Moving South

[silverbullet4x4]

Well the time has come to venture south. Got a new job and will be moving soon. Those of you who live south of indy, semi close to the columbus area, where would you recommend living? I have heard nice things about Greenwood, being that it is about 30 miles from work and a short drive to indy. Opinions?

 

[Kagnew]

Are you going to be working in Columbus? Why not live in Columbus? If drive time to Indianapolis is a concern, we live on the northeast side of Columbus (well within the city limits) are can make it to 465 in just a little over 30 minutes.

 

[prepgal]

Bloomington is a great place. Big city amenities with a small town atmosphere.

 

[RedneckReject]

Franklin is also nice. I lived there for years before moving up to Indy. I loved it.

 

[88GT]

I'd pick Franklin over Greenwood. Greenwood is hardly distinguishable from Indy at this point. (I'd avoid Bloomington like the plague. Spent two years there for grad school at IU. It can't have gotten any better.) Edinburg is really close to Atterbury. Just sayin'.

Then there's all the little towns and villages strung along I65.

Will you be renting or buying? Family or just you? City, suburban, or rural? Freedom or tyranny?

 

[silverbullet4x4]

I'd pick Franklin over Greenwood. Greenwood is hardly distinguishable from Indy at this point. (I'd avoid Bloomington like the plague. Spent two years there for grad school at IU. It can't have gotten any better.) Edinburg is really close to Atterbury. Just sayin'.

Then there's all the little towns and villages strung along I65.

Will you be renting or buying? Family or just you? City, suburban, or rural? Freedom or tyranny?

I am not against small towns at all, however the old lady is looking for the best schools possible. For a year or so I am looking to rent with the intention of buying something where it is a good compromise between a small town feel and good schools. Personally I hate suburbia but my fiance wants a nicer house thus less land. Looking for Freedom, 'Merica.

 

[88GT]

I am not against small towns at all, however the old lady is looking for the best schools possible. For a year or so I am looking to rent with the intention of buying something where it is a good compromise between a small town feel and good schools. Personally I hate suburbia but my fiance wants a nicer house thus less land. Looking for Freedom, 'Merica.

Well, Freedom, Indiana doesn't even have a school system.

But you're asking the wrong person about school systems, so I'll bow out now.

 

[silverbullet4x4]

Well, Freedom, Indiana doesn't even have a school system.

But you're asking the wrong person about school systems, so I'll bow out now.

Humor me, what towns in that general region have a small town feel without being too far from columbus?

 

[Hammer]

Franklin is a nice area, we considered it before we bought our house. Not far from the interstate and plenty of amenities without being in the "Big City". I have heard good things about the school system but no fist hand knowledge of that.

Whiteland, Bargersville is about the same as franklin but a lil further out in the country.

 

[88GT]

Humor me, what towns in that general region have a small town feel without being too far from columbus?

Compared to Columbus, Indy and Bloomington are the only bigger options in your geographic area.

If you're looking for towns that still have a lot of the small town feel but provide many of the amenities of cities: Franklin, Shelbyville (though that's a bit east and not south), and Greenwood are tops. Everything else I personally would consider small town: Whiteland/New Whiteland, Morgantown, Edinburgh, Bargersville. There are even more smaller villages, but they likely won't meet the school criteria.

 

[silverbullet4x4]

Compared to Columbus, Indy and Bloomington are the only bigger options in your geographic area.

If you're looking for towns that still have a lot of the small town feel but provide many of the amenities of cities: Franklin, Shelbyville (though that's a bit east and not south), and Greenwood are tops. Everything else I personally would consider small town: Whiteland/New Whiteland, Morgantown, Edinburgh, Bargersville. There are even more smaller villages, but they likely won't meet the school criteria.

Thank you for the input sir, much appreciated.

 

[chris46131]

We've really enjoyed Franklin so far, been here a couple years. Don't know first hand, but I have friends that say the schools here are nice.

 

[Indy_Guy_77]

If you're looking for great schools south of Indy, then you may want to look into Greenwood schools and Center Grove schools.

We opted for Greenwood vs. Center Grove due to overall size considerations.

Property taxes are generally lower "in Greenwood" vs. Center Grove school district, too. Though if you're going to rent, then that's a moot point.

Houses in both areas run the gamut from $80k - $1,000,000+. There are currently two houses for sale in my 'hood. One at $200k and one at $214k. Well established neighborhood, lots of kids, mature trees, streets aren't used as cut-throughs, etc.

If you want a realtor recommendation in the GW area, let me know and I'll pass along the guy we used. He's GREAT with first-timers (if you are) and he really knows the deal. I think 88GT also does real estate.

My only "beef" with the greater south side is there's a distinct lack of high volume east-west throughways.

 

[88GT]

I think 88GT also does real estate.

I do. It's just me. But don't hire me unless you can deal with honesty.

 

[Deadly Z Driver]

Franklin is nice if you want closer to Columbus you could check out Hope it's a small town close to Columbus.

 

[littletommy]

Thank you for the input sir, much appreciated.

That ain't no Sir, Sir.

 

[Mosinguy]

Stay out of Greenwood. It's becoming a suburb for Indy and is bringing the filth along with it. Stay as close to Columbus as possible.

 

[silverbullet4x4]

Well I appreciate all the input guys but the lady and I decided to rent for a year or so to become more familiar the southern Indiana area. We are renting a place in Greenwood but are still open to discussion/suggestions on places to root ourselves.

Mosinguy, what do you mean the filth is coming with it? I'm not really familiar with Indy so please elaborate.

 

[Mosinguy]

Mosinguy, what do you mean the filth is coming with it? I'm not really familiar with Indy so please elaborate.

Since Franklin Township turned into a big suburb it keeps spreading south slowly but surely. Franklin Township and Greenwood from what I've seen are full of drugs, lots of "entitled" feeling kids, and if you look in the news there have been many shootings in Greenwood recently. Me personally I'd go farther south like Franklin or Columbus.

 

[silverbullet4x4]

Understood, thanks for the heads up.