Your Guide to Picking the Perfect Indianapolis Neighborhood for Student Renters

Indianapolis is well-known for being one of the top college cities in the country. Local colleges and universities are ranked in the Top 10 when it comes to sports and academic excellence. Students who attend these exemplary schools have access to many of the safest, well-maintained neighborhoods in the city. Student housing is available in these areas as well. Neighborhoods are close to some of Indy's most active social hot spots.

Butler University

Butler University is a small school known for its big achievements. It provides an abundance of opportunities that students can utilize as they work towards their degrees. Research, community partnerships, and internships are available that provide hands-on experience. Over 98% of Butler grads are working within six months of graduating. It has also been voted as one of the most innovative colleges of 2025.

Cheswick Place

Cheswick Place is located in the northwest section of Indianapolis, close to Downtown Indianapolis. It's a safe, well-established neighborhood with plenty of green space. It is community-oriented and has a lot to offer anyone who chooses to call it home. There are several apartment complexes located throughout the neighborhood that are ideal for college students.

Brookside

Brookside is located just northeast of downtown Indy. It is close to many of the social hot spots that are popular with college students. The neighborhood is also close to the fairgrounds and several large parks. While the neighborhood is full of residential homes, there are plenty of apartment complexes that are perfect for college students and young professionals who are just starting out.

United Northeast

The United Northeast neighborhood is located in the northeast section of Indianapolis towards the outside edge of town. It is close to many of the larger shopping areas and commercial/industrial sections of the city. There is a large selection of apartments and townhomes students can choose from if they don't want to stay on campus. The area also has numerous green spaces for people who like to be outside.

Riverside

Nestled along the shores of the White River, Riverside has something to offer everyone. It is close to downtown and all the social activities the area has to offer. Students have access to apartments of all types and sizes located throughout the entire neighborhood. For people who like to stay close to the action, Riverside is the perfect place to live and go to school.

Keystone-Orchard

The Keystone-Orchard neighborhood has many apartments that are suitable for Butler students. It is close to both downtown and some of the most popular shopping centers in the area. Students also are close to many of the larger employers in the area. Although the area is primarily residential, Butler students can choose from a wide selection of apartments. The neighborhood has a lot to offer its residents, especially if they like to explore.

Indiana University, Purdue University Indianapolis

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, also known as IUPUI, is a collaborative effort that brings together two of the most prestigious schools in the country. While the focus is on research, the two schools work together to offer a level of academic excellence that is unmatched in several areas. Degrees are offered from both universities or students can choose degree programs that are supported by the collaborative efforts of IUPUI.

Martindale

The Martindale neighborhood is primarily residential with lots of green space. There are many apartments in the area that are ideal for students. Located within a few miles of IUPUI, the neighborhood is also close to downtown and many of the companies that partner with the school. Student housing can also be found in the Martindale area.

Old Northside

The Old Northside is rich in history and offers many different types of housing including lofts, studios, condos, apartments, and residential homes. Being close to the downtown area has its advantages. IUPUI students can enjoy a rich social life and also explore the cultural side of the city. There are also large green spaces that can be explored. Take advantage of the close-knit neighborhood and make some new friends.

Reagan Park

Reagan Park is close to the IUPUI campus and not far from the downtown area. It's close to the Monon Trail and other green spaces that provide students with a great way to relax after a long day in class. There are plenty of apartment complexes in the neighborhood that are both spacious and affordable. The neighborhood is full of diversity with many opportunities for growth.

Southeast Indianapolis

With an abundance of green spaces in almost every direction, southeast Indianapolis is the perfect place for IUPUI students. Although the area is mostly residential, there is an abundance of affordable rentals to choose from. It's far enough from downtown to have a small-town feel but close enough to offer an active social life.

Near North Indianapolis

The Near North Indianapolis neighborhood is ideal for up-and-coming professionals. IUPUI students can find an abundance of student housing in the area. Students who are doing post-graduate work can find everything they need as they move forward from being a student to starting work as a professional. The Near North Indianapolis neighborhood is fast-growing and on the move.

Ivy Tech Community College – Downtown Indianapolis Campus

Ivy Tech is one of the leading community colleges in the Midwest. It offers both degrees and certification programs for a wide variety of subjects. Students can begin their degree program and transfer to a larger university if they want to advance to the next level of their education. Attending Ivy Tech allows students to advance at their own pace and achieve their educational goals in their own time.

Circle City

The Circle City neighborhood of Indianapolis includes the center of the city around Monument Circle. The area is known for its street fairs and festivals. It is the central hub for most of the downtown celebrations. There are few residential homes in the area with apartments and condos making up the majority of housing options. If you want to live close to downtown, this is the place to be!

King Park

Located to the north of the downtown area. It's a community that includes both residential and commercial properties. The area offers many economic opportunities for people looking to build a future for themselves. In addition to the many historic buildings, there are several affordable apartments for students and young professionals who have just graduated.

Riley

The Riley neighborhood is close to downtown and offers everything a socially active student could ask for. Good schools, live entertainment, and some of the best restaurants in Indy are within walking distance of this vibrant and growing neighborhood. Green spaces are also close by that are ideal for soaking up sunshine and fresh air.

Hawthorne

Hawthorne is located west of the downtown area, close to Brownsburg and Speedway. The area is mostly made up of residential homes, but there is still an abundance of apartments to choose from. The neighborhood is a tight-knit community with small-town values. It is close enough to the city for students to get the education they want and deserve.

Windsor Village

The Windsor Village neighborhood is located on the outskirts of Indianapolis to the northeast. Students can find an abundance of affordable housing along with many opportunities for employment. There are several shopping centers and restaurants located in the neighborhood as well. Windsor Village is located close to several main highways making it easy to get to almost anywhere in the city in less than an hour.

Marian University

Marian University has the distinction of being the first Franciscan university in the United States dedicated to research. The school is known for its academic excellence and commitment to offering the most extensive degree programs available. The school offers both online programs and campus-based learning. It has a beautiful campus that is close to affordable student housing and many other amenities to make life more enjoyable.

St. Joseph

Just to the northeast of downtown Indianapolis, the St. Joseph neighborhood is surrounded by beautiful downtown scenery. Green spaces are close by offering areas where students can enjoy going for walks or just sitting in the sun. The neighborhood is within a few blocks of downtown making it easy to enjoy all the festivities associated with Monument Circle. There are several apartments in the area as well that students can take advantage of.

Oakhill

Oakhill is a quiet neighborhood northeast of downtown Indianapolis. Even though the area is predominantly residential, there are plenty of affordable rentals for students who want to live in close proximity to their school. Oakhill is close to many of the cultural attractions Indianapolis is so well-known for, including the museums.

Eagledale

Eagledale is northwest of downtown Indianapolis. It sits next to Speedway and is a short distance from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The area has an abundance of affordable housing options for students. While it sits apart from downtown, Marian University students have easy access to the school through public transportation and access to I465.

Crown Hill

Crown Hill is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in Indianapolis. It's well-known for the Crown Hill National Cemetery as well as the many historic homes and buildings. The Crown Hill area is close to many main highways and streets making it easy to get downtown or to one of the bigger shopping centers on the outer edges of Indy.

Meridian-Kessler

Meridian-Kessler is one of the more popular neighborhoods when it comes to students. With Meridian Street on the west and College Avenue on the east, it is surrounded by many different apartment complexes as well as a host of social activities. The neighborhood is close to Marian University and one of the biggest libraries in the area. The Indianapolis Public Library – Infozoe offers a lot to explore.

University of Indianapolis

The University of Indianapolis was founded in 1902. It is affiliated with the United Methodist Church and offers a large selection of degree programs. The university is well known for its commitment to academic excellence and willingness to help its students achieve their goals. Students who attend the school come from all walks of life and have very diverse backgrounds.

Lockerbie Square

Lockerbie Square is a quiet neighborhood with cobblestone streets and beautiful Victorian homes. The James Whitcomb Riley Museum Home and St. Mary's Catholic Church are two of the neighborhood's most significant landmarks. The neighborhood hosts several German and Bavarian cultural events each year. The shady streets and laid-back atmosphere make it perfect for students looking for housing close to their school.

Holy Cross

The Holy Cross neighborhood in Indianapolis is located on the near east side. There are beautiful homes, thriving businesses, and award-winning schools known for their academic achievements. It is the perfect neighborhood for University of Indiana students who want to be close to the school and remain there after they graduate. The opportunities for employment in the area are readily available for new graduates who are ready to start their careers.

Market East

Market East is one of seven new cultural districts close to downtown Indianapolis. The neighborhood embraces cultural diversity and hosts many celebrations and festivals throughout the year. It has several open areas that are often used for street markets and other events. Students can find many different types of housing at affordable prices. They can even find apartments that are close to the University of Indianapolis campus.

Garfield Park South

Garfield Park South is an Indianapolis neighborhood south of downtown. It is family-friendly and offers beautiful green spaces that are ideal for both playing and studying. Students who like to exercise have easy access to the Pheasant Run Trail as well as the Indianapolis Cultural Trail. Students looking for affordable housing can find the type of rental they are looking for at a decent price.

Bates-Hendricks

The Bates-Hendricks neighborhood is just to the south and east of downtown Indy. It is primarily a commercial neighborhood close to many popular landmarks. One of the most popular hot spots is the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The area has many commercial properties and residential homes. Affordable rentals for students can also be found throughout the neighborhood.

Indianapolis is one of the largest “college cities” in the country. Many prestigious schools can be found here. The surrounding neighborhoods offer many amenities that make Indy the perfect place for students to live, learn, and thrive!