politics
Indiana City Named Best Place to Live in U.S. Has 164 Roundabouts
Carmel, Indiana, population 100,000, was ranked the best place to live in the United States this week. The city has 164 roundabouts, more than any other U.S. city, and reports low crime rates and high living standards.
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A small city in Indiana has been named the best place to live in the United States. Carmel, with a population of 100,000, was ranked first by U.S. News and World Report this week. The city is home to 164 roundabouts. According to a 2022 report by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, single-lane roundabouts produced a 51 percent decrease in crashes.
A 2019 University of Indiana study found that the roundabouts reduced emissions and increased walkability.
City engineer Brad Pease said residents have been largely positive about the roundabouts because they slow traffic. He noted that lower speeds reduce crash severity. Pease also said Americans in general do not favor roundabouts. A real estate agent in the city recalled strong initial opposition when the first roundabout was built nearly 30 years ago.
Residents questioned the need for the change. The agent said traffic has since become minimal and described the city as its own little utopia.
The average house price in Carmel was estimated at $543,167 this year, according to Zillow. The real estate agent said homes in Carmel sell more quickly and at higher prices than in neighboring suburbs when other factors are equal. Parking is free year-round.
Streets are converted into venues for concerts, car shows, and an art and wine fair each year. The city has boutiques, restaurants, and an arts scene that residents say contribute to its appeal.
