Travel Nurse Housing in Indianapolis, Indiana: Complete Guide

Indianapolis is the capital of Indiana and a major Midwest city known for the Indianapolis 500, a growing food scene, and an affordable quality of life. For travel nurses, Indy offers several large hospital systems, a very low cost of living, and a friendly community that makes settling in easy.

Indianapolis is a major healthcare hub anchored by Indiana University Health, the state’s largest healthcare system. Community Health Network, Ascension St. Vincent, and Franciscan Health also operate major facilities in the metro area, ensuring strong and consistent travel nurse demand.

Whether you are heading to Indianapolis for your first travel nursing assignment or returning for another contract, this guide will help you navigate the housing market, understand what to expect from local costs, and find a neighborhood that fits your needs. Indy has a lot to offer travel nurses, and a little planning goes a long way toward making your assignment a success.

Major Hospitals and Health Systems

Indianapolis is home to several major hospitals and health systems that consistently hire travel nurses across a wide range of specialties. Knowing which facilities are in the area helps you plan your housing search around commute times and gives you a sense of where demand is concentrated.

IU Health Methodist Hospital — The flagship of Indiana University Health and one of the largest hospitals in Indiana. Located downtown, it is a Level I trauma center with nationally recognized programs in transplant, cardiac care, and oncology.

Ascension St. Vincent Indianapolis — The largest hospital in the Ascension network in Indiana, located on the northwest side. It is known for its heart center, cancer services, and comprehensive emergency department.

Community Hospital East — Part of the Community Health Network, this hospital on the east side serves a diverse patient population and is a key facility for travel nurse placements in the metro area.

Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health — One of the top pediatric hospitals in the country, located on the IU Health downtown campus. Pediatric travel nurses find exceptional experience at this nationally ranked facility.

Eskenazi Health — Indianapolis’s public safety-net hospital, affiliated with IU School of Medicine. Eskenazi serves a large underserved population and offers high-volume, diverse clinical experience.

Travel nurse demand in Indianapolis is generally strong, with ICU, ED, med-surg, and pediatric specialties being among the most frequently requested specialties. Contract availability tends to be strong year-round, though demand typically peaks during winter flu season, Indianapolis 500 in May increases short-term housing demand. If you are flexible on specialty or shift, you will have even more options to choose from in this market.

Best Neighborhoods for Travel Nurses

Choosing the right neighborhood is one of the most important decisions you will make during your Indianapolis assignment. Where you live affects your commute, your safety, your access to amenities, and ultimately your quality of life for the duration of your contract. Here are the top neighborhoods that travel nurses should consider when searching for housing in Indy.

Mass Ave (Massachusetts Avenue)

Indianapolis’s most vibrant neighborhood corridor, Mass Ave features local restaurants, theaters, galleries, and shops in a walkable setting leading northeast from downtown.

Pros: Walkable and vibrant, excellent restaurants and bars, close to downtown hospitals, arts and culture scene

Cons: Higher rents for Indy, parking can be limited, noise from nightlife

Broad Ripple

A lively neighborhood north of downtown centered around Broad Ripple Avenue with bars, restaurants, and the Monon Trail. It has a college-town atmosphere thanks to nearby Butler University.

Pros: Active nightlife and dining, Monon Trail access for biking and running, affordable rents, community feel

Cons: Farther from downtown hospitals, noise from the bar scene, limited public transit connections

Fountain Square

An up-and-coming neighborhood southeast of downtown with a growing arts scene, independent restaurants, and the historic Fountain Square Theatre. It offers some of the best value in central Indy.

Pros: Affordable rents, growing restaurant and arts scene, close to downtown, creative community atmosphere

Cons: Some blocks are still transitional, limited grocery options, car needed for most commutes

Irvington

A charming historic neighborhood on the east side with tree-lined streets, Victorian homes, and a walkable business district. It is near Community Hospital East and offers a quiet residential feel.

Pros: Historic charm, walkable business district, affordable, close to Community Hospital East

Cons: Farther from downtown and IU Health campuses, limited nightlife, some areas require awareness of surroundings

When choosing where to live, prioritize keeping your commute under 30 minutes whenever possible. Indianapolis has a relatively simple grid layout and manageable traffic compared to larger cities. Most commutes within the I-465 loop take 15 to 25 minutes. IndyGo bus service is limited, and most travel nurses drive. If you are unfamiliar with the area, connect with other travel nurses who have worked in Indianapolis through Facebook groups or online forums to get firsthand recommendations on neighborhoods.

Average Housing Costs

Housing costs in Indianapolis are slightly below the national average. Here is a general overview of what you can expect to pay for rental housing in the area. Keep in mind that prices vary by neighborhood, season, and the specific amenities included with the unit.

• Studio apartment: $700 to $1,100 per month
• One-bedroom apartment: $850 to $1,400 per month
• Furnished apartment (travel nurse friendly): $1,100 to $1,800 per month

Indianapolis offers some of the most affordable housing in any major US city. Your stipend will stretch very far here, and you should have no trouble finding furnished apartments well below your stipend amount. The Month of May around the Indianapolis 500 can tighten the short-term rental market.

Many travel nurses in Indianapolis find their housing through Furnished Finder , which connects healthcare travelers with landlords who specifically offer furnished, short-term rentals designed for assignment-length stays. It is one of the most widely used housing platforms in the travel nursing industry and an excellent starting point for your search. You can also explore local Facebook groups, Craigslist, and extended-stay hotels to compare your options and find the best fit for your budget and preferences.

GSA Stipend Rate

The General Services Administration publishes per diem rates that many travel nursing agencies use as a baseline for calculating housing and meals and incidentals stipends. The GSA rate for the Indianapolis, IN area varies by time of year, with higher rates typically applying during peak travel seasons and lower rates during off-peak months.

It is essential to check the current GSA per diem rate for your specific assignment dates and location, as rates are updated annually each October and can change significantly from year to year. You can look up the exact rate on the GSA website or ask your recruiter for the figures they are using to calculate your pay package. Keep in mind that your actual stipend may differ from the published GSA rate depending on your agency’s internal pay structure and policies.

Understanding how your stipend fits into your total compensation is key to evaluating any travel nursing contract. For help breaking down the numbers, use our pay calculator to compare packages side by side and see your estimated take-home pay after taxes, stipends, and deductions.

Housing Tips for Indianapolis

Every city has its own quirks and considerations when it comes to finding and securing travel nurse housing. Here are tips specific to Indianapolis that will help you avoid common pitfalls, stretch your housing stipend further, and settle in more quickly.

1. Incredible value for money — Indianapolis has one of the lowest costs of living among major US cities. Travel nurses who come from expensive coastal markets are often amazed at what their stipend can cover here.

2. The Indianapolis 500 affects housing — If your assignment overlaps with May, be aware that the Indy 500 creates massive demand for short-term housing. Book early if your assignment starts in April or May.

3. Winter weather is real — Indianapolis gets cold and snowy from December through March. Budget for winter clothing and be prepared for icy driving conditions.

4. The Monon Trail is a gem — The Monon Trail runs 18 miles from downtown through Broad Ripple and beyond, providing an excellent car-free route for biking, running, and commuting.

For a comprehensive overview of the housing search process from start to finish, including how to spot scams and negotiate lease terms, check out our complete travel nurse housing guide. It covers everything you need to know regardless of which city you are heading to.

Cost of Living Overview

Indianapolis has a below-average cost of living that makes it one of the most affordable major cities in the country. Groceries are at or below the national average. Gas prices are moderate. Dining out is extremely affordable, with excellent local restaurants offering meals at prices that would be unheard of in coastal cities. Indiana has a state income tax, but the flat rate of around 3.23 percent is relatively low.

When budgeting for your Indianapolis assignment, factor in all of your regular expenses beyond rent. Kroger and Aldi are popular grocery options with competitive prices. Indianapolis has a surprisingly good restaurant scene, especially along Mass Ave and in Broad Ripple, with most meals costing well below what you would pay in larger cities. Take advantage of the city’s many free outdoor activities and parks. Tracking your spending during the first two weeks of your assignment will give you a realistic picture of your monthly costs and help you adjust your budget accordingly.

Things to Do on Days Off

One of the greatest perks of travel nursing is the opportunity to explore a new city on your days off. Indianapolis has plenty to offer whether you prefer outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or simply relaxing and recharging between shifts.

• Indianapolis Motor Speedway — Tour the famous Brickyard, visit the museum, and if your timing is right, experience the Indy 500 or Brickyard 400. The speedway is an iconic American landmark.
• Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields — A large art museum set in a 152-acre campus with a beer garden, nature park, and gardens. It is one of the largest and oldest art museums in the country.
• Monon Trail — An 18-mile paved trail perfect for running, biking, and walking that connects downtown to northern neighborhoods and suburbs. It is a favorite among active healthcare workers.
• Mass Ave District — Walk along Massachusetts Avenue and explore the city’s best collection of restaurants, theaters, galleries, and independent shops. First Fridays feature gallery openings and street performances.

Take full advantage of your time in Indy. Exploring the local culture, trying restaurants you have never heard of, and visiting nearby attractions are what make travel nursing more than just a paycheck. Many travel nurses find that their days off are when they truly fall in love with a new city.

Final Thoughts

Indianapolis, Indiana offers travel nurses exceptional affordability, strong hospital systems, a surprisingly vibrant urban core, and a welcoming community that helps travel nurses feel at home quickly. With IU Health, Ascension St. Vincent, Community Health Network, and Eskenazi Health and a below average cost of living, it is a market well worth considering whether you are a first-time traveler or a seasoned veteran looking for your next destination.

Start your housing search as early as possible, ideally four to six weeks before your assignment start date. The best furnished rentals tend to go quickly, especially in popular neighborhoods near major hospitals. Furnished Finder is an excellent resource for finding travel nurse housing in Indianapolis, and joining local travel nurse social media groups can give you insider tips and real-time availability updates.

For more resources on finding and securing great travel nurse housing anywhere in the country, explore our complete housing guide. And when you are comparing pay packages for Indianapolis assignments, our pay calculator can help you break down the numbers and understand your true compensation.

We wish you the best on your Indianapolis assignment. It is a great place to be a travel nurse.