As one of the Midwest’s largest healthcare hubs, Indianapolis combines nationally recognized hospital systems, a manageable cost of living, and a growing cultural scene that often surprises first-time visitors. The city strikes a balance between big-city amenities and Midwestern accessibility, making it easy to settle into a routine during a short-term assignment.
Neighborhoods and communities to explore
Mass Ave
Mass Ave offers one of the best combinations of walkability, dining, nightlife, and cultural activity in the city. For travel healthcare professionals who want an active urban experience, it's often the first neighborhood on their list.
Fletcher Place
Located just southeast of downtown, Fletcher Place blends historic homes, modern apartments, and some of the city's best restaurants. It strikes a balance between residential comfort and urban convenience.
Broad Ripple
Broad Ripple remains a popular destination for younger professionals thanks to its access to the Monon Trail, diverse dining options, and established entertainment scene.
Carmel
Frequently ranked among the best places to live in the Midwest, Carmel offers a polished suburban environment with excellent restaurants, trails, and public spaces. Many healthcare professionals working on Indianapolis's north side choose to stay here.
Fishers
Fishers combines modern development with strong community amenities and convenient access to healthcare facilities throughout the northern suburbs. It's an attractive option for travelers seeking newer housing and a quieter pace.
Looking for travel nursing or allied health jobs?
If you're a travel nursing or allied professional, Prolink has open jobs at top facilities across the country available right now. Click below to search our open travel nursing jobs in Indianapolis, the midwest, and more.
Restaurants to try
Bluebeard (Fletcher Place)
Bluebeard has become one of Indianapolis's defining restaurants, helping establish the city's reputation as a legitimate culinary destination. The menu focuses on seasonal ingredients and thoughtful preparation without feeling pretentious. Housed in a renovated warehouse space, the restaurant reflects the creative energy that has transformed many of the city's historic neighborhoods. It's an excellent choice for a celebratory dinner or a well-deserved evening out after a demanding stretch of shifts.
Photo: Jillian Boyington, Edible Indy
Vida (Downtown)
Vida offers one of the city's most refined dining experiences, combining contemporary American cuisine with exceptional service. While it leans upscale, the atmosphere remains welcoming rather than intimidating. For travel healthcare professionals looking to mark the end of an assignment or host visiting friends and family, it's one of Indianapolis's standout destinations.
Workingman's Friend (Near West Side)
A true Indianapolis institution, Workingman's Friend has been serving classic burgers for more than a century. The experience feels refreshingly authentic, offering a glimpse into the city's blue-collar roots. Sometimes the best post-shift meal isn't trendy or elaborate—it's simply a perfectly executed cheeseburger in a place with genuine local character.
The Cake Bake Shop (Carmel)
Located in the affluent northern suburb of Carmel, The Cake Bake Shop has become a regional destination known for elegant décor, indulgent desserts, and a memorable dining experience. Even if you only stop in for coffee and a slice of cake, it's worth experiencing at least once during your stay.
Things to do
Newfields
Home to the Indianapolis Museum of Art, Newfields combines world-class art collections with expansive gardens and outdoor spaces. The property offers enough variety to justify multiple visits throughout an assignment, from special exhibitions to seasonal events and peaceful walking trails. It serves as one of the city's most complete cultural destinations.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum
Even visitors with little interest in motorsports often come away impressed by the history and scale of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, home of the world-famous Indy 500. The museum offers insight into one of the most iconic sporting venues in the world and provides valuable context for understanding the city's identity.
White River State Park
Located near downtown, White River State Park connects several of the city's major attractions through a network of trails, green spaces, and waterways. It's an ideal place for walking, jogging, or simply stepping away from the pace of clinical work for a few hours.
Indiana State Museum
This museum provides a comprehensive look at Indiana's history, science, and cultural development. The exhibits are approachable and engaging, making it a worthwhile stop for travelers who enjoy learning more about the communities where they work.
Recreation
Monon Trail
The Monon Trail serves as one of Indianapolis's most popular recreational corridors, connecting downtown neighborhoods with northern suburbs like Broad Ripple and Carmel. Whether you're running, cycling, or simply taking a walk, the trail provides a convenient way to stay active throughout your assignment.
Eagle Creek Park
One of the largest municipal parks in the country, Eagle Creek offers hiking, kayaking, birdwatching, and extensive natural areas. It's easy to forget you're in a metropolitan area while exploring its trails and waterfronts.
White River
The White River and surrounding greenways offer additional opportunities for outdoor recreation throughout the city. Paddling, cycling, and walking routes provide convenient ways to decompress after shifts.
Entertainment
Mass Ave Arts District
Massachusetts Avenue, commonly known as Mass Ave, serves as one of Indianapolis's most vibrant entertainment districts. Independent restaurants, cocktail bars, theaters, and galleries line the walkable corridor, making it a frequent gathering place for young professionals and travelers alike.
The Cabaret
For a more intimate night out, The Cabaret hosts live performances ranging from jazz and cabaret to contemporary musical acts. The venue offers a sophisticated but approachable entertainment option close to downtown.
Photo: The Cabaret
Broad Ripple Village
Broad Ripple combines nightlife, local restaurants, breweries, and independent businesses in a neighborhood setting. While it has evolved over the years, it remains one of the city's most recognizable social destinations.
Indianapolis Colts (NFL)
The Colts remain one of the city's most visible institutions, and game days bring significant energy to downtown Indianapolis. Lucas Oil Stadium is widely regarded as one of the NFL's premier venues and offers an excellent fan experience.
Indiana Pacers (NBA) / Indiana Fever (WNBA)
Basketball runs deep throughout Indiana, and attending a Pacers or Fever game offers a firsthand look at the state's enduring passion for the sport. The atmosphere feels distinctly different from many larger markets, with a more engaged and energetic crowd that stays on their feet, win or lose.
Midwest hospitality, sports tradition, and unexpected discovery
Indianapolis offers travel healthcare professionals an assignment experience built on accessibility, affordability, and balance. The city may not always receive the national attention of larger healthcare markets, but that's part of its appeal. Getting around is relatively easy, housing tends to be more attainable, and many of the city's best attractions feel approachable rather than overwhelming.
For clinicians seeking a destination that combines strong professional opportunities with a comfortable quality of life, Indianapolis provides a compelling mix of Midwestern hospitality, cultural growth, and everyday convenience. It's a city that often exceeds expectations—and one that many travelers find surprisingly easy to call home for a few months.
