Known as the home of the first railroad in Indiana, Shelbyville sits at the fork of the Little Blue and Big Blue Rivers, just 26 miles southeast of Indianapolis. Founded in 1822 and named after Kentucky Governor Isaac Shelby, this historic city serves as the county seat of Shelby County. With a population of approximately 21,000 residents, Shelbyville offers renters a small-town atmosphere with convenient access to big-city amenities via Interstate 74.

Shelbyville's rental market features affordable options compared to nearby Indianapolis, with average one-bedroom apartments renting for around $785 per month. The city offers diverse housing choices, from apartment communities in the historic downtown area to single-family homes and townhomes in residential neighborhoods. The Shelbyville Commercial Historic District and West Side Historic District showcase well-preserved Italianate and Romanesque architecture dating back to the late 1800s, with notable buildings like the Shelby County Courthouse anchoring the downtown landscape.

Residents enjoy outdoor recreation at Morrison Park, featuring walking trails and sports facilities, and Blue River Memorial Park, which offers access to the Blue River Trail system. Downtown Shelbyville centers around the Public Square, home to the historic Porter Center and several locally-owned businesses. Caesars Indiana Grand Racing & Casino provides entertainment options just minutes from downtown. Shelbyville's location offers a reasonable commute to Indianapolis while maintaining a more relaxed pace of life. Major employers include Ryobi Die Casting, Nippon Steel, and Major Hospital, providing diverse job opportunities within the community.