Carmel, INBest Places To Live in the U.S. in 2023
Roughly 30 minutes outside of Indianapolis is Carmel, IN, a picturesque city with a stellar arts scene and top-rated schools. Carmel embraces quality of life, and residents have access to a variety of cultural events and outdoor activities.
Carmel, IN, Is One of the Best Cities To Live in America
Great schools and access to jobs and health care make Carmel, IN, one of the best places to live in the U.S. Located just north of Indianapolis, Carmel offers a slightly slower lifestyle for daily life with all the amenities of a mid-size city nearby.
A thriving arts scene means residents don’t have to go far for cultural enrichment. The Center for the Performing Arts is a three-venue, world-class performing arts center home to the Palladium Concert Hall and two additional theaters, the Tarkington and Studio Theater, where residents can catch plays, concerts and other performance events. It is also home to the Great American Songbook Foundation, an affiliate of the Grammy Museum.
With one of the highest safety scores, Carmel is a comfortable and relaxed place to raise a family. Well-regulated traffic and bike and walking paths make it a safe place to be out and about, and despite its relatively small size, Carmel has more than 700 acres of parks and greenways to explore and enjoy. Carmel is also home to the legendary Monon Bike Trail. This railroad-turned-trail spans central Indiana for nearly 30 miles and is an off-the-beaten-path way to explore the region.
This Midwest city shines in the warmer months but does not go into hibernation, with festivals, a winter farmers market, and a conscious effort made citywide to keep residents active and engaged year-round.
Carmel, IN Quality of Life LivScore
Carmel, IN Top Categories
Economy
Health
Safety
Carmel ranks highest for economy, health and safety.
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 24 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.
Carmel Weather
185 days
Average Annual Sun
42 inches
Average Annual Rain
24 inches
Average Annual Snow
Things To Do in Carmel, IN
The Children’s Garden at Coxhall Gardens is the perfect place to let little imaginations run wild. The make-believe village caters to them, and the ringing bell tours every hour add to the fairy-tale atmosphere.
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.
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!
All the most gorgeous area homes are decorated with items found in the Carmel Arts & Design District. Find antiques, art, furniture and more in this destination district right on Main Street.
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 2023, 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 in nearby Indianapolis.
Quick Facts About Carmel, IN
- Median Household Income
- $117,078
- Median Home Value
- $388,578
- Average State Property Tax
- $1,308
- Total Population
- 103,628
- Median Rent/Mo.
- $1,126
- Average Commute
- 20.26 minutes
Great schools and access to jobs and health care earned Carmel one of the highest overall scores as one of the best places to live in the U.S. Learn more about Carmel and other great places to live in the Midwest. Another good resource as you consider a move: The Ultimate Guide To Finding Your Best Place To Live.
