Indianapolis is more than just the Crossroads of America — it’s a city of neighborhoods, each with its own personality, history, and community spirit. Whether you’re a young professional searching for walkable streets and nightlife, a family looking for historic charm, or someone who simply wants easy access to downtown, Indy has a neighborhood that feels like home.

At Indy Collective Property Group, we’re proud to preserve and reimagine historic apartments across the city, giving residents the chance to live in communities that offer both character and convenience. This guide highlights some of the most distinctive Indianapolis neighborhoods to help you find your perfect fit.

Old Northside: Historic Meets Hip

The Old Northside is one of Indianapolis’s architectural treasures. Its streets are lined with Victorian mansions, but it’s far from stuck in the past. Just a short walk from Mass Ave, the neighborhood gives residents easy access to some of the city’s best restaurants, bars, and live music venues. At the same time, it keeps a quieter, residential feel with shady streets and neighborhood parks.

Local favorites: The Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site, Provider Coffee, and strolls down Alabama Street to admire the historic homes.

Best for renters who want: A blend of historic charm and downtown convenience.

Irvington: Arts and Community on the East Side

If you’re after a neighborhood with personality, Irvington delivers. Its brick-lined streets and Gothic Revival homes set the stage for a community that’s proud of its heritage but creative in its present. The Irvington Halloween Festival is one of the city’s biggest annual traditions, and the farmers market draws a crowd every weekend in summer.

Art galleries, indie theaters, and local pubs keep the neighborhood lively year-round. Renters here often stay for the sense of belonging that comes from being part of one of Indy’s tightest-knit communities.

Local favorites: The Irving Theater, Jockamo Upper Crust Pizza, and the Irvington Halloween Festival.

Best for renters who want: A walkable, arts-driven community with small-town vibes inside city limits.

Mapleton-Fall Creek: Parks, Trails, and Diversity

For renters who want to balance city life with access to the outdoors, Mapleton-Fall Creek is a top pick. The Fall Creek Trail runs through the neighborhood, giving residents direct access to miles of biking and jogging routes. Alongside the historic homes, new cafés and community gardens have been breathing fresh energy into the area.

It’s one of Indy’s most diverse neighborhoods, with a mix of longtime residents and newcomers invested in building a stronger, more connected community.

Local favorites: The Fall Creek Greenway, Goose the Market for local eats, and neighborhood community gardens.

Best for renters who want: Green space, affordability, and a strong neighborhood network.

Central State: Indy’s Creative Campus

Few neighborhoods have reinvented themselves like Central State. What was once the site of a sprawling hospital complex is now a lively campus filled with loft apartments, breweries, and artist studios. The Westside neighborhood has quickly become a magnet for creatives and young professionals looking for something different.

It’s still up-and-coming, which means there’s room to grow — and for renters, that often translates into unique floor plans and more affordable rents compared to downtown hotspots.

Local favorites: Central State Mansion events, 1899 music venue, and WFYI Beer Garden gatherings.

Best for renters who want: A neighborhood with creative energy and room to grow.

Woodruff Place: A Victorian Time Capsule

Woodruff Place looks like no other neighborhood in Indianapolis. Wide boulevards, ornate fountains, and Victorian homes make it feel like you’ve stepped back in time. For residents, that charm is paired with a true sense of community. The annual Woodruff Place Flea Market is a citywide event, and the neighborhood’s active association helps keep the area beautiful and connected.

Renters who move here aren’t just looking for an apartment — they’re drawn to a lifestyle rooted in history and tradition.

Local favorites: The fountains of East and West Drive, the Woodruff Place Flea Market, and Victorian architecture at every turn.

Best for renters who want: Quiet streets, historic beauty, and community pride.

Choosing the Right Fit

Indianapolis offers a neighborhood for every lifestyle. If you want culture and nightlife, head toward the Old Northside. If festivals and arts are your thing, Irvington could be the place. For green space and trails, Mapleton-Fall Creek delivers. And if you’re after something offbeat, Central State and Woodruff Place offer living experiences you won’t find in a typical apartment complex.

No matter your style, Indy Collective Property Group has apartments in the neighborhoods that define Indianapolis living. Explore our available listings and find a home that fits your life in one of the city’s most distinctive communities.