Carmel

 

Less than 30 minutes north of Indianapolis, Carmel is an affluent suburban community that is known for its natural beauty, spacious homes, and artistic personality. The town of Carmel came into existence in 1837, founded by a pioneer named Daniel Warren. Originally known for its fur trading, Carmel quickly grew with the arrival of the railroad in 1883. Learn more about the early days of the town at the Carmel Clay Historical Society. Formed in 1975, the historical museum educates visitors on the town’s past through exhibitions, programs, historic home tours, and tours of the Monon Railroad Depot Museum.

 

Since its humble beginnings, Carmel has grown to a population of 100,000. Thanks to the town’s excellent infrastructure, locals enjoy well-maintained highways, beautiful parks, and organized shopping centers. It’s become one of the top places to reside in Hamilton County.

 

• A vibrant, bustling downtown and Art and Design District
• Easy access to Indianapolis
• A rich and vivid history, as highlighted at the Carmel Clay Historical Society

 

Considering its close proximity to Indianapolis, it’s no surprise that Carmel appeals to individuals who want to move away from the city, yet still want easy access to big city conveniences. Carmel provides residents with the best of both worlds and appeals to residents from all walks of life. Retirees, city-commuting professionals, and families have all made their home in this suburban oasis. 

 

Carmel has particularly become a popular place to raise children, in large part due to the top-notch school district that’s available here. Every school  in the area ranks exceedingly high, enabling parents to choose the best educational route for their child. In fact, Carmel High School was recently ranked fourth in the state.

 

When it comes to dining, shopping, or entertainment, Carmel City Center is the place to be. With a pedestrian-friendly layout, visitors can enjoy browsing the abundance of shops, restaurants, retailers, and activities available here. Pick up a gift for your special someone at Metalmark Fine Jewelry, a local shop that features the work of emerging and established designers.

 

Celebrate a special occasion at Anthony’s Chophouse, a family-owned eatery known for its upscale cuisine and unparalleled views of downtown Carmel, or, if you prefer a more casual experience, try out Matt the Miller’s Tavern and Restaurant. The menu features tavern favorites with a creative spin and the freshest ingredients available. After dinner, satisfy your sweet tooth with a treat from The Cake Bake Shop, founded by Gwendolyn Rogers, and the cakes of which have been featured and adored by Oprah Winfrey, Williams-Sonoma, and more. 

 

Whether you’re new in town or simply passing through, no visit to Carmel is complete without a trip to the Carmel Arts and Design District. The town is known for being a hub for artists and creatives, and this downtown district perfectly encapsulates that. This vibrant district is home to interior designers, art galleries, specialty shops, and showrooms. You can also take in a dazzling performance at The Performing Arts Center, a 1,600-seat concert hall in Carmel. Each year, the Center hosts top artists from around the world in a wide range of genres. 

 

Kick-off your weekends at the Carmel Farmers Market, one of the largest in the whole state. Featuring 64 vendors, this market offers everything from fresh produce to baked goods to premier meats. Enjoy a family-fun day at one of Carmel’s many events and festivals that take place throughout the year. Some of the most popular festivals include Oktoberfest, Carmel International Arts Festival, and Art of Wine.

 

Carmel is served by the Carmel Clay School District and is home to a number of top-notch schools, including both private and private options. Best schools include: