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Indianapolis, Indiana is the state capital and its largest city, a spread-out metro of nearly 900,000 that hosts several universities at once. Indiana University Indianapolis sits right downtown, Butler University anchors the north side near the canal, and Marian University holds the west side, so the student presence is woven across the whole city. Downtown centers on Monument Circle and the Canal Walk, with White River State Park, major museums, and pro sports stadiums close by. Neighborhoods like Broad Ripple, Fountain Square, and Mass Ave each carry their own arts and nightlife scenes. The Cultural Trail stitches downtown districts together for walkers and cyclists, and the calendar runs heavy on festivals, game days, and the Indianapolis 500.
On the north side near Butler, feeling like a college town tucked inside the city, vibrant and walkable with a busy nightlife scene.
Put you in the heart of the action, walkable to Indiana University Indianapolis, the Cultural Trail, and the canal.
Just southeast of downtown, leaning artsy and creative with a strong music and local scene.
Here's what you need to know about getting around Indianapolis.
IndyGo runs the local bus network, and its Red Line bus rapid transit is the standout, carrying riders from Broad Ripple through downtown to the University of Indianapolis with a bus arriving every fifteen minutes for most of the day. Students based downtown near Indiana University Indianapolis or along the Red Line can lean on transit and walking. The Red Line makes crossing the central corridor easy. Coverage thins toward the spread-out north and west sides.
Downtown itself is walkable, with Monument Circle, the Canal Walk, and the Cultural Trail linking districts for pedestrians and cyclists. The Cultural Trail makes biking between downtown neighborhoods genuinely pleasant. Within central districts, walking handles most trips. For the spread-out north and west sides, students pair walking with transit or a car.
This is a sprawling metro, so if you live near Butler or Marian on the north or west side, a car makes crossing town easier. Downtown parking can be limited and paid, especially near events. Students in the outer neighborhoods usually find easier parking. Those based downtown or along the Red Line can lean on transit instead.
Common questions from students searching for housing.
It varies a lot by neighborhood. Near Indiana University Indianapolis downtown you'll often see units around $1,100 to $1,400 a month, while trendier areas like Broad Ripple can climb toward $1,400 to $1,700 for a two-bedroom. Quieter spots like University Heights run lower. Splitting with roommates is the usual way students keep it manageable.
Browse student housing near each Indianapolis-area university.