What is there about living in Windridge that draws such a variety of people to move here?  In a community of more than 220 households the reasons will be diverse and personal.  In the following conversations a group of residents talk about events leading up to their decision to move to Windridge, and some of the reasons they enjoy calling it home.

George and B.J. Maley

Why did my wife and I choose Windridge? To be truthful, Windridge was not first on our shopping list. Having lived in our Meridian Street home across from the present Indiana Governor’s Mansion for forty-five years, it was our thought we would move north rather than find a condominium on the east side of the city.

After looking at over forty condominiums in various areas we found none which ideally satisfied all of our requirements. In particular, I wanted a room for my office, an office for my wife, a large gathering area for our family, a living room, a nice-size dining room and a master bedroom and a guest room. Of all the condos which we looked at, Windridge best fit our needs.

But more importantly, it had many other wonderful attributes. The first was the beauty of the forest setting. Second was the quick trip downtown by the I-70 interstate, as well as access to I-465. Third, the easy access to services, stores, and to our church of worship. Last, the price was right…and when I examined the fees they seemed reasonable.

Would I make the same decision again? You betcha!

Dick and Ann Gray

We sold our home in nearby Avalon Hills in mid 2005 and moved to Windridge where we felt we could enjoy the freedom from exterior maintenance but still have the beautiful, wooded, hilly surroundings we enjoyed so much in our home. Windridge is a quiet, comfortable and secure place to live that provides us with the convenience of easy access to almost anywhere in the city. We can drive to the airport in less than 30 minutes, and anyplace on the north side is 15 or 20 minutes away. It's like living in a state park right in the city. Finally, Windridge is one of the best values in condominium living we found anywhere on the north side of town.

Bob Fulk

I moved to Indianapolis in late 1969 to join L.S.Ayres & Co. In 1978 I co-founded a new downtown business which I ran until Dec. of 1999, when I decided to retire.  I sold my half of the business and decided to move to Bloomington… where I had some relatives and a connection to the university. I stayed at my Brown County property while the new house was being built.

I enjoyed living in Bloomington but as time passed I visited Indy more and more often.  As I watched the downtown revitalization and development I found that I was actually getting "homesick" and decided to look into the possibility of moving back to Indianapolis.  As I had no pressure to make a decision, I investigated many different locations, many price ranges and both traditional free standing houses as well as condos. Eventually a friend/realtor suggested I look at Windridge.  I had heard of it, but that was all.  It didn't take long for me to find a home that is unattached with a large, brick-walled courtyard.  I bought it almost instantly. 

There are many advantages to living here, such as the beautiful grounds, the serenity & security, the friendliness of the neighbors as well as the professional and efficient management.  Also, as a frequent and ardent traveler I'm pleased that I can be at the airport in 20-30 minutes, or on the Interstate in less than five.

It is great to know that I can be away as long as I want, confident that when I return and drive thru the beautiful gates of Windridge, I will find my home safe and well tended.

Daniel Young and Gary Tuttle

Several years ago I was invited to a dinner party at a home in Windridge. This was when there was still a guard to check you in. After first entering I remember driving up Whisperwood Lane and thinking what a beautiful place.

When Gary and I started our household four years ago we lived downtown in Chatham Arch. We loved being downtown with all of the activities, but our house was two story and it became increasingly difficult for Gary to transverse the stairs. We began thinking that a one-level home would better serve our needs.

One Sunday we were driving by on Emerson Way and noticed an open-house sign. We toured the condo and were immediately taken with the view of the ravine from the rear of the home, the grounds at Windridge, and how close we were to downtown. We contacted our realtor the next day, and in June of 2005 we moved to Windridge. The people have all been so welcoming and we have met and established friendships with many of our neighbors. We have noticed a sense of community at Windridge and consider ourselves lucky to be part of this hidden treasure.

Howard Feldman and Gail Adamson

Before my wife and I left the workforce we decided that, upon retirement, we would move from Denver to Indianapolis to be closer to our son’s family. For over two years, every time we visited, we searched the condo market looking for something that satisfied our requirements. Finally, our realtor brought us to Windridge and our response was immediate. Windridge was precisely what we were looking for. A quiet community with established foliage that gave you the feeling of dense woods, where privacy and a sense of the outdoors were important.

The floor plan of our new home was perfect. The condo association was active and aggressive in maintaining a high level of care and management for the community. We could walk at 1 a.m. in the morning with our 17 year old Aussie shepherd, while the silence and peace of the community was comforting and invigorating at the same time. The animal life that we saw right outside our back door was exciting; fox, deer, raccoon, rabbit, humming birds, beautiful finches, and a wide variety of other colorful birds. Add a significant amount of convenience of being almost in the center of everything important; downtown, Castleton mall, hospital facilities, shopping centers all being no more than 5 – 15 minutes away. Windridge offered it all and we were only too happy to accept its invitation to enjoy a comfortable life style.

Bonnie Chastain

After my husband died in 1998, I realized that our 6,000 square foot home was too large for one person. Some very caring friends were concerned that I was all alone in the house, back down a long driveway in the woods, and brought me to Windridge to look at a home that was for sale. It was in an estate, empty, and with a view that was superb. It was a free-standing home, which immediately appealed to me.

Once getting inside, I knew it was MY home. I bought it in 1999, and never looked at any other homes that were for sale. It was as if I had condensed my previous location; the size of the home, and with my beloved woods surrounding me. I had no stairs to climb, which satisfied my caring friends. I have called this wonderful home my tree house.

To live within the confines of Windridge is like being in a sanctuary. Away from noise of traffic, wildlife abounding, compatible neighbors, secure with our gated entry, and quick access to most anywhere you would want or need to drive. It is the best of all worlds. An 85 acre complex of hills, woods and ravines which I think is the “best kept secret” in Indianapolis.

Windridge has everything anyone down-sizing needs. A responsive management team, well-kept grounds, a very proactive Board of Directors that is systematically maintaining the integrity and value of Windridge with capital long range planning improvements. Would I recommend it? Absolutely. Without question.

Dan Guio

I purchased here after selling a big, 1920's house over in the Forest Hills area of Meridian-Kessler.  To this dayI'm convinced it had been the inspiration for a movie called "The Money Pit."  Windridge was my first choice after looking at several condo communities, because it was near everything familiar to me and also had a look that was more natural and welcoming than others.

But after a few years the chance to buy a waterfront property on Lake Maxinhall came along and I decided to give home ownership another try.  Big mistake.  Apparently I'd forgotten what it takes to make sure the lawn's mowed & weeded, autumn leaves raked, siding repaired, leaking roof fixed, gutters cleaned… on and on.  One day someone stuck a note in my mailbox saying they were looking to buy a home on Shorewood Drive, and that's all it took!  In two days we had sealed the transaction and I started looking for another home at Windridge.  I should never have left.

What's it like living here?  Well, I enjoy having the freedom to close the door and take a trip, without the concern of outside maintenance.  I like the feeling of security and the quiet roads.  Also the convenience can't be beat.  Just about all the necessities are right outside the gate… I've even walked over to the drugstore, grocery, or restaurants a few times.  And it’s a joy to ride my 10-speed bicycle down to connect with the Fall Creek trail, then onto the Monon or even to Ft. Harrison State Park.

Finally, this community has a genuine "neighborhood" feeling.  People take advantage of our peaceful setting to get outside, tend a bed of flowers, or take a walk… stopping along the way to talk with friends.  It's good to be home (again) at Windridge.

Steve and Melitta Payne

Windridge appealed to us as soon as we discovered it! We were drawn to its convenient location--nestled just a short drive from downtown, Castleton, Keystone at the Crossing, Geist, and Fort Harrison State Park--and to the security of a gated community. Once inside those gates, we fell in love with the ravines, dense stands of mature trees, winding roads, wildflowers, and wildlife habitats. The grounds are spacious and beautifully landscaped, and the residences are varied in size and architecture. We love to come home to our park-like setting.

We also appreciate the advantages of condominium living. The Association takes care of all outside maintenance, including lawn care, shrubbery trimming, snow removal, exterior painting, roof replacement, and road and driveway re-surfacing. They even pay the water bill!

Finally, our neighbors are among the best features of Windridge. They are a diverse group, who come from a wide variety of backgrounds, with a broad range of talents, accomplishments, and interests. They include singles, families, and “empty nesters,” and many of them are quite active in the Association and the community at large. They help make Windridge a high-quality and interesting place to live.