Considering Chestnut Ridge vs Indianapolis -help me decide

Jace Turner Apr 10, 2026

Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.

I've been in Old Town for 11 years. Moved from Portland for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:

**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.

**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.

**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.

**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Old Town schools are better than expected. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.

**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Not a lot of cultural diversity. Homeless population growing downtown. And dating scene can be frustrating.

**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 6/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.

19 upvotes