Best Suburbs Surrounding Indianapolis

Thinking of moving near Indianapolis?

The Circle City offers charm, culture, and career potential — but not everyone wants to live in the middle of it all. Indiana’s state capital is known for its picturesque greenery, waterways, and the famed Indianapolis 500 motor race. Indianapolis also has multiple universities, professional sports teams, and the world’s largest children’s museum.

Why it matters: With over 879,000 residents and more moving here every year, Indianapolis is growing fast. Its suburbs offer more space, top-rated schools, and easier commutes — without losing access to city perks.

What’s ahead: We’ve rounded up 10 of the best suburbs near Indianapolis — each offering something unique for homebuyers looking for the right blend of comfort, convenience, and community.

1. Carmel

Luxury living meets top-tier schools—Carmel is where families plant roots.

Population: 103,606 | Median Home Value: $456K | School Rank: A+ | Commute: 24 min

• Housing: Upscale homes, lots of new builds

• Education: Top-ranked Carmel Clay Schools district; great for families

• Safety: Low crime + over 150 roundabouts improve traffic & safety,

• Annual Crime: 60 violent, 863 property

• Perks: Arts & Design District, Monon Trail, Coxhall Gardens

• Location: 16 miles north of Indy

• Vibe: Polished, cultural, family-friendly

Why it’s #1: Carmel blends high-end living with small-town charm and big-city arts.

2. Fishers

Smart, vibrant, and full of energy—Fishers blends innovation with family fun.

Population: 103,986 | Median Home Value: $370K | School Rank: A+ | Commute: 27 min

• Housing: Mix of modern and traditional homes

• Education: Hamilton Southeastern Schools excel

• Safety: Low crime, great for families

• Annual Crime: 102 violent, 630 property

• Perks: Nickel Plate District, Conner Prairie, Geist Reservoir, golf courses, Flat Fork Creek Park

• Location: Just northeast of Indy

• Vibe: Smart, vibrant, entrepreneurial

Why it’s great: Fishers nails the family-friendly formula with tech vibes and top schools.

3. Zionsville

Quiet luxury in a walkable village—Zionsville is where character meets comfort.

Population: 33,161 | Median Home Value: $544K | School Rank: A+ | Commute: 26 min

• Housing: Upscale homes with historic charm

• Education: Zionsville Community Schools, excellence in academics and extracurricular

• Safety: One of the safest in the U.S.

• Annual Crime: 7 violent, 91 property

• Perks: Zion Nature Sanctuary, STAR Bank Performing Arts Center, and brick streets

• Location: Northwest of Indy

• Vibe: Cozy, historic, affluent

The allure: Zionsville is where small-town charm meets suburban luxury.

4. Westfield

Trails, parks, and play—Westfield is where active families thrive.

Population: 62,994 | Median Home Value: $392K | School Rank: A+ | Commute: 23 min

• Housing: New developments, great for growing families

• Education: Excellent Westfield Washington School District

• Safety: Very safe with a strong community feel

• Annual Crime: 40 violent, 502 property

• Perks: Grand Park sports complex, trails, Grand Junction Plaza, Cool Creek Park Nature Center

• Location: 20 miles north on Hwy 31

• Vibe: Active, welcoming, on the rise

Why it’s a win: Westfield offers suburban serenity with top-tier sports and trails.

5. Plainfield

Affordable, peaceful, and park-filled—Plainfield is easy living done right.

Population: 37,796 | Median Home Value: $264K | School Rank: A+ | Commute: 23 min

• Housing: Affordable, with great access to parks

• Education: Plainfield Community School Corporation schools consistently impress

• Safety: Family-friendly and peaceful

• Annual Crime: 42 violent, 667 property

• Perks: Greenways, Hummel Park, Plainfield Aquatic Center, Splash Island Family Waterpark

• Location: Near Indy airport

• Vibe: Balanced, community-first

The takeaway: Plainfield is plain awesome for families, parks, and proximity to the airport.

6. Brownsburg

Community spirit and small-town warmth—Brownsburg moves at your pace.

Population: 33,430 | Median Home Value: $283K | School Rank: A+ | Commute: 27 min

• Housing: Affordable and steadily appreciating

• Education: Brownsburg Schools are among Indiana’s best

• Safety: Very safe with a tight-knit feel

• Annual Crime: 26 violent, 252 property

• Perks: Arbuckle Acres, Lucas Oil Raceway, new downtown

• Location: 20 minutes west of Indy

• Vibe: Active, evolving, close-knit

Why it shines: Brownsburg offers big value with a small-town heart.

7. Noblesville

Music, history, and lakeside vibes—Noblesville is a cultural and outdoor haven.

Population: 75,239 | Median Home Value: $322K | School Rank: A | Commute: 26 min

• Housing: Mid-range homes in charming neighborhoods

• Education: Hamilton Southeastern School District and Noblesville Schools

• Safety: Generally safe with a vibrant community

• Annual Crime: 78 violent, 446 property

• Perks: Ruoff Music Center, Morse Reservoir, downtown square

• Location: 28 miles northeast

• Vibe: Historic, artsy, laid-back

The draw: Noblesville blends concerts, culture, and community in one place.

8. Speedway

Racing roots and local charm—Speedway runs on community and excitement.

Population: 14,268 | Median Home Value: $209K | School Rank: A+| Commute: 21 min

• Housing: Affordable, walkable neighborhoods

• Education: Recognized Speedway School District

• Safety: Moderate crime, tight-knit feel

• Annual Crime: 54 violent, 420 property

• Perks: Indianapolis Motor Speedway, parks, Dallara Experience Hub, Leonard Park

• Location: 6 miles NW of downtown Indy

• Vibe: Energetic, historic, motorsport cool

Why it's a win: Speedway races ahead with value, events, and small-town spirit.

9. Avon

Where affordability meets amenities—Avon is a smart move west of Indy.

Population: 24,735 | Median Home Value: $301K | School Rank: A+ | Commute: 30 min

• Housing: Reasonable prices with strong value

• Education: Avon Community Schools, excellent academic programs

• Safety: Low violent crime, safe for families

• Annual Crime: 22 violent, 535 property

• Perks: Burnett Woods, Town Hall Park, festivals, community events

• Location: 13 miles west of Indy

• Vibe: Green, friendly, suburban solid

Why it’s popular: Avon delivers peace, parks, and top-rated schools at a great value.

10. Greenwood

Growing strong and priced right—Greenwood is a solid investment for the future.

Population: 68,175 | Median Home Value: $249K | School Rank: A- | Commute: 26 min

• Housing: One of the most affordable on this list

• Education: Outstanding Greenwood Community School Corporation

• Safety: Higher property crime, but family-friendly

• Annual Crime: 79 violent, 1,249 property

• Perks: Freedom Springs Aquatic Park, golf, shopping, festivals, 20+ parks

• Location: 15 miles south of Indy

• Vibe: Up-and-coming, accessible, energetic

The appeal: Greenwood mixes affordability, fun, and a growing suburban scene.

The Bottom Line:

Indy’s suburbs deliver big on livability — with safer streets, solid schools, and more breathing room. Whether you’re chasing top schools, outdoor space, or a shorter commute, there’s a spot just outside the city that fits your lifestyle.

Additional Suburbs

NewHomeSource pulled data from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Services and the U.S. Census Bureau. In the event exact crime data was unavailable, estimates were used. These factors were entered into an algorithm to calculate a score for each suburb.

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