The Near Westside is an area just west of downtown Indianapolis that is rich with culture and history. Its many community assets lay the foundation for a quality-of-life plan that shows why the Near Westside is the up-and-coming place to live, work, and be in the city.

The Near Westside is home to a wealth of assets, including 19 parks and recreational areas, 41 churches of various denominations, 14 licensed child-care programs, six public schools and a private Catholic high school, two community centers, the Westside Health Center, a senior apartment complex, the Center for Working Families, several banks, a new library branch, the West District Police Department, the Westside Community Development Corporation, Goodwill Industries, many newly established restaurants and businesses, and a wide offering of social service programs. In addition, the Near Westside is surrounded by major state and national attractions, such as the White River State Park with its museums and the Indianapolis Zoo along its eastern edge. To the west are the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Indianapolis International Airport. IUPUI, a major urban university with its nationally recognized medical complex, has multiple campus locations throughout the area.