If you’re considering a move to Indianapolis and crave a blend of historic elegance, walkable streets, and a neighborly vibe, the Old Northside should be at the top of your list. Nestled just north of downtown, the Old Northside is one of the city’s most cherished historic neighborhoods—where stately Victorian homes line leafy avenues, local businesses bustle, and the community welcomes newcomers with open arms. Here’s what it’s really like to call the Old Northside home.
Community Vibe: Friendly, Inclusive, and Full of Character
Step onto Alabama or New Jersey Street at almost any hour, and you’ll find joggers, dog-walkers, or friends chatting on wide porches. Residents range from young professionals and artists to long-time locals who’ve lived here for generations. One of the neighborhood’s greatest strengths is its inclusive attitude—everyone seems genuinely invested in the area’s well-being, from organizing neighborhood cleanups to throwing front porch concerts and progressive dinners.
Old Northside is home to the Old Northside Neighborhood Association, a dynamic group that hosts regular community events, including block parties and historic home tours. There’s an unspoken pride in preserving both the neighborhood’s legacy and its welcoming spirit.
Housing: Historic Grandeur Meets Modern Comfort
Old Northside’s housing is its biggest show-stopper. The area is known for its meticulously restored Victorian and Queen Anne homes, many dating back to the late 1800s. Some mansions stand as reminders of Indianapolis’s gilded era and have been subdivided into stylish condos or apartments, offering variety at multiple price points.
- Streets like North Delaware, Park Avenue, and East 13th Street showcase grand single-family homes with turrets, wraparound porches, and intricate woodwork.
- For those seeking lower-maintenance living, there are renovated apartment buildings and a handful of newer townhomes that fit seamlessly into the historic streetscape.
- Rental options range from quaint carriage houses tucked behind larger estates to stylish loft apartments in converted historic buildings.
Whatever your taste, housing here combines stunning architectural character with modern updates—think original hardwoods and stained glass right alongside energy-efficient appliances.
Walkability: Everything Close at Hand
A huge perk of life in the Old Northside is its walkability. The neighborhood is compact, leafy, and easily navigated on foot or by bike. Grocery stores, restaurants, cafés, and even cultural attractions are often just a few blocks away.
Residents often stroll to:
- Foundry Provisions (on East 16th) for coffee and pastry
- Baby’s (at the corner of East 22nd and Central Ave) for burgers and shakes in a retro setting
- The historic Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site, which sits at Delaware and 13th and regularly hosts educational and fun community events
Thanks to the nearby Monon Trail and bike lanes on streets like North Alabama, cycling downtown or up to other neighborhoods like Herron-Morton and Fall Creek Place is a breeze.
Schools and Family-Friendliness
Old Northside is well-suited to families and kids, with several school options nearby. It’s served by Indianapolis Public Schools, with Center for Inquiry School 27 just a short drive away and a number of reputable charter and private schools within reach.
- Herron High School on 16th Street is an award-winning public charter school known for its rigorous academics and arts programs.
- Families appreciate the tight-knit community, where neighbors look out for one another, and front-yard gatherings are common throughout the warmer months.
Several daycares and preschools operate nearby, and the area’s safe, shaded sidewalks are perfect for stroller walks. It’s a place where kids can ride bikes and play while parents feel reassured.
Parks and Green Spaces: A Breath of Fresh Air
For a city neighborhood, the Old Northside scores major points for its parks and green spaces. At the heart of the neighborhood is Shawn Grove Park, a local favorite featuring a modern playground, skatepark, and open green space popular with families and picnic-goers. Additionally, the Monon Trail passes just east of the neighborhood, providing quick access to miles of traffic-free biking, running, and dog-walking paths.
- The Old Northside also boasts community gardens, beautifully tended by local volunteers, and mature tree cover that makes every walk pleasant.
- At the southern edge, you’ll find the serene Indianapolis Cultural Trail, connecting residents to downtown’s vibrant Art Garden and Mass Ave in under 10 minutes.
Safety and Peace of Mind
Safety is always a top concern, and for the Old Northside, it’s something residents actively work on together. Neighborhood Watch programs are robust here, and residents use group chats and social media to keep each other informed. The area is well-patrolled and, thanks to engaged neighbors and local police, enjoys a reputation for being both safe and welcoming.
Most people feel comfortable walking their dogs late in the evening or chatting under streetlights. Like any urban area, petty crime does occur on occasion, but residents are proactive and supportive. The sense of shared purpose creates a genuine sense of belonging and security.
Proximity to Downtown and Major Employers
Being only minutes from Monument Circle, IU Health, Eli Lilly, and the city’s major employers is a huge draw for commuters. Interstate access is quick (if you need to drive), but for many, the walk, bike, or quick Red Line bus ride downtown is a daily highlight—not a chore.
- Popular city destinations, including Mass Ave, Bottleworks District, The Children’s Museum, and Indiana University’s medical and law campuses, are all under a 10-minute trip away.
- The neighborhood is also just north of bustling Fall Creek Place, making it easy to branch out to more restaurants, coffee shops, or nightlife when the mood strikes.
What Residents Love Most
Ask a longtime Old Northside resident what keeps them here, and you’ll almost always hear about the unbeatable combination of history, community, and easy living. The pride people take in maintaining beautiful streets and homes is visible at every turn. It’s the kind of neighborhood where neighbors become dear friends, block parties are must-attend events, and newcomers are welcomed with genuine interest and care.
Many say the Old Northside is the perfect blend—big-city convenience with a small-town mindset, all wrapped up in one of the city’s most visually charming settings.
Whether you’re a young professional, family, or retiree, if you want a neighborhood with storybook streets, true walkability, vibrant community spirit, and close ties to all the best parts of Indianapolis, the Old Northside delivers—without question.