Far Eastside - Indianapolis, IN Area Guide

Most of the Far Eastside's growth and development occurred between 1965 and 1980 as central-city residents yearned for the more affordable housing in the suburbs. Major manufacturing facilities and Fort Benjamin Harrison served as major draws due to their employment opportunities.

Many of this timeframe's residents were military families serving out of Fort Harrison. Although the base closed in 1996, the Finance Center remained. The Far Eastside remains and important area within Indianapolis with plenty to offer, from small older neighborhoods to bustling suburban housing developments.

In addition to performances by professional musicians and more at Warren Performing Arts Center, you'll find plenty to do in Far Eastside. After you move to your Far Eastside apartment, mark your calendar: the Marion County Fair takes place here every summer and includes contests, live music, hot air balloon rides, a midway, fireworks, exhibits, vendors, and more. And if it is St. Patrick's Day, there's only one place to be: McGinley's Golden Acre. It's crowded -- and it will seem like everyone in Indianapolis is at the Acre -- but this is a tradition that has taken place for more than 80 years. Tents are set up outside of the tavern to serve the large crowds.

Several areas of commerce call the Far Eastside home, allowing residents unparalleled choices for dining establishments. Major restaurant locations include 38th Street and Post Road, along Pendleton Pike, 21st and Mitthoeffer Road, and along Washington Street.

More Than Just Pizza at 21st and Mitthoeffer lives up to its name. It serves pizza, subs, hoagies, salads, nachos, pastas, a full section of sides and irresistible appetizers. The Radical Veggie, one of its specialty pies you have to see to believe, features ranch, onions, green peppers, black olives, pineapple, tomatoes, and jalapenos. If you want a little more meat on your pizza, check out the Big Boy, a specialty pie topped with six meats, six veggies, and extra cheese. More Than Just Pizza caters to everyone in your group, even those who don't care for pizza pie.

Oasis Jamaican Grill features live music, smoked meats, and jerked spices on shrimp, chicken, fish, and ribs. For sides, go for the bread pudding, fried plantain, curried chicken, or steamed vegetables. Don't let these simple combinations fool you. One drive past this small joint and you can smell why people seem to pack the place for lunch as the aroma of smoked meats wafts in every direction.

Traditional breakfast fare meets the American dream at Art's Skillet on Pendleton Pike. When owner and chef Arturo became unemployed in 2012 due to the recession, his dream of owning his own restaurant started to take shape. The menu includes an extensive collection of classic and unique dishes, but its focus remains mostly on breakfast fare. Enjoy sandwiches, salads and soup for breakfast alternatives. Arturo lines his menu with numerous specialty items, including Art's Famous Skillet. One of several skillet choices, this one features spicy chorizo, jalapenos, two scrambled eggs, salsa, peasant potatoes, and Monterey and cheddar cheese. Add a side of Art's famous fried biscuits to complete your meal.

A handful of bars and pubs call the Far Eastside home. At the intersection of Oaklandon Road and Pendleton Pike sit several strips, one of which houses Whiskey Business. This sports bar gives you an extensive choice of events, including live entertainment, poker nights, DJ bingo, arcade games, darts, big-screen televisions, trivia, and dancing.

With quick access to I-465, residents find it easy to travel throughout the greater Indianapolis area. Pendleton Pike, at the neighborhood's northern end, runs northeast-southwest and forms a portion of U.S. 36 and SR 67, major highways in Indiana. Residents also have easy access to I-70, a major east-west interstate that runs through Indianapolis and connects to major cities, including Dayton and St. Louis.

Several bike-friendly roads run through Far Eastside, providing cyclists with dedicated bike lanes and trails. IndyGo has numerous bus stops throughout the neighborhood for convenient access to public transportation. If taking a cab suits your plans more, call and set up an appointment with Uber or any of Indy's many taxi providers. For those who prefer walking, many of the streets and commercial areas feature sidewalks. Retail and commercial businesses provide large free parking lots for convenience.

A handful of parks fall within the boundaries of the Far Eastside. Grassy Creek Regional Park includes three separate parcels of land. Grassy Creek's amenities include a comfort station, a water spray ground for kids, and a state-of-the-art playground. Dubarry Park features 27 acres in a highly residential area. This hidden gem includes two shelters, sports facilities, a playground, and a nature study area.

Directly north of the neighborhood lies Fort Harrison State Park. Nestled in Lawrence, this large, urban state park features canoeing, jogging trails, picnic sites, fishing access, and two national historic districts, making it an ideal place to visit for fitness enthusiasts, outdoor lovers, and history buffs. This 1,700-acre park also has one of the biggest sledding hills in the area, so bundle up and come out in winter. Fort Harrison has a dog park for your four-legged companions. This beautiful, wooded park hosts many activities and annual events throughout the year, such as the First Day Walk/Run on New Year's Day and the Indianapolis Symphonic Band's free summer concert series.

The cost of living in the Far Eastside comes in slightly lower than that of Indianapolis as a whole. Housing falls below the average for Indianapolis, with an average monthly rent of $486 for a one-bedroom apartment in Far Eastside, cementing this neighborhood's long-standing history of being an affordable suburb of the big city.

With numerous bus stops throughout the neighborhood, getting downtown on one of IndyGo's buses remains affordable. A single ride costs $1.75, while a day pass costs $4. IndyGo also has numerous plans, including weekly and monthly passes, available at discounted rates.

Getting around doesn't cost much in the Far Eastside because gas prices run approximately 23 percent lower than the national average. When locals want to go out to a local pub, they enjoy 16-ounce cans of their favorite domestics for around $2.20.

Far Eastside is filled with a variety of shops, ranging from strip malls to trendy boutiques. Just east of I-465 on Pendleton Pike sits an architecturally interesting yellow building, Heidelberg Haus. Anyone in Indianapolis is sure to tell you to go here if you need authentic German baked goods, meals, groceries, or gifts. Like a traditional German cafe, Heidelberg Haus doesn't serve up an extensive menu, nor does it provide much in the way of seating. The menu consists of 17 items, not including its famous pastries, tortes, cakes, breads, and danishes that it bakes each day. Inside the shop lies an impressive selection of springerle cookie molds, German candies, chocolates, cuckoo clocks, over 800 biersteins and other German gifts.

Pet lovers of the Far Eastside turn to Paws Stop for everything their pets need. This specialty pet store stocks high-quality foods, wellness supplies, toys, housing, and general care items for dogs, cats, small animals, and birds. This one-of-a-kind pet store also has a training center. Patrons love the friendliness of the staff. Don't be surprised when the staff asks to carry out your purchases or knows the answer to your most difficult questions.

Numerous markets and grocers cater to the Far Eastside, including small, locally owned markets and large, national chain stores. Heidelberg Haus, Brothers Oriental Grocery, and small taquerias give residents the opportunity to find unique ingredients, spices, and authentic ethnic cuisines. The Far Eastside's proximity to major roads and highways allows easy access to Indy's many farmers' markets.