Greenwood Indiana
Old City Park, Freedom Springs Aquatic Center, Greenwood Park Mall, Greenwood Trail System
Living in Greenwood
“The best of both worlds.” That’s a common phrase everyone uses, but it’s rarely accurate – except when you’re talking about Greenwood, Indiana. Situated close to Indianapolis and everything it has to offer; Greenwood is also a place where families can live and enjoy the feel and environment of a small town.
Greenwood boasts a superior school system, along with excellent dining and shopping, along with plenty of trails and parks. Another standout – and a benefit that continues to draw young families – is the area’s low cost of living.
If you’re looking to purchase a home in this area, you’ll have plenty of styles to choose from, including ranchers, single family homes, and custom contemporary homes that boast all of the amenities you could want.
When you add in other attractions, including the Greenwood Park Mall, historic Old City Park and the Freedom Springs Aquatic Park, you’ll see why this area south of Indianapolis is definitely the best of both worlds.
At a Glance
Greenwood was originally found in 1823 by John and Isaac Smock, and was known to everyone as Smocktown or Smock’s Settlement. In 1833, the city became known by its current name.
There’s an eclectic blend of homes to choose from in Greenwood, both the traditional and modern dwellings. The Old Town area is known for its older style homes and small cottages, mostly Craftsman and Historic Vernacular.
You’ll also discover ranch style homes and the traditional split-level houses that offer an abundance of space for new and growing families. Depending on what you’re looking for in this market, you’ll have plenty of choices.
In the event your tastes run to more modern architecture, the outer areas of Greenwood, which includes the Center Grove region, feature homes with open concept layouts and modern farmhouse aesthetics. Complimenting these houses are the traditional two-story design that has pitched roofs, vinyl or brick facades, and multi-bedrooms.
Price Range and Market Trends
The real estate market in Greenwood can be described as very competitive, with the median sale price of homes around $300,000. After they’re listed, homes usually stay active for an average of 18 days.
After factoring in all of the excellent advantages that Greenwood has to offer, including a vibrant community, an easy commute to Indianapolis, and highly rated public schools – it’s easy to see why homes don’t last long.
Before you begin your search, there are several steps you can take that will improve your chances when you make an offer. Checking your credit score should be a priority, and getting pre-approved signals to sellers that you are ready to move quickly.
Outdoors
Green Spaces
Where do you want to go?
What do you want to do?
These are common questions, and Greenwood’s answers range from public green spaces to interconnected greenways and trails. There are also multiple outdoor destinations with activities and attractions that will fill your day, maybe even two!
The heart of Greenwood is home to Old City Park, which features a playground packed with plenty of attractions, including a 20-f00t cube tower, a promenade that runs alongside Pleasant Creek and plenty of room to roam and enjoy the area.
Walkability & Transportation
Getting around Greenwood is done mostly by car, especially concerning the commute into Indianapolis, though there are several different modes of public transportation. This bustling area is filled with attractions such as restaurants and shopping that are a quick car ride away.
If you’re ready to put your walking shoes on, head down to the historic district of Greenville which is centered around Main Street and Madison Avenue. There you’ll find parks, restaurants, plenty of shopping and an amphitheater that features acts of every type throughout the year.
Walking Paths & Trails
The trails systems that surrounds Greenwood covers more than 50 miles, and offers a host of different experiences that include everyone from small children to adults looking to spend time in the great outdoors.
Craig Park spot runs east to west and boasts picnic areas with outdoor shelters, playing fields and tennis courts – and plenty of parking. Tracy Trail splits off from this area and is paved with asphalt that winds through the local area and finally ends at Summerfield Park.
Summerfield covers 16 acres and is surrounded by beautiful scenery, where you can enjoy multiple playgrounds and gazebos. You can also pack a lunch and spread out across picnic tables and a variety of covered shelters.
Culture
Amenities, Shopping & Culture
When you’re ready to adventure out in Greenwood, there are several restaurants that range from Asian cuisine to a board of fare that is truly American. In between you’ll find Italian eateries and a go to gastro pub that is a literal culinary adventure that will leave you completely satisfied.
The shopping experience in Greenwood spans everything from bustling malls to specialty stores offering vintage clothes, bridal gowns, and hand crafted toys and furniture. Mixing with art galleries are retro shops that house plenty of finds from your childhood. Consignment shops and records stores can literally fill up your entire day, along with fully stocked and curated wine shops.
Greenwood’s location to Indianapolis provides plenty to do when it concerns arts, culture, shopping and more. A short drive to the city opens up a whole new world, including the area’s top museums, music venues, art galleries, and public events that offer something for everyone.
But there are also plenty of local attractions for citizens of Greenwood. One of the most prominent is Greenwood Amphitheater. This venue is situated in the northern part of Pleasant Creek and takes advantage of the area’s natural geography, making it perfect for concerts.
The city’s free Summer Concert Series provides local musicians a place to perform and entertain. Concerts are scheduled for Saturday evenings from June through August, and families show up with lawn chairs, coolers, and blankets to enjoy various styles of music under the summer night.
In addition to music, there’s also the Greenwood Community Theatre, which was founded to create and grow professionalism in the performing arts. The venue hosts a variety of shows throughout the year, perfect for a night out.
Schools & Education
Families who are looking to purchase a home in Greenwood list local education as one of their primary concerns, and with good reason. The area is home to a diverse and modern school system that is comprised of 27 public schools that have earned excellent ratings throughout their existence. In addition, there are seven private and charter schools.
Greenwood Community School Corporate serves the local area along with the Center Grove and Clark-Pleasant communities. All of these schools have solid academic tracks and also offer STEM classes and technical training.
District Schools
- High School: Greenwood Community High School (grades 9–12)
- Middle School: Greenwood Middle School (grades 6–8)
- Elementary Schools: Westwood Elementary, Southwest Elementary, Greenwood Northeast Elementary, and V.O. Isom Central Elementary (grades PK–5)
Parents who are seeking private or charter schools for their children can select from several faith-based options that range from elementary to high school. There are local charter schools that offer a unique educational experience and have earned high marks for their curriculum and after school activities.
Buying in Greenwood
It’s evident that purchasing a house might be one of the biggest decisions one can make in a lifetime. For many it might represent the largest investment that they’ve ever made, and making sure the home you purchase is right for you can be an overwhelming experience.
The Greenwood housing market is quite affordable, and long-term value has remained strong throughout the years. Many of the neighborhoods were developed to be family friendly and offer a sense of community that can be hard to find in other places.
There’s also the variety of different homes on the market. Traditional ranchers and single family homes are perfect for new and growing families, and there are also turn of the century dwellings available for sale.
Complimenting this community feeling is the quick access to downtown Indianapolis, which is a 15 minute commute. This combination offers residents the choice to spend a night in the big city or walking through the local shopping district to sample offerings from local restaurants and businesses.
Parks, trails, and green spaces are other highlights of life in Greenwood, and when you add in the robust local public school system, purchasing a home here is almost a no brainer.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Most definitely! A family-oriented community that’s a short drive to Indianapolis has made this area popular across a wide range of home buyers. The school system is widely recognized as being one of the best in the area, and there are plenty of walking paths, parks, and activities for everyone.
The real estate market in Greenwood is steady, with homes being priced in the $322,000-$331,00 range. Most houses are on the market for close to 38 days, with some listings going as quickly in 9 days. Well priced and move-in ready homes move quickly, so make sure you’re prepared before making an offer.
You can start at Greenwood Park Mall, a major regional shopping center with over 150 stores, restaurants, and a summer concert series. If you’re more inclined to spend time outside, Craig Park hosts the city’s Freedom Fest fireworks celebration.
Other venues include the Greenwood Community Center, That Fun Place and the Regal Greenwood movie theater showing first run movies. Local brewpubs are also excellent places to visit, along with restaurants and one of the area’s favorite ice cream shop, Mrs. Curl.
There are also a variety of walking trails, parks, and green spaces that enable visitors to enjoy the great outdoors.
Located 14 miles south of downtown Indianapolis, a normal commute from Greenwood takes about 25 minutes, depending on traffic and road conditions.
