Getting Around Indianapolis: Walkability, Public Transit & Biking

United States

Indianapolis

Indiana

Getting Around Indianapolis: Walkability, Public Transit & Biking

Walkability

68
Okay

Indianapolis offers limited walkability with its mix of pedestrian-friendly downtown areas and car-dependent neighborhoods. Central locations like Mile Square and Broad Ripple provide a concentration of amenities within walking distance, making them convenient for travelers without a car. However, the city's walkability is constricted by incomplete infrastructure in certain areas, including insufficient sidewalks and crosswalks. Travelers will find that staying in these more central, walkable areas elevates their walking experience, granting access to cafes, restaurants, and coworking spaces without the need for a vehicle.

Public Transit

58
Okay

Indianapolis' public transit system, primarily serviced by IndyGo buses, provides some options for travelers, particularly along key routes such as the north-south Red Line bus rapid transit. While these BRT lines improve access within central areas, transit options remain limited in coverage and frequency elsewhere in the city. For travelers, this means public transit is handy for central commutes but may fall short for comprehensive city exploration. Upcoming projects like the Blue Line BRT promise future improvements, though current transit suitability could require supplementing with other modes of transportation.

Bikeability

65
Okay

Indianapolis is evolving into a more bike-friendly city with its expanding network of bike lanes and popular trails such as the Monon Trail and the Indianapolis Cultural Trail. These corridors make biking a practical and enjoyable option for travelers, provided they stick to designated paths. However, inconsistent infrastructure and traffic in certain areas present challenges, necessitating prudent route planning. Bike share programs add convenience, but travelers should be cautious and prepared for varying road conditions outside the more developed biking routes.

Reviews

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Mostly Positive
75% of the 4 user reviews for this place are positive
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Showing 4 of 4 reviews
Sep 28, 2021Nomad List
Recommended

Indianapolis is a great place to visit for a long weekend, and areas like downtown Carmel are great for walkable, neighborhood-centric home base for raising a family.

There aren't many nomads here. You move here if you want to raise a family while keeping up a lifestyle where you travel for a few months a year. There are good schools, the cost of living is cheap, the food and drink scene are great, and biking is fantastic.

Source: Indy native who moved to Carmel, Indiana while getting through the pandemic. I've spent the last 4 years spending 6-8 months in Indy and 4-6 months abroad.

Jul 18, 2021Nomad List
Recommended

Go anywhere other than the north. Stear clear of the Carmel, zionsville, and fishers areas. Mostly intolerant disgusting people there. The rest of city is great. Source: I’ve lived all over Indy for 30+ years

Apr 4, 2019Nomad List
Recommended

I live in Indianapolis. Even though I don't want to live here in the future, I do now. And what I can tell you from this is that it is a beautiful family friendly city. Broad Ripple is a place for pets and children to come eat lunch and walk around. There are many shops from Ice Cream to Hiking stores. The inner city of Indianapolis though is the most fun. It may have been called a boring city but I highly disagree. I have a blast everytime I come to the city. Yes, there are problems and my tip is to stay downtown and have fun! I find it so sad that my city is ranked so low. I also don't know why the "Female Friendly" ranking is only at an okay. There are women's marches and other things along those lines here. Overall Indianapolis is a beautiful city! :)

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