MARION COUNTY
City/County Offices
200 East Washington Street
Indianapolis 317-327-3601
https://www.indy.gov
Chamber of Commerce
111 Monument Circle
Indianapolis 317-464-2222
https://www.indychamber.com
Known as the “Crossroads of America,” Indianapolis claims more interstate highways bisecting the city than any other in the nation. The city itself was designed by the architects of Washington, D.C., who laid out a mile-square grid with Monument Circle serving as the focal point. Second only to the nation’s capital in the number of memorials, Indianapolis pays homage to Medal of Honor recipients, law enforcement and firefighters, and Hoosiers who lost their lives in conflicts from the Civil War to Somalia. One of just 26 national monuments, the USS Indianapolis Memorial recognizes those who died on the last U.S. ship to sink during World War II.
Marion County and the City of Indianapolis share a “UNIGOV” city and county government, creating a Consolidated City of Indianapolis that encompasses the surrounding townships of Pike, Washington, Lawrence, Wayne, Center, Warren, Perry, Franklin, and Decatur. The Marion County cities of Beech Grove, Lawrence and Southport as well as Speedway Town decided to retain their independent status. The result is a vast expanse of urban and suburban communities and neighborhoods, each one known for Hoosier hospitality and old-fashioned friendliness.
Services
Outstanding public schools with magnet school options, a diversity of private schools, eight major institutions of higher education, and over a dozen additional colleges and universities throughout Central Indiana guarantee educational opportunities for every resident. Linking the world-famous Indiana and Purdue traditions and prestige is Indiana University/Purdue University at Indianapolis (IUPUI). Formed in 1969, IUPUI with its acclaimed IU Medical Center has evolved into an internationally recognized institution. More than $200 million in new construction has transformed Indianapolis’ Westside campus into major urban university complex offering hundreds of study programs and thousands of courses. Within a 70-mile radius of Indianapolis are Purdue University, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Indiana State University, and Indiana University. The world-famous University of Notre Dame is 140 miles north of the city.
Marion County and Indianapolis residents benefit from living in close proximity to some of the nation’s finest hospitals and research centers. The full range of diagnostic, treatment and preventative health services include immediate care, ambulatory surgery, clinics, birthing centers, nursing homes, retirement communities, laboratories, pharmaceutical manufacturing and research, administrative offices of the state and local health agencies and schools for the blind and deaf. Many renowned institutions are located in Indianapolis, including Riley Hospital for Children, the Indiana University Medical Center Hospital and facilities specializing in sports medicine. Methodist Hospital of Indiana is the largest single-site hospital in the state, enjoying a long history of research breakthroughs. Throughout Marion County, general hospitals meet the needs of the community.
Lifestyle
Newcomers to Marion County and the City of Indianapolis can look forward to a virtually endless array of shopping, entertainment, recreational, and cultural attractions. Historic sites and museums abound, including the Union Station near Monument Circle. Site of the nation’s first union railroad, the station was built in 1888 and stands as a reminder of the city’s genesis. Restored into a handsome hotel and meeting center, it serves as home to an indoor, European-style go-kart racing facility. When the word “racing” is mentioned, Indianapolis has no equal. Commonly referred to as the “Racing Capital of the World,” Indianapolis hosts the three largest single-day sporting events in the world: The Indianapolis 500, the Brickyard 400, and the SAP United States Grand Prix that returned Formula One racing to the nation in 2000. The famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway Town hosts each event and welcomes crowds from across the globe. The grounds also house the Hall of Fame as a year-round attraction.
Spectators also appreciate the city’s lineup of professional teams in every major sport, first-rate minor teams, or tournaments at the Indianapolis Tennis Center. Indianapolis hosts the nation’s largest half-marathon race as well as crowd-pleasing special events like the Indy Jazz Fest, Hoosier History Fest, the Indiana State Fair, and the Indiana Black Expo Summer Celebration. Cultural attractions range from Broadway hits and opera to symphony, theatre, ballet, and world-class art collections. Children of all ages enjoy the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, ranked by Child magazine as the nation’s finest.
White River State Park combines cultural, educational and recreational activities in a seemingly endless list of attractions including the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, the NCAA Hall of Champions, the Indianapolis Zoo and White River Gardens, and the all-new Indiana State Museum. Around every corner, Marion County and Indianapolis ensure a high quality of life for every resident. Even those who have chosen to settle in suburban townships or welcoming small towns enjoy quick and easy access to the stellar attractions of dynamic Indianapolis. Whether you find the ideal vintage home in one of the city’s historic districts, a family residence in a new subdivision, or an elegant country estate, Marion County is the ideal place to call home.
Community Profiles
Beech Grove City
City Hall
317-788-4977
https://www.beechgrove.com
Chamber of Commerce
317-464-2222
https://www.indychamber.com
Conveniently located in the southeastern metropolitan area of Marion County just one mile from Interstate 65 on Interstate 465, Beech Grove City is minutes from downtown Indianapolis. This small, pleasant city with its relaxed pace offers all the advantages of living in a cosmopolitan environment. In fact, residents are eligible to vote in the mayoral election for Indianapolis under the UNIGOV system; yet the city maintains its independent government and local services. St. Francis Hospital not only provides advanced healthcare close to home but serves as the largest employer in Beech Grove. Other leading businesses include an Amtrak rail passenger service and maintenance facility. Newcomers to Beech Grove discover a family oriented atmosphere enhanced by three parks with picnic areas and sport facilities for tennis, baseball, basketball, and league play. Area youth receive a quality education in Beech Grove Community Schools.
Decatur Township
City/County Offices
317-327-3200
https://www.indy.gov
Township Hall
317-856-2230
https://www.indy.gov
Chamber of Commerce
317-464-2222
https://www.indychamber.com
Located in the southwest corner of Marion County, the area known as Decatur Township lies between State Rod 67 and Interstate 70. With easy access to major thoroughfares, the township is popular with commuters who appreciate easy access to downtown Indianapolis and leading employment centers. Although residents enjoy close proximity to expansive shopping centers, cultural venues, expanded shopping centers and malls, and the Indianapolis International Airport, they have the advantages of living in a primarily rural environment. Newcomers will discover local shopping in small neighborhood plazas, two golf courses, a medley of restaurants, and commercial centers filled with basic service establishments. The local high school provides a fitness pavilion with a wide spectrum of facilities and equipment that are open for public use for a nominal fee. Other points of pride in Decatur Township include a new government building and public library. The township operates is own quality school district, and students of all ages have abundant opportunities for higher education in regional institutions of higher education. Community Hospitals and St. Vincent Hospital anchor the state-of-the-art healthcare facilities and services.
Franklin Township
City/County Offices
317-327-3601
https://www.indy.gov
Chamber of Commerce
317-464-2222
https://www.indychamber.com
Nestled in the southeastern corner of Marion County is Franklin Township, another choice for a small-town lifestyle within metropolitan Indianapolis. Numerous lush parks and golf courses dot the township, providing open space and sports facilities for local residents. This growing residential suburb enjoys easy access to the business, cultural, recreational and social events of a major city while it retains a close-knit community spirit. Area schools are a focal point for activity and involvement, with parents and other residents investing their time and resources to support educational and extracurricular programs. The community of Wannamaker is close by for convenient shopping, although the expanded shops and department stores of Greenwood Mall is only 15 minutes from home. Franklin Township provides an active youth sports program that offers opportunities to become involved in football, basketball, soccer and baseball. Most healthcare needs can be met locally by skilled professionals in private practice. Advanced care is available in several hospitals that are convenient to this area including the Community Hospitals, Indiana University Hospital, and Methodist Hospital.
Indianapolis
City Hall
317-327-3601
https://www.indy.gov
Chamber of Commerce
317-464-2222
https://www.indychamber.com
Through the UNIGOV consolidation with Marion County, the City of Indianapolis now encompasses the suburban townships that surround it as well as very small towns like Crows Nest or Rocky Ripple that retain a unique identity. Historic neighborhoods like Old Northside, the Historic Arts District, or Herron-Morton Place provide opportunities for Victorian Queen Anne architecture or distinctive features such as bay windows, ornate stone fireplaces, stained glass, soaring ceilings, wide staircases, and built-ins. Just south of the University of Indianapolis is the neighborhood of University Heights, where streets were named after the bishops and university founders. Residents enjoy a location just minutes from the university’s resources but also close to downtown, Greenwood shopping, lush parks, and Interstate highways.
Area youth within the city are served by the Indianapolis Public Schools, although the townships provide independent school districts for suburban communities. Regardless of the environment or lifestyle you desire, Indianapolis offers a distinctive neighborhood or modern subdivision that meets every need. Cozy bungalows, two-story manors, executive homes, and acreage properties in the suburbs are some of the possibilities. Indianapolis International Airport and the impressive number of thoroughfares crisscrossing the region ensure that travel is efficient and convenient. Throughout the county, the diversity of residential communities is enhanced by world-class attractions for a truly rich lifestyle that grows more endearing with every passing year.
Lawrence
City Hall
317-545-6191
https://www.cityoflawrence.org
Chamber of Commerce
317-541-9876
https://www.greaterlawrencechamber.org
Both the city and the township of Lawrence enjoy an ideal location on the northeastern side of Marion County. The township is one of nine suburbs of Indianapolis that have developed unique retail centers, business and industrial parks, and services. This area was home to the U.S. Army’s Fort Benjamin Harrison, formerly one of the area’s major employers. When the facility officially closed as a government installation, it opened 550 acres of prime land for development. In addition to making room for light industry, the fort now provides a state park with a top-flight golf course and conference center. The new Lawrence Government Center is positioned across from the park entrance. Area youth in Lawrence receive a quality education in the Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township. The city and township were both named for Naval Captain James Lawrence — famous for the War of 1812 cry, “Don’t give up the ship!” In light of the bold revitalization initiatives that occurred when the army base closed, the area is aptly named.
Perry Township
City/County Offices
317-327-3601
https://www.indy.gov
Chamber of Commerce
317-464-2222
https://www.indychamber.com
Bounded by Emerson Avenue to White River and Troy to County Line Road, the area known as Perry Township is located in the south-central part of Marion County. The small, independent community of Southport is located in Perry Township, although the city maintains its own government. The Metropolitan School District of Perry Township serves the residents of Southport as well as those living in Perry Township. The entire community is justly proud of the school district’s identification by Money Magazine as one of the best 100 public school districts in America in affordable communities. Dedicated to providing quality, convenient service throughout the area, the district opened an outreach office that “brings the school to the community” for those living in the Brightwood and Forest Manor residential developments. Numerous parks, recreational facilities, and golf courses are available in Perry Township. Greenwood Mall is the closest destination for expanded shopping in department stores and specialty shops. Community Hospital South and St. Francis Hospital are nearby for advanced healthcare needs, although skilled professionals in private practice are available close to home for routine care.
Pike Township
City/County Offices
317-327-3601
https://www.indy.gov
Chamber of Commerce
317-464-2222
https://www.indychamber.com
Located in the northwestern corner of the Indianapolis metropolitan area, Pike Township has seen explosive growth in recent years. Area youth receive a quality education in the Metropolitan School District of Pike Township, and local residents enjoy easy access to the endless excitement of downtown Indianapolis. The city’s cultural, recreational, and educational amenities are just a 15-minute drive from home. This residential suburban community has attracted families with diverse backgrounds to a pleasing mix of commercial centers and local employment opportunities. Eagle Creek Park provides a 5,000-acre nature facility for hiking, fishing, sailing and skiing. It also includes a 27-hole golf course, bird sanctuary, archery range, woodland/wildlife preserve and other family activities.
The Pike Performing Arts Center serves as a state-of-the art facility for educational programs and a subscription series of professional touring productions.
Southport
City Hall
317-786-3585
http://southport.in.gov
Chamber of Commerce
317-464-2222
https://www.indychamber.com
The small community of Southport City in Marion County has managed to retain its intimate atmosphere in spite of the growth and development throughout the metropolitan area. Newcomers to Southport will discover a closely knit spirit where neighbors quickly become friends and local business owners greet customers by name. Medical facilities, quality schools in the Perry Township School District, a local library, and nearby shopping and services add to the convenience of small-town living. Southport Park serves as a gathering place for recreation, meetings, reunions, activities, and programs. Those who are looking for a charming hometown and family oriented environment within minutes of cosmopolitan amenities will want to explore Southport City.
Speedway
Town Hall
317-246-4100
https://www.speedwayin.gov
Chamber of Commerce
317-464-2222
https://www.indychamber.com
The name says it all: Speedway Town, Indiana — home of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and location of the world’s most prestigious and exciting racing events. While most people relate the Indy 500, the Brickyard 400, and the United States Grand Prix with Indianapolis, these events actually occur in the small Town of Speedway. The community literally grew up around the track, since the Indianapolis Motor Speedway preceded the community by 17 years when a cornfield area west of Indianapolis was purchased in 1909. The first 500-mile race was run in 1911. One of the developers desired to have an attractive residential area to complement the industrial sites around the track. Completely surrounded by Indianapolis, the town is proud of its unique identity and autonomy. Area youth receive a quality education in the Speedway School District. Other attractions include local parks and one of the longest strip shopping malls in the state.
Warren Township
City/County Offices
317-327-3601
https://www.indy.gov
Chamber of Commerce
317-464-2222
https://www.indychamber.com
Situated in the center of the eastern section of Marion County, Warren Township is home to the towns of Cumberland and Warren Park. An impressive variety of recreational amenities serves residents of this area, including well-equipped parks, tennis courts, swimming pools, and golf courses that are located in or near the township. Many shopping plazas and centers are available within the township, including the popular Washington Square. The Metropolitan School District, Warren Township, offers a highly respected educational system that includes several special facilities. The Early Childhood Center provides challenging activities for young children in kindergarten, preschool and special education preschool. The high school enriches the entire community through the Warren Performing Arts Center, where state-of-the-art theater design and technology make it possible for the community to enjoy off-Broadway productions and other live stage performances. SummerFest is annual summer repertory theatre production that has become especially popular for those living in and near Warren Township.
Washington Township
City/County Offices
317-327-3601
https://www.indy.gov
Chamber of Commerce
317-464-2222
https://www.indychamber.com
Situated in the center of the northern part of Marion County is Washington Township, a well-developed and rapidly growing suburb of metropolitan Indianapolis. This area is probably best known for its lovely neighborhoods, where miles of tree-shaded streets offer a pleasing medley of single-family residences in varying architectural styles, sizes, and price ranges. The township is so aesthetically pleasing and lush that well-established residential enclaves offer a park-like atmosphere of natural beauty. Recreational amenities tend to be highly developed, including vast parkland, tennis courts, swimming pools, golf courses, and private sports clubs in or near the township. Convenient commercial areas provide services and shops, although major malls are close to home for expanded shopping and weekend entertainment. The Indiana University Medical Center, the Women’s Hospital-Indianapolis, St. Vincent Hospital, and Community Hospital North are available to meet the need for advanced healthcare. The Metropolitan School District, Washington Township, provides a quality education for area youth from kindergarten through 12th grade.
Wayne Township
City/County Offices
317-327-3601
https://www.indy.gov
Chamber of Commerce
317-464-2222
https://www.indychamber.com
Situated at the center of the western third of Marion County, the area known as Wayne Township encompasses the independent Town of Speedway. Speedway is the unique community that grew up around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the exciting annual auto racing events that have captured the world’s attention for decades. Within the township are lush parks, tennis courts, swimming pools, and golf courses to meet the need for relaxation and exercise. Within Speedway is one of the longest strip shopping malls in the entire nation, which serves as a convenient retail destination for township residents. Throughout the surrounding metropolitan area, shopping plazas and malls are close to home to meet every need. Area youth receive a quality education in schools operated by the Metropolitan School District-Wayne Township, which operates separately from the Speedway School District. Advanced healthcare needs can be met close to home at Indiana University Medical Center, the Women’s Hospital-Indianapolis, St. Vincent Hospital, and the Community Hospitals.
