Carmel, IN
Why You’ll Love Living in Carmel, Indiana
Immediately north of Indianapolis is Carmel, Indiana, one of the fastest-growing communities in the United States. Carmel is a magnet for families with its many parks and highly rated schools. The city’s Meridian Corridor houses the corporate offices of more than 50 companies, and it also attracts entrepreneurs. The community is a hub for retail with major shopping centers like Clay Terrace, Old Town Carmel and Village Park Plaza.
Thinking of moving to Carmel, IN? Keep scrolling to find all the details about living in Carmel, including quick facts such as the population, median home value and property taxes. Plus, learn more about the cost of living and quality of life in Carmel, from the economy and job opportunities to weather, outdoor activities and things to do, including local restaurants and points of interest.
What Makes Carmel, IN, a Best Place to Live in 2024
Carmel, IN, stands out as one of the best places to live in the U.S. due to its thriving economy, award-winning schools and excellent health care options, which translate into plentiful job opportunities.
Residents still have easy access to Indy but are afforded a slower pace of life in this Midwestern city. A high safety rating also makes Carmel a very comfortable place to raise a family.
The arts scene is bolstered by an assortment of creative places, such as the Arts & Design District, which offers art galleries, specialty shops and restaurants. Theater productions, concerts and other fun events are on tap at The Center for the Performing Arts, which includes the Great American Songbook Foundation, an affiliate of the Grammy Museum. And all kinds of festivals are a part of life in Carmel, which keeps residents engaged with year-round activities, including a winter farmers market! There’s plenty to do at Midtown Plaza, a cool, revitalized district with community tables/benches, an interactive play area, games and a location close to businesses big and small.
Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the city’s many trails — some 700 acres of parks and greenways, including the famous Monon Greenway — that make it easy to stay active. Foodies will want to sample all of the tasty offerings at the many restaurants, coffee shops and breweries. Those on the hunt can head to Clay Terrace, where they’ll find both brand-name stores and locally-owned shops — in other words, plenty of places to drop a buck (or two!).
Carmel, IN Quality of Life LivScore
Carmel, IN Top Categories
Housing & Cost of Living
Health
Economy
Carmel ranks highest for housing, health and economy.
Weather and Outdoor Activities in Carmel, IN
Carmel experiences all four seasons, with relatively mild winters that hover right around freezing and temperatures that don’t reach sweltering in the summer. The average highs and lows are 84°F and 62°F (summer) and 38°F and 21°F (winter).
The average annual snowfall in Carmel is around 22 inches per year.
The average annual rainfall in Carmel is around 42 inches per year. May is typically the wettest month, while January is usually the driest.
Carmel averages 185 sunny days a year.
The local parks department has created a summer wonderland with The Waterpark. For Carmel residents, admission is just $13 a day for adults and $10 for children, and they offer reasonably priced yearly passes, too. The best part? You can bring your own picnic.
Things To Do in Carmel, IN
Visit Flowing Well Park in spring to walk among the wildflowers before fishing in Cool Creek. Don’t forget empty containers to fill up at the artesian well before you leave!
The Children’s Garden at Coxhall Gardens is the perfect place for little imaginations to run wild. The make-believe village caters to them, and the ringing bell tours every hour add to the fairy-tale atmosphere.
One of Carmel’s best-kept secrets has to be the Monon Trail. This scenic and vibrant pathway, which was formerly a railway line, weaves its way from Indianapolis to Sheridan, passing five miles through the heart of Carmel. Lined with lush greenery, public art installations and charming bridges, the Monon Trail is an excellent, off-the-beaten-path escape for joggers, cyclists and walkers who want to combine a healthy lifestyle with time away in nature.
All the most gorgeous area homes are decorated with items found in the Carmel Arts & Design District. This destination district on Main Street offers antiques, art, furniture and more.
Looking for a fun night out in Carmel? Anthony’s Chophouse in the Arts and Design District has a sophisticated vibe paired with upscale steaks, decadent seafood and a robust selection of wines. It’s a hot spot for date nights but also an excellent choice for a night out with friends or a memorable meal with the whole family.
The Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel is an architectural gem with 1,500 seats and a sprawling 151,000-square-foot concert hall. However, locals also know it as a cultural hub for music and the arts. Whether you want to indulge in classical or contemporary concerts or would rather watch a theatrical performance, this world-class hall is hands down the best place to go if you want a night out on the town.
Located in a gorgeous, sprawling converted home, Indie Coffee Roasters is the perfect hangout. The smell of roasting coffee fills the air, and they have a ton of coffee options, treats to accompany them and knowledgeable baristas to guide you to the perfect cup.
The Local and State Economy in Carmel, IN
The largest industries in Carmel are health care, technology and finance. A few of the top employers in Carmel include CNO Financial Group, RCI and KAR Global.
In 2024, the sales tax rate in Carmel is 7%.
Yes, Indiana has a state income tax.
Carmel has several major health care providers, including IU Health North Hospital and St. Vincent Carmel Hospital.
Butler University is in nearby Indianapolis.
Weather in Carmel, IN
Average Temperatures
61 High / 42 Low
Average Annual Rainfall
42 Inches
Average Annual Snowfall
22 Inches
Quick Facts about Carmel, Indiana
- Median Home Value
- $380,506
- Median Property Tax
- $4,983
- Total Population
- 100,691
- Average Commute
- 21 min
- Median Household Income
- $151,115
- Median Rent per Month
- $1,177
Map of Carmel, IN
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