Living In Indianapolis

Indianapolis is addind six round-abouts thorughout the city. Round-a-bouts have become popular for alleviating congestion and trafiic in neighboring cities, towns and counties within the Metro Indianapolis area. The city of Carmel in Hancock County boasts the most round-a-bouts and Hendricks County has added several in the last few years. The six planned round-a-bouts will be at the following intersections:

• German Church and 42nd Street
• German Church and 46th Street
• Spring Mill Road and 91st Street
• Edgewood Avenue and McFarland Road
• Edgewood Avenue and Gray Road
• Five Points Road and Thompson Road

I remember the first time I drove a round-about was in Cherry Hill, NJ. Back then, I was a bit intimidated and thought they were a crazy idea. Today, I like the simplicity of them, as well as the ease of travel.

I talk to many people who will do anything to avoid a round-a-bout. I'd love to hear...

The holidays are quickly approaching, and if you’re hosting the party, you’re probably dizzy thinking of ideas to make it an event to remember. The holidays are so much better when children are present, so make sure you include activities to meet their ideas of fun.

My home is always bustling with activity this time of year, and I find the more bodies there are in the house, the better the holidays are.

So if it’s your first time celebrating the Christmas season at your home, here are a few tips to liven up the party:

Scents: You can’t celebrate the holidays without scents. Everyone loves the smell of candles, or even plug-in air fresheners, and the amount of different smells may amaze you. But for...

It's actually a bit cloudy as I write this, which is a welcomed break for sun heat humidity drenched Indianapolis. I can take hot, I survived 15 years in Phoenix Arizona, so in that respect, it's never really hot here in Indy. It's the humidity that makes a hot day unbearable and leaves all of us drenched...

Indianapolis has become a favorite of many looking to settle down in a new city. The amount of requests I receive from out of state visitors to my websites, proves people are looking for a change and Indianapolis is on their list.

Some are being transferred, others are looking for a quality of life they haven’t found in their city, many are coming home…….the new group is retirees.

Retirees are looking to find a city where they have access to arts, entertainment and big city feel which is affordable. Indianapolis provides just the right balance for those whose search will find them retiring to the city.

CNN Money designated...

 Although it's been almost four years since I took these pictures, this home is still as beautiful today and one of my favorites.

Tonight I am meeting some friends for dinner at Amici’s in the Lockerbie Square area of downtown. While waiting for eveyone to arrive for dinner, I couldn't resist the temptation to walk down the street and take some pictures. I am not, by any stretch of the imagination, a great photographer. I just like to take pictures and sometimes I surprise myself. So, I persist......

Walking down a street of remodeled homes from the 1800 and 1900's for me, is like letting a child loose in a candy store. These...

Soldiers and Sailors Monument, an Indianapolis landmark, is located in the center of the circle in Downtown Indianapolis.

The monument was commissioned in 1888, and was erected to to honor Indiana’s Civil War veterans. Made from Indiana limestone, the monument was completed in 1901 at a cost of $600,000.

At the time the monument was constructed, the primary mode of transportation was the rail raod. The train station lies to the south of the city of Indianapolis, so the Statue faces the train station, watching and waiting to welcome home returning soldiers.

It’s sword represents victory

It’s torch represents the light of civilization...

March Photo Contest

Last month's contest was a bit harder than I thought. I guess I get out and look at more homes than most people, so I'll make this month's a bit easier, I hope :)

This month's contest is a two parter = a better chance to win.

First, name the location of this sculpture for a $25.00 gift card to Scotty's Brewhouse. Second part, tell me the name of the sculpture and I'll make it another $25.00.  We could have two winners this month. The first one who tells me where the sculpture is located wins, as well as the first person who tells me the name. If you are lucky enough (or just know your Indy sculptures) to be the first to tell me both  -  you win double and can take your friends to Scotty's with you. No waiting until the end of the month this time; after all, March Madness is just around...

Homes on wooded lots in Indianapolis are often a favorite feature for homebuyers. Where water flows, trees grow and Central Indiana has plenty of both, creating an urban forest of lush greenery.

Many can't believe the amount of wooded areas and tree lined streets we have in the city of Indianapolis. In the summer, it is often difficult for me take pictures of homes in some neighborhoods, but I can get a good tree lined street shot.

Indianapolis and several of the cities making up the metropolitan area are designated Tree Cities. The program is sponsored by the National Arbor Day Foundation and the National Association of State Foresters. The Tree Cities of Indiana maintain and care for the trees within their community. The towns and cities within the Indianapolis area which are designated Tree Cities include...

February Photo Contest

In December I met with clients to show homes in one of Indianapolis' historic districts. The snowfall that day was amazing; big thick flakes, falling steadily. After showing homes, I decided to take some pictures of the neighborhood along with another historic neighborhood on my way home. 

Guess which historic neighborhoods these homes are in and you can win a $50.00 gift card to Rathskellar, another great historic building in Indianapolis.

Hint: It's two different neighborhoods, both east of Rathskellar. The contest runs until February 28th and all correct answers will be put into a drawing. Enter your guess in the comments section below and good luck!

This months photo contest was more difficult than I expected. Still, one brave person dared to try and guess....

Union Laundry Loft Condos offer affordable Indianapolis Condo living. Condos in Downtown Indianapolis are plentiful, ranging in size, location and price. While there are several new condo developments downtown, my favorites are the conversions of historic buildings. Union Laundry Lofts is one such conversion featuring unique loft style condominiums just minutes from downtown.

Located in Historic Fletcher Place - Union Laundry Lofts offers the privacy of a quiet neighborhood in an up and coming area of revitalization. With new condo developments in the area and many ...

I remember the first time I saw Soldiers and Sailors Monument lighted at Christmas in downtown Indianapolis. The ten year old child never forgot the beauty of seeing so many lights on what is dubbed by some, as the worlds tallest Christmas tree. For that little girl, it was a mesmerizing sight.

It’s still amazing to visit Monument Circle during the holidays, partly to enjoy the beauty and partly to satisfy the memories of a little girl. Walking around the Circle, people stop every few minutes to admire the monument all dressed up for the holidays. It’s magical!

While the memories of yesteryear are firmly planted in my mind, it’s more exciting for me as an adult. When I was a child, the only time we went downtown was to see the Monument...

Although I have been back a while, I recently submitted my post to I Choose Indy . The website is a tribute of sorts to those who choose to live in Indy. There are many reasons to choose Indy as home, mine has to do with family and quality of life ( no more two hour commutes in traffic) the seasons, (fall is my favorite), and Hoosier Hospitality.

Here s the post I submitted to I Choose Indy! In the summer of the late 60's, my family decided to leave Louisville KY. to start a new life in Indianapolis. You could say Indianapolis chose me! With six children in tow, my parents settled in the area now known as South Broad Ripple. Back then, the name and area of Broad Ripple did not hold the allure...