The Geist Area is an upscale area on the northeastside of Indianapolis/Southern Hamilton County and Western Hancock County.  There are three school systems in the Geist area, Lawrence Township Schools, Hamilton Southeastern Schools and Mt. Vernon Schools.   

The Geist reservoir was originally created in 1943 by damming  Fall Creek to provide water for Indianapolis. Upon completion, Geist Reservoir was the second largest lake in Indiana providing approximately seven billion gallons of water.  In the 1960s further controversy arose over plans for commercial and residential development in the area around the lake. A proposal in the 1970s to triple the size of the reservoir was defeated, and a housing boom began in the lake area. In recent years the Geist area has experienced rapid growth. The area is noted for its unique topography and the reservoir.

The dam which creates Geist Reservoir is located at the lake's southern end.  The reservoir is shallow in most places (ten feet or less). The area has undergone rapid development, and many high-valued homes now line the reservoir's waterfront.