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Discover "The Crossroads of America" in the metropolitan Indianapolis region, where all roads seem to lead to world-class attractions and a superb quality of life. Emerging from a dynamic revitalization and renaissance over the past decade, the City of Indianapolis gleams with an impressive skyline, enhanced hospitality centers, and cosmopolitan flair. At the same time, newcomers will find all the friendliness and warmth of traditional Hoosier hospitality.

With the "UNIGOV" structuring of Indianapolis and Marion County under a single governmental roof, the city now encompasses the suburban townships that have grown up around its periphery. Some Marion County towns like Speedway, Beech Grove, Lawrence, and Southport decided to retain their unique municipal identities; although their residents have the privilege of voting in the Indianapolis mayoral election. Beyond Marion County are panoramic counties like Boone, Hancock, Hamilton, Hendricks, Johnson, Madison, Morgan, Johnson, and Shelby. Communities dot the countryside, ranging from Anderson — ranked among Indiana's major cities — to rural farmland or small rural villages with a population less than 500. Several of the counties surrounding Indianapolis lead the state and the nation in population growth, adding vibrant new residential, commercial, and industrial development.

In addition to its reputation as the "Racing Capital of the World," Indianapolis is also well known for its awe-inspiring monuments. In fact, the city is second only to Washington, D.C. for the number of memorials. Nestled in the very heart of the city is Monument Circle with its famed Soldiers and Sailors Monument — a full 284 feet high. Just a few blocks away is historic Union Station, site of the nation’s first union railroad, serving today as a beautiful hotel and meeting venue. Around every corner in the metropolitan Indianapolis area, you'll discover the rich legacy from the past has been woven into the fabric of a progressive and bright future.

Services

Throughout the metropolitan area, the commitment to quality education is evident in nationally recognized schools, student performance, and community involvement. Growing communities are constantly planning for and building new, state-of-the-art schools and renovating older facilities to keep pace with innovations in technology and curriculum. Within the City of Indianapolis, the recent passing of a $250 million bond issue reflected the unification of civic, business, and political leaders in supporting educational excellence. Private schools are available in or new most communities, providing options for alternative education in parochial schools, independent schools, and college-prep academies.

Since Indiana is home to many fine public and private universities, students of all ages can easily find the right institution that best suits their needs. The University of Notre Dame at South Bend is one of the most prestigious Catholic universities in the world. The two largest public universities are Purdue University at West Lafayette and Indiana University (IU) at Bloomington, although both have established regional campuses around the state. Purdue leads the nation in undergraduate engineering enrollment, while IU claims the largest school of nursing and the second largest school of medicine in the nation.

For those who are undecided, Indianapolis is home to the innovative Indiana University-Purdue University (IUPU). IUPUI has become Indiana's most comprehensive institution, offering 180 degrees on an urban, engaged, and energized campus that is unlike any other in the state. Also within the metropolitan area, Ivy Tech State College provides students with quality technical training. In fact, it was through a partnership between Vincennes University and Ivy Tech State College that the Community College of Indiana was formed. The Community College of Indiana provides additional opportunities for students by offering an accessible, affordable education with credits that easily transfer to a four-year institution.

As you might expect from a city that boasts one of the largest medical schools in the nation, healthcare throughout the metropolitan region is state-of-the-art. Leading research centers, teaching hospitals, centers of excellence, local medical centers, specialty centers, and skilled professionals in every specialty are prepared to meet every need. Three of the nation's finest institutions, the Indiana University (IU) Medical Center, Methodist Hospital of Indiana, and Riley Hospital for Children, are now under the management of Clarian Health. Throughout the counties that surround Indianapolis, outstanding hospitals, medical centers, and clinics provide highly specialized services close to home. Wellness programs, health screenings, and community education programs ensure that every resident has the opportunity to maintain optimum health.

Lifestyle

While it's true that Indianapolis is most famous for hosting the three largest single-day sporting events in the world — the Indy 500, Brickyard 400, and the SAP United States Grand Prix — the city glitters with stellar attractions and activities. Professional teams in every major sport including basketball, football, hockey and baseball. Take in an Indians game at Victory Field, known as the “best minor league ballpark in America." Cheer on the NBA Pacers and WNBA Fever at Conseco Fieldhouse, a monument to Indiana’s rich basketball tradition. The Indianapolis Tennis Center or some of the area's premier golf courses draw crowds to tournaments, but they also provide excellent courts and fairways for active residents.

From sporting events to special events, Indianapolis plays the quintessential host. The Mini Marathon, the nation’s largest half marathon, the Indy Jazz Fest, Hoosier History Fest, the Indiana State Fair, and the Indiana Black Expo Summer Celebration are just a few of the major festivities in this area. Re-enactments, musical performances and children’s activities bring family, friends, neighbors, and visitors together. For the best of all worlds, explore the cultural, educational and recreational activities in White River State Park. The Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art and the NCAA Hall of Champions join the Indianapolis Zoo and White River Gardens in this beautiful location. Families will marvel at the nation’s only accredited combined zoo, aquarium and botanical gardens.

Those who enjoy the performing and visual arts can applaud a Broadway classic at the Indianapolis Civic Theatre, listen to the strains of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, or stroll through priceless displays at the Indianapolis Museum of Art. During the summer months, Conner Prairie invites you to concerts under the stars. Each year, more than 320,000 people visit this 19th century living history museum and frontier village where the past becomes the present. Children of all ages are enthralled by the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, ranked by Child magazine as the “best children’s museum” in the nation.

From its first-rate shopping malls and charming historic retail districts to wonderful outdoor recreational areas in lush parks and deep forests, the metropolitan Indianapolis area is a study in quality of life. Wonderful communities and neighborhoods range from historic enclaves with elegant Victorian architecture to rural villages or handsome suburbs filled with new construction. Throughout the townships and counties surrounding Indianapolis, wonderful new residential communities are springing up around lakes, woodlands, rivers, and golf courses. With all the metro area has to offer, the people remain the region's finest asset. Wherever you settle in the metropolitan area, it will be the easy smile and warm handshake of your new neighbors will make you feel immediately "at home."