Zionsville – A Picture-Perfect Place to Raise Kids

Zionsville is as close to a storybook town as it gets in Indiana. With its brick-lined Main Street, top-ranked schools, and pristine parks, it's ideal for families who want safety, structure, and small-town charm just minutes from Indianapolis.

By the Numbers:

• Median Home Price: ~$550,000 (2025)

• Schools: Zionsville Community Schools rated A+ with SAT scores in top 10% statewide

• Safety: Crime rate 68% lower than national average

• Family Life: Over 20 annual festivals and community events

What to Expect:

• Zionsville Community Schools consistently rank among Indiana's best

• Walkable downtown with family events, boutiques, and seasonal festivals

• Safe neighborhoods with mature trees and sidewalks

• Strong youth sports programs and park system

Best For: Families seeking top-tier education and a postcard-perfect suburban lifestyle

Fishers – Modern Suburb With Big Family Energy

Fishers is purpose-built for families. As one of the fastest-growing suburbs in the Midwest (up 24% since 2016), it offers splash pads, year-round festivals, award-winning schools, and 50+ youth sports leagues across every imaginable activity.

By the Numbers:

• Population Growth: Fastest-growing Indiana suburb (24% increase since 2016)

• Schools: Hamilton Southeastern Schools with 97%+ graduation rates

• Recreation: 130+ miles of multi-use trails and 25+ parks

• Youth Sports: 50+ local leagues for all ages

What to Expect:

• Modern amenities including The Yard at Fishers District and Nickel Plate District

• Top-rated schools with extensive extracurricular programs

• Family-friendly events like Spark!Fishers and the Fishers Farmers Market

• Newer planned communities with family-sized homes

Best For: Active families who want modern amenities, excellent schools, and a vibrant community calendar

Brownsburg – Suburban Vibe, Strong Schools, Better Value

Brownsburg delivers everything families need — great public schools, safe neighborhoods, and youth sports programs — without the premium price tag of Carmel or Zionsville. This west-side Indianapolis suburb has become a go-to for families seeking value and community.

By the Numbers:

• Median Home Price: ~$320,000 (2025)

• Schools: Brownsburg High School ranked Top 15 statewide

• Safety: Property crime rates 47% lower than Indiana average

• Youth Sports: 4,500+ kids participating in organized leagues

What to Expect:

• Affordable housing with spacious yards and family-friendly neighborhoods

• Strong academics and exceptional athletic programs

• Growing downtown area with local restaurants and shops

• Close-knit community with active parent involvement

Best For: Budget-conscious families who won't compromise on schools or safety

Greenwood – Southside Staple for Growing Families

Located on Indianapolis's south side, Greenwood offers quality schools, expansive parks, and homes that fit family budgets. With Freedom Springs Water Park, the Greenwood Community Center, and a revitalized downtown, it's become a top choice for young families.

By the Numbers:

• Home Ownership Rate: 74% (well above national average)

• Schools: Over 80% of public schools rated 'A' by Indiana Department of Education

• Recreation: Freedom Springs Water Park, multiple community centers

• Affordability: Strong value compared to north-side suburbs

What to Expect:

• Quick access to Indianapolis while maintaining suburban feel

• One of Indiana's best splash pads and aquatic centers

• Growing downtown with local businesses and restaurants

• Tree-lined neighborhoods with reasonable home prices

Best For: Families seeking affordability, good schools, and quick access to Indianapolis

Westfield – Sports, Schools, and Trail Connections

Home to Grand Park Sports Campus — one of the largest youth sports complexes in the nation with 400 acres and 1 million+ annual visitors — Westfield is a dream destination for active families. Add in excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, and 85+ miles of trails, and you've got a winning combination.

By the Numbers:

• Grand Park: 400-acre sports complex hosting 1 million+ visitors annually

• Schools: Westfield Washington Schools ranked in Indiana's Top 20

• Green Space: 18 city parks with 85+ miles of paths and trails

• Growth: Rapidly expanding with new family-oriented developments

What to Expect:

• Premier youth sports facilities and year-round tournaments

• Direct access to the Monon Trail for biking and walking

• New housing developments with modern amenities

• Strong community involvement and volunteer culture

Best For: Sports-focused families and those who love outdoor recreation

Going Above & Beyond: The Story of Westfield, Indiana | by Aaron Renn | Indy Forward | Medium

Crown Point – Northwest Indiana's Family Favorite

If you're working in the Chicago area but want a relaxed, family-first Indiana lifestyle, Crown Point delivers. With its historic courthouse square, strong schools, and authentic small-town vibe, it's become Northwest Indiana's top family destination.

By the Numbers:

• Downtown: Rated "Most Walkable Square in Northwest Indiana"

• Schools: Lake County Schools with 95%+ graduation rates

• Recreation: 10+ city parks and access to 3 major lakes

• Safety: Consistently rated among safest NWI communities

What to Expect:

• Charming historic downtown with local shops and restaurants

• Strong public schools with community support

• Access to Lake County trails and waterways

• Growing neighborhoods with established trees and character

Best For: Families seeking small-town charm with big-city proximity to Chicago

Crown Point: Responsible growth • Northwest Indiana Business Magazine

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the safest family town in Indiana with top schools?

Zionsville consistently ranks as Indiana's safest suburb for families, with crime rates 68% lower than the national average and A+ rated schools. Fishers is a close second with 97%+ graduation rates and extensive family amenities.

What Indiana towns are best for active families?

Westfield leads with Grand Park Sports Campus and 85+ miles of trails. Brownsburg offers 4,500+ kids in youth sports leagues, while Fishers provides 50+ organized leagues across all ages and interests.

Which Indiana family towns are most affordable?

Brownsburg offers the best value with median home prices around $320,000 and top-15 ranked schools. Greenwood provides strong affordability on Indy's south side with 74% homeownership rates and quality public schools.

What are the best schools in family-friendly Indiana towns?

Hamilton Southeastern Schools (Fishers) leads with 97%+ graduation rates. Zionsville Community Schools scores in the top 10% statewide for SAT performance. Westfield Washington Schools and Brownsburg High School both rank in Indiana's Top 20.

Your Family Deserves the Right Fit

From Saturday morning soccer games and summer splash pads to award-winning schools and tree-lined streets where neighbors know your name, these Indiana towns are purpose-built with families in mind. Whether you prioritize academics, athletics, affordability, or community connections, the Hoosier State has a perfect place for your family to call home.

Sources: Indiana Department of Education, U.S. Census Bureau, FBI Uniform Crime Reporting, local municipal data