Greenwood, Indiana, is a vibrant town that truly embodies the spirit of community. Located just a stone's throw away from bustling Indianapolis, Greenwood offers a unique blend of small-town warmth and big-city conveniences. With its thriving local businesses, delightful parks, and welcoming neighborhoods, it's easy to see why residents take immense pride in their town.
Life in Greenwood is enhanced by its lively calendar of events, from the annual Freedom
Festival to the bustling farmer's markets. Families bask in the great outdoors at Freedom Springs Aquatic Park and Craig Park, where laughter and leisure blend seamlessly with nature. Strolling through Old Towne, visitors and locals alike enjoy the unique charm of local boutiques and family-run eateries that offer flavors to excite every palate.
Education is a top priority in this community, with a commitment to nurturing young minds through a variety of excellent
Discovering the Charm of Greenwood,
4 | HelloGreenwood, Indiana • Fall Issue
Hello Greenwood, Indiana • Fall Issue |5
schooling options. Residents enjoy a peaceful and fulfilling lifestyle bolstered by close-knit neighborhoods and a shared sense of purpose. Greenwood's continuous growth and development create a perfect balance between progress and preserving the warmth of its roots.
Living in Greenwood means embracing a future with open arms while cherishing the traditions that make this town an extraordinary place...
Discovering the Charm of Greenwood,
Discovering the Charm of Greenwood, Indiana
Greenwood, Indiana, is a vibrant town that truly embodies the spirit of community. Located just a stone's throw away from bustling Indianapolis, Greenwood offers a unique blend of small-town warmth and big-city conveniences. With its thriving local businesses, delightful parks, and welcoming neighborhoods, it's easy to see why residents take immense pride in their town.
Life in Greenwood is enhanced by its lively calendar of events, from the annual Freedom Festival to the bustling farmer's markets. Families bask in the great outdoors at Freedom Springs Aquatic Park and Craig Park, where laughter and leisure blend seamlessly with nature. Strolling through Old Towne, visitors and locals alike enjoy the unique charm of local boutiques and family-run eateries that offer flavors to excite every palate.
Education is a top priority in this community, with a commitment to nurturing young minds through a variety of excellent schooling options. Residents enjoy a peaceful and fulfilling lifestyle bolstered by close-knit neighborhoods and a shared sense of purpose. Greenwood's continuous growth and development create a perfect balance between progress and preserving the warmth of its roots.
Living in Greenwood means embracing a future with open arms while cherishing the traditions that make this town an extraordinary place to call home.
How First-Time Buyers Can Navigate the Greenwood Housing Market
Buying a home for the first time in Greenwood or Johnson County can feel both exciting and overwhelming. The local market is changing, with more listings available and slightly longer timelines for buyers to make thoughtful choices. Homes in Greenwood still sell quickly, but the surge of competition has
eased. This gives first-time buyers a better chance to find a property that truly fits their needs and budget.For many buyers, the first big question is financing. Some mortgage lenders are again offering zero-down programs, though they now require tighter documentation. Lenders are also reviewing
6 | HelloGreenwood, Indiana • Fall Issue
How First-Time Buyers Can Navigate the Greenwood Housing Market
Buying a home for the first time in Greenwood or Johnson County can feel both exciting and overwhelming. The local market is changing, with more listings available and slightly longer timelines for buyers to make thoughtful choices. Homes in Greenwood still sell quickly, but the surge of competition has eased. This gives first-time buyers a better chance to find a property that truly fits their needs and budget.
For many buyers, the first big question is financing. Some mortgage lenders are again offering zero-down programs, though they now require tighter documentation. Lenders are also reviewing credit scores and employment history more carefully than in previous years. Understanding your loan options is key, whether you’re considering a conventional loan, an FHA loan, or a VA loan through the Department of Veterans Affairs. A USDA loan may also help if you’re buying a primary residence in more rural parts of Johnson County. Each program has different requirements for income, property type, and loan amount.
When budgeting, new buyers should look beyond the sale price. Monthly mortgage payments include more than principal and interest. Property tax rates, homeowners' insurance, and sometimes HOA fees all affect your total cost. Greenwood remains popular for its lower property taxes compared to northern Indianapolis suburbs. Those lower taxes can reduce the overall monthly mortgage payment, improving home affordability for many families.
Mortgage lenders also review gross monthly income and existing debt, such as credit card balances, to determine how much house you can afford. Buyers should plan for a realistic monthly mortgage payment that fits within their long-term goals. Some lenders or state agencies offer payment assistance programs to help cover closing costs or down payments, especially for first-time buyers. These programs can make a significant difference, but they often require specific credit and income thresholds.
Local guidance is essential when buying a home in Greenwood or Johnson County. Real estate agents familiar with the area understand neighborhood trends, school zones, and property tax variations that impact long-term value. They can also connect buyers with local mortgage lenders who specialize in first-time home loans. Having that support can make the difference between a smooth purchase and a stressful one.
Buying a home is one of the most important financial steps a person can take. With thoughtful preparation, understanding the types of mortgages available, and attention to local factors like taxes and commute times, first-time buyers in Greenwood can move forward with confidence. The correct information helps new homeowners balance affordability and opportunity in a growing community.
Angi Oakes
Johnson County. Each program has different requirements for income, property type, and loan amount.When budgeting, new buyers should look beyond the sale price. Monthly mortgage payments include more than principal and interest. Property tax rates, homeowners' insurance, and sometimes HOA fees all affect your total cost. Greenwood remains popular for its lower property taxes compared to northern Indianapolis suburbs. Those lower taxes can reduce the overall monthly mortgage payment, improving home affordability for many families.Mortgage lenders also review gross monthly income and existing debt, such as credit card balances, to...
credit scores and employment history more carefully than in previous years.Understanding your loan options is key, whether you’re considering a conventional loan, an FHA loan, or a VA loan through the Department of Veterans Affairs. A USDA loan may also help if you’re buying a primary residence in more rural parts of
Local guidance is essential when buying a home in Greenwood or Johnson County.
About the Author
Angi Oakes is a Realtor® and trusted advisor serving Greenwood and Southside Indianapolis since 2017. Backed by a background in marketing and local knowledge that started in high school, she’s known for creative problem-solving and personalized guidance. Fun fact: Proud season ticketholder for the Indianapolis Colts for 12 years and counting.
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Equine Therapy in Indianapolis: Can Horses Really Help with Senior Care?
In recent years, equine therapy has moved beyond childhood programs and veterans’ support to find a meaningful place in senior care. In Indianapolis, interest in equine therapy for older adults is steadily growing, particularly for those facing memory loss, depression, or the effects of long-term
isolation. The connection between seniors and horses may seem unlikely at first glance, but the results are hard to ignore.Horses are highly sensitive animals. They respond to tone, body language, and emotion in ways that people often cannot. For seniors who struggle with communication or who live
8 | HelloGreenwood, Indiana • Fall Issue
Equine Therapy in Indianapolis: Can Horses Really Help with Senior Care?
In recent years, equine therapy has moved beyond childhood programs and veterans’ support to find a meaningful place in senior care. In Indianapolis, interest in equine therapy for older adults is steadily growing, particularly for those facing memory loss, depression, or the effects of long-term isolation. The connection between seniors and horses may seem unlikely at first glance, but the results are hard to ignore.
Horses are highly sensitive animals. They respond to tone, body language, and emotion in ways that people often cannot. For seniors who struggle with communication or who live with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, that sensitivity can be deeply reassuring. A horse does not judge a halting word or a forgotten name. Instead, it meets the individual exactly where they are in that moment.
Equine therapy does not always take place outdoors. In Indianapolis, trained miniature horses often visit senior living communities, bringing the experience directly to residents who cannot travel. These visits are carefully managed, with horses trained to remain calm indoors, their hooves disinfected, and special coverings used to keep the environment clean. Some even signal their handlers when they need to step outside. For seniors who are bedbound, these gentle encounters can be significant. Staff members frequently report that a resident who has been silent for weeks will suddenly speak when a horse is brought to the bedside.
For many seniors, equine therapy serves as a bridge between isolation and connection, even as memory and language fade.
Scientific studies on equine therapy and dementia care are still developing, but early findings show positive outcomes. Seniors who participate often display lower anxiety, more frequent social interaction, and even moments of clarity during or after sessions. Families sometimes report that their loved one, who has been quiet for days, will begin speaking again while near a horse. These moments may be brief, but they can be powerful reminders of the person’s inner world that illness has made harder to reach.
The setting, whether a barn, a courtyard, or a resident’s room, plays an important role. A horse’s steady presence has a calming effect, no matter where the encounter takes place. Caregivers often note the visible shift in posture and expression that occurs when someone restless or withdrawn begins to engage with an animal. It is not just those with memory loss who benefit. Seniors facing depression or loneliness may also find comfort in equine-assisted activities. Horses mirror emotions, which helps participants recognize and regulate their own feelings. For individuals who may feel overlooked or disconnected, this nonverbal feedback can be validating. It reminds them that they are still seen and still capable of building a relationship, even if it is with an animal.
The role of caregivers and therapy staff is equally important. Sessions are guided with safety in mind, and activities are adapted to meet each person’s abilities. A senior who cannot stand may enjoy resting a hand on a horse’s back, while others with more mobility might help walk a miniature horse slowly through a hallway. Each interaction is tailored to foster connection without pressure or expectation.
Equine therapy is not a cure for memory loss or emotional decline, but it can be a supportive layer of care. In Indianapolis, more families and senior care providers are exploring it as a complement to traditional approaches. The goal is not to replace medical treatment but to create moments of peace, dignity, and joy that medication or daily routines cannot consistently deliver.
As research continues, interest in equine therapy for seniors is likely to grow. The simplicity of the interaction is part of its strength. In the quiet rhythm of brushing a horse, walking beside one in a courtyard, or welcoming a miniature horse into a resident’s room, seniors are reminded that life still holds opportunities for connection. For families and caregivers, these sessions offer hope, demonstrating that even when words fade, other forms of communication persist.
Horses cannot take away the challenges of aging, but they can soften the edges. Sometimes healing shows up not in a pill or a procedure, but in the steady gaze of an animal that asks nothing more than to stand beside you.
Beth Bigham, Community Outreach & Marketing Director
horses often visit senior living communities, bringing the experience directly to residents who cannot travel. These visits are carefully managed, with horses trained to remain calm indoors, their hooves disinfected, and special coverings used to keep the environment clean. Some even signal their handlers when they need to step outside. For seniors who are bedbound, these gentle encounters can be significant. Staff members frequently report that a resident who has been silent for weeks will suddenly speak when a horse is brought to the bedside.For many seniors, equine therapy serves as a bridge between isolation and connection,...
with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, that sensitivity can be deeply reassuring. A horse does not judge a halting word or a forgotten name. Instead, it meets the individual exactly where they are in that moment.Equine therapy does not always take place outdoors. In Indianapolis, trained miniature
For many seniors, equine therapy serves as a bridge between isolation and connection, even as memory and language fade
