University Heights Indianapolis, IN

Before the area became University Heights, members of the Church of the United Brethren in Christ wanted to develop a college in central Indiana. In 1902, realtor and land developer William L. Elder proposed a subdivision that he would name University Heights. He donated 8 acres for the college campus and $40,000 for campus buildings. He decided to have the street names honor past and present bishops of the church.

The community grew and has become a charming neighborhood. Annual events include the Keep Indy Beautiful tree planting, the Halloweenie Roast in autumn and the annual community yard sale. Residents enjoy the many arts activities provided by the college campus, although the neighborhood doesn't have an independent arts scene.

University Heights may not have many restaurants within its boundaries, but this college-vibe neighborhood has several options close by. The area primarily features fast-food joints, but you can find a few smaller, one-off eateries to suit your cravings.

Just southwest of the university campus, El Azabache is an unassuming Mexican restaurant with your typical fare. Regulars love the salsa because it has a bit more of a bite than other Mexican joints in the city. It lies in a small strip mall and has a family-friendly ambiance.

Shelby Street Diner sits just north of the university campus and fills its menu with traditional diner fare. Come with an appetite, as this diner serves up huge portions of traditional favorites. Some menu items come in either small or big portions, and the small generally satisfies a standard appetite. The tenderloin is always on the list of locals' favorites by their loyal customers, but expect to enjoy their BLTs, huge burgers and other diner fare. The interior features creative tabletops, cushy red benches, a tin ceiling and the tell-tale checkerboard floor.

For a fun night out, don't pass up Bert and Den's Grille just west of the neighborhood. This hidden gem features traditional greasy fare. The Bert and Den's Deluxe, a huge tenderloin topped with ham and Swiss, is enough to share. Large appetizers give everyone in your group a chance to fill up on the tasty bar food. Try the tenderloin chips or nacho fries, This small, cluttered bar also hosts karaoke and gives patrons nearly unbeatable drink prices - you can grab a pint for just $1.75.

For live music, check out Rock House Cafe east of the neighborhood on Keystone. This local bar greets you with a 20,000-watt sound system and local, regional and national acts on weekends.

University Heights lies within Interstate 465, Indianapolis' loop. A ramp for I-465 sits within a few blocks of the neighborhood boundary on South East Street, which becomes US 31. Residents can quickly jump on I-65 as well; a ramp on Keystone Avenue sits just northeast of the neighborhood. Major thoroughfares run through and around University Heights, including Keystone, Hanna, Madison, Shelby and South East streets, allowing residents to quickly get to and from Indianapolis-area activities.

If public transportation suits your interests and lifestyle, numerous IndyGo bus stops lie within walking distance of every point in the neighborhood. The majority of close bus stops dot Hanna Avenue near the university, while others line Madison Ave to the west.

Being 4 miles from downtown means that most residents drive or use public transportation. Ample street parking in the neighborhood provides convenience, and most amenities offer large, onsite parking lots. You can also call a cab in University Heights, but hailing one on the street isn't typical for the area. Several rideshare companies serve Indianapolis, including Uber and Lyft.

Residents can walk or bike through University Heights with relative ease. Sidewalks line the streets, and most offer safe travels for cyclists. Shelby Street features dedicated bike lanes, while East Hanna and South Keystone are considered bike-friendly roads.

No parks lie within the boundaries of University Heights, although several Indy Parks-maintained properties are located within a short drive. Bluff Road Park, the park closest to the neighborhood, features 4 acres with organized sports activities for the fitness enthusiasts in your family.

Driving seven minutes north will land you at Garfield Park, Indy's oldest multi-use green space. The park includes 136 acres, a conservatory and sunken gardens. Daily admission to the conservatory and sunken gardens costs just $1; the rest of the park is free to the public. The park holds events and exhibits throughout the year, some geared toward children and others toward adults. The property is ideal for leashed pets to enjoy as well.

Because University Heights sits so close to Indianapolis' city center, the cost of living for this neighborhood stays on par with the city. While most of the residences in University Heights are single-family, owner-occupied homes, several rentals lie within the neighborhood as well. The average rental rate comes in at $521 per month.

Single rides on IndyGo to get to downtown Indy cost $1.75, while day passes cost $4. Going out remains affordable as well; you can grab a beer at a neighborhood bar for under $2. Gas prices sometimes fall as much as 25 percent below the national average.

Although you won't find many shops within the neighborhood boundaries, residents have plenty of shopping corridors to choose from. A few blocks west along Madison Ave and South East Street lie several shopping pockets with strip malls, services and supermarkets. Other small shopping corridors sit east of the neighborhood along Keystone.

Yoli's Supermarket, located approximately seven minutes west by car, is a hidden gem. This specialty shop that is part market, part restaurant features Mexican street food, a delicatessen filled with beef, pork and cheeses, and a nice selection of produce. Patrons deem this place "Mexican street food done right" for good reason. Try a burrito when you visit; their menu has a few different varieties, along with tacos and other traditional Mexican items.

When springtime hits and landscaping season comes into full swing, a trip to Cool Ponds can get you everything you need for a beautiful water feature. Pulling up to this single-family residence on Madison provides views of plant-filled ponds and exquisite landscaping. During the summer when the store opens for business, expect to find pond supplies, kits, displays, plants, fish, wild bird supplies and treatment kits for larger ponds and lakes.

University Heights residents have a variety of grocery options with several major chains sitting in and just outside the neighborhood including Walmart, Kroger, ALDI and Save-A-Lot. The city has a large selection of farmers markets throughout the season, including the Downtown Indianapolis Farmers Market in the City Market building.