Rating prestigious ZIP codes

Indianapolis isn’t like some cities, where it’s critical to live in the “right” ZIP code area.
But if that were important here, where would it be?

Bif Ward, long one of the area’s top-selling real estate
agents, says there are two, and it’s hard to tell which is tops.

The 46032 area in Carmel is home to people
like tech entrepreneur Scott Jones and Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay. It’s also where former Conseco co-founder
Steve Hilbert built his mansion. Mitch Daniels moved in a few years ago, too.

The area seems to appeal to people
who want lots of space and a quick shot to Indianapolis International Airport, says Ward, who is with local firm F.C. Tucker
Co.

Her other pick is 46240 in northern Washington Township, itself in the northern reaches of Indianapolis, and
just south of 46032.

Williams Creek neighborhood characterizes 46240. It’s an older area than 46032, so it
has a more established feel. The lots also are smaller. Williams Creek often attracts people wanting a shorter drive to downtown
Indianapolis, Ward says.

Residents include former WellPoint chief Larry Glasscock, developer George Broadbent,
and Jeff Thomasson, who owns Oxford Financial Group Ltd. Others are Richard West, who made a fortune baking hamburger buns
for McDonald’s, and Sydney Eskanazi, the founder of strip mall powerhouse Sandor Development Co.

What do
you think? Why aren’t ZIP codes a big deal here? And has Ward picked the best?