Carmel.
Monon Trail town with an arts district, roundabouts, and a world-class concert hall.
The lowdown
Carmel is the city just north of Indy's 96th Street line, roughly 15 miles from downtown. Old Town's Arts & Design District has galleries, design showrooms and life-size bronze sculptures on the sidewalks. The Monon Trail runs through the middle of town and right through Central Park. Housing runs from older homes near Main Street to new townhomes and condos around City Center and big-lot subdivisions. And yes, the roundabouts are everywhere. You get used to them fast.
Our top 5
Five things we love in Carmel.
- Burgers
Bub's Burgers & Ice Cream
Take on the one-pound Big Ugly, or try the elk burger and save room for homemade ice cream.
- Coffee
Indie Coffee Roasters
The Main Street original in the Arts & Design District. Get a nitro cold brew and a scone.
- Concert hall
The Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts
Catch a show under the dome. The 2026-27 season has 70-plus performances, from jazz to Bernadette Peters.
- Holiday market
Carmel Christkindlmarkt
German-style holiday market on Carter Green with free entry and ice skating next door. Weeknights are less crowded.
- Park
Central Park
159 acres with the Monon running through, six miles of trails, a boardwalk, and the Monon Center waterpark.
