Indianapolis, Indiana
Indianapolis, Indiana lies southeast of Lake Michigan on the White River, near the center of Indiana State. Home to a stable economy and considered one of the states most significant cities, Indianapolis has recently experienced a transformation as more and more people are moving to this flourishing college town. The city itself is home to several prominent colleges and universities including Butler and Indiana University. But, of course, it is impossible to talk about Indianapolis without mentioning the city’s world-famous "Indianapolis 500.” This epic car race is held annually on the Sunday before Memorial Day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. This is the world's most spectacular single-day sporting event, drawing hundreds of thousands of motorsport fans. Singles and families alike are moving to Indianapolis for the city’s vibrant, youthful culture, progressive economy and charming nightlife.
Economy:
Indianapolis, Indiana is a major industrial, commercial and transportation hub for the Midwest. Situated near the agricultural region known as the Corn Belt and to the industrialized cities of the upper Midwest, Indianapolis is sustained by its diversified economy. Before the 1980s, the principal industry in Indianapolis was manufacturing, which today has been replaced by retailing. Making a conscious decision to achieve economic prosperity through sports, Indianapolis quadrupled its tourism trade and doubled its hotel space from the late-80s to the mid-90s, mostly by hosting amateur sporting events. Since then, Indianapolis's role in the sporting arena has continued to expand. These sporting events pump millions of dollars into the city’s economy and lead to expanded business opportunities, additional jobs and increasing tax revenue to the city. Tourism also plays a major economic factor in Indianapolis, and the insurance industry has long established itself in Indianapolis.
History:
In 1820, Indianapolis was chosen as the site of the new state capital. The name of the city, Indianapolis, was created by joining Indiana with polis, the Greek word for city. The city was founded on the White River under the erroneous supposition that the river would become a major transportation passageway; however, the river soon proved too sandy to sustain trade. The population in Indianapolis grew rapidly throughout the first half of the 20th century. While rapid population growth began to take place during the second half of the century, race relations quickly deteriorated. In the 1970s and 1980s, Indianapolis experienced significant urban decay. Major revival of some of the city's devastated areas, such as Fall Creek Place and downtown, began in the 1990s, which led to an acceleration of growth in the metropolitan area and worked to jumpstarted the central business district.
Tourism:
Indianapolis, Indian is the world-renowned host city to the Indianapolis 500, one of the most popular outdoor sporting events in the country. However, as a tourist destination, the state capital of Indiana remains a well-kept secret, and has more to offer than just auto racing. Indianapolis is a thriving city with exciting attractions, extraordinary dining and plenty of opportunity to shop. Experience White River State Park, located in the downtown center of Indianapolis, the park is home to several of the city's finest attractions including the Indianapolis Zoo, the IMAX Theater, the NCAA Hall of Champions, the Congressional Medal of Honor Memorial and Victory Field. As a major sports center, Indianapolis is also home to numerous professional and amateur sports teams including the Indiana Pacers, the Indianapolis Colts and the Indianapolis Indians, the triple-A baseball club.
Colleges/Universities:
• Ball State University
• Butler University
• Indiana University—Purdue University Indianapolis
• Marian University
• Martin University
• Art Institute of Indianapolis
• University of Indianapolis
Interesting Facts:
• The basketball film Hoosiers was set and filmed in various parts of the Indianapolis area.
• David Letterman, host of CBS' Late Show and the original host of NBC's Late Night, was born and raised in Indianapolis and began his broadcasting career there as a weatherman.
Helpful Links:
• City of Indianapolis
• Indianapolis Dental Offices
• Indianapolis Storage Facility
• Indianapolis Moving Guide