Formerly a rural farming community located on the North side of Indianapolis, the state capital and the Marion County seat. The suburbs of Indianapolis are made up of townships and Washington Township is one of the oldest. Its boundaries are 96th Street to the north and 38th Street to the south. One of the oldest areas in the city, Washington Township encompasses 36 square miles of land. The township is home to more than 135,000 residents in established communities such as Broadmoor, Broad Ripple (with trendy shops and restaurants and the Monon Trail within walking distance), Butler Tarkington, Devonshire, Keystone At the Crossing (with upscale condos and shopping), Ivy Hills, Meridian Kessler, Meridian Hills, Nora, Northern Estates (consistently named in the “Top 10” neighborhoods in Indianapolis), prestigious Williams Creek and Wynndale. By far the largest section of northern Indianapolis, the “North Side” is especially known for its miles of tree-lined streets and friendly, well-established residential neighborhoods. The North Side is also home to one of the finest school districts in the nation. North Central High School in the Metropolitan School District of Washington Township sets the standard for academic excellence both statewide and nationally. One of the most popular residential areas in Indianapolis, Washington Township is also home to some of the most recognized private and parochial schools in the state. In addition, Washington Township is home to nationally recognized Butler University with its ivy-covered halls.
Washington Township offers a diverse real estate market. Condominiums and townhouses start in the $100,000 to $400,000 and more, some featuring scenic water views and/or water frontage. Meridian Kessler and Meridian Hills are quiet enclaves of upper middle class homes, while Broad Ripple offers affordable homes within walking distance of recreation and entertainment. Williams Creek and Wynndale feature an eclectic selection of homes and lifestyles with lovely, restored homes and the rolling countryside that surrounds them. Prices for single-family detached homes in Washington Township range from the low $100,000s for single-level to more than $700,000 for large estate properties with tree-lined streets and waterfront vistas. Some luxury homes are priced at $1.5 million and more.
One of Washington Township’s finest features is its collection of excellent schools. Top-ranked North Central High School has been selected as one of “America’s Best” in a national study conducted by Redbook magazine. It was also one of the first schools in the state to receive the National Excellence in Education award. In addition, prestigious Park Tudor, Orchard Day School, Sycamore School for the gifted, The International School and St. Luke’s parochial school are also located within the township.
Of course, residents of Washington Township are still part of the city if Indianapolis. Known as the “Crossroads of America,” this modern and sophisticated city provides plenty of things to do and see. Easily accessible from many locations, the city is rich in arts and culture and provides the perfect balance of big-city style and genuine Hoosier hospitality. Home to over one million people, Indianapolis is the 12th largest city in the United States. In the past decade, Indianapolis has gone through a dramatic revitalization and stunning renaissance period, which has only enhanced livability and quality of life for residents and visitors alike.
Located in the center of Indiana on the White River, Indianapolis is the seat of Marion County. Called the “Racing Capital of the World,” the city is home to the famous Indianapolis 500 Auto Race, the NASCAR Brickyard 400, Formula One International Racing in September and of course Drag Racing and Midget Racing at RaceWay Park.
Indianapolis also has historic places of interest, including Lockerbie Square area with 19th century homes, including the home of Indiana poet James Whitcomb Riley; the Scottish Rites Cathedral, Monument Circle with the 285-foot Soldiers and Sailors Monument; the five-block World War Memorial Plaza; and the Indianapolis Museum of Art. Indianapolis is also home to the world renowned Children’s Museum loved by the young and old alike, as well as a first-class zoo complete with a recently opened white rhino display. The Eiteljorg Museum of American and Western Art offers the visitor at a look at many rare displays.
Indianapolis has long been a thriving market and a major distribution hub for many of the country’s largest manufacturers with more interstate highways than anywhere else in the country. It is also a provider for manufactured goods, such as pharmaceuticals, office furniture, transportation equipment, electrical equipment, medical diagnostic equipment and bio-medical Initiatives supported by Purdue University Research Park and Indiana University Medical School.
On a final note, the city streets are especially unique, having been laid out in a wheel pattern with major arteries converging at Monument Circle, thus making getting around in Indianapolis a breeze by comparison to other major cities.