Here Are Some Excellent Real Estate Investment Opportunities in the Indianapolis Area for 2011! 

IRVINGTON: Eclectic and family-friendly on the east side of Indianapolis.
 

Price Pointers: A quaint fixer-upper bungalow with hardwood floors and a garage can be found for as low as $70,000; a four-bedroom, 3,000 square foot home can top $200,000.
Who Lives Here: First-time home buyers, families, community-minded residents.
Schools: Indianapolis Public Schools.
Reminds You Of: The kind of neighborhood where you would go next door to borrow a cup of sugar.
Selling Points: Sturdy historic homes, easy access to downtown without interstates, Ellenberger Park.
Deal-Breaker: Less-than-desirable urban areas on outskirts; small selection of large homes.

BRIDGEWATER CLUB: A golf-resort community (at, if you know where to look, a non-resort price).

Price Pointers: This neighborhood is too new to have much resale; but, the new construction starts at $300,000 and, in the Club Estates, tops $1 million.
Who Lives Here: Golfers and high-salaried executives.
Schools: Westfield-Washington Schools.
Reminds You Of: Being on a golf-resort vacation year-round.
Selling Points: Can not beat the amenities: golfing (even an indoor driving range) indoor and outdoor pools, fitness center, tennis, parks, trails.
Deal-Breaker: The price tag for the Estates. And it’s just going to climb!

CARMEL CONDOS: Urban living in the suburbs.

Price Pointers:The offerings are constantly changing, but generally new units start in the high 100,000’s; amenities like fireplaces and waterfront views can take the price over $300,000.
Who Lives Here: A mix of young professionals and empty nesters.
Schools: Carmel Clay Schools.
Reminds You Of: Carmelized French Quarter.
Selling Points: Up-and-coming performing-arts center, and within walking distance of the Monon Trail.
Deal-Breaker: Having to be patient while everything is being developed.
 

GOLDEN HILL: Indy’s other near-downtown historic mansions. 

Price Pointers: Houses seldom come on the market, and when they do, they run from $500,000 to $1.2 million – about half the cost of a historic showplace on Meridian.
Who Lives Here: Well-to-do professionals.
Schools: Indianapolis Public Schools.
Reminds You Of: A place where they would hand out maps identifying celebrities’ houses.
Selling Points: Rolling terrain, variety in architecture.
Deal-Breaker: Few listings are available, and the imposing entrances on some of these estates can give the area an unfriendly feel.

SAXONY: Upscale Convenience in Fishers.

Price Pointers: Saxony includes several upscale housing styles within one development, so prices run the gamut from $200,000 to $700,000.
Who Lives Here: Empty nesters and families with school-age children; but, also young professionals who might work within the neighborhood.
Schools: Highly desirable Hamilton Southeastern Schools, and just down the road from Hamilton Southeastern High School.
Reminds You Of: A Village of Carmel’s 'West Clay'. Upscale and great builders! 
Selling Points: The idea of creating an urban setting in suburban Fishers is appealing. Businesses "on the move are moving to Saxony"! State's 1st standalone 'ER' coming to Saxony. New hospital will expand Clarian's reach north to Saxony. Upscale hotel for business travelers sets sights on Saxony.
Deal-Breaker: NONE, this market area is the best kept secret in Hamilton County. Buy Now!

MERIDIAN PARK: Fixer-uppers and showpieces just north of downtown. 

Price Pointers: Single-family homes start at $115,000. Fully restored arts-and-crafts home prices are at $325,000.
Who Lives Here: Families, empty nesters, artsy folks.
Schools: Indianapolis Public Schools.
Reminds You Of: A less expensive Butler-Tarkington.
Selling Points: The neighborhood is just a short walk from The Children’s Museum.
Deal-Breaker: Fixer-uppers – and there are quite a few left in this neighborhood – are not for everyone.

WOODLAND SPRINGS: Affordable Carmel homes on ample lots. 

Price Pointers:For $180,000, you can get a three-bedroom ranch home built in 1970 (no basement); Woodland Springs maxes out at around $500,000 for a four-bedroom with a finished basement.
Who Lives Here: Families with young kids and teens.
Schools: Carmel Clay Schools.
Reminds You Of: An upscale version of Village of Mount Carmel.
Selling Points: Mature neighborhood with trees, yet it’s just minutes from Keystone Avenue.
Deal-Breaker: Some of the 70’s and 80’s home styles look; well, like 70’s and 80’s.

OAK BEND: Custom-built homes amid rolling hills in Avon.

Price Pointers: A three-bedroom home runs about $245,000; for a four to five bedroom, prices are near $335,000.
Who Lives Here: Professionals who crave high end without the congestion of Geist.
Schools: Avon Schools.
Reminds You Of: Brown County without the log cabins – and all those deer.
Selling Points: Can not beat the big lots – trees, green space and even hills.
Deal-Breaker: This commute may cause road rage – Laugh-Out-Loud (LOL).

VILLAGE OF MOUNT CARMEL: A welcome dose of diversity in homogenous Carmel. 

Price Pointers: Modest ranch homes without basements start at $135,000, while a three level, 7,200-square-foot home ‘country homes’ may cost $700,000.
Who Lives Here: Might be one of the most diverse neighborhoods in Carmel: seniors, yuppies and DINKS (dual-income couples with no kids), including many minorities.
Schools: Carmel Clay Schools.
Reminds You Of: A neighborhood that was new when you were a kid.
Selling Points: Big lots and feel-good neighborhood events.
Deal-Breaker: Most homes here require a little TLC.