Carmel, IN downtown aerial shot

2021 Top 100 Best Places to Live In America Sponsored by:

UPDATE: Check out our new 2023 Best Cities to Live in the U.S. list.

liv score
691
How We Calculate Our Data
Civics 83
Demographics 37
Economy 29
Education 50
Health 69
Housing 71
Infrastructure 46

#51. Carmel, IN

Located north of Indianapolis, Carmel, IN has award-winning schools, a strong economy and a warm, welcoming vibe. The city is home to 100,000 residents – and counting. There’s always something to do in Carmel with vibrant amenities like the Center for the Performing Arts, the Carmel Arts & Design District and the Monon Trail.

Top Colleges/Universities: Butler University in nearby Indianapolis.

Top Industries & Employers: Insurance, banking and finance are vital industries in Carmel.

Weekend Plans: Ride bikes along the 27-mile Monon Trail, a rails-to-trails route that also travels past several restaurants, breweries and distilleries in case you get hungry or thirsty.

Favorite Place to Feast: Juniper on Main, which puts its own Midwest twist on satisfying Southern coastal dishes like shrimp and grits and Savannah crab stew.

Beloved Beverage: Everything served along the Brews & Barrels Trail, which highlights Carmel’s independently owned craft breweries, distilleries and wineries.

Outdoorsy Activity: Playing golf at one of Carmel’s many public and private golf courses: Brookshire Golf Club, Plum Creek Country Club, Prairie View Golf Course, Crooked Stick Golf Club, Twin Lakes Golf Club and Woodland Country Club.

Rooftop Bar: 3UP Rooftop Lounge, a date night-worthy spot that serves high-end cocktails, pizzas and bar snacks.

Why Your Pet Will Love It, Too: With the silhouette of a dachshund as part of its logo and “Coffee. Unleashed.” as its tagline, Indie Coffee Roasters is a fun local hangout for humans and dogs alike. They even call their coffee shop “the doghouse!”

Remote Work Perk: Want to take some of your conference calls while getting a little fresh air? Head to Coxhall Gardens, a scenic 125-acre park with plenty of trails for wandering.

One More Thing … Carmel is home to the unique Museum of Miniature Houses and Other Collections, where visitors can peruse teeny-tiny pieces of furniture, rooms, houses and other fine art miniature items.

– Sarah Kuta

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