Ameriplex - Indianapolis, IN

The area on which Ameriplex resides primarily grew over time from the growth of the Indianapolis metropolitan area, until the official land was designated for development in the early 2010s. Indiana's landscape contains a rich history of Native American culture, as well as much European growth and development throughout the occupation of the Ameriplex and Indianapolis regions. Although several local and state history museums chronicle this culture extensively about 7 miles away in locations such as the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site and the Indiana Medical History Museum, no museums lie directly within Ameriplex borders.

For war history buffs, the Rolls-Royce Allison Heritage Trust Museum houses archives and fighter plane engines from World Wars I and II. While art lovers may need to venture into downtown Indianapolis to attend larger venues and national tours, nearby dance academies such as Beth Lucas School of Dance host seasonal events and performances.

A 15-20 minute drive to the northeast or the northwest takes you to Downtown Indianapolis or Avon, IN, respectively. Both offer lots of restaurant and shopping options convenient for Ameriplex residents.

However, there are a few local treats and numerous nearby options to keep diners coming from near and far to have a taste of what Ameriplex has to offer.

El Rodeo dishes out heaping plates of many traditional Mexican favorites. Attentive servers keep the atmosphere lively, whether you're in for a traditional enchilada plate or a margarita about as large as the plentiful entrées. The nearby Inner City Pizza bakes authentic Chicago-style pizzas, along with sandwiches and pasta, for the heart of Indiana. Save some room for dessert, because there's no better way to cap off a hearty slice of pepperoni than with a slice of strawberry cheesecake. For a relaxing drink, residents look outside of Ameriplex to a number of local spots, such as Chateau Thomas Winery, which serves a long list of award-winning wines from several state, national and international competitions.

Visitors to the Ameriplex region will find that owning a car in this neighborhood will certainly come in handy. Although the IndyGo public transit system does not serve the area extensively, the neighborhood's east-bordering Highway 67 and proximity to Indianapolis International Airport shuttles make public transit an option.

Similarly, patrons can fairly readily schedule cabs or Uber drivers who may be on their way to or from the airport. Catching a taxi on the street is a dicey game, though, as the neighborhood is too far from the city center to draw enough traffic for cabs to come without a reservation. Easy access to Interstate 70 and highways 40 and 67 make getting in and out of the area a breeze.

Public parking in the neighborhood is free, but the highly industrialized nature of the region can mean finding a central location to park and walk may be impossible. For most practical neighborhood or nearby commercial centers, visitors will have no trouble finding a spot to park.

Unfortunately for pedestrians and cyclists, large roads without bike lanes mean a tougher, more cautious job getting around by bike or on foot.

Ameriplex contains no parks within its boundaries, but venture only a few miles in any direction and you can find some fun recreational areas for the whole family. To the south, Sodalis Nature Park offers a pavilion, 3.5 miles of nature trails and a large pond for seasonal fishing. These facilities come free of charge and contain extensive areas for responsible pet owners to take their pawed pals.

Despite a lack of exercise-specific equipment, open fields and running trails provide varied opportunities for those seeking a great workout. While no annual activities or events take place in the park, visitors should keep their eyes peeled for local events. By paying a small rental fee, you can clinch the opportunity to host your own events in the pavilion and other facilities.

Cost of living in Ameriplex comes in just under the average cost of living for the city of Indianapolis, and with the average rent for a one-bedroom residence averaging around $800, the primary costs for residents come from transportation.

Public transit via IndyGo remains cheap, at less than $2 for a single ride and only $4 for a day pass. However, the comparative convenience of driving around and out of the neighborhood to other modes of transportation may inflate fuel costs. Fortunately, gas prices in the region clock in at just under five percent below the national average.

A wide range of bars and pubs in the neighborhoods surrounding Ameriplex ensure a wide array of prices, so with the proper search, you can just as easily find a beer for $2 as you can find one for $7.

A short ride up Ameriplex Parkway takes you to the Shops at Perry Crossing. The open-air mall offers a host of retail shopping at stores like Aeropostale, Buckle, LOFT, and Hot Topic, as well as anchors such as JC Penney and Dick's Sporting Goods. There are also a few dependable chain restaurants such as Stone Creek Dining Co.

Quite a few shopping centers have set up shop in and around the Ameriplex neighborhood, and although high-end stores don't find their place among the local businesses, you can still find some fascinating shops and concepts.

Karma Records holds down a funky vibe prime for relaxation, whether you're looking for a CD or vinyl, hookah or a new pair of headphones. The store doesn't shy away from new releases, either, so take a minute to peruse some Top 40 after you've looked through the classic rock.

Local grocers such as Marsh Supermarket and many large chain stores dot the surrounding areas.