1. People In Indianapolis Know Their City Is Juuuuust Right
Ask anyone. It’s like Goldilocks. The city size is just right. Not too big, not too small.
2. The Colts Are Everyone’s Home Team, No Matter What
That’s almost a given in Indianapolis, actually, especially when the team won the Super Bowl all those years ago. Even before their win, though, you wouldn’t find a single Indianapolis resident never pitching their cheers for their faithful NFL football team.
3. People In Indy Know It’s Always Five O’Clock Somewhere
It may not be a metropolitan giant, but it can sure still party with the best of them. Indianapolis natives will attest to that fact with hip lounges like “The Ball & Biscuit,” the “Libertine Liquor Bar,” and the “Rathskeller.” Let’s go, bartender. Bring me a beer.
4. The Neighborhoods Are Getting New Life
Residents living in areas like Babe Denny, Bates-Hendricks, the Cole Noble Commercial Arts District, or Cottage Home can vouch for the beauty and charm. They’re not cookie-cutter houses. They have character. The best part, though? These countless homes and areas have been restored, and that’s largely the crown jewel of Indianapolis.
5. Everyone In Indianapolis Knows BRIC Serves The Ice Cream Of The Gods
Trust me. The locals love this just as much as tourists do. Interestingly enough, though, this isn’t your everyday ice cream joint. It’s located right on the Monon Trail greenway in an old railway station. All aboard.
6. Everyone Thanks God For The Indianapolis 500
Can you imagine what residents there in Indianapolis would do if they didn’t get their dose of hardcore racing? They’d go crazy. This national institution of rubber burning and tire screeching proves that Indianapolis, IN, residents are petrol patrons to the max.
7. Vegetarians Just Might Be Converted By The St. Elmo Steak House
This is the go-to for the people of Indianapolis when they get a hankering for steak and shrimp cocktails. And boy, are they lucky. This spectacle of fine cuisine is the real deal, nominated by the James Beard Foundation as one of their America’s Classic eateries.
8. People In Indy Go Back In Time At the Severin Bar
Many residents in Indianapolis love vintage spots that remind them of the good old days, much like the Hard Rock Café in Chicago. Here in Indianapolis, though, they get something even better—a taste of 1933 with the pre-Prohibition style cocktails and flair for the times.
9. Indianapolis Residents Are Romantics At Heart
When mid-February rolls around, locals know to head to the Valentine’s Day Downtown weekend, where live music plays at the Hilbert Circle Theater, Old National Center, the Rathskeller, and much more. It’s the perfect place to take your main squeeze out for a fun, romantic night and keep the love alive.
10. Pedicabs Are Every Indy Native’s Favorite Way To Get Around
City goers (whether they’re working stiffs or college kids) love the fact that they don’t necessarily need to hop on a bus to get around. These pedicabs do the trick, and you get to sightsee and have a great time while you’re at it.
11. Everyone In Indy Knows The Best Time Are At The Slippery Noodle Inn
Who wouldn’t love such a name? The “Slippery Noodle” isn’t just a bar, but the oldest bar in the entire state. Seven days a week Indianapolis residents love to jam to the smooth blues.
12. Everyone Has Something To Love At The Madame Walker Theatre
History lovers in the city already revere this theatre, named after the great Madam CJ Walker, first female millionaire of the United States. The theater itself is pretty awesome too, however, with more than 150 performances each year. Yes, there’s jazz, but there’s so much more. It’s no wonder residents there love it so much.
13. A Sandwich From Goose The Market Would Be Every Indy Local’s Last Meal
Strange name…. That’s part of the charm, though, isn’t it? “Goose the Market” isn’t some childhood game about running after a honking gander. Rather, it’s the name of a local sandwich shop with the best cured meats and cheeses money can buy. Load me up with pastrami, please.
14. Plump’s Last Shot Is Basically Holy Ground
This refers both to the iconic final shot of Jimmy Chitwood in “Hoosiers” as well as the real man who inspired such a film shot: Mr. Bobby Plump. As a member of the Milan high school basketball team, Plump earned his celebrity status on the basketball court as well as in the kitchen with this restaurant, named after that infamous “last shot” to win the Indiana High School Athletic Association State Tournament in 1954.
15. Everyone In Indy Knows The Monon Trail Is 10 Miles Of Fun
Residents there love to go on long walks. They, of course, would need a great stretch of a trail to make sure that walk remains long. Thanks to the Monon Trail, a trail stretching a full ten miles, Indianapolians can walk, run, roller-blade, bike or even pull some kids on a wagon to their hearts’ content.
16. Bird Watching Is A Crazy Good Time For People In Indianapolis
Because Indianapolis is such a central city, it’s so easy taking a day trip, say, to a state park. Bird watching is an Indiana pastime, really. There are a lot of birds there, too.
17. Indy Locals Ain’t Afraid Of No Cemetery
Indianapolis residents are pretty badass when it comes to keeping their cool in creepy places, like cemeteries. Crown Hill, however, is more interesting than chill-inducing, with foliage hikes and even tours showcasing the resting places of infamous John Dillinger and James Whitcomb Riley.
18. The Garfield Park Conservatory Is Better Than A Trip To The Jungle
The older residents of Indianapolis as well as budding families often go on trips to smell the roses in the European-style garden and outdoor splendor of over 10K square feet. A little nature always helps, and this conservatory has it in droves, through three seasons each year, to be exact.
19. Everyone In Indy Gets The Real Four Seasons Right Here
The Midwest’s known for the standard seasons – winter, winter, winter, and “road repair.” However, residents of Indianapolis will testify that they love the city for experiencing all four of the real seasons – Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter, in all its splendor.
20. To The People In Indy, Downtown Traffic Is A Foreign Concept
Strangely enough, Indianapolis seems to break the laws of physics, as you won’t find a single taxi traffic jam, thanks to the 4-quad systematic structure of the city. You’ll know where everything is real quick, and cars don’t get stuck often.
21. Indy’s Art Would Impress Any Snob
I’ll say that while Michigan has their own ArtPrize, Indianapolis all by itself is a 24/7, all-year-round fine arts melting pot with all the theaters, venues, museums and organizations ensuring that the artsy culture thrives.
22. “Hoosiers” Makes True Indianapolis Natives Tear Up
Indianapolis residents do love their sports, and who doesn’t love a little Gene Hackman, a small-town basketball team, a great epic sports soundtrack, and the classic underdog story? No one from Indianapolis.
23. Everyone’s Welcome In Indy
What do you expect from a central city? It’s almost as if all ethnicities and cultures are drawn to it like moths to a flame. And the people love it.
What do you love about living in Indianapolis? Tell us in the comments below!
