As Indiana’s capital and the third-most populous city in the Midwest, Indianapolis is home to myriad sports teams, colleges, and entertainment venues. These facilities are just some of the reasons to move to Indianapolis. Here’s our take on why you should move to Indianapolis.
The 10 best things about living in Indianapolis
There are a number of things to love about Indianapolis, but here are 10 of our favorite:
1. You can appreciate all the seasons
If you adore warm summers, the leaves changing colors, and white Christmases, then you’ll love living in Indianapolis for its four distinct seasons. The summers hit the upper 80s and low 90s, making for perfect days spent at Downtown’s White River State Park. Grab some friends and take a road trip to see the fall foliage at nearby Brown County State Park. In the winter, hit the ski lifts and terrain park at Perfect North Slopes. Garfield Park Conservatory and Sunken Garden and Holcomb Gardens are in full bloom in the spring.
2. The city hosts top sporting events
Indianapolis is the ideal home for sports fans. The city boasts an NBA team (Indiana Pacers) and an NFL team (Indianapolis Colts). It also hosts the famous racing event, the Indianapolis 500. Grab tickets to see any one of these events to cheer on the local heroes with true sports fanatics. During away games, you can cheer on the locals at sports bars like Coaches Tavern, Winner’s Circle Sports Pub, and Jamaican Breeze Sports Bar and Grill.
3. Living here is very affordable
The cost of living in Indianapolis is very affordable, with median rental prices for one and two bedrooms reaching just $1,018 and $1,225, respectively. We ranked Indy 78th in our November national rental report, nine spots lower than the previous month. Rent isn’t the only expense that’s cheaper in Indianapolis. You can join a gym for around $46, grab a pint of domestic beer for $5, and eat a three-course meal for two at a restaurant for around $77.50. Bottom line, your money will go further while living in Indianapolis.
4. You can shop til you drop
With more money in your pocket, you needn’t feel guilty about a shopping spree. Indianapolis has abundant retail opportunities, no matter how you like to shop. You’ll find all your favorite retailers at the Circle Centre Mall and Indiana’s largest mall, Castleton Square. Massachusetts Avenue and the Broad Ripple neighborhood are famous for their eclectic boutiques. The Southport Antique Mall and independent antique outlets offer some pre-loved treasures.
5. You can sample fabulous food — and an eating contest
Exciting local food options like Gallery Pastry Bar, Amelia’s Bread, and Amberson Coffee & Grocer saw Food & Wine name Indianapolis one of America’s most exciting up-and-coming food cities in its May 2022 travel issue. The magazine also highlighted the diverse food options of The Garage Food Hall and The AMP Food Hall. Then there are local legends like St. Elmo Steak House, an Indianapolis institution since 1902. Its single appetizer — shrimp cocktail — is the focal point of the annual St. Elmo Shrimp Cocktail Eating Championship, a contest pro eater Joey Chestnut dominated for years.
6. There are excellent job opportunities
Indianapolis’ economy is rebounding well, with predicted annual job growth of 2.9% between 2021 and 2024. This growth is stronger than other metropolitan statistical areas in the state, and the state average of 2%. In the last year, construction, leisure and hospitality, retail, and manufacturing were the fastest-growing sectors. Managers and business owners say finding qualified workers is their greatest challenge, so there should be ample opportunities if you’ve graduated from nearby Indiana University in Bloomington or Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, no matter your major.
7. It’s a well-connected city
People call Indianapolis the Crossroads of America as it’s where many national and state highways meet. That’s good news for road trippers living in Indianapolis, who can access northwest Indiana via I-65, reach the Ohio border via I-70, and follow the beltway via I-465. U.S. highways 31, 36, 40, 52, 136, and 421 also run through the city or are close by. If you’d prefer to travel by air, Indianapolis International Airport has direct flights to all major national cities. Carriers also fly directly from Indianapolis to select international cities, including Panama City and Toronto.
8. The city’s health care system is strong
Health care is one of Indianapolis’ largest industries, so you can feel confident you can always access the care you need here. The city’s Community Health Network is the area’s largest employer, followed by IU Health University Hospital. IU Health University Hospital and its Riley Hospital for Children are both recognized as some of the country’s best hospitals for adult and pediatric care.
9. It has great attractions
There’s so much to see and do in Indianapolis, you can easily fill your weekends and evenings with fun. You can play tourist in your own city by checking out the Indianapolis Zoo, Monument Circle, and fun-filled Fountain Square. Indianapolis also has several fantastic museums, including the Indiana State Museum, Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, and the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis.
10. It hosts awesome festivals
No matter what your interests are, Indianapolis probably holds a festival that celebrates them. Treat your taste buds at Devour Indy, raise a glass at Winterfest, and enjoy the color of Indy Pride. And that’s just for starters. Indianapolis is also home to the Indiana State Fair, a three-week summer event with sideshow games, thrilling amusement rides, and live music.
Frequently asked questions about living in Indianapolis
Your lifestyle and budget will determine the right Indianapolis neighborhood for you. If you can afford the higher-than-average rents, downtown Indianapolis is a walkable neighborhood close to restaurants, museums, bars, and sporting venues. Bates Hendricks, just east of downtown, is a little cheaper while still being pedestrian-friendly and vibrant. Fountain Square has a cool bohemian feel and great restaurants. Broad Ripple, north of downtown, is another fun community with plenty of bars, gift shops, and hipster hangs. Suburban Carmel, also north of downtown, is a more family-friendly choice with some of the state’s best public schools.
You’ll pay a combined sales tax of 7% living in Indianapolis. This is slightly lower than the national average sales tax rate of 7.3%. Indiana’s state income tax is also lower than the U.S. average. The state has a flat income tax of 3.23%, more than a full percent less than the national average of 4.6%.
The cost of living in Indianapolis is generally low when compared to other major cities, with housing costs and prices for goods and services well below the national average. Overall, Indianapolis cost of living is 12% lower than the national average.
Indianapolis is located in Indiana, in the North Central region of the Midwest. Illinois is located to the left of Indianapolis, with Ohio to the right, allowing for easy travel to other popular cities nearby.
As you can see, Indianapolis has a lot going for it. You’ll spend less living, benefit from a strong economy, and experience four wonderful seasons and top attractions in this Midwestern city. Thinking of living in Indianapolis? Find your apartment before you get there so you can start enjoying all the perks of the city from the moment you arrive.
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