rooted. | issue 1
ABOUT OUR NEIGHBORHOODS
THE NEAR EASTSIDE
The Near Eastside is one of Indianapolis’s oldest urban neighborhoods, shaped by generations of families, historic churches, small businesses, and long-standing community organizations. East 10th Street serves as the neighborhood’s main corridor, connecting residents to local shops, health centers, affordable housing, and community spaces that anchor daily life. The area is known for its strong sense of neighborliness. Residents look out for one another, support elders, and create networks of care that honor the community’s history. Grassroots groups, youth programs, and creative initiatives all play a role in strengthening the neighborhood’s identity. The Near Eastside also faces challenges. Many families navigate housing instability, aging infrastructure, limited transportation, and uneven access to resources. These realities make community leadership essential and highlight the importance of trusted connectors who help neighbors feel supported and seen. Geographically, the Near Eastside is generally understood as the area east of I 65, west of Emerson Avenue, north of Washington Street, and south of 10th Street, with the East 10th Street corridor running through its heart. Even with its challenges, the neighborhood continues to show resilience through its people, its history, and its commitment to caring for one another.
MARTINDALE- BRIGHTWOOD
Martindale and Brightwood began as two separate historic neighborhoods, each with its own roots, churches, families, and traditions. Over time, organizations and leaders have combined efforts to strengthen the community, creating the unified Martindale-Brightwood that exists today. The area is known for its resilience, faith based leadership, and deep community pride. Families support one another through crisis, celebrate together, and carry strong traditions of care. Martindale Brightwood is rich with gifted neighbors that are actively resources to each other through small businesses found throughout from skilled trade services like auto repair to community gardens. Neighbors navigate economic opportunity, aging housing, safety concerns, and the ongoing impact of grief and trauma. These needs shape the work of residents and community ambassadors who show up with healing, advocacy, and connection. The neighborhood faces challenges such as economic pressure, aging housing, limited access to resources, and the emotional impact of ongoing community change. Commonly recognized within the boundaries east of the Monon Trail, west of Sherman Drive, south of 38th Street, and north of 16th Street, Martindale Brightwood remains a place defined by strength, history, and the belief that the community is strongest when it moves together.
RIVERSIDE
Riverside is one of Indianapolis’s most historic neighborhoods, known for its parks, Black cultural legacy, and long tradition of community leadership. Generations of families have grown up along Riverside’s green spaces, churches, schools, and community centers, creating a deep sense of pride and belonging. The neighborhood is shaped by artists, organizers, elders, and youth who keep its culture alive. Community hubs, block clubs, and recreation spaces bring people together for movement, celebration, and connection. From skating culture to music and visual arts, creativity is a defining part of Riverside’s identity. Riverside also faces challenges. Residents navigate redevelopment pressures, housing concerns, access to resources, and the need to keep seniors rooted in the community as the area changes. These realities make local leadership essential. The neighborhood is generally recognized within the area west of the White River, east of Belmont Avenue, south of 38th Street, and north of 16th Street. Within these borders, neighbors continue to advocate for stability, honor their history, and protect the spirit of a community that has shaped the city for generations.
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