theatre on Monument Circle. The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra performs a variety of concerts, including the extremely popular Symphony on the Prairie summer concert series at Conner Prairie in Fishers.