Carmel, Indiana is a rapidly growing city located in Hamilton County, part of the Indianapolis-Carmel-Anderson Metropolitan Statistical Area. It is situated just north of Indianapolis, and is known for its high homeownership rates and more than 100 roundabouts. The city is also home to the Carmel Arts & Design District, Midtown Plaza, Carmel City Center, the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts and the Monon Trail. CNN Money Magazine named Carmel the winner of its annual Best Places to Live list, crediting its number one position to schools, arts and entertainment options and the economic vitality of Carmel.
The Monon Trail, a 16-mile bicycle and pedestrian trail that crosses Carmel, offers easy access to everything the Carmel Arts & Design District has to offer to those who choose to walk or bike from other areas of the city. The City Center, home of the Palladium, the Carmel Performing Arts Center, attracts renowned artists to the residents of Carmel, and offers a first-class alternative to the concert halls of downtown Indianapolis. Carmel residents tend to have a high level of education and Carmel's median income is also above the national average. With a population of 100,777, the city extends 49 square miles (130 km) across Clay Township in Hamilton County, Indiana, and is bounded by the White River to the east; the Hamilton-Boone County line to the west; 96th Street to the south and 146th Street to the north.
It is bounded on the north by Westfield, on the northeast by Noblesville, on the east by Fishers, on the south by Indianapolis in Marion County, and on the west by Zionsville in Boone County. Main Street (131) runs east to west through Carmel's Art & Design district; Carmel Drive generally runs east to west through the main shopping area, and City Center Drive runs east to west near the Carmel city center project. With so much to offer its residents and visitors alike, it's no wonder why Carmel is considered one of Indiana's best places to live.
