Are you considering moving to Indiana? This state is home to over 6,7 million people and is considered one of the 35 best states to live in the country, as well as being one of the best states to live in the Midwest.
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- Indiana is home to over 6 million people and is especially known for being one of the most affordable states in the country!
- Distant view of Downtown Indianapolis
If you’re looking for an affordable and relatively safe place to live in, keep in mind that Indiana is home to a few of the safest cities in the Midwest and is more affordable than most states in America.
Here is our complete guide about moving to Indiana!
Contents:
Pros and Cons
Some cities in Indiana are known for being the best places to live in the Midwest. However, that doesn’t mean that there are no disadvantages to living in these towns! Like everywhere else, Indiana has its pros and cons. Below we’ll list some of them.
Pros
- Cost of
Living
- One of the best aspects of moving to Indiana is that the cost of living in this state is much cheaper than the costs of living in most other states. The cost of living index in Indiana is 89, whereas the national average is 100.
- Distance
to Major Cities
- Depending on where you move to in Indiana, you may be living close to some of the most important cities in the Midwest, including Chicago.
- Cheaper
Insurance
- Insurance is that one thing we all need to have, isn’t that so? The good news about moving to Indiana is that insurance is cheaper than the average, which explains why 11.6% of the population is currently uninsured.
- Lower
Taxes
- If you’re moving to Indiana from the New England region, one of the things you’ll love the most about the Hoosier State is that the taxes here are way cheaper than you’re used to paying in your current location!
- Safer Than
Other States
- With a violent crime rate of 371 incidents per 100,000 residents, Indiana is relatively safer than other states. Some higher-income cities in this state are ranked as the safest cities to live in the Midwest.
- House
Prices
- The average home price in Indiana is a little less than $180,000, which is considerably below the national average. Depending on your current budget, you have the chance of acquiring a mansion when you move to Indiana.
- Pre-K-12
Education
- When it comes to education, Indiana is considered one of the 25 best states in the country. The Pre-K-12 system in this state has an even higher quality and is one of the 10 best systems in the nation.
Cons
- Public
Transport
- Depending on where you’re going to live in Indiana, be prepared to drive when you need to run errands. Public transport in Indiana still has quite a lot of room for improvement.
- Job
Opportunities
- While Indiana has one of the 11 lowest unemployment rates in the country, the job growth rate in this state is still below the national average of 1.4%, at 1.0%.
- Entertainment
Options
- Many cities in Indiana are considered “small cities”, which consequently means that you won’t have as many things to do as you would like to or as you’re probably used to.
- No Beaches
- Another aspect about Indiana is that this is a land-locked state we’re talking about. This means that you won’t get to enjoy a sunny day out at the beach when you move to Indiana.
- Winters
- If you’re moving to Indiana from a region that has mild winters, be ready to face some of the coldest and harshest winters of your life once you get here. At night, temperatures during this season may drop below 15 °F!
- Cultural
Diversity
- If you’re someone who appreciates living in diverse areas, Indiana may not be ideal for you. Over 78% of the population in this state is white, and people of color comprise a small minority.
- Pollution
Levels
- Another upsetting aspect of living in Indiana is that this state has one of the 5 highest pollution levels in the country. Indiana releases approximately 3,440 pounds of industrial toxins per square mile, whereas the national average is only 959 pounds/mi²!
Fun Facts About Indiana
There are quite a lot of fun facts about the state of Indiana. This state was only the 19th territory to join the Union, but it was inhabited by indigenous people for a very long time before that. Want to know more about this state? Here are 6 fun facts about Indiana!
- Indy 500
- Indiana and motorsports have a long history together. This state is home to the largest motorsports venue on the entire planet, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and it is also home to the Indianapolis 500 (or Indy 500), one of the most popular racing events in the country.
- Corny
State
- The state of Indiana has the 5th highest corn production in the country, which is why many people know Indiana as one of the main corn producers. Almost half of all the crops in this state are corn crops!
- Crossroads
of America
- Another popular nickname that Indiana has is “crossroads of America”, which is mostly due to Indianapolis, the state’s capital. Indy is known as the crossroads of the country because of its location — in this city, there’s a junction of four major interstate highways.
- Hoosier
State
- Indiana’s official nickname is the “Hoosier State”. Why is that? Nobody knows for certain! There are several rumors and stories of how this nickname came to be, but there’s no proof that any of them is true or correct.
- Mother of
Vice of Presidents
- While the state of Virginia has produced the most US Presidents — 8, in total —, Indiana is the second-largest producer of Vice-Presidents, losing only to New York.
- Famous
People
- Many celebrities were born in Indiana, including the Jackson family (Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, and the other siblings), legendary actor James Dean, best-selling writer John Green, and former basketball player Larry Bird.
Funny State Laws
- Most states have funny laws, but Indiana outshines them with its mind-boggling laws. There’s even a funny law about fishing — check it out below!
- Two men fishing in a pond
While every state has its fair share of weird laws, Indiana certainly outdoes most of those states. Some of the laws in Indiana are just so weird they’ll certainly earn a laugh. Here are 5 funny laws in Indiana:
- Fishing
without equipment
- If you’re into fishing, you’ve probably heard of people who fish without using proper equipment, using their hands only. Well, if you’re one of those people, we need to warn you that catching fish with your bare hands is illegal in Indiana.
- Talking
behind someone’s back
- Let’s be honest: we’ve all gossiped once or twice, and we love hearing gossip. If that’s the case with you, we have some bad news: gossiping in Indiana is forbidden by law!
- Kissing
with mustaches
- One of the funniest laws in Indiana is that men with mustaches are forbidden from kissing people unless they shave their mustaches.
- Cutting
off ears
- Now, it’s kind of hard to imagine how this law even became law, but in Indiana, some barbers have threatened to cut off children’s ears. Now it’s is illegal to make those kinds of threats.
- Baths
during the winter
- From October through March, Indiana residents are forbidden from taking baths. Pretty unhygienic, right? Still, this is an actual law!
Weather and Climate
Because of its location in Midwest America, Indiana experiences two different climates. The northern part of the state has a humid continental climate, which means that in this region the four seasons are very distinct, and the summers are pretty hot while the winters are incredibly cold. As to Southern Indiana, the climate is classified as humid subtropical, which means that the summers are hot and humid, and wintertime is mild. From September to October, temperatures in Indiana are the most pleasant, varying between 40 °F to 85 °F. From December to February, this state is extremely cold and temperatures reach well below 0 °F.
Nature
If you move to Indiana, you’ll get to visit different places that will help you connect with nature and take a breath of fresh air. Here you’ll find lots of high points, beautiful lakes, amazing rivers, and over 4 million acres of forest! On top of that, you can also visit canyons and waterfalls in this state. Here are the top 5 natural attractions to visit in Indiana!
- Brown County State Park
- Indiana Cave Trail
- Indiana Dunes State Park
- Clifty Falls
- Jug Rock
Natural Disasters
Because of its location, Indiana is prone to suffering from different types of natural disasters. Once you move to the Hoosier State, one of the first things you need to do is check the state’s government website for tips on how to deal with a natural hazard threat. Below we’ll list the top natural disasters that can occur in Indiana!
- Ice storms
- Heatwaves
- Flooding
- Tornadoes
- Earthquakes
Moving Prices from Major Cities
Are you strongly considering moving to Indiana? In that case, you should start this process by looking into the moving prices to Indiana from major cities, if you live in one of them. The key to finding the perfect price is using our free moving costs calculator, which gives you moving price estimates in less than 5 minutes! Below we’ll list the moving prices from 6 major cities in the United States.
- Moving from Los Angeles to Indiana: $3516 – $5860
- Moving from Dallas to Indiana: $1929 – $3216
- Moving from Chicago to Indiana: $964 – $1607
- Moving from Nashville to Indiana: $1102 – $1837
- Moving from Salt Lake City to Indiana: $2766 – $4611
- Moving from Jersey City to Indiana: $1665 – $2775
Housing / Real Estate
One of the most attractive advantages of moving to Indiana is that the real estate market in this state is quite budget-friendly. Let’s imagine that you have a total budget of $300,000. In other Midwest locations, such as Chicago, this budget would be quite low. In Indiana, on the other hand, this budget would buy you a mansion! Why is that? It’s because the average home price in Indiana is approximately $179,000, which is over one hundred thousand dollars below the national average. Rent prices in Indiana are pretty inexpensive as well. According to RentData.org, the average price for a 2-bedroom apartment in Indiana is approximately $800.
Price of Living
Other than home prices, it’s also important to know how much it costs to live in Indiana before you decide whether or not this state is ideal for you. The good news for any prospective resident is that the cost of living in Indiana is below the national average, which means that his state is incredibly budget-friendly. Here are the prices of living in the 5 most populous counties in Indiana:
Allen County
| EXPENSES | COSTS |
| Housing | $758 |
| Food | $698 |
| Child Care | $1,437 |
| Transportation | $1,174 |
| Health Care | $915 |
| Other Necessities | $587 |
| Taxes | $797 |
| Monthly Total | $6,366 |
| Annual Total | $76,390 |
Hamilton County
| EXPENSES | COSTS |
| Housing | $1,055 |
| Food | $825 |
| Child Care | $1,741 |
| Transportation | $1,217 |
| Health Care | $1,011 |
| Other Necessities | $758 |
| Taxes | $1,082 |
| Monthly Total | $7,689 |
| Annual Total | $92,268 |
St. Joseph County
| EXPENSES | COSTS |
| Housing | $858 |
| Food | $686 |
| Child Care | $1,516 |
| Transportation | $1,161 |
| Health Care | $959 |
| Other Necessities | $623 |
| Taxes | $861 |
| Monthly Total | $6,663 |
| Annual Total | $79,960 |
Elkhart County
| EXPENSES | COSTS |
| Housing | $781 |
| Food | $648 |
| Child Care | $1,449 |
| Transportation | $1,164 |
| Health Care | $959 |
| Other Necessities | $576 |
| Taxes | $799 |
| Monthly Total | $6,375 |
| Annual Total | $76,500 |
Vanderburgh County
| EXPENSES | COSTS |
| Housing | $784 |
| Food | $688 |
| Child Care | $1,445 |
| Transportation | $1,171 |
| Health Care | $889 |
| Other Necessities | $594 |
| Taxes | $798 |
| Monthly Total | $6,370 |
| Annual Total | $76,439 |
All estimates shown in the tables above were retrieved from the Economic Policy’s Institute Family Budget Calculator.
Demographics
Indiana is home to a little over 6,7 million people, which represents a growth in the population of 4.6% over the past decade. More than half of the population are female persons, and 23.3% are persons under 18 years of age. Over 5% of the Indiana population are foreign-born persons. The racial distribution of Indiana is the following:
- White (alone): 78.4%
- Black or African American (alone): 9.9%
- Hispanic or Latino: 7.3%
- Asian (alone): 2.6%
- Two or more races: 2.2%
Education
When it comes to education, Indiana ranks at #22. While this state is not particularly known for having prestigious universities, it is known for having one of the 10 best Pre-K-12 education systems in the country. Over 35% of the population are college-educated, and the high school graduation rate is approximately 3 percentage points above the national average, at 88.1%. Here are the 10 best education institutions in Indiana:
High Schools
- Herron High School
- Speedway Senior High School
- Zionsville Community High School
- Signature School
- Carmel High School
Colleges / Universities
- University of Notre Dame
- Indiana University — Bloomington
- Purdue University — West Lafayette
- Valparaiso University
- Depauw University
Healthcare and Medical Institutions
Indiana ranks as the 32nd-best state in the country for health care. This access to health care in this state is one of the best in the country, and so is the quality of the service provided. Public health in Indiana, on the other, ranks as one of the ten worst in the country and still has quite a lot to improve. Only 11.6% of the Indiana population is currently uninsured, which is below the national average. Here are the 5 best hospitals in Indiana:
- Indiana University Health Medical Center
- Ascension St. Vincent Evansville
- Community Hospital East
- Deaconess Hospital
- Elkhart General Hospital
Tourism / Attractions
Depending on where you’ll move to in Indiana, you may have lots of entertainment options or a lack of things to do. In large cities such as Indianapolis, for instance, you’ll find that there are plenty of tourist attractions, from speedways to museums to zoos. In smaller cities, on the other hand, you may only find parks and other nature sightings to visit. Below we’ll list 5 tourist attractions you can visit in Indiana.
- Turkey Run State Park
- Indianapolis Motor Speedway
- Marengo Cave National Landmark
- Holiday World & Splashin Safari
- Fort Wayne’s Children Zoo
Top Cities
As mentioned above, many aspects of life in Indiana will vary depending on where you live in the state. Some regions are more rural than others, thus you won’t have many options when it comes to entertainment, education, health care, transportation, among other things. Are you considering moving to Indiana but are still unsure regarding which city is ideal for you? Worry no more! Below we’ll talk briefly about the 5 top cities in Indiana!
- Indianapolis: Indianapolis, or Indy, as it is commonly known, is home to over 800,000 people, making it the most populous city in Indiana. Oh, it is also the capital of this state and the place where you’ll find most things to do!
- Notre Dame: Home to a little over 6,000 people, Notre Dame is home to three different college campuses, including the University of Notre Dame, one of the top 20 universities of the country.
- Fort Wayne: Fort Wayne is a large city that is within driving distance of Ohio and Michigan. Home to over 200,000 people, Fort Wayne is the largest and main city in Northeastern Indiana.
- Evansville: Evansville is the third-most populated city in Indiana and it is an important commercial and medical hub in the southwestern region of the Hoosier State.
- Carmel: Home to a little over 100,000 people, Carmel is known for being the home to the wealthiest people in Indiana. It is also popular for being one of the safest cities to live in the entire Midwest.
Job Market
Indiana is tied with Wisconsin at the 11th position in the ranking of lowest unemployment rates in the country. Over 3,1 million people in Indiana are currently employed, with most of them working in food services. Below we’ll list the top-hiring companies in Indiana!
- Walmart
- The State of Indiana
- Eli Lilly and Company
- Cummins
- Berry Global
Economy
The poverty rate in Indiana is approximately 11.9%, which is slightly below the national average of 12.3%. While farming is the largest industry in this state, the manufacturing industry is a close second. Mining is also a prominent industry in Indiana. Other than those three, the state of Indiana is also focused on developing the following industries:
- Cybersecurity
- Aerospace and Aviation
- Technology
- Logistics and Transportation
- Energy
Things to do in Indiana
Although we’ve mentioned that finding a wide array of entertainment options in Indiana can be quite difficult depending on where you live, there are still plenty of things to do in this state. From watching racing events or sports games to visiting museums and talking walks in state parks, we’re sure you’ll find something to your liking in Indiana. Below we’ll list 8 things to do in Indiana!
- Indy 500: The Indianapolis 500 is easily the most popular racing event in Indiana. This state is home to the world’s largest racing venue, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, so you should definitely check this out!
- The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis: If you have children and want to take them out for a nice family day, the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is a great place. This museum features 120,000 items and most of them are interactive, which means your entire family will have a lot of fun here!
- Newfields: Newfields is an encyclopedic museum that was once known as the Indianapolis Museum of Art. This museum features several indoors and outdoors venues and they have 50,000 works in its permanent exhibition, as well as an open-air art park that is one of the largest of its kind in the country.
- Perfect North Slopes: Remember how we mentioned that the weather in Indiana varies a great deal based on your location? Well, if you move to Lawrenceburg, Indiana, you’ll get to experience a lot of snow and visit the Perfect North Slopes, an amazing ski resort in this state.
- Cataract Falls: So far, you’ve seen that Indiana is a great placeif you’re into nature, and the Cataract Falls are another nature sighting that you’ll love. This waterfall is the largest in the state and you only have to pay a $5 fee to visit this location!
- Brown County State Park: Brown County State Park is the largest state park in Indiana and also the most popular, receiving over 1.3 million visitors annually. Here you’ll get to experience some of the most beautiful views in Indiana!
- University of Notre Dame: The University of Notre Dame is not only the #1 college in Indiana but also one of the 20 best universities in America. Its extensive campus is home to several landmarks that can be visited by the public!
- Lucas Oil Stadium: This large stadium is home to the Indianapolis Colts and welcomes approximately 70,000 visitors during football and basketball seasons. This stadium is also the venue for several entertainment events, more notably country artists’ shows.
Public Transport
If you’re moving to Indiana, you might have to look into getting a car. Some cities in this state are not particularly known for having well-developed transportation systems. However, many cities in Indiana have public transportation, and below we’ll list some of them. Here are 8 different means of transportation found in Indiana!
| TRANSPORTATION | FARES |
| Bloomington Transit | One-way: $1.00 |
| Cass Transit | One-way: $3.00 |
| ColumBUS Transit | 25 rides: $5.00 |
| BATS (Boone Area Transit System) | One-way: $4.00 to $6.00 |
| DART (DeKalb Area Rural Transit) | One-way: $3.00 to $4.00 |
| Franklin County Public Transportation | In-county rides: $1.25 to $2.50 |
| IndyGo (Indianapolis) | One-way: $1.75 |
| CityBus (Lafayette) | One-way: $1.00 |
Crime and Safety
When it comes to crime and safety, Indiana is known for being home to some of the safest cities in the Midwest. However, that doesn’t mean that this state is the safest in the region; actually, Indiana ranks as the 24th safest state in the country. The violent crimes rate in Indiana is 371, slightly below the national average of 379 per 100,000 residents. Juvenile incarceration is also an issue in this state, with an average rate of 102/100,000, considerably above the national average of 85 juveniles per 100,000 residents. These are the 5 safest cities in Indiana:
- Carmel, Indiana
- Zionsville, Indiana
- West Lafayette, Indiana
- Westfield, Indiana
- Fishers, Indiana
Acquire a New Driver’s License in Indiana
As public transportation can be relatively unreliable in Indiana, most new residents may look into getting their own car. But in order to drive in Indiana, you need to transfer your out-of-state license and acquire a new driver’s license in Indiana. The good news is that the state government gives you a deadline of 60 days to get a new license once you move to Indiana. Here’s what you have to do:
- Schedule an appointment at the BMV (Bureau of Motor Vehicles).
- Bring the
following documentation:
- 1 proof of identity
- 1 proof of lawful status (valid passport, certification of citizenship, US birth certificate, among other documents)
- 1 proof of Social Security Number
- 2 proofs of Indiana residency (credit card bill, Indiana voter registration card, among other documents)
- Surrender your current driver’s license.
- Pass a vision test.
Once this process is finished, you’ll receive an interim license that is valid for 30 days or until you receive your new Indiana driver’s license.
Road Safety, Highways, and Routes
In 2020, Indiana reported over 800 fatal crashes on its roads, which was considerably above the 2019 rate of 752. Most accidents were caused due to impaired driving, which means that most drivers were under the influence when their accidents happened. Below we’ll list the main highways in Indiana:
US Highways
- US 231
- US 41
- US 31
- US 421
- US 35
Interstate Highways
- I-69
- I-65
- I-74
- I-70
- I-90
Museums
In addition to many nature sightings to visit in Indiana, you can also visit some pretty amazing museums in this state. Whether you’re into indoor activities or outdoor activities, you’ll find that there are different types of museums that will suit your preferences! Here are the 7 best museums to visit in Indiana!
- Indiana State Museum
- Newfields
- Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum
- Fort Wayne Museum of Art
- Candles Holocaust Museum
- The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
- Studebaker National Museum
In the end, is moving to Indiana worth it?
Indiana is among the 35 best states to live in America. While the Hoosier State may not be the best when it comes to health care or to the natural environment, it is one of the most affordable states in the entire nation. Indiana is home to some of the best educational institutions in America, including the University of Notre Dame. It also has the 11th-lowest unemployment rate in the country! If you work in farming, manufacturing, or mining, you’ll find plenty of job opportunities in this state. Alternatively, you can live in regions that are closer to major cities and work in Chicago, for instance.
How to Move to Indiana
- If you’re considering moving to Indiana, the first thing you need to do is plan ahead. Check out our other tips on moving below!
- If you’re considering moving to Indiana, the first thing you need to do is plan ahead. Check out our other tips on moving below!
If you’re considering moving to Indiana, you’re probably wondering what to do to get this process started. Reading this comprehensive guide about Indiana is already the first step, and now that you know more about the Hoosier State, here’s what to do to move to Indiana!
- Plan Ahead
- Most things in life only work properly if you plan ahead. Moving to Indiana is not any different: you need to plan ahead of moving. You can use our downloadable moving checklistto help you with this!
- Downsize
- No matter what we do, it all comes down to trying to save as much money as possible. When you move to Indiana, you can save some hard-earned dollars by downsizing and getting rid of any unnecessary items you may have at home.
- Get Moving
Quotes
- Another great way of saving your money during the moving process is by getting moving quotes from different companies. This way you’ll find the most affordable mover to help you relocate to Indiana!
- Book
Movers
- Once you find the most cost-efficient moving company, it’s time to hire them. If you use our free moving costs calculator, you’ll kill two birds with one stone: you’ll get the best moving quotes and you’ll be contacted by different movers, which will certainly make your life easier!
- Visit Your
New Area
- Are you still trying to make a final decision regarding moving to Indiana? If you’re still unsure about whether this state is ideal for you, you can always visit the Hoosier State over the weekend and make a decision.
- Start
Packing
- If you do decide that moving to Indiana is worth it, it’s time to start packing. This process can be pretty long, thus we recommend that you start packing at least 5 or 6 weeks in advance.
- Create
Essential Box
- If you’re moving to Indiana from a distant place, the ride will be long and tiring. If you create an Essentials box, you’ll have easy access to snacks or other essential items as soon as you get to your new home!
- Say
Farewells
- Taking some time to say your farewells is certainly something that should have priority on your list. If you have many friends and family near you, you should probably dedicate a couple of weeks to say farewell to the important people in your life before you move to Indiana.
- Get Some
Rest
- At this point, everything is set and ready to go — and you’ve had a lot of work thus far, so it’s time to get some well-deserved rest.
- Enjoy the
Move
- Finally, it’s time to get ready for the big day. If you take some rest, as suggested, you’ll get to enjoy the move to the fullest. Keep in mind that you’re about to start a new chapter in your life and have awesome adventures!
Moving Services to Help You Relocate to Indiana
Moving to Indiana will require the help of professional movers. They’ll ensure that your items will arrive safely and timely in your new home. If you make a quick search online, you’ll find that there are plenty of moving companies available, offering multiple services that you may have never even heard of. Don’t worry — below we’ll list 9 moving services to help you relocate to Indiana!
- Furniture
Transportation
- Furniture transportation is exactly what its name suggests: if you’re moving to Indiana and you want to take your furniture with you, you’ll have to hire furniture transportation services!
- Residential
Movers
- While it may seem a bit too obvious, you’ll have to hire a residential mover when relocating to Indiana. Some movers don’t offer this type of service as they’re specialized in another type of moving, as we’ll explain later on.
- Piano
Transportation
- If you’re a piano owner, you’re probably worried about whether you’ll be able to transport your piano to Indiana with you and if it’s expensive. The answers are: yes and no. Yes, you can move a piano to Indiana. No, it’s not nearly as expensive as buying a new one!
- Art and
Antiques Movers
- If you collect art and antiques, you might be worried that you won’t be able to transport them without compromising their integrity. The good news is that you can move art and antiques to Indiana if you hire specialized movers — they’ll take care of your items and make sure they get to your new home in one piece!
- Hot Tub
Movers
- Just like piano moving, moving a hot tub to Indiana is not nearly as expensiveas it would be to buy a new hot tub once you get to your new area!
- Pool Table
Movers
- Even though pool tables are bulky items, you can still move a pool table to Indiana if you find the right mover. Pool table movers will transport your pool table at a nice price and with extreme care!
- Office
Movers
- Remember how we talked about residential moving and how some movers don’t offer that service? That’s because those movers offer a different type of service, and that’s office/commercial moving. If you’re moving an office to Indiana, they’re the ones you’ve got to contact!
- Long
Distance Movers
- If you don’t live close to the Hoosier State, that means you’ll have to make a long-distance move to Indiana. While some movers only offer local moving services, most moving companies work with long-distance moving.
- Last
Minute Movers
- Do you know how we said that planning ahead of moving is essential? Well, plans can change abruptly and you may have to make a last-minute move to Indiana. If that’s the case, you can always hire last-minute movers — though their services come at a higher price!