Why We Love Living and Building in Indianapolis
At Gem Homes, we’re more than just a custom home builder—we’re proud Indy residents who have built our life, family, and business right here in the heart of the city. From its vibrant neighborhoods to its unbeatable local gems, Indianapolis is a city we truly love living in and love building in.
Whether you’re a longtime local or thinking about putting down roots here, we wanted to share some of the reasons why we think Indianapolis is such a special place to call home.
A Strong Sense of Community
Indianapolis has a way of making you feel like you belong. There’s a warmth to the people here, a mix of Midwest hospitality and big-city pride. Whether we’re meeting neighbors on a job site or grabbing coffee on Mass Ave, there’s a real sense of connection throughout the city.
As a home builder in Indianapolis, we love creating houses that contribute to that spirit, whether it’s in a historic neighborhood like Irvington or a rapidly growing spot like Kennedy-King. The community feel is real, and we’re proud to be part of it.
Access to Parks and Outdoor Living
One of the best parts about building in Indianapolis is how easy it is to enjoy the outdoors. From small neighborhood green spaces to expansive urban trails, Indy makes it easy to get outside and unwind.
Some of our family favorites:
- Mass Ave strolls: We usually start at The Garage Food Hall and walk The Indianapolis Cultural Trail—a beautifully designed trail that connects some of Indy’s most exciting neighborhoods.
- Highland Park: A hidden gem with skyline views and open space for relaxing or playing.
- We’re also just big fans of how walkable so many of Indy’s neighborhoods are, perfect for morning coffee walks.
A Food Scene That Surprises (and Satisfies)
Indy’s food scene has come a long way, and we love every bite of it. Whether you’re into classic comfort food or creative new concepts, there’s something delicious on every corner.
Some of our top local eats:
- Date night favorite: A show at Indiana Repertory Theatre followed by dinner downtown. It’s such an underrated experience—and we try to go 2-3 times a year!
- Iaria’s Italian Restaurant: A true Indy staple. Their cheese tortellini? Absolute perfection.
- King Dough Indy: Great pizza, awesome cocktails, and right next to a dog park we frequent with our boxer in the warmer months.
Family Fun at Every Turn
Indianapolis is full of fun for families, and we love how accessible and engaging the activities are. Our personal favorite? The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, hands down.
We take our daughter Milli about once a month (with our annual pass!) and she loves it. It’s fun, educational, and best of all—it wears her out for a great nap afterward. Win-win.
Local Shops We Love
Indy has a great small business scene, and we love supporting the shops that make this city feel like home.
Some favorites:
- Francis and Fern Boutique: Kristina loves browsing this local boutique for classic and stylish pieces.
- Three Dog Bakery: Our boxer approves—this place is always a hit for treats and toys.
These are just a few of the many places and moments that make living in Indy so meaningful to us—there’s always something new to discover, and countless reasons to love calling this city home.
Why Build in Indianapolis?
From the charm of its historic neighborhoods to the excitement of its growing downtown, Indianapolis is the kind of place where people put down roots—and stay.
At Gem Homes, we’ve built many custom homes throughout the city, and each one is a reflection of what makes Indy so great: creativity, character, and community.
Thinking about building in Indianapolis? We’d love to help you create a space that fits your lifestyle and makes the most of everything this city has to offer.
Contact us to learn more about how we can help you bring your dream home to life—right here in the city we love.
Follow us on Instagram @gemhomesindy for more behind-the-scenes looks at our builds, design inspiration, and Indy life!
