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A Place People are Proud to Call Home

Carmel, Indiana is a dynamic city – a place people are proud to call home and establish their businesses. Our safe and attractive neighborhoods, quality schools, unique retail areas, as well as arts and cultural opportunities make it one of the fastest growing communities in the nation. Named one of the best places in America to live and raise a family by Money magazine, American City Business Journals, and Forbes, Carmel is a vibrant city - a place people are excited to call home.

Carmel’s extensive trail network, outdoor public art and pedestrian-friendly developments encourage residents and visitors alike to spend time outside and enjoy street festivals, live music, and seasonal celebrations throughout the year, including the Carmel Christkindlmarkt, rated the Best Holiday Market in the Nation by USA Today in 2019 and 2021, and The Ice at Carter Green, an outdoor ice-skating rink. While there is plenty to enjoy in Carmel including 200 free public events each year, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, major league sports teams and other big city amenities are only a short drive away.

2019 safest cities to raise a child in America

#1 Residents Most Financially Prepared For Retirement in Indiana

MONEY_BPL_2022

 

2023 - #1 Holiday Market in the USA (USA Today’s 10Best)
2023 - #1 Best Small City in America (WalletHub)
2023 - #4 Safest City in Indiana (#1 for populations of 50,000-plus) (Safewise)
2023 - #3 Best Places to Live in the U.S. (and #1 in the Midwest) (Livability)
2023 - #2 Safest Suburb in the U.S. (SmartAsset)
2023 - #1 Most Affordable Safe Suburb (SmartAsset)
2023 - #1 Best Place to Live in Indiana (Niche)
2022 - #1 Holiday Market in the USA (USA Today’s 10Best)
2022 - #1 Best City in Indiana to Live and Visit (Touropia)
2022 - #2 Best Small City in America (Nerdwallet)
2022 - #3 Safest City in the U.S. to Raise a Child (Safewise)
2022 - #1 Best Place to Live in Indiana (Niche)
2022 - #1 Best Place to Raise a Family in Indiana (Niche)
2022 - #1 Place with the Best Public Schools in Indiana (Niche)
2022 - #1 Best Place to Retire in the U.S. (Money)
2022 - #1 Most Caring City in Indiana (Insurify Insights)
2021 - #1 Safest Midsize City in America (AdvisorSmith)
2021 - #2 Best Places to Live (Money)
2021 - #1 Best Places to Retire (Money)
2021 - #4 Best Suburbs to Live in America (Niche)
2021 - #1 Holiday Market in the USA (USA Today’s 10Best) 

For a complete list visit City Wide Awards.


Carmel Clay Schools

Carmel Clay Schools group of students

The City’s public schools are some of the best in the State of Indiana, where students are able to choose from a diverse curriculum that includes multiple foreign languages, advanced academics, the arts and music and an outstanding athletic program. Ninety-five percent of the Carmel High School graduating class goes on to college. With 51 National Merit Semifinalists in 2020, 151 IHSAA State Championship Teams, 11 National Blue Ribbon Awards, and being named one of the best communities for music education by NAMM it's no surprise Carmel has a 97.5% graduation rate.

For more information, visit Carmel Clay Schools K12.


Parks and Recreation

photo of child and man posing in gym

Carmel has more than 200 miles of trails and paths, more than 1,000 acres of parks and green spaces including a centerpiece Monon Community Center in Central Park that features one of central Indiana’s largest outdoor water parks and the state’s only FlowRider® that simulates surfing with 30 mph waves. Carmel Clay Parks and Recreation has received the National Gold Medal Award, the highest honor given by the National Recreation and Park Association.

For more information, visit Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation.


Public Safety

Our Police and Fire Departments work diligently in partnership with the community to ensure that the city remains a safe and secure environment in which to live and work.

Carmel Fire Department is one of four accredited agencies in the State of Indiana. There are currently 300 accredited fire agencies worldwide. Carmel Police Department is one of approximately 900 law enforcement agencies across the United States and Canada to have achieved the internationally accredited status.


The Center for the Performing Arts

Indigo-Girls-9.28_28 Palladium

Experience world-class entertainment at the Palladium, Tarkington Theater, and Studio Theater at The Center for the Performing Arts, which is also home to the Great American Songbook Foundation and Museum.

For more information, visit TheCenterPresents.org.


Carmel Clay Public Library

Library Main_facade

Carmel Clay Public Library patrons have long cited the library’s robust and diverse collection of materials as one of their favorite things about the library. 2021 circulation totaled 1,649,386.

Check out Carmel Clay's Main Library Public Expansion here: Carmel Clay Public Library


Youth Sports

GSC-Semi-State-Champs

Proudly producing Olympians and World Champions, Carmel has a winning tradition!

Carmel High School has won over 180 state championships. In addition to the championships, CHS has been the state runner-over 70 times since 1966. The Greyhounds have been state champion or state runner-up in ALL 20 sports currently offered by the IHSAA, the only school to achieve this feat.

To learn more, visit the links below:


Life in Indy

That’s the Indianapolis region—a place where creators and doers come together to inspire progress and discover solutions. Where our hospitality is only matched by our ambition. And where everyone can find their community in a place they love to call home.

Life in Indy is all about creating the life you want to live. Click here for a list of things to do in Indianapolis!