Most major metros lost the under-$300K 55+ tier years ago. Indianapolis still has it. The trade-off is what you'd expect: smaller homes, fewer amenities, older construction, or less desirable locations. But within those constraints, there are genuine quality options.
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Bentley Commons
Marion County · Franklin Township · $130K–$250K attached homes
Bentley Commons is the metro's lowest 55+ entry price. Attached homes built 1999–2000 in a quiet Franklin Township setting. Marion County's higher tax burden (5.02% combined income tax, 1.19% property tax) eats into the entry savings, but the absolute purchase price is unmatchable elsewhere.
Best for: Solo retirees, snowbirds with light annual usage, or any buyer prioritizing minimum purchase price over maximum amenities.
White Oak Farms
Marion County · ~$285K resale
Established resale community on Indianapolis's southeast side. Smaller community, modest amenities, but solid construction quality and reasonable entry price. Marion County tax burden applies.
Best for: Buyers seeking established neighborhood feel rather than master-planned resort amenities.
Stoney Meadow
Hendricks County · Avon · $200K–$300K new construction
One of the metro's only new-construction 55+ options under $300K. Hendricks County (0.90% property tax, 1.5% county income tax) is the metro's lowest property tax — meaningful for SS-primary retirees. Stoney Meadow offers genuinely new homes in a growing west-side suburb at a price point that's vanished from most growth markets.
Best for: Buyers who want new construction within budget, SS-heavy retirees who benefit from Hendricks's low property tax, and IU Health West-affiliated residents.
Vandalia by Del Webb (entry tier)
Hendricks County · Plainfield · $260K+ resale
The smallest floor plans at Vandalia (entry-tier resales) can be found in the high $200s. Full Del Webb amenity access plus the Plainfield Aquatic Center pass at the lowest absolute price you can buy a Del Webb home for in the metro.
Best for: Buyers who specifically want the Del Webb amenity platform at minimum entry price.
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What You Trade Off Under $300K
Honest framing matters here. Under $300K in the Indianapolis metro means:
- Smaller square footage — typically 1,200–1,600 sq ft vs. 1,700–2,500 in higher tiers
- Attached or villa-style homes more common than detached single-family
- Marion or Hendricks County for most options — not Hamilton
- Established neighborhoods with older construction in some cases (1990s–2010s)
- Smaller community amenity packages than the major Del Webb resorts
Annual Carrying Cost at $280K
| County | Property Tax | HOA Estimate | Insurance | Annual Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hendricks (Stoney Meadow / Vandalia) | ~$1,260 | ~$3,180 | ~$1,440 | ~$5,880 |
| Marion (Bentley Commons / White Oak) | ~$1,665 | ~$2,400 | ~$1,320 | ~$5,385 |
Despite Marion County's higher tax rates, lower HOA fees at the smaller communities keep total carrying costs competitive. The county income tax difference becomes the deciding factor for buyers with taxable retirement income.
Tour the Under-$300K Options
Inventory in this tier turns over quickly because buyer demand exceeds supply. We can connect you with an agent who tracks the under-$300K market.
Request Agent IntroductionRelated Research
All 23 Communities Cost Comparison · Best $300K–$450K Tier · Hendricks County Tax Guide · Marion County Tax Guide