If you’re moving to the Indianapolis area and are looking for the perfect suburban community to raise a family, look no further than Carmel, Indiana. This area is just outside of Indianapolis, 23 miles north of the city. Carmel homes come in various styles ranging from Colonial mansions to modern farmhouses, and most properties are spacious, beautiful, and packaged with sizable yards for outdoor recreation. With only a short drive to the city, residents of Carmel have the best of both worlds: all the energy and bustle offered by Indianapolis alongside a quieter, small-town feel at home.
Of the dozen neighborhoods in Carmel, five stand out as the most luxurious. With access to schools, parks, museums, and upscale dining, Carmel neighborhoods provide individuals and families with various ways to spend their free time. If you’re hoping to relocate to Carmel this year, consider one of these five neighborhoods.
1. The Village of Westclay
Picture historic-style brick storefronts adjacent to tree-lined sidewalks and you’ve got a sense of what to expect in the Village of Westclay. Located on the western side of Carmel, the Village is a manicured community with all the amenities residents could ask for. Community and recreation are big values in this neighborhood, with numerous paths, parks, and exercise facilities to enjoy. Developed in 2000, the Village of Westclay was designed to feel cozy and historic, harkening back to simpler times. The neighborhood’s annual events and festivals draw the community together and keep residents active year-round. If you’d prefer a neighborhood that feels intentionally designed with ample ways to connect within the community, consider the Village of WestClay.
2. Laurelwood
South of the Village of WestClay is Laurelwood, a small neighborhood known for its incredible estates. Stone mansions and sweeping grounds invite residents into true luxury living. Gorgeous homes like 1106 Laurelwood showcase what this tight-knit neighborhood is all about. Six bedrooms, eight bathrooms, and over 9,000 square feet await the owners of this contemporary beauty. Homes like these in Laurelwood are often equipped with all the most sought-after features, from top-of-the-line appliances to spa bathrooms, and picturesque landscaping. If you’re searching for a neighborhood in Carmel that goes above and beyond, Laurelwood might be the one for you.
3. Bridlebourne
Further west, you’ll find Bridlebourne, an exclusive, private community within Carmel that is home to stunning upscale estates. Situated on acres of land, properties for sale in Bridlebourne feel secure and limitless. From highlights like 10,000 square feet of space and views of the water to smaller details like crown molding, limestone accents, and cathedral ceilings, homes in Bridlebourne are a picture of intentional design.
4. Windsor Grove
Spread over streets like Londonberry and Iron Horse, Windsor Grove is a cozy neighborhood with properties ranging anywhere from 6,000 to 8,000 square feet. Many homes in Windsor Grove showcase beautiful attention to detail, whether through their white oak floors, impressive chandeliers, or SubZero appliances. From Colonial mansions to lovely modern farmhouses, Windsor Grove has a mix of older and newer homes that are on nothing but equal footing when it comes to their quality and style.
5. Jackson’s Grant
With Williams Creek flowing right through the heart of the neighborhood, Jackson’s Grant is scenic and peaceful. The area’s 280 acres of planned community sits beside untouched forests and idyllic walking trails. Residents can choose between the six different enclaves within Jackson’s Grant, from the European-inspired Exmoor community to the waterfront properties in Creekside. Jackson’s Grant offers residents the chance to submit their own home designs or choose from a number of pre-approved options.
6. Bridgewater Club
One of Carmel's premier luxury neighborhoods, Bridgewater Club, offers an exceptional living experience for those seeking both elegance and convenience. This golf course community is more than just a place to live; it's a lifestyle. Homes in Bridgewater Club are spacious, with stunning architectural designs and high-end finishes that cater to discerning buyers. Residents enjoy access to a private country club, complete with an 18-hole championship golf course, swimming pools, tennis courts, and a state-of-the-art fitness center. The community also features beautifully landscaped walking trails and parks, making it perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. If you’re looking for a neighborhood that combines luxury living with a vibrant social scene, Bridgewater Club should be at the top of your list.
Tips for Carmel Luxury Home Buyers
Once you settle on a neighborhood, know what to expect throughout the buying process. Carmel homes for sale have appreciated modestly in the past year and sell very quickly, according to Redfin. Buyers who hope to invest in the area’s most luxurious neighborhoods will want to partner with a real estate agent who understands how to work within a competitive market. From narrowing down your list of preferred features to putting in the right offers, it’s important to have a strategy for how to handle each step. Working with a professional real estate agent is the best way to ensure that the process goes off without a hitch.
Develop a wish list
Before buyers begin scrolling through online listings, they should develop a list of the features and amenities they’d like in a home. This will help their real estate agent know how to pick homes for them to view and keep them from getting overwhelmed by the number of options out there. By narrowing down a list of homes, buyers can streamline their experience and make the most of their time, energy, and resources. Square footage, architectural styles, and number of bedrooms are all important features to keep in mind. Then, buyers should add three to five additional features to the list that would be nice to have, from spa amenities in the master bathroom to a spacious backyard or access to the best restaurants in Carmel.
Set a budget and get pre-approved
If you’re taking out a mortgage for your home in Carmel, you’ll want to get pre-approved for a loan before you start making offers. Research local lending companies to see what kind of mortgage interest rates are available and partner with one who offers a rate you prefer. Lending companies will review your finances, looking at your current credit score and your history of debt repayment, as well as any current debts you hold and your income. From there, they’ll determine the amount you’re able to borrow. Buyers who are pre-approved can then tweak their home buying budget to ensure they know which homes to target in their search.
Find your home in Carmel
Carmel homes for sale are some of the most valuable in the area, and it’s no wonder. With neighborhoods like the Village of Westclay and Jackson’s Grant developing unparalleled luxury properties, home values will likely continue rising. If you have an idea of the neighborhoods you’d like to explore further, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Carrie Holle Real Estate Group for expert guidance every step of the way. With decades of experience, Carrie is an expert at helping clients find the perfect place in Carmel to call home. Reach out to Carrie Holle today!