Niche.com’s “2018 Best Places to Live in America” lists Carmel, Indiana, as number 1. This suburb, just north of Indianapolis, boasts low crime, great schools and a booming arts scene as reasons people love the town. Carmel hosts several annual festivals, such as the Carmel International Arts Festival and the Carmel Artomobilia Collector Car Show. The arts district features a museum of miniature collectibles, art galleries and lifelike sculptures throughout the streets. The diversity of the city can be seen in the churches, from Conservative Judaism, Korean Baptists, evangelical Quakers and Greek Orthodox. Here are some of the churches and events that make Carmel so unique.

Carmel Friends Church

The earliest settlers in Carmel were predominantly Quakers. According to church historical documents, many of these families had spiritual ties to William Penn. The church has been a backbone of Carmel since its early days when the town was called Bethlehem. During the Civil War, the church was vehemently anti-slavery and raised money to assist slaves. It’s almost certain that the Underground Railroad was active in this area, but church documents make no explicit references to any specific activities. In 2018, this community of evangelical Quakers will celebrate its 185th anniversary.

Congregation Shaarey Tefilla

This congregation does not have the history of Carmel Friends Church, but it’s a vital organization in the Carmel area. As an affiliate of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, CST is committed to helping members grow in their faith and in keeping the dietary laws, Shabbat and daily prayers. The building is quite modern, but it maintains its Jewish heritage by offering Hebrew classes for the children, traditional services in English and Hebrew, and holiday and Shabbat dinners.

Chinese Community Church of Indianapolis

This church holds services in Mandarin, Cantonese and English for the Carmel community. It began in Indianapolis in 1968 but moved into its present location in Carmel in 1999. The congregation welcomes everyone. You don’t have to be Chinese to attend. It serves a need by offering bilingual services. The Mandarin service is translated into English by headsets.

Japanese Style Garden

This serene park is located south of City Hall. It’s a perfect place for meditation and prayer. Carmel is sister city to Kawachinagano, Japan. The garden was dedicated in 2009, on the 15th anniversary of the relationship with the Japanese city. The Sukiyamon gate was a gift from the citizens of Kawachinagano, as were the two stone lanterns that hang over the pond. Come for a picnic or just to relax and reflect.

St. Peter’s United Church of Christ

This church began in 1905 in Indianapolis as a congregation of the Reformed Church. Over the past 100 years, it went through five different names and four different denominations, ending up as part of the United Church of Christ after a national reorganization of the Reformed Church. In 1971, the church moved to Carmel and renamed itself for the fifth time. Legend says that David Letterman’s father suggested the name St. Peter’s.

Christkindlmart

This seasonal market is a tradition that reaches to 16th century Germany. Literally translated as Christ child market, this Christmas festival features handcrafted decorations and gifts, holiday food and drink, and outdoor activities. Typically, this event kicks off in mid-November and runs until Christmas.

Holocaust Remembrance Ceremony

Carmel annually honors the victims of the Holocaust in conjunction with other National Days of Remembrance events that occur around the country. Local students participate in the event. Special guest speakers and musicians are invited to the city, too. The Carmel website says, “We as citizens of the City of Carmel, should work to promote human dignity and confront hate whenever and wherever it occurs.” With an attitude like that, it’s no wonder than Niche.com believes Carmel is the number one place to live in America.