ANDERSON — When informed that Anderson was on a list of exciting cities in Indiana, most local officials and residents expressed shock and surprise.
It is just one of the many advantages of Anderson's inclusion in the Indianapolis metropolitan area.
The Business Insider website recently named the most exciting and most boring cities in most states.
For Indiana, the city of Columbus was judged the most “boring,” with Indianapolis, Carmel and Anderson designated as the most “exciting” cities in the state.
Several local residents expressed surprise that Anderson received that recognition.
Business Insider attempted to use data to determine the most exciting and most boring cities in every state across America.
To do that, Business Insider took counts of the number of establishments for 66 different types of businesses — like breweries, art dealers, and museums — that can make a city more "interesting."
Not surprising, larger cities fared better in most of the states.
Anderson is home to three museums, several breweries, Hoosier Park Racing & Casino, Anderson Speedway, the Paramount Theatre, recreational trails and Mounds State Park.
Anderson Mayor Thomas Broderick Jr. said he wasn’t surprised by the ranking based on all the activity taking place in the downtown area and recreational opportunities in the city.
“Because of the growth coming up Interstate 69, Anderson is considered the next big thing for development,” he said. “We have the Paramount, and the State Theater is reopening as another historic venue.
“There is a lot going on,” Broderick said. “It’s good to be included on the list in a positive light.”
Matt Rust, director of the Madison County Visitors Bureau, said it was exciting to see Anderson included on the list.
“Our proximity to Indianapolis and our many attractions and shopping destinations continue to grow in Anderson and Madison County,” he said. “It's been a great year with many new attractions and destinations opening here locally.
“Examples include 3 Rusty Nails' new location on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, White River Zipline and Paintball with new indoor paintball facility and new outdoor scenarios, Oakley Brothers' Distillery opening this week in downtown Anderson, expansion of Open Gate Design and Decor near Perkinsville,” Rust said. “All bring continued growth for tourism here in Madison County."
Greg Winkler, executive director of the Anderson Economic Development Department, said the listing means the city has turned the corner and moving in the right direction.
“I’m tickled that we’re included with Indianapolis and Carmel,” he said.