Carmel, Indiana is very near Indianapolis.
While many consider it a suburb of Indy, it is technically its own city.
The city is well known for being affluent, safe, and very clean.
If you are dreaming of a suburban paradise, Carmel, IN, may be the answer.
However, like any city, you’ll find both pros and cons of living here.
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Pros of Living in Carmel, IN
Carmel Indiana has a lot to offer its residents.
In fact, many experts consider it one of the best places to live in the U.S.
- Livability
- Great schools
- Low crime
- Low poverty rate
- Strong economy
- Small town feel
- Affluent neighborhoods
- Good infrastructure
- Green spaces and nature
1. Livability
Carmel was rated the third-best city in the country in terms of livability.
The city has a score of 866 out of 1,000, which is highly impressive.
Livability cites several factors that make Carmel a great place to call home, including safety, great schools, and a thriving arts scene.
2. Great Schools
Carmel has excellent schools, both public and private.
Carmel Clay District has approximately 16,000 students.
The teacher-to-student ratio is 16:1.
The reading and math proficiency is much higher than average in America.
In fact, 68% of students in the district are proficient in math, compared to 26% for the national average.
When it comes to reading, 70% of Carmel students are proficient, compared to 33% of school children across the country.
3. Low Crime Rate
The crime rate in Carmel is much lower than the national average.
In fact, Carmel is ranked one of the 100 safest cities in the U.S.
Your risk of being a victim of any type of crime in Carmel is 1 in 138, compared to 1 in 44 for the nation as a whole.
The majority of crimes are nonviolent or property crimes.
In fact, there were 50 violent crimes and 678 property crimes in Carmel in 2022.
4. Low Poverty Rate
Carmel has a very low poverty rate.
In 2021, the number of Carmel residents who were at or below the poverty line was only 3.4%.
This is more than 200% less than the state average of 12.2% and nearly 300% less than the national average of 12.8%.
Areas with lower poverty typically have lower crime, more affluence, and great economic stability.
This makes the poverty rate an important consideration when considering moving to Carmel.
5. Strong Economy
Carmel is well known for its strong economy.
The Meridian Street Corridor has the second-largest concentration of office workers in Indiana.
The corridor has more than 80 corporate headquarters.
These businesses include Delta Faucet, Monster, and Nextgear.
The government of Carmel works closely with local businesses to encourage new opportunities.
Professional, scientific, and technical services are the top industries.
This comprises 16% of the industry in Carmel.
Healthcare accounts for 15%, Manufacturing is 12%, education is 10%, and the financial industry is 8%.
6. Small Town Feel
Carmel is a suburb of Indianapolis.
It has about 100,000 residents.
It offers you the amenities of a mid-size city nearby while allowing you to enjoy a slower pace.
Quiet, tight-knit neighborhoods are common.
Despite its size, you’ll feel like you are living in a small town.
7. Affluent Neighborhoods
Carmel is well known for its affluent neighborhoods.
This makes it an attractive place to live for many people.
If you are dreaming of an unscaled lifestyle, Carmel may be the place for you.
8. Good Infrastructure
Getting around Carmel is difficult without a vehicle.
However, its roads are well maintained.
There are many roundabouts, which are meant to keep traffic flowing and limit the use of red lights.
The sidewalks are well maintained as well.
In fact, driving in Carmel is a dream, without the potholes and traffic jams that plague many areas of the Hoosier state.
9. Green Spaces and Nature
Carmel has more than 500 acres of parkland.
You’ll find parks with playgrounds, dog parks, golf courses, and unspoiled natural landscapes.
You can hike or bike trails and the city itself.
The Monon Greenway goes through Carmel and connects Westfield to downtown Indianapolis.
It’s pet-friendly, so you can walk or bike the trail. The Monon Boulevard has been newly renovated.
It’s a great place for kids to enjoy, with a spray plaza, ping-pong tables, and bocce ball courts.
Cons of Living in Carmel, IN
Carmel is generally considered a good place to live.
However, like any area, it does have its downsides.
The cons of living in Carmel include:
- High cost of living
- Housing is expensive
- Only one (very large) high school
- Extreme weather
- Lack of diversity
- Constant construction
- Affluent reputation
- Few food options
1. High Cost of Living
Carmel is an affluent neighborhood.
It’s also popular.
These factors mean that you’ll need to be prepared to pay more than average if you want to live there.
In fact, the cost of living in Carmel is 12% higher than the average for the nation, and 30% higher than the Indiana average.
The average cost of living in Carmel is $1,817, putting it in the top 21% of most expensive cities in the world.
It’s the fifth most expensive city in Indiana, out of 43.
2. Housing Is Expensive
Housing in Carmel is much more expensive than average.
Home prices are up 10% from last year, making the median home price $503,000 in Carmel.
The market is very competitive, with a score of 86 out of 100.
Homes are on the market for an average of just 6 days in Carmel.
Homes in Carmel are 31% more expensive than the national average.
When compared to the average for Indiana, Carmel is 55% more expensive, with the average home price being just $221,600.
The bottom line is that Carmel is a good place to live if you can cover the costs.
3. Only One (very large) High School
Carmel High School is the largest school in Indiana, with more than 5,000 students.
The large size means students have access to many amenities, activities, and classes.
However, class sizes are large, and students don’t get a lot of individual attention.
It’s easy to slip through the cracks. There’s also a greater chance of being bullied, and more pressure to fit in because the school is so large.
Some parents and students don’t mind this, but it can be an issue.
This is particularly true if your child isn’t accustomed to attending a large school.
It can be easy to feel overwhelmed.
You may feel insignificant, given the sheer number of students.
4. Extreme Weather
Weather can be extreme in Carmel. Summers are typically hot and humid, with temperatures averaging around 84 degrees and rarely getting above 91 degrees.
Winters are cold and snowy with an average low of 21 degrees, and temperatures rarely dipping below 3 degrees.
Blizzards are rare but heavy snows occur fairly regularly.
The biggest weather concern for the area is tornadoes.
Carmel has a rating of 379.06, compared to 265.56 in Indiana.
The average for the U.S. is 136.45.
The higher the value, the greater the risk of tornadoes in the area.
This means the risk of tornadoes in Carmel is significantly higher than the Indiana average, and about three times higher than the national average.
5. Lack of Diversity
Carmel is not racially or ethnically diverse. 80% of residents are Caucasian.
The next demographic is Asians, who make up 11% of Carmel’s population.
African Americans and other ethnicities make up a small portion of Carmel.
The lack of diversity can make residents less knowledgeable about other cultures, and potentially even less tolerant.
6. Constant Construction
Carmel is still growing, and it’s not showing signs of slowing down anytime soon.
While growth can be great for the economy, it also means new construction is a constant.
The excellent infrastructure can make this easier to navigate than it would be in most cities, but you’ll still have some traffic issues.
You may also have construction near your home, which can be disruptive.
7. Affluent Reputation
Carmel has an affluent reputation.
While some people see this as a great thing, not everyone agrees.
The area can seem pretentious to people who don’t live there.
Perhaps this is simply jealousy.
Either way, you can expect to get some looks from outsiders.
People may also assume that you are affluent, just because you live in Carmel, regardless of your actual income.
8. Few Food Options
Carmel is lacking when it comes to its restaurants.
There are plenty of big-name chain restaurants, so you won’t have any trouble finding a hamburger or a steak.
However, there are few options when it comes to exotic or ethnic cuisine.
You are unlikely to find a Mongolian restaurant near you, for example.
The good news is that food options are becoming more abundant in Carmel, and it’s expected to continue to improve over time.
Pros and Cons of Living in Carmel, IN – Summary Table
| Pros of Living in Carmel, IN | Cons of Living in Carmel, IN |
|---|---|
| 1. Livability | 1. High Cost of Living |
| 2. Great Schools | 2. Housing Is Expensive |
| 3. Low Crime Rate | 3. Only One (very large) High School |
| 4. Low Poverty Rate | 4. Extreme Weather |
| 5. Strong Economy | 5. Lack of Diversity |
| 6. Small Town Feel | 6. Constant Construction |
| 7. Affluent Neighborhoods | 7. Affluent Reputation |
| 8. Good Infrastructure | 8. Few Food Options |
| 9. Green Spaces and Nature |
Carmel Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Carmel Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: LOW
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: LOW
- TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
- SCAMS RISK: LOW
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Carmel, IN a good place to live?
Yes, Carmel is a good place to live.
It’s particularly ideal if you are looking for a small-town feel without being far from city life.
Is Carmel a good place to retire?
Yes, many people choose to retire in Carmel.
You’ll need to have a steady income or savings because Carmel is affluent.
In 2002, Money Magazine declared Carmel one of the best cities to retire in.
Is Carmel a good place for families?
Yes.
In fact, many people choose to raise their family in Carmel.
It’s very safe, it has a good infrastructure, and the schools are well-rated.
These factors, along with its proximity to Indianapolis, make it an easy choice for families.
Why are people moving to Carmel?
There’s a lot to love about Carmel.
It has great schools and low crime, and the neighborhoods are clean and friendly.
There’s lots to do.
You can visit a museum, hike a trail, or go shopping.
Is it expensive to live in Carmel?
Yes, Carmel does have a higher cost of living than most cities.
The biggest cost is housing, which is much higher than the national average.
You don’t need to be rich to live in Carmel, but you will need a well-paying job.
Carmel, IN is a safe, affluent city with great schools and a strong economy, making it an attractive place to live for many people. However, it also has a high cost of living, lack of diversity, and constant construction, which may be drawbacks for some individuals. Overall, it offers a suburban paradise with a few potential downsides to consider.
Carmel, IN is a highly desirable place to live, with its strong economy, low crime rate, and great schools.
However, it also has its downsides, such as a high cost of living, lack of diversity, and constant construction.
Overall, if you can afford the cost of living and don’t mind the lack of diversity, Carmel can be a great place to call home.
As a longtime Carmel resident, I can attest to the fantastic schools and family-friendly atmosphere, but traffic congestion during rush hours is definitely a drawback.
Love the vibrant arts scene here, but the cost of living can be a bit steep compared to neighboring areas.
Living in Carmel means access to top-notch healthcare facilities, but the lack of diversity in the community is something to consider.
The abundance of parks and green spaces makes Carmel a nature lover’s paradise, but winters can be quite harsh for those not accustomed to the cold.