Located in the heartland of America, Indianapolis is indeed a city with plenty of heart and soul. Everyone knows Indianapolis as the home of the Indy 500 – without question one of the world’s premier auto races. But it’s also home to a diverse community, an excellent arts and culture scene, plenty of businesses and industries, and a lot to see and do. In fact, in 2018, OUT Magazine named Indy one of the best places to travel. If you’re thinking about making your next home in this heartland city, chances are, you’ll be glad you did.
A Bit of Indianapolis History
Before its modern-day settlement, Indianapolis was the site of a Delaware Indian village. As a modern-day city, it was initially founded in 1821 and became the state capital in 1825. By the mid-1800s, the railroad had arrived in the area, and by the start of the Civil War, Indianapolis was a major railroad hub. This spurred its growth tremendously, and its population more than doubled between 1860 and 1870. Soon, major industries began moving to the area, particularly meatpacking and metalworking, which eventually led to the development of the automobile industry, spurring even more population growth. Today, Indianapolis is a major metropolitan area that continues to be a hub for road, rail, and air transportation. It is also an important financial, and industrial center, in addition to having a thriving arts and culture scene. Truly, it’s a city with something for everyone!
Indianapolis– A Few Fun Facts
Read more fun facts about Indianapolis here.
The LGBTQ Community in Indianapolis
Indianapolis has a warm and friendly LGBTQ community, rich in diversity, and welcoming to all. That community is fortunate to be well-supported by a variety of community resources, including:
Indy PFLAG is the Indianapolis chapter of the national PFLAG organization. PFLAG is the largest grassroots organization of its kind in the United States, and for many years, it has played an essential role in providing education, advocacy, support, networking opportunities, and resources to LGBTQ communities across the country. Monthly meetings and other community-building events and resources are regularly offered.
The Indy Rainbow Chamber was founded in 2002 and is a diverse business networking organization which is dedicated to the LGBTQ community and its allies, and to working toward encouraging an inclusive business environment that makes Indianapolis a great place to live and do business.
What’s the Weather Like in Indianapolis?
Those who call Indianapolis home can expect to experience each of the four distinct seasons each year. Spring offers beautiful blooms, and fall offers crisp breezes and brightly changing leaves, and temperatures in both seasons are generally mild and pleasant. Summers can be hot and humid, with highs in July averaging around 84 degrees, and winters can be cold and occasionally snowy, with the low in January averaging around 20 degrees, and snowfall averaging around 22 inches per year.
Can’t-Miss Indianapolis Events
Indy Pride is the city’s largest yearly LGBTQ pride celebration – and it’s one party you won’t want to miss. Although Indy Pride is best known for this yearly celebration featuring parades, parties, networking opportunities, and other events, the group hosts events, advocates, and provides resources and services year-round to strengthen, celebrate, and promote the interests of the LGBTQ community in the greater Indianapolis area.
Often called “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing,” the Indy 500 is known to racing fans around the world as one of the premier NASCAR races held anywhere. Many who think of Indianapolis immediately associate the city with this famed event – and it is an event well worth attending at least once, whether you’re a racing fan or not. In addition to being home to the Indianapolis 500, The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is also the site of the Brickyard 400 each year, was formerly the home of the United States Grand Prix, and hosts many other races and events year-round.
The Best Indianapolis Neighborhoods
There are plenty of wonderful places to live in Indianapolis. A couple of the areas that are most popular with the LGBTQ community include:
Located on the northeastern edge of the downtown area, the Mass Ave Arts District is very popular with the LGBTQ community. It is known for being a trendy, walkable neighborhood characterized by historic homes and plenty to see and do, including many boutiques, LGBTQ nightspots and restaurants, theaters, and other historic buildings.
Fountain Square is another neighborhood that is extremely popular with the LGBTQ community. This is a sprawling neighborhood full of old mansions and arts and craftsman-style homes. It is also home to many sophisticated galleries and residents as well as some of the best schools in the city. This area is also well serviced by public transportation that can take you into the center of the city. The median list price of homes currently for sale in the Fountain Square neighborhood is around $237,000.
Arts and Entertainment
White Rabbit Cabaret is an authentic cabaret bar located in Fountain Square. Offering burlesque bingo nights and regularly-scheduled vaudeville-style variety shows. The cabaret also offers live music, drinks, and dancing.
Located in the beautiful and historic Indiana Theatre, the Indiana Repertory Theatre is located in the beautiful, historic Indiana Theatre. The IRT has been delighting and inspiring audiences with a wide variety of excellent performances for more than 40 years. The IRT typically offers nine productions each season, so there’s always something for everyone to enjoy. Be sure to enjoy a show, or several, for yourself!
Parks and Recreation
Circle City Pride Softball League
Circle City Pride is the city’s only LGBTQ softball league – and it’s a league that promises plenty of fun, exercise, and opportunity for all to get out and enjoy the games and make new friends. It’s open to all ability and skill levels – all that’s needed is a desire to participate and have fun.
The Monon Rail Trail is a multi-purpose outdoor trail that stretches from the town of Sheridan in the north and extends south before intersecting with the Indianapolis Cultural Trail on the east end of Massachusetts Avenue. It offers plenty of opportunities for biking, walking, cross-country skiing, running, and more. It's a great place to enjoy a beautiful Indy afternoon!
Indianapolis Nightlife
Greg's Our Place is somewhat of an LGBTQ institution in Indy, and it's one place you'll want to try. Greg's has a fun and friendly crowd, a lively dance floor, regular themed nights and DJs, and it's a great place to meet new friends. Even better, the owners and managers of Greg's are leaders in Indy's LGBTQ community, and regularly host fundraising events to donate to important LGBTQ causes in the city.
Tini is an LGBTQ friendly martini bar located on bustling Mass Avenue in the heart of the city. Televisions across the bar show classic and current music videos and regular theme nights are popular with the crowds. The drinks are strong and the bartenders are friendly.
Contact an Indianapolis Gay Realtor Today
If Indianapolis seems like it would be a great place for you to call home, we would love to have the opportunity to put you in touch with a realtor who knows the community well and can help you find a house you love in a neighborhood that’s a perfect fit for you. Contact an Indianapolis gay realtor today for a free, no-obligation consultation!
