A city break, within a city? Look no further than the quaint city of Beech Grove, located in Marion County, Indiana, it sits in close proximity to the buzzing neighborhoods of downtown Indianapolis. This self-governing haven is praised for being an affordable place to live and an accessible place to explore thanks to its walkable streets and parks.
It was once home to Hoosier poet and women’s rights activist Sarah T. Bolton, and it is proud to have its own relaxed atmosphere and identity. Aside from Beech Grove’s rich history, a broad main street, hospitable locals, and trailing lights check all the boxes of a sweet small-town, and conveniently for visitors and locals alike, long-term living options (where house prices at the time of writing hover around $200,000) and short-term stays are suited to a wide scope of budgets. Beech Grove exudes a serenity and friendliness that could be ordinarily tricky to find in a city, which makes it perfect for year-round day trips from Indianapolis or longer, more refreshing stays if you’re looking for a few days to relax.
Beech Grove is roughly 10 minutes from downtown Indianapolis by car, a 22-minute drive from Indianapolis International Airport, and easily accessible by Indianapolis city taxis. However if you don’t drive, public transport is frequent, reliable, and affordable via the 56 bus. There’s no shortage of eateries, shops, amenities, and city conveniences, yet Beech Grove’s own leafy city center, as its name suggests, retains an earthy green charm. A nod, perhaps to its previous rural life as Indiana farmland.
Leafy, walkable routes, and sustainability in Beech Grove
Exploring the city on foot and by bike is encouraged by the local government and tourist agencies, and a snaking 2.2-mile trail system named the Franciscan Trail gives pedestrians a stunning, foliage-dense route around town. This greenway system has a total of five starting and ending points and four bridges over the city’s waterway, Lick Creek. It is a fully accessible trail system, suitable for wheelchair users and disabled people, and the whole route is pet-friendly…