Living in Indianapolis, IN: Suburbs No One Talks About... But Should

If you're considering living in Indianapolis, IN, you probably already know the familiar names: Carmel, Fishers, Westfield, Zionsville. Those places get mentioned over and over. But after working with dozens of relocating families and spending countless weekends exploring neighborhoods around the metro, I can tell you the best fit for your family isn’t always the most talked-about suburb. I'm Jason Compton from Living In Indianapolis, and in this guide, I’ll walk you through a handful of overlooked suburbs that deserve your attention — why they’re special, who they fit best, the real estate numbers you should know, and what to expect day-to-day living in Indianapolis, IN from these communities.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Suburb #1 Hancock County
• Suburb #2 Fortville
• Suburb #3 Cicero
• Suburb #4 Pittsboro
• Suburb #5 New Palestine
• Suburb #6 Plainfield
• How to Decide Which Hidden Suburb Is Right for You
• Real Estate Tips for Buyers Relocating to the Indianapolis Metro
• What I Hear Most From Relocating Families
• Conclusion: Don’t Just Follow the Headlines — Find What Fits
• FAQs About Indianapolis' Suburbs
• Want Help Exploring These Suburbs?

Introduction

Fishers is one of the big names people mention when they talk about living in Indianapolis, IN — and for good reason. It’s well-known, growing, and offers a lot of amenities. But Fishers also plays a role here as context: many of the smaller suburbs I highlight sit just east, north, or south of Fishers and benefit from its growth. When Fishers expands eastward, downtown corridors and nearby small towns often get a spillover of interest and new development.

If you value proximity to a larger suburban center that still feels modern and full of options, Fishers is one of the magnets that lifts neighboring towns. Those towns give you more breathing room — a quieter downtown, smaller schools, and often more value — while allowing quick access to Fishers’ restaurants, shopping, and job centers.

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Suburb #1 Hancock County

Hancock County sits east of Indianapolis and is home to several of the places I mention below. If you’re thinking about living in Indianapolis, IN but you want a small-town school experience and a bit more rural character without being isolated, Hancock County should be on your short list. Countywide population density is low relative to the metro, which is why these towns often fly under the radar even as demand grows across the region.

The county’s combination of strong schools, smaller high school sizes, and walkable downtowns in towns like Fortville and New Palestine make it attractive for families who want community ties and convenience. If you’re moving from out of state and exploring living in Indianapolis, IN options, Hancock County offers that “step down” from busier suburbs without sacrificing accessibility to the metro.

Suburb #2 Fortville

Fortville sits just east of Fishers and has quietly come to life in recent years. If you’re keeping an eye on living in Indianapolis, IN and are looking for walkability and restaurants, Fortville’s Main Street is one of the most charming and active downtowns among small towns around the metro.

What I love about Fortville:

• Exceptional walkable downtown with locally owned restaurants and shops — Cortona’s, FoxGardin, Taxman Brewing, local Mexican and Indian restaurants, and an ice cream spot that kids love.
• A lively weekend vibe: Friday and Saturday nights here are busy in a way that feels community-driven, not touristy.
• Proximity to Fishers and Greenfield: you’re close to bigger-city amenities but have a distinct small town identity.

Median home sale price: roughly $385,000 (at the time of this writing). Population: about 5,000 people. Because Fortville is small, a lot of available stock has been newer construction, which has pushed prices upward. That said, you can still find pockets of older, more affordable housing in the original downtown area.

Why people overlook Fortville: it’s often overshadowed by Fishers. As Fishers’ eastern growth pushes outward, Fortville has been waking up from a long slumber — its Main Street used to be quiet 30 years ago — but many buyers are still focused on Fishers and haven’t considered Fortville as an alternative. If you want walkable small-town life within a short drive of Fishers and Indianapolis, Fortville is a smart choice for living in Indianapolis, IN that many buyers are just beginning to discover.

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Suburb #3 Cicero

Cicero is a northern suburban gem on Morse Reservoir, shared with Noblesville. When discussing living in Indianapolis, IN and lake communities, people often think of Geist Reservoir on the northeast side. But Morse Reservoir near Cicero offers a sizable water lifestyle with a quieter personality compared to adjacent Noblesville.

Key points about Cicero:

• Population: roughly 5,000 — small, approachable, and quieter than Noblesville.
• Median home sale price: around $339,000 — but expect wide swings. Waterfront homes, especially on the main body of Morse Reservoir, can climb close to or above a million dollars.
• Schools: smaller district and high school sizes — a great fit if you want a smaller school experience without being too far removed from metro amenities.

Cicero’s downtown along Jackson Street is compact and friendly with local restaurants and a waterfront personality anchored by Red Bridge Park. The reservoir defines a lot of the town’s character — boating, dock access, and scenic neighborhoods are big draws. If you’re relocating and curious about living in Indianapolis, IN with a lake lifestyle that’s quieter than the most popular waterfront suburbs, Cicero deserves a look.

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Suburb #4 Pittsboro

Pittsboro (not Pittsburgh) is a small town on the northwest side, right next to Brownsburg. It’s easy to miss on a map, and many central Indiana residents haven’t heard of it — but that’s exactly why it’s attractive if you’re seeking a quieter community that’s still within reach of daily necessities.

Why consider Pittsboro:

• Population: under 5,000 — very small and low-traffic.
• Close to Brownsburg for big-box shopping, grocery stores, and larger retail options — you get convenience without the constant bustle.
• Tri-West schools are small (high school under 600 students), offering strong community involvement and individualized attention.
• Easy access to I-74 and quick trips into Indianapolis or Brownsburg when needed.

Pittsboro is a classic under-the-radar option for people who want a semi-rural feel without true isolation. If you’re relocating and want a small community for family-focused living while still being able to commute or reach amenities quickly, Pittsboro can be the quiet compromise you’re looking for when considering living in Indianapolis, IN.

Suburb #5 New Palestine

New Palestine — often shortened to New Pal — is a small southern Hancock County town that’s been quietly gaining attention. If you picture the ideal small-sized community with an active school culture and expanding services, New Palestine is a great example of why smaller towns can outshine bigger suburbs on quality-of-life metrics.

What stands out in New Palestine:

• Population: a little over 5,000.
• High-performing schools with a smaller high school (under 2,000 students) — a draw for families seeking strong extracurricular success and community support.
• Recent development: new healthcare/fitness centers, grocery options, and even a Starbucks — signs that the town is on an upward trajectory.
• Median home sale price: roughly $425,000 — pricier than some other sleeper suburbs because of new construction and strong local demand.

New Palestine’s community vibe is powerful. The high school shows up in athletics and state competitions across the board, and the town’s mix of longtime residents and newcomers creates a welcoming blend. If you’re looking for a small-town feel with amenities growing into it, New Palestine is an attractive option when thinking of living in Indianapolis, IN.

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Suburb #6 Plainfield

Finally, Plainfield is the most surprising on this list precisely because it’s not tiny — it’s a larger town pushing toward 38,000 people. Yet many newcomers still don’t consider it when they’re thinking about living in Indianapolis, IN. That’s a missed opportunity because Plainfield offers affordability, parks, connectivity, and a trail system that rivals some of the best in the region.

Why Plainfield can be a perfect fit:

• Population: close to 38,000 — large enough to feel like a self-contained city but small enough to retain suburban charm.
• Median home sale price: about $330,000 — one of the more affordable entries into suburban living near the southwest side of Indianapolis.
• Connectivity: quick access to I-70 and easy routes to downtown Indianapolis and the airport — ideal for commuters and frequent travelers.
• Parks and trails: White Lick Creek cuts through town, creating protected green corridors and a vertical park system that links neighborhoods. Hummel Park and the trail system allow residents to reach the majority of Plainfield without getting in a car.
• Family-friendly: strong schools and community programming with amphitheaters, concerts, and family events throughout the year.

Plainfield often flies under the radar because larger suburban names in Hamilton and Hendricks Counties steal the spotlight. But if you want a mix of value, accessibility, parks, and family-oriented living within the broader Indianapolis metro, Plainfield is an excellent choice for living in Indianapolis, IN that many people overlook.

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How to Decide Which Hidden Suburb Is Right for You

Choosing between Fortville, Cicero, Pittsboro, New Palestine, and Plainfield comes down to three primary considerations: lifestyle preference, school size/quality, and commute/transportation needs. Below are practical questions I ask clients when we start narrowing options for living in Indianapolis, IN:

• Do you want a highly walkable downtown within minutes of home (Fortville, Cicero) or a town with expansive parks and trails (Plainfield)?
• How important is school size? Do you want a smaller high school experience (Pittsboro, Cicero, New Palestine) or a larger high school with broad programming (Plainfield)?
• How often do you commute to downtown Indianapolis or travel via the airport? If frequent, Plainfield’s I-70 and airport proximity are hard to beat.
• Are you considering new construction or looking for older, character-filled homes? Fortville and New Palestine have seen a lot of new builds; Cicero and Pittsboro offer a wider mix of older inventory and waterfront or rural properties.

Real Estate Tips for Buyers Relocating to the Indianapolis Metro

If you’re moving here and exploring living in Indianapolis, IN, these practical tips help you navigate local nuances:

1. Tour the downtown and surrounding neighborhoods, not just the suburb name. Main Street character and trail access impact daily life as much as schools or price.
2. Understand school boundaries and sizes. Smaller high schools may mean tighter communities and strong participation, but some families prefer larger high schools for AP/APEX courses and elective variety.
3. Expect price variation within a town. A $339k median in Cicero hides waterfront homes that can exceed $1M and smaller inland properties that are more affordable.
4. Ask about new construction phases and HOA rules. Many smaller towns have pockets of new subdivisions that change the fabric of a place rapidly.
5. Consider commute routes at different times of day. Some towns feel quiet because they’re off main arteries; others can get busier as development increases.

What I Hear Most From Relocating Families

Over my years helping clients with moves to living in Indianapolis, IN, the most common themes I hear are:

• “We need a strong community for our kids.” — Small towns with active high school sports programs and community events (New Palestine, Pittsboro) often win here.
• “We want to be near parks and trails.” — Plainfield’s vertical parks and trail connectivity rank highly for lifestyle buyers.
• “We want walkable dinner options and an active Main Street.” — Fortville’s downtown fills that role.
• “We want value plus water access.” — Cicero can deliver lake life at a more reasonable entry point than more famous reservoirs.

Conclusion: Don’t Just Follow the Headlines — Find What Fits

When researching living in Indianapolis, IN, don’t settle for name recognition alone. Carmel and Fishers are great, but they’re not the only places that offer high quality of life. Fortville, Cicero, Pittsboro, New Palestine, and Plainfield each offer unique benefits: walkable downtowns, lake lifestyles, quiet small-town schools, and family-focused parks and trails.

My advice: make a short list of what you actually want — school size, commute time, type of downtown, and price range — and then tour the places that match those priorities, even if they’re not the ones you first heard about. You might save money, get more space, and find a sense of community that fits you better than the “big name” suburb would.

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FAQs About Indianapolis' Suburbs

Which of these suburbs is best if I need quick access to the Indy airport?

Plainfield is the most convenient for airport access. It's close to I-70 and has direct routes to the Indianapolis International Airport, making travel easy for frequent flyers.

Where can I find the most walkable small-town downtown?

Fortville stands out for a walkable Main Street full of local restaurants, breweries, and shops. It’s a small-town downtown that feels lively on weekend nights.

Are there lake communities that are more affordable than Geist?

Yes. Cicero and Morse Reservoir offer a lake lifestyle with some waterfront properties commanding premium prices, but more reasonably priced homes exist off the main body of the reservoir. Median price points are generally lower than the most coveted Geist properties.

I want small schools. Which towns should I consider?

Pittsboro (Tri-West), Cicero, and New Palestine all offer smaller high school sizes that appeal to families seeking a tight-knit school community.

Are there many new-construction options in these towns?

Yes. Fortville and New Palestine have seen a fair amount of new construction, which can raise median prices. Plainfield has a mix of established neighborhoods and newer developments. If you prefer older homes and character, look inland from the main downtowns.

How important is it to tour neighborhoods in person?

Very important. Photos and listings don’t convey traffic patterns, soundscapes, trail access, or how close your grocery store and restaurants really are. Touring will also let you observe community events and get a feel for whether neighbors are out and about.

What are typical median prices right now for these suburbs?

As of the data noted earlier: Fortville ~ $385,000; Cicero ~ $339,000 (with wide variation due to waterfront); New Palestine ~ $425,000; Plainfield ~ $330,000. Pittsboro tends to be more affordable and varies by lot and distance to Brownsburg. Always confirm current market numbers with a local agent — markets change.

How do I start if I’m relocating from out of state?

Begin with priorities (schools, commute, downtown vibe). Then select two or three areas from that priorities list and schedule neighborhood tours. Work with a local agent who specializes in relocations and can provide virtual tours, neighborhood drives, walkability assessments, and school boundary verification. That will save time and reduce stress during a move.

Want Help Exploring These Suburbs?

If you’re relocating and want tailored guidance, I recommend starting with a short call or email to clarify priorities and set up targeted tours — virtual or in-person. There are many excellent pockets around the Indianapolis metro that are quieter, more affordable, and more community-driven than the headline suburbs. If you’re serious about living in Indianapolis, IN and want a local expert to help you find the right fit, reach out to me at 317-932-8620 and we’ll map out your options based on what matters most to you.