Go west for friendly communities, affordable housing, and abundant green spaces
Byline: Shelley Specchio, MIBOR CEO
Here in Central Indiana, westward expansion has resulted in some truly fantastic towns and neighborhoods to call home. Case in point — the borders of Hendricks County enclose an economically successful area that includes a diverse range of housing in welcoming communities, strong school systems, attractive shopping venues, golf courses, nature parks and lots of great outdoors to discover.
As the CEO of MIBOR REALTOR® Association, I serve more than 8,000 real estate professionals in Central Indiana, and I want to help you understand the value they bring in helping you find your place in this exciting region, including Avon, Brownsburg, Danville, Pittsboro and other Hendricks County communities. I recently had the opportunity to speak with Josh Hargis, Chair of MIBOR’s Hendricks County Division, to discover just what makes this area such an appealing destination in which to live, work and play.
“Hendricks County is home to many well established, but still growing communities,” Hargis says. “There are so many different feels, from the small-town U.S.A. to contemporary malls, world-famous racetracks, and even the world’s largest grandstand!”
A straight shot due west of Marion County, Hendricks County is easy to reach using the east/west Interstate Highway 70 and Interstate Highway 74 thoroughfares and also sits close to Interstate Highway 465 for convenient access to Indianapolis proper and points beyond to the north, south, and east. For a more laid-back route, the Old National Road (U.S. 40) parallels I-70, running east-west past wide-open expanses of farmland and unspoiled countryside. It will take drivers directly through Plainfield’s thriving Main Street populated with local businesses, churches, restaurants, and historic buildings — all the makings of an idyllic Sunday afternoon drive.
On the eastern end of Plainfield lies the vibrant Shops at Perry Crossing outdoor mall, representing destination shopping and dining for both visitors and local residents. Charming Danville capably serves as the county seat, anchored by a traditional courthouse and a friendly old-fashioned town square lined with cafes, galleries, bakeries and boutique shops. The “Rural Routes to Main Street” tourism promotion maps out a simple-to-follow guide for exploring the county’s many artisan stores, restaurants, arts venues and unique independent businesses, and a full schedule of exciting Hendricks County festivals and events keep things lively throughout the region all year long.
In keeping with Central Indiana’s reputation as the racing capital of the world, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Lucas Oil Raceway capably fulfill any visitor’s need for speed with world-renowned auto racing activities and competitions. For additional outdoor family fun — Plainfield’s Splash Island Water Park sees plenty of action through the long, hot summer season and just beyond the eastern Hendricks County line, Eagle Creek Reservoir proposes a multitude of options for boating, hiking and other fresh-air diversions on land or on water.
“All of our county parks are really amazing — friendly and safe, furnished with beautiful playground equipment, trees, creeks, ponds and other natural features meant to inform and educate visitors about the environment,” Hargis adds.
From a housing standpoint, Hendricks County offers something for everyone, with everything from condos to Colonials to Cape Cods to consider.
“There are so many different styles of homes and housing in our towns, ranging from traditional to modern in all sizes and price points,” Hargis describes. “Some of our newer housing developments include their own bike trails and parks, and you’ll also find spectacular private home options with gated entries in our vast inventory.”
Hargis pays forward the resources and support he receives through MIBOR membership to offer added value to the clients he works with.
“REALTORS® aren’t just working professionals in these towns, we have a vested interest because we also live here,” he explains. “We know and see everything that happens in these communities, and we use that knowledge to help guide prospective new residents who are looking for homes in these areas. Having a professional REALTOR® on your side throughout your entire transaction can really make all the difference to assure you a great home buying or selling experience.”
When where you live matters, there’s no better investment than a REALTOR® who is, above all else, committed to you. I hope you’ll visit MIBOR.com to find the perfect professional to facilitate your real estate goals.
(Photo: Getty Images)
