100 best places to live and launch

Population: 10,893
Pro: Vibrant indie retail sector
Con: High property taxes

Located just north of Indianapolis, Zionsville boasts a distinctive, genteel charm and 400 acres of parkland - more per capita than any other town in Indiana. The town is both a wealthy bedroom community, with a median income double the state average, and a retail and tourist draw for visitors from Indianapolis and beyond. The town boasts 15 art galleries, fine Victorian architecture, and multiple festivals throughout the year.

Entrepreneurs benefit from newly zoned manufacturing and retail districts, but big-box stores aren't likely to arrive anytime soon: Local residents fought a two-year legal battle to stop Wal-Mart from opening a local branch. And while property taxes are high everywhere in Indiana, legislation is pending to bring them down. -Peter McDougall

Interactive map: Zionsville
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