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Living in McCordsville, Indiana: Growth, Food, Homes & Hidden Gems
Why McCordsville, Indiana Is Growing So Fast
Three things drive McCordsville's growth: location, schools and affordability.
1. Location next to Fishers
McCordsville sits right next to Fishers, along Gist Road. Fishers is largely built out, with only a few areas left to develop. As buyers look for the next town over, McCordsville is the natural answer. You stay close to Hamilton County amenities and within reach of downtown Indianapolis.
2. Mt. Vernon schools
If you live in McCordsville or Fortville, your kids attend the Mt. Vernon Community School Corporation. Hamilton County schools get most of the online attention, but Mt. Vernon is highly regarded too. Many families choose McCordsville specifically for this district.
3. More house for your money than Fishers
Take the same house in Fishers and in McCordsville, and the McCordsville home will typically cost about $30,000 less. On top of that, the town has many new construction communities, and builders are offering strong rate incentives.
| Home type | Typical 30-year fixed rate (at filming) |
|---|---|
| Pre-existing home | 6.8% to 6.9% |
| New construction with builder incentive | About 5%, some as low as 3.99% |
Rates change constantly, so ask a lender for today's numbers before you compare.
Best Places to Eat in McCordsville
Three local spots are the ones I recommend to every client moving to McCordsville.
Tracks Barbecue
Tracks Barbecue is easily a top-three barbecue spot in the Indianapolis area. My personal ranking puts it second, right behind Ben's Barbecue in Westfield. Note that Tracks is closed Tuesdays and is moving to a new location, so check their hours before you go.
Coffee at the Crossing
This coffee shop is built around a real train car. You order inside and can sit and hang out in the converted space. Like many local coffee shops, it closes in the afternoon, so plan a morning visit.
Tim's Bakery (Tim's Donuts)
Long's Donuts gets most of the attention in Indianapolis. Tim's in McCordsville is the hole-in-the-wall alternative few people know about. The doughnut holes are, in my opinion, the best in the city. Expect to hear the trains roll by while you eat.
McCordsville Homes for Sale: Pre-Existing vs. New Construction
At roughly $400,000 to $425,000, a pre-existing home in McCordsville gets you more space and finishes, while new construction gets you a lower rate. Here is what each looks like at about the same price.
What about $425,000 buys in a pre-existing home
This home, built about eight years ago, is coming to market soon for under $425,000. Homes like it don't hit the market often.
- Covered patio: a roofed patio addition with extended concrete, worth about $30,000
- Finished basement: about $35,000 to finish, with a movie area, surround sound, a wet bar, a built-out workspace and a kids' play area
- Bedrooms: four, with room for a fifth if the play area gets a proper egress window
- Primary bathroom: updated and upgraded, honestly better than most new construction at this price
- Storage: a large unfinished storage area in the basement
Among homes under $500,000, this is likely the best basement I've seen.
What about $400,000 buys in new construction
We toured a Lennar home under construction at about $400,000. It's a one-level, three-bedroom plan with an open living area, kitchen, dining room, primary suite and attached garage. A comparable one-level new build in McCordsville runs about $400,000 to $440,000 depending on upgrades, and you will not get a basement at that price.
The big advantage is financing. In this community, putting 10% down qualified buyers for a 3.99% 30-year fixed rate at the time of filming. Anything in the 3% range is hard to beat.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | Pre-existing (about $425K) | New construction (about $400K) |
|---|---|---|
| Bedrooms | 4, potential 5th | 3 |
| Basement | Finished, about $35K value | None |
| Outdoor space | Covered patio, extended concrete | Standard lot |
| Interest rate at filming | About 6.8% to 6.9% | 3.99% with 10% down |
| Best for | Buyers who want space and finishes | Buyers focused on monthly payment |
The right choice depends on whether you value square footage or a lower payment more. That trade-off is exactly why McCordsville is growing.
McCordsville's Hidden Gem: Daniel's Vineyard
Daniel's Vineyard is the best thing to do in McCordsville that many people don't know about. The grounds are beautiful, with plenty of outdoor seating, wine and pizza. In summer, they host live concerts every week. It works for a date night, a family outing or a night out with friends.
Is McCordsville, Indiana a Good Place to Live?
For families who want good schools and more house for the money near Fishers, McCordsville is one of the strongest options in the Indianapolis metro. It's family-friendly, more affordable than Hamilton County, served by Mt. Vernon schools, and close to both Fishers and downtown Indianapolis. With growth expected to continue for the next 20 years, now is a good time to get familiar with the area.
Frequently Asked Questions About Living in McCordsville
What school district is McCordsville in?
McCordsville is served by the Mt. Vernon Community School Corporation, which also covers Fortville.
Is McCordsville cheaper than Fishers?
Yes. A comparable home in McCordsville typically costs about $30,000 less than the same home in Fishers.
How much does a new construction home cost in McCordsville?
A one-level new construction home in McCordsville runs about $400,000 to $440,000, depending on upgrades.
Why is McCordsville growing so fast?
McCordsville has grown about 55% since the last census because of its location next to Fishers, strong Mt. Vernon schools, and more affordable housing with builder rate incentives.
What is there to do in McCordsville?
Popular spots include Daniel's Vineyard for wine, pizza and summer concerts, Tracks Barbecue, Coffee at the Crossing and Tim's Bakery for doughnuts.
Thinking About Moving to Indianapolis?
I'm Sean Hartwick — also known as The 317 Agent on Instagram — and I specialize in helping families relocate to the Indianapolis area. I work directly with every client (no team handoffs), and I'd love to be a resource for you and your family as you navigate this move.
Whether you have questions about neighborhoods, school districts, the home buying process, or just want to know what area is the best fit for your lifestyle, feel free to reach out. My personal cell and email are always available — just look in the description or contact me directly.
Let's get you home.
Sean Hartwick is a licensed real estate agent serving the Greater Indianapolis area. Follow him on Instagram @317agent.