Moving to Greenwood, Indiana? My Local Guide to Eating, Shopping & Living in Johnson County
When you're moving to a new area, finding the house is only part of the equation.
You also need to figure out where you're going to grab coffee on Saturday morning, take the kids when they're climbing the walls, meet a friend for lunch, celebrate an anniversary, buy a last-minute birthday gift and find somewhere to walk the dog after dinner.
If you're moving to Greenwood, Indiana or anywhere in Johnson County, consider this your starter list.
As a local REALTOR® who lives, works and spends a whole lot of time around Johnson County, these are some of the places I'd tell a relocating client to put on their list first.
First, Get to Know the Different Parts of Greenwood
One thing newcomers don't always realize is that "Greenwood" isn't just one little downtown.
Old Town Greenwood is our historic, more walkable district with locally owned restaurants, coffee shops, parks and small businesses.
The US 31 and Greenwood Park Mall area is where you'll find a huge concentration of shopping, restaurants and everyday conveniences.
Head west toward State Road 135 and Center Grove, and you'll find another major corridor of restaurants, shopping, neighborhoods and services.
And don't stop exploring at the Greenwood city limits. Downtown Franklin, Bargersville, Whiteland and the smaller communities throughout Johnson County each add something different to life here.
Where I Recommend Eating
$ — Casual, Affordable & Local
For a classic hometown breakfast, make the drive into downtown Franklin and try Ann's Restaurant. It's a longtime local institution serving breakfast and lunch. If you're looking for pancakes, eggs and the kind of breakfast where you definitely don't leave hungry, start here.
Court Street Café in Franklin is another casual option for lunch or brunch while you're exploring downtown.
For bakery-day breakfast, Rise 'n Roll Bakery on State Road 135 in Greenwood is known for its donuts, cinnamon rolls, breads and other baked goods. Consider yourself warned about the Cinnamon Caramel donuts.
$$ — The "Where Should We Go Tonight?" Category
Oaken Barrel Brewing Company is one of those Greenwood places you should know about. It's a longtime local brewpub with house-brewed beer and a big American-style menu.
Main Street Grille is another casual Greenwood favorite with pizza fresh from a brick pizza oven , sandwiches, tenderloins and a relaxed atmosphere. It's an easy choice when you're meeting friends or have a group that can't agree on what they want.
In Old Town Greenwood, Vino Villa is a local favorite for wine, food and a relaxed evening out. It's housed in a historic home, which gives it a completely different atmosphere from your typical restaurant or wine bar. My personal favorite on the menu? The Lobster Mac & Cheese. If you're new to Greenwood, put that one on your "must try" list.
In downtown Franklin, The Willard is worth knowing. Located in a historic building just off the courthouse square, it's a longtime local restaurant that's an easy addition to a day exploring Franklin.
$$$ — Date Night & Celebrations
If a client asks me where to go for a nicer dinner in Greenwood, Revery in Old Town is going to come up in the conversation. The contemporary American restaurant has a seasonal menu and is a great choice for date night, birthdays and celebrations.
Head south to Bargersville and add Our Table American Bistro to your date-night list. This locally owned restaurant has become a Johnson County favorite for an elevated dinner, special occasion or simply a night when you want really good food and a little more of an upscale experience. It's absolutely worth venturing beyond Greenwood to explore what Bargersville has to offer.
For Italian food, Iozzo's on Jefferson in downtown Franklin offers pasta, steaks, seafood and an elevated dining experience.
And if you're ready to arrive hungry, Ten Cuts Brazilian Steakhouse in Greenwood offers the full Brazilian steakhouse experience with meats carved tableside.
Local tip: You absolutely do not have to drive into downtown Indianapolis every time you want a great dinner. Between Greenwood, Bargersville and Franklin, there are plenty of locally owned restaurants worth putting into your regular rotation.
Coffee Shops You'll Want to Know
Johnson County takes its coffee seriously, and you'll quickly discover that there are plenty of locally owned options to explore.
Coffeehouse Five has locations in Greenwood, Franklin and Bargersville. Besides serving coffee, breakfast sandwiches and pastries, the business has a community-focused mission that supports counseling and recovery programs.
In Old Town Greenwood, Fresh Pots Coffee Bar has one of those cozy local-coffee-shop personalities that makes you want to stay awhile.
Crow & Clover is another local spot to add to your rotation, especially when you want more than just coffee. Along with delicious coffee blends, they offer açaí bowls that make it a great stop for breakfast, a lighter lunch or a coffee-and-snack meetup with a friend.
For something totally different, check out Melao! Cuban Cafe on Main Street in Old Town Greenwood for Cuban coffee, pastries and bites.
On the west side ( aka CG side), Strange Brew Coffee is a longtime Greenwood favorite known for its eclectic atmosphere and creative drinks.
Nest Coffee on the east side of Greenwood ( Co Line & Emerson) is another great addition, especially because it stays open later than many traditional coffee shops.
Downtown Franklin also has several choices, including The Local Grind and another Coffeehouse Five location.
Translation: you will not have to unpack your Keurig on Day One unless you really want to.
Bakeries & Sweet Treats
If you're celebrating something — or simply surviving moving day — Johnson County has some great options for a sugar boost.
Rise 'n Roll Bakery in Greenwood is a favorite for donuts, cinnamon rolls, pies, breads and other baked treats. Consider yourself warned about the Cinnamon Caramel donuts.
For cheesecake fans, When Cheese Met Cake in Greenwood specializes in scratch-made New York-style cheesecakes with rotating flavors.
And here's an especially useful one to know: 1823 Bakehouse in downtown Franklin offers an entirely gluten-free menu with pastries, cakes, breakfast and lunch options. It's a great local resource to know about if you or someone in your family needs gluten-free options.
Shop Local
Yes, we have all the major shopping conveniences.
The Greenwood Park Mall and surrounding US 31 corridor give you access to major retailers, while State Road 135 has another large concentration of everyday shopping.
But I'd encourage you to spend some time exploring our locally owned stores, too.
In Old Town Greenwood, Take Root Country Store is a fun stop for home décor, gifts and seasonal finds.
For something completely different, stop into Happy Haunts. This locally owned shop keeps the spooky season going all year long with paranormal-inspired décor, Halloweenish vibes, unusual finds and plenty of personality. If you're someone who thinks October should be a 12-month season, you'll probably feel right at home. It's also a great example of the unique small businesses that give Old Town Greenwood its personality.
While you're there, give yourself time to walk around Old Town and see what else you discover. New locally owned businesses continue to become part of the district, and that's part of the fun of exploring the area.
Then give yourself an afternoon to explore downtown Franklin.
You'll find boutiques, antique stores, gift shops and specialty retailers throughout the historic downtown. A few places to put on your radar include Brick Street Boutique, Farm Girl Mercantile, The Grove, and Toodleydoo Toys.
Book lovers should also find Wild Geese Bookshop while exploring Franklin.
One of the best things about downtown Franklin is that you don't really need a shopping itinerary. Park the car, start walking and see what you discover.
Parks & Outdoor Recreation
One of my favorite things about Johnson County is how many recreational spaces families can access without going far from home.
Old City Park — Greenwood
Located in the heart of Old Town, Old City Park is a great introduction to Greenwood. There's playground space, trails and green space, and you're right by the Greenwood Public Library and other Old Town destinations.
Craig Park — Greenwood
Nearby Craig Park is another community hub with recreational amenities and space used for community events.
Freedom Springs
When Indiana decides it's going to be approximately 147 degrees with 200% humidity — otherwise known as July — you'll want to know about Freedom Springs Aquatics Park.
It's one of Greenwood's go-to summer destinations for families.
Greenwood's Trail System
Greenwood continues to develop its trail and greenway system, giving residents places to walk, run and bike throughout the community.
Youngs Creek Park — Franklin
Youngs Creek Park has become a major downtown Franklin gathering place with an amphitheater, trails and seasonal water-play features.
Blue Heron Park — Franklin
If you want trails, nature and a little more room to explore, check out Blue Heron Park, which connects with Franklin's trail system.
Indoor Activities for Kids & Families
Because Indiana weather does not always cooperate with your weekend plans, it's important to have an indoor backup plan.
Urban Air Adventure Park in Franklin offers trampolines and other indoor adventure activities.
Franklin also has the longtime Franklin Skate Club for roller skating and Hi-Way Lanes for bowling.
And if you want something with a little history attached, don't miss The Historic Artcraft Theatre in downtown Franklin. Seeing a movie there feels completely different from going to a modern multiplex.
Where Johnson County Gathers
One of the things I tell people about Johnson County is that our communities actually use their public spaces.
In Greenwood, summer concerts, festivals and events around Old Town and Craig Park bring residents together throughout the year.
Downtown Franklin has built a similar culture around its courthouse square, Youngs Creek Park, farmers market, festivals, First Fridays and community events.
During farmers market season, both Greenwood and Franklin markets are worth putting into your Saturday rotation.
And if you're new here, attending these community events is one of the fastest ways to start feeling like you actually live here instead of simply having an Indiana address.
A Few Everyday Places You'll Want to Locate After Moving
Not everything on your relocation list is exciting. Eventually somebody needs groceries.
Greenwood and Johnson County have plenty of everyday shopping options, including Kroger, Meijer, Aldi, Walmart and other major retailers. The Greenwood area also provides easy access to Costco and Fresh Thyme on the south side of Indianapolis.
My recommendation when you're considering a neighborhood is to look beyond the distance to work.
Ask yourself:
How far am I from my preferred grocery store?
Where will I exercise?
Where's the closest park?
Can I easily grab dinner on a busy weeknight?
Where will the kids spend their weekends?
Can I get to I-65 or I-69 easily if I commute?
Those little conveniences can have a surprisingly big impact on how much you enjoy where you live.
Don't Forget Downtown Franklin
Even if your new home has a Greenwood address, downtown Franklin should absolutely be part of your Johnson County experience.
The courthouse square, restaurants, boutiques, coffee shops, antique stores, Artcraft Theatre, farmers market, trails and community events make it one of my favorite places to send newcomers.
That's another thing I love about living here: each community has its own personality, but everything is close enough that you don't have to choose just one.
Welcome to Johnson County
A house search should be about more than bedrooms, bathrooms and square footage.
Where you live determines where you buy your morning coffee, where your kids make memories, which restaurant becomes "your place," where you walk after dinner and which local traditions eventually become your family's traditions.
That's why when I'm helping someone relocate to Greenwood or Johnson County, I want them to understand the community around the house just as much as the house itself.
If you're considering a move to Greenwood, Center Grove, Bargersville, Whiteland, Franklin or another Johnson County community, I'd love to help you figure out which area fits the way you actually want to live.
I'm Angi Oakes with Oakes Realty Group, and we're here when life moves you.
Thinking about relocating to Johnson County, Indiana? Reach out and let's start with a conversation about the communities, commute, schools, lifestyle and housing options that matter most to you.
