People are increasingly moving to Indianapolis, as the city offers new arrivals many attractive prospects. Those averse to big city living will be glad to hear that, even with the influx of newcomers and steady population growth, Indiana’s capital still retains its famous small-town feel.
Living in Indianapolis as an expat
Young professionals, in particular, seem to be flocking to Indianapolis to take up jobs in the city’s thriving life sciences, healthcare, insurance, and sports-related industries. The city is also home to several Fortune 500 companies, so new arrivals should have no trouble finding work.
Accommodation is easy to come by and pretty affordable. From ritzy and culturally diverse inner city apartments in the downtown suburbs to bigger bungalows and four squares towards the city’s lush – and quieter – outskirts, new arrivals won’t struggle to find a home suited to their taste and budget.
Indy’s residents, or ‘Hoosiers’, as they refer to themselves, certainly know how to have a good time, and fun-loving newcomers, particularly those partial to sport, will fit right in. The city has a brimming sports calendar of just about every variety, but the highlight of the year is undoubtedly the renowned Indianapolis 500, one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious automobile races, and the biggest single-day sporting event on the planet. The weeks leading up to the big race see Indy come alive when downtown explodes with festivals and parties, while race day itself attracts over 300,000 spectators to the famous old speedway.
Not just for petrol heads, though, the city has worked hard to increase the cultural value beyond the racetrack. The Indianapolis Cultural Trail, an 8-mile urban planned pedestrian and bike pathway, connects neighbourhoods and cultural districts. It also offers access to multiple attractions, including museums, galleries, public art, eateries, and shops along the route. In fact, Indy has become something of a Midwest foodie hotspot and has been named one of the most underrated food destinations in the country.
Accommodation in Indianapolis
Neighbourhoods in Indianapolis
Working in Indianapolis
Cost of living in Indianapolis
Relative to its neighbouring cities, the cost of living in Indianapolis is low, particularly when compared to metros such as New York City. The overall cost of living in Indianapolis sits roughly 10 percent below the national average and is broadly in line with the state average.
Accommodation is remarkably affordable, sitting much lower than the national average. Transport is also quite cheap in Indianapolis, whether by public bus or by car. The city also offers many attractions for free, such as museums, galleries, and monuments, and many bars and restaurants offer specials, so new arrivals can eat out on a budget, too.
Cost of Living in Indianapolis
Transport in Indianapolis
Families and children in Indianapolis
Newcomers to Indianapolis will find a considerable range of schools to pick from across the 11 public school districts in Marion County. Not all public schools in Indianapolis are of the same standard, though, and some expats may opt for private schooling or even the city’s only international school, but should be aware that these charge high fees.
Healthcare in Indianapolis is superb, and costs sit below the national average. Health insurance is still a significant expense to budget for, though, and prospective residents should factor it in when applying for jobs and negotiating their salary packages.
Indianapolis is incredibly child-friendly, boasting the world’s largest children’s museum, along with the Indianapolis Zoo and Eagle Creek Park, all packed with fun and thrilling activities for kids. Prospective residents who like a bit of greenery will also be happy to know that the city has plenty of leafy parks and fields. Many of these parks have playgrounds perfect for running, dog walking or a family picnic in the sun.
Schools in Indianapolis
Healthcare in Indianapolis
Climate in Indianapolis
New arrivals moving to Indianapolis will love the four distinct weather seasons the city offers. Indianapolis boasts hot, humid summers; frosty winters; and pleasant springs and autumns. Temperatures range from 56°F (13°C) to 85°F (29°C) in the warmer months, which allows plenty of opportunities for residents to get out and about. Winter temperatures can drop to 20°F (-7°C) in January and are often accompanied by snow.
Rainfall is spread throughout the year but is heaviest during late spring and summer. Indiana does occasionally experience severe thunderstorms and tornadoes, particularly in spring and early summer, so newcomers should familiarise themselves with local weather alert systems.
Weather in Indianapolis
Things to See, Do and Eat in Indianapolis
All in all, newcomers moving to Indianapolis find it a charming city to call home, and residents are friendly and welcoming. Expats will be pleased to know that Indianapolis has a growing immigrant community and that foreigners are received warmly and treated kindly.
Combine that with the city’s lively economy, its multitude of things to see, do and eat, and low cost of living, and it’s easy to see why so many people are choosing to make the Circle City their new home.