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Is moving to Indiana right for you?
Indiana is one of the states with the most beautiful natural attractions in America. The state’s breathtaking landscapes makes it appealing to many tourists and young families.
If you’re interested in moving to a city with affordable housing, low cost of living, with a lively art and music scene, moving to Indiana is right for you.
Indiana has a booming job market and the state is suitable for startups. The state’s food scene is absolutely remarkable. You’ll have access to lots of beautiful green parks and other remarkable outdoor scenes.
If all of that sounds like what you’ll like to be a part of, this guide contains all the information you need to decide if moving to Indiana is right for you.
A quick look at the population and other demographics of Indiana.
Indiana has a population of 6.8 million people. The state is rated as the 17th most populous state in the county.
If weather is one of the key things on your list to consider before making up your mind about moving to Indiana, we have collated key stats about the state’s weather. Check them out here:
Tip: Often, you feel like calculating the moving cost before you connect with a moving company. To help you, we've got a free moving cost calculator.
Indiana’s average one-way commute time takes 23.4 minutes. The national average is 26.4 minutes. Shorter commuting time in Indiana means less stress and a longer lifespan. That’s one of the key things to consider if you’re moving to Indiana.
Here’s how Hoosiers commute to work:
Every year, thousands of people relocate to Indiana for several reasons. We’ve listed the ten best reasons why people are moving to Indiana to give you an idea of what to expect. Here are the 10 reasons why people are moving to Indiana:
It is easier to rent a home or to buy one in Indiana as they are highly affordable than in the neighboring states. The median home cost is $142, 600 much lower than the national average. However, home prices have significantly gone up in the last 10 years.
Similarly, you could rent a studio apartment for $573 while the national average rent is $949. In Indiana, the average rent for a 1-bedroom home or apartment is $662 and a 2-bedroom apartment is $825. The average rent for a 3-bedroom home or apartment in Indiana is $1,084 while the US average is $1,681.
With an overall cost of living index of 90.4, Indiana has the 10th lowest cost of living in the U.S. Groceries, utilities, housing, transformation, and health – everything costs lesser than the national average.
The best way to know Indiana is to walk through the farmer markets there. The local shops sell fresh fruits, vegetables, and various other products from neighborhood farms. From homegrown chickens and hogs, syrup, honey, pumpkins, gourds, and squash, you will find an array of products here.
Indiana is ranked among the top friendliest states and locals here pride themselves on their exceptional ‘Hoosier hospitality’, going above and beyond for other people. People here are good-natured, with a good sense of humor.
As the economy in Indiana overgrows the national economy, the job sector is robust with more openings coming up in recent years. Healthcare, logistics, manufacturing, and technology are some of the areas where finding a job is easier.
Here is the best news for families planning to live in Indiana. The school system in Indiana is one of the best in the country and the state boasts of top-notch colleges and schools.
Indiana takes pride in its rich basketball heritage and the state has produced more talents in the sport than any other US state. However, the sports frenzy in the Hoosier State is not limited to basketball but baseball, soccer, football, and ice hockey are also prominent here.
Some of the top professional teams in Indiana include:
It’s no secret that Indiana is brimming with beautiful places. From urban gems in Indianapolis to sprawling nature parks, Hoosier state has got an embellished exterior that you will not miss capturing on your camera.
Here are the best and most beautiful places in Indiana
Skywalk at the downtown Indianapolis connecting various landmarks, restaurants, and entertainment options is the best way to navigate the city while staying indoors.
Indiana has many reasons to call it a home. One of the most industrialized states in the country, the Hoosier State is also a scenic paradise with lakes, parks, and forests.
And moreover, the tax system is also people friendly. However, before you make the final decision, it is vital to gauge both positives and negatives of moving to Indiana. We’ve compiled here both the honest pros and cons of living in Indiana.
Here are the key pros and cons of living in the state to help you get started.
Moving to Indiana means getting the chance to live in some of the best places in the city. Indiana is home to many beautiful cities and towns. Here’s a list of the ten best places to live if you’re moving to Indiana:
| Rank | City | Population | Unemployment Rate | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carmel | 97,464 | 2.5% | $333,200 |
| 2 | Westfield | 39,610 | 2.8% | $254,8000 |
| 3 | Zionsville | 27,463 | 2.5% | $385,700 |
| 4 | Munster | 22,689 | 3.9% | $228,400 |
| 5 | New Whiteland | 6,051 | 1.7% | $97,100 |
| 6 | St. John | 17,426 | 4.3% | $290,200 |
| 7 | Noblesville | 63,071 | 3.2% | $209,100 |
| 8 | Brownsburg | 26,046 | 3.0% | $195,700 |
| 9 | Crown Point | 29,850 | 3.8% | $194,600 |
| 10 | Whitestown | 8,312 | 2.2% | $225,000 |
The cost of living in Indiana is rated 82.1. The national average cost of living is rated 100. That means the cost of living in Indiana is 17.9% lower than the national average. This makes moving to Indiana suitable for many families.
Here’s a breakdown of various metrics that make up the cost of living in Indiana:
| Cost of living | Indiana | United States |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 82.1 | 100 |
| Grocery | 92.9 | 100 |
| Health | 82.2 | 100 |
| Housing | 61.7 | 100 |
| Median Home Cost | $142,600 | $231,200 |
| Utilities | 97.2 | 100 |
| Transportation | 85.4 | 100 |
| Miscellaneous | 97.3 | 100 |
Healthcare cost is most likely one of the key things you’ll have to look at before making up your mind about moving to Indiana. Here’s the average cost of healthcare in the state if you’re moving to Indiana:
| Family size | Average monthly cost of health plan |
|---|---|
| Individual plus child | $719 |
| Couple, age 40 | $900 |
| Family of three (adult couple and a child) | $1,169 |
| Family of four (adult couple and two children) | $1,438 |
| Family of five (adult couple and three children) | $1,708 |
Education costs could be one of the key things you’ll have to consider before moving to Indiana. Whether you intend to school in Indiana or not, having a clear idea of the cost of education in the state is crucial. Here’s a breakdown of education cost in Indiana:
Here’s the average cost of college education in the state since you’re considering moving to Indiana:
| Education | Indiana, Indiana | United States |
|---|---|---|
| Expend. per Student | $11,035 | $12,383 |
| Educ. Expend. per Student | $9,423 | $10,574 |
| Instr. Expend. per Student | $5,432 | $6,428 |
| Pupil/Teacher Ratio | 17.9 | 16.8 |
| Students per Librarian | 411.5 | 538.1 |
| Students per Counselor | 480.5 | 403.2 |
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Start My Quote NowMoving to Indiana could mean renting or buying a home in the state. About 72.9% of Indiana residents are homeowners, while approximately 27.1% are renters.
Indiana’s median home cost is $142, 600. Over the last ten years, the state’s home value has increased by 23.2%. Currently, home appreciation in Indiana has increased by 8.9%.
Renting a home is a good housing option if you’re moving to Indiana. The state has some of the lowest home rental costs in the United States. Here’s a breakdown of the average costs of home rental in Indiana:
Getting a job after moving to Indiana is fairly easy. The state’s unemployment rate is slightly lower than the national average. Here are key data about Indiana’s job market:
Moving to Indiana could mean getting a new job with a different pay scale or perhaps setting up a company that requires paying employees. Here’s the average salary and income in Indiana:
Some of the largest companies in Indiana are also the largest employers. Since you’re interested in moving to Indiana, here’s a list of the top 10 largest companies and employers in the state:
| Rank | Company | City | Employees |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cummins | Columbus | 58,600 |
| 2 | Anthem | Indianapolis | 53,000 |
| 3 | Eli Lilly and Company | Indianapolis | 40,655 |
| 4 | WTIU | Bloomington | 26,540 |
| 5 | Purdue University | West Lafayette | 21,930 |
| 6 | Berry Global | Evansville | 21,000 |
| 7 | Steak ‘n Shake | Indianapolis | 20,732 |
| 8 | Purdue University | West Lafayette | 20,330 |
| 9 | Franciscan Health | Indianapolis | 19,000 |
| 10 | Zimmer Biomet | Warsaw | 18,200 |
Some of the cities in Indiana are notable hotspots for jobs. If you’re moving to Indiana and looking to get a job as fast as possible, here’s a top 10 list of the best places to get jobs in the state:
| Rank | Place | Unemployment Rate | Average Income |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Zionsville | 3.07% | $175,296 |
| 2 | Carmel | 2.34% | $158,161 |
| 3 | Fishers | 3.2% | $133,684 |
| 4 | St. John | 3.65% | $124,158 |
| 5 | Noblesville | 3.45% | $96,093 |
| 6 | Greenwood | 4.2% | $75,751 |
| 7 | Crown Point | 3.55% | $90,349 |
| 8 | Columbus | 4.6% | $78,702 |
| 9 | Westfield | 2.71% | $111,918 |
| 10 | Plainfield | 5.92% | $79,855 |
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Start My Quote NowTip: When you’ve got a home to move in Indiana, getting the best moving quote will be your goal. Request moving company quotes to save on moving cost.
Moving to Indiana could mean changing your profession or career. If you’re considering a career in some of the fastest growing jobs in Indiana, we’ve made a top 10 list to give you a head start. Check out the top 10 career options in Indiana:
| Rank | Job Title | Growth % | Average Wage | Jobs in 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Occupational Therapy Assistant | 143.3% | $59,380 | 1,290 |
| 2 | Biomedical Engineer | 140.0% | $78,710 | 1,610 |
| 3 | Home Health Aid | 139.5% | $22,820 | 18,930 |
| 4 | Web Developer | 139.1% | $59,080 | 3,200 |
| 5 | Physical Therapist Assistant | 137.8% | $55,950 | 2,480 |
| 6 | Nurse Practitioner | 136.7% | $99,240 | 4,840 |
| 7 | Operations Analyst | 135.2% | $69,900 | 1,920 |
| 8 | Music Therapist | 132.9% | $46,660 | 1,130 |
| 9 | Physician Assistant | 131.6% | $100,350 | 1,250 |
| 10 | Physical Therapist | 131.4% | $80,770 | 5,770 |
There are several top industries in Indiana. The state’s job market is currently booming and they are driven by these various industries. Since you’re considering moving to Indiana, here’s a list of the leading industries in the state:
Moving to Indiana could mean paying less or more in taxes.
Here’s a simple breakdown of the major taxes in the state since you’re considering moving to Indiana:
Statewide income tax in Indiana has decreased twice in recent years. In 2015, it lowered from a flat rate of 3.40% to 3.30%. In 2017 and beyond, it decreased further to 3.23%.
Moving to Indiana means you’ll get the chance to participate in various activities in the state, and visit tons of beautiful attractions. Here are some of the best things to do if you’re moving to Indiana:
It has one of the finest Native American and Western Art collections and is a part of Indianapolis's White River State Park. The mission of the museum is to inspire an appreciation and understanding of the art, history, and cultures of the American West and the indigenous peoples of North America.
The 40-acre zoo is considered to be one of the best zoos in the US with more than 1,000 animals. There are rides as well as options to hand-feed animals.
A fine art museum, it homes over 25,000 works of art that span cultures, eras, and media. The museum also holds programs, workshops, exhibitions, and lectures.
One of the biggest universities in the country, Indiana University, Bloomington has over 40,000 students from 165 countries. The university focuses highly on sports and has teams for baseball, basketball, soccer, and football.
The 15,349-acre India Dunes National lakeshore runs for about 20 miles (32 km) along the southern shore of Lake Michigan and is a hot destination to scout rare species of birds or flying kites on the sandy beach. There are 50 miles of trails over rugged dunes, mysterious wetlands, sunny prairies, meandering rivers, and peaceful forests.
Lanier Mansion is a state museum and a National Historic Landmark. A perfect example of Greek Revival architecture, the mansion is considered to be the “Crown Jewel” of Madison’s Historic District.
A 100,000 square feet museum, RV/MH Hall of Fame in Elkhart stores historical recreational vehicles from Airstream, Winnebago, and other American makers. The museum is run by a non-profit organization on donations and it displays vehicles starting from 1913.
The 5-floor museum has over 120,000 artifacts and exhibit items and receives over 1 million visitors every year. It also hosts interactive sessions for children.
Prophetstown State Park was once a Native American village where they hunted and lived for thousands of years. Currently, there is an open-air Museum at Prophetstown, with living history exhibits including a Shawnee village and a 1920s-era farmstead. The park has tall grass and wildflower prairies, woodlands, wetlands, and rivers. Hiking, biking, and trailing destination, there are 110 campsites for recreation.
A variety of automobiles, wagons, carriages and military vehicles related to American history are on display at the museum. This even includes the car that Abraham Lincoln rode on the night of his assassination.
A 15,0000-square feet science museum, WonderLab helps people, especially children, to experience the wonder and excitement of science through hands-on exhibits and programs that stimulate curiosity, encourage exploration, foster lifelong learning, and explore connections to the arts and everyday life.
Tip: While moving the home, safety of your belongings is the priority and you need a trustworthy mover at your side. Know the top-rated moving companies in Indiana.
Safety is always among the top things to consider before moving to any state. Since you’re considering moving to Indiana, safety should be among the key things to consider on your list. Here are key stats about Indiana crime rates:
Indiana is home to several top-quality schools. That means moving to Indiana gives you easier access to these schools.
Childs Elementary School
Monroe County Com Sch Corp, Public, PK-6 | 549 students, Rating: 10/10
Lincoln Trail Elementary School
North Spencer County Sch Corp, Public, PK-6 | 354 students, Rating: 10/10
North Salem Elementary School
North West Hendricks Schools, Public, K-5 | 254 students, Rating: 10/10
Horizon Elementary School
Penn-Harris-Madison Sch Corp, Public, PK-5 | 666 students, Rating: 10/10
Northpoint Elementary School
Penn-Harris-Madison Sch Corp, Public, K-5 | 638 students, Rating: 10/10
Discovery Middle School
Penn-Harris-Madison Sch Corp, Public, 6-8 | 908 students, Rating: 10/10
Plainfield Com Middle School
Plainfield Community Sch Corp, Public, 6-8 | 1282 students, Rating: 10/10
Speedway Junior High School
School Town Of Speedway, Public, 7-8 | 272 students, Rating: 10/10
Brownsburg West Middle School
Brownsburg Community Sch Corp, Public, 6-8 | 984 students, Rating: 10/10
Clay Middle School
Carmel Clay Schools, Public, 6-8 | 1336 students, Rating: 10/10
Munster High School
School Town Of Munster, Public, 9-12 | 1528 students, Rating: 10/10
Heritage Hills High School
North Spencer County Sch Corp, Public, 9-12 | 620 students, Rating: 10/10
Penn High School
Penn-Harris-Madison School Corp, Public, 9-12 | 3726 students, Rating: 10/10
In Academy For Sci Math & Humanities
In Acad For Sci Math Humanities, Public, 10-12 | 321 students, Rating: 10/10
Tecumseh Jr-Sr High School
Warrick County School Corp, Public, 9-12 | 327 students, Rating: 9/10
University of Notre Dame - Notre Dame, IN
Purdue University-Main Campus - West Lafayette, IN
Indiana University-Bloomington - Bloomington, IN
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology - Terre Haute, IN
Goshen College - Goshen, IN
DePauw University - Greencastle, IN
Earlham College - Richmond, IN
Ball State University - Muncie, IN
Wabash College - Crawfordsville, IN
>Butler University - Indianapolis, IN>
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