Looking for the vibrancy of New York’s LBGT community in a cheaper, more relaxed setting? Check out Indianapolis. Long stuck with the reputation of being just another faceless Midwestern factory town, Indy has been shedding its duller image as it increasingly becomes a mecca for young people in search of jobs, low taxes, non-stop nightlife and affordable living space. Along with the booming economy and population growth has come a vibrant artistic community, swarms of musicians keen to make it in the new, ‘hot’ Indianapolis, and many other young people or those with alternative lifestyles that have all moved to the heart of Indiana in order to experience the energy and excitement first-hand. Forget yesterday’s Indianapolis, today’s Indy is a magnet of opportunity and culture that’s drawing in folks from all across the country.
Gays, Lesbians and Trans genders searching for a welcoming community of other open-minded individuals need to look no farther than the Mass Ave Arts District on the fringes of Downtown Indy. Here, not only can you find the largest LGBT community in the city, you’re also right in the heart of one of Indianapolis’ premier cultural neighborhoods. Public art is visible from the sidewalk, and lining the streets are galleries, boutique shops, salons, cafés and more; giving the area a wholly European feel. After dark, you can sample any one of the numerous gay and/or gay-friendly lounges, bars and nightclubs that are visible due to the long lines of patrons outside each venue waiting to get in.
Of course, if you’re searching for a similar community with just a little less going on, Indianapolis has plenty of options to choose from. The northern districts around downtown are quite diverse, and in them you’ll find sizable and welcoming LGBT communities as well as the other amenities that come along with downtown life in such an electric city. Fall Creek Place, a neighborhood close to downtown, has a wide range of affordable housing and an established gay and lesbian community.
For those looking to settle farther away from the city itself, the suburbs of Fishers and Carmel Indiana are affordable, quiet, safe and accepting of people with all different kinds of lifestyles. Living on the outskirts of the city provides the ability to both relax and enjoy the quiet of the suburbs or take a quick drive downtown to experience the non-stop nightlife that has become a part of Indy in recent years. These areas are probably the best bet for a young LGBT individual looking for an urban community that shares their beliefs and culture. But don’t forget to shop around; Indianapolis is full of unexplored neighborhoods and quirky neighborhoods that nobody usually thinks to mention. Maybe it’s there that you’ll find your home in the city.
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