Carmel, IN

Carmel, a northern suburb of Indianapolis, founded in 1837, is one of the fastest-growing cities in the state: In 2004, the population was about 51,000; by 2007, the population had exploded to more than 68,000. Getting around Carmel can be tricky; the city is well known for its many roundabouts. But the difficulty is tempered by the fact that most east-west streets are numbered (with such exceptions as Carmel Drive and City Center Drive), while north-south streets are not.

ECONOMY AND INDUSTRIES

Carmel employs more people than make up its total residential population. Carmel's Meridian Corridor boasts the second-largest concentration of office workers in the state, with employers including Delta Faucet, Thomson Consumer Electronics, and Conseco. Other major employers in Carmel include:

• Pearson Education
• ITT Technical Institute (headquarters)
• North American Advertising
• Orchard Software Corporation
• Electronic Evolution
• Autobase Inc.
• ChaCha Search
• Dean Foods Co. of Indiana
• Stratis Plastic Pallets
• Waterstone Technologies
• Oxford Financial Group

Carmel's Small Business Network offers support to small businesses to communicate clearly with the city and to address any concerns of residents.

NEIGHBORHOODS AND DISTRICTS

Carmel boasts more than 100 neighborhoods within its nearly 18 square miles. Each neighborhood features a distinct architectural style, from contemporary showplaces to bungalows built in the early 20th century. The dramatic growth that Carmel has experienced has been tempered by the careful work of controlled expansion by city planners, who have carved out some notable areas of the city.

• Arts & Design District: More than one hundred art galleries, antique stores, interior design showrooms, and specialty boutiques call the downtown Arts & Design District home. This thriving neighborhood offers a bustling, big-city feel. Most residents live in townhouses or condos, and the area's brick sidewalks and outdoor public sculptures are designed to promote pedestrian-friendly living.
• City Center: The city's newest neighborhood is a planned city-within-a-city that is scheduled to open in late 2009 or early 2010. City Center will boast one million square feet of living, dining, office, and retail space, as well as green spaces and civic and cultural centers, including a performance hall, a theater, and an outdoor amphitheatre. Carmel City Center is one piece of the city's plan to revitalize its downtown.

SHOPPING

In the summer months, Carmel residents flock to the Farmers Market at Civic Square each Saturday to stock up on locally produced food, flowers, and crafts from nearly fifty different vendors. For year-round shopping, Carmel offers plenty of options, from national chains to independent retailers. In addition to the many retailers in the Arts & Design District (and those planned for the City Center), Carmel boasts many shopping centers and plazas, including:

• Clay Terrace: This outdoor shopping center has more than 70 retailers, including many interior design stores and independent boutiques.
• Carmel Old Town Antique Mall: At this mall a number of different dealers offer antique furniture, dolls, toys, dishes, jewelry, linens, books, quilts, and much more.
• The Fashion Mall: This large mall has shops, restaurants, and a movie theater.

FAMILY FUN

Family-friendly activities are the order of the day in Carmel. The city's main attractions are centered on outdoor activities, including visits to:

• Monon Trail: This paved trail system connects several towns in the area, offering peaceful biking, walking, and rollerblading opportunities.
• Monon Center: This fitness complex, located in Carmel's Central Park (just off the Monon Trail), features state-of-the-art equipment and a wide variety of activities and resources, including the Outdoor Aqua Park.
• Flowing Well Park: Within 18 acres of open park space, Flowing Well hides one of Carmel's most interesting features: a natural artesian spring. Visitors to the park can enjoy the spring's fresh drinking water.

Residents of Carmel can take advantage of several different family-friendly sporting venues, including:

• Year-round ice skating at the Carmel Ice Skadium.
• Tennis at the Carmel Racquet Club.
• Cheerleading, football, volleyball, soccer, and baseball at the Carmel Dads' Club.
• A variety of clubs, classes, and lessons at several Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation sites.

FOR VISITORS

Other places worth a visit in Carmel include:

• Carmel-Clay Historical Society: The society offers a glimpse into local history; its Depot Museum, with railroad memorabilia, is a popular school fieldtrip destination.
• Laser Flash: Indiana's largest laser-tag venue offers individual and team play.
• Museum of Miniature Houses & Other Collections: This attraction features displays of miniature dollhouses, miniature scenes, and miniature art, as well as several other nonminiature collections.
• Above & Beyond Balloon Co.: This attraction offers hot-air balloon rides.

EVENTS

Each year, Carmel hosts several events, including:

• CarmelFest: This annual celebration of Carmel's national and community heritage has been around for almost 30 years.
• Carmel International Arts Festival: This annual free event features more than 150 artists.
• Summer Family Concert Series at the Gazebo: This event has provided the community with family-friendly concerts since 1992.