Carmel, Indiana is a quickly growing, award winning and progressive city located just a little north of Indianapolis. Buying Carmel real estate here means joining tens of thousands of local residents in a partnership for tomorrow.

Enjoy being a part of a community that boasts numerous public and private educational institutions, art galleries, restaurants, live music events, parks and service organizations. Carmel has been recognized by CNBC as one of the “Best Cities to Relocate to in America,” by CNN as the 14th best place to live and by the U.S. Conference of Mayors with a “Climate Protection Award.”

If you want to reside in a forward-thinking and highly regarded city that's looking into a bright future, come check out the Carmel homes for sale.

Named and incorporated in 1874, Carmel was originally inhabited by Delaware Indians, and later on by Quakers and fur traders. During the 20th century, the city saw electricity installed, the library dedicated and gas and water systems put into place. Street fairs and parades marked the city's 125th anniversary in 1962. Other additions from the 1900s include a theater, a new high school and the opening of Route 431.

As a part of the city's movement toward green living and environmental sustainability, programs such as recycling, Carmel Access Bikeways (CAB), Class A Biosolids and Urban Forestry are working to raise awareness and encourage preservation.

For those with children, the decision to purchase real estate in any city hinges on the quantity and quality of local schools. As the city continues to grow and prosper, the students in the local schools meet high standards of excellence, achieve impressive scores on tests and move on to college education in high percentages. The Carmel Clay educational arena has seen prizes for music, theatrics, student publications and speech. Carmel High School itself holds nearly 90 state championships in the sports arena.

Parents can be confident that their school aged children will find a wealth of opportunity in both the public and private educational institutions of Carmel, Indiana.

Cultural enrichment is available in abundance at locations like the Carmel Clay Historical Society Museum, The Center for the Performing Arts, The World's Smallest Children's Art Gallery and the Museum of Miniature Houses and Other Collections.

If the outdoors and physical activity are more up your alley, check out Central Park with its wetlands, boardwalk and gardens. Fitness facilities and an indoor/outdoor water park are also available. Monon Greenway provides a place for cyclists, joggers, rollerbladers and walkers to enjoy nature along the route of the old Monon Railroad.

As another aspect of progressing the area with responsible growth and activity, Carmel officials and administrators are promoting methods such as walking and cycling to get around. These modes of transportation are healthier for individuals and the environment, and encourage greater interaction between citizens. When you must drive, take advantage of the nation's largest roundabout network for improved safety and regional aesthetics.

Throughout the year, Carmel residents enjoy a variety of festivals and events that celebrate health, art, food, music and holidays. The Farmers' Market runs from the spring to the fall, and brings together shopping, food, music and socialization for endless Saturday mornings of family fun. Artomobilia is a unique event that puts vintage cars on display while acknowledging the art of design and engineering.

When someone makes the decision to move to Carmel, the city takes strides to support a smooth and informed transition to life in this vibrant community. The city government website contains links to everything from schools to sister cities to awards. The people of the city are welcoming and helpful, and organizations such as churches and synagogues are always ready to lend a helping hand to new members of their religious families.

History, sustainability, education and culture abound in this established and evolving city. Indoors and outdoors, there's always something exciting going on in Carmel!