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Best Places To Live in Indiana

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Best Places To Live in Indiana

The Hoosier State has something for everyone. If you're considering a move, here are 7 of the best places to live in Indiana.

By Livability on November 16, 2023

Choosing where to live is a big decision, and Indiana is more of an underrated gem than it deserves. You can find a wealth of friendly communities, diverse landscapes, and rich history here, as well as a vibrant job market in industries such as manufacturing, technology, health care and education. Paired with its multitude of renowned educational institutions, such as Purdue University and the University of Notre Dame, beautiful lakes, forests and parks, and significantly lower cost of living compared to the national average, Indiana might just be the perfect fit for your next home.

Bloomington

The courthouse in Bloomington, Indiana, reflects the city’s small-town charm.

Why Bloomington is a great city in Indiana

Nestled within the heartland of the country and known for its top-tier education, Bloomington, Indiana combines small-town charm with vibrant urban amenities. It’s home to Indiana University, which is often recognized as a top public research institution, and the school’s influence extends well beyond its hallowed halls. The university’s presence within the community has enriched its art, music, sports and entertainment offerings to residents and visitors alike. Whether you want to attend an art showing, enjoy live music, or catch a world-class theatrical performance, you stand a good chance of finding something to suit every taste. You’ll not want for good food, either, since the local dining scene offers a wealth of global flavors, ranging from international cuisine to artisanal pizza and farm-to-table favorites. 

Because the city sits in the rolling hills of southern Indiana and is surrounded by forests, lakes and hiking trails, it’s an appealing place for students and locals who are passionate about outdoor adventure. Monroe Lake is a short drive away and a popular destination for boating, fishing and camping excursions. Brown County State Park is another local treasure that presents a particularly wonderful display of fall foliage in autumn from its various hiking and biking trails. 

Is Bloomington a good place to raise a family?

Bloomington, Indiana, is often considered a great place to raise a family. The city has a strong focus on education, a low crime rate and commitment to public safety, numerous recreational opportunities, a vibrant arts and culture scene, and a stable job market. The presence of IU Health Bloomington Hospital provides peace of mind in regard to medical care, and the relatively low cost of living is appealing to young families wanting to purchase a home.

Read more about living in Bloomington, IN.

Carmel

With more than 700 acres of parks and greenways like The Waterpark, Carmel, IN, is a comfortable and relaxed place to raise a family.
iStock/Georgiy Datsenko
With more than 700 acres of parks and greenways like The Waterpark, Carmel, IN, is a comfortable and relaxed place to raise a family.

Why is Carmel a great place to live in Indiana?

Nicknamed the “Roundabout Capital of the World,” Carmel, Indiana, is a great place to live. The city consistently ranks high in various quality of life surveys, probably due in part to its low crime rates, strong schools and diversity of cultural amenities. The Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts is a local hotspot for concerts and ballets, and downtown is home to numerous galleries and art installations. An extensive network of parks and outdoor recreational spaces makes it easy for residents to enjoy a little fresh air. A favorite among cyclists is the Monon Trail, a popular rails-to-trails path that winds throughout Indiana. 

Carmel boasts a strong and diverse economy, as well as a burgeoning business community. Finance, health care and technology are among the top industries, and the city is also home to a number of corporate headquarters. Companies such as Allegion, CNO Financial Group and KAR Global have an established presence in the area, opening up opportunities in everything from insurance to professional services.

What are some things to do in Carmel?

Carmel boasts a vibrant calendar of events that cater to a wide range of interests. Carmel PorchFest takes place in the Old Town neighborhood and features local bands and musicians performing on front porches and lawns. Carmel Fest is an annual summer event that brings together the community for parades, fireworks and classic carnival rides. Carmel Artomobilia is a unique event that transforms Main Street into what some call an “automotive wonderland,” rich with classic, vintage and exotic cars. Other local favorites include The Carmel International Arts Festival, The Carmel Christkindlmarkt, and the summer concert series at The Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts. 

Read more about living in Carmel, IN.

Evansville

An image of the Vanderburgh County Courthouse in Evansville, Indiana.

Why Evansville is a great place to live in Indiana

Evansville, Indiana, attracts people from all walks of life to put down roots. You can find a reasonably low cost of living here, which makes it more affordable for the budget-conscious individual or family. Add that to a strong job market and numerous opportunities in fields such as health care, manufacturing and education, and life here can provide stability in both building a career and raising a family. While there are certainly plenty of schools in the area for K-12, you can also find several higher education institutions, such as the University of Evansville and the University of Southern Indiana

As far as things to do are concerned, residents have no shortage of options. The Mesker Park Zoo and Botanic Garden are popular destinations, as well as the Evansville Museum of Arts History and Science, and Angel Mounds State Historic Site. Because the city is tucked in the scenic southwestern pocket of the state, it also provides easy access to the Ohio River and nearby parks like Harmonie State Park.

Is it expensive to live In Evansville, Indiana?

Compared to many cities in the country, Evansville, IN, is an affordable place to live. The cost of living is about 7% lower than the national average, and the median home price is about $190,000. Total expenses will vary based on things like square footage and neighborhood, of course, but the overall financial picture of Evansville makes it an attractive place for anyone hoping to stick to a budget. 

Read more about living in Evansville, IN.

Fishers

A full panoramic aerial view of the heart-shaped Saugany Lake in Fishers, Indiana.
iStock/Big Joe
An aerial view of the heart-shaped Saugany Lake in Fishers, Indiana.

Why is Fishers a great city in Indiana?

When it comes to choosing a place to live in the Hoosier State, Fishers, Indiana, rises to the top of the list. It’s location within the Indianapolis metropolitan area makes it an appealing destination for those seeking a place to put down roots without commuting too far into the city. But it’s unique blend of economic opportunity and recreational attraction make it equally attractive to those who want to find a place where they can live, work and play without ever wandering too far from home. 

One of Fishers’ standout qualities is its vibrant economy. With a diverse business landscape that spans industries like technology, finance and health care, it’s a great place to pursue a career with major employers like Roche Diagnostics, Navient and Freedom Mortgage. The city also encourages and supports new businesses, making it a good spot for entrepreneurs to launch their ventures. Paired with family-friendly amenities such as scenic trails, playgrounds and sports facilities, it’s understandable that more and more people are flocking to Fishers. (And why Fishers was among the 2022 Top 100 Best Places To Live in the U.S.)

What are some family-friendly things to do in Fishers, Indiana?

Known for its family-friendly atmosphere and wide range of activities and events, Fishers is a great place to live if you want to raise a family. Conner Prairie is an interactive history park and museum that comes highly recommended by locals and visitors alike. With hands-on exhibits, historic reenactments and the 1859 Balloon Voyage, this is a must-see for families with children of all ages. Other popular outings include the playgrounds at Holland Park, mountain biking at Flat Fork Creek Park, a Saturday stroll through the Fishers Farmers’ Market, and summer movie nights in the park.

Read more about living in Fishers, IN.

Indianapolis

The downtown city skyline view of Indianapolis, Indiana, looking over the Central Canal Walk. Indianapolis is one of the best places to live in Indiana.
iStock/Pgiam
The Central Canal Walk in Indianapolis, IN, offers views of the downtown city skyline.

Why Indianapolis is a great place to live in Indiana

If you value a vibrant downtown and four distinct seasons, you might find yourself considering a move to Indianapolis, Indiana. Known for being the capital and largest city in the state, this thriving metropolitan area is home to a multitude of restaurants, attractions and sports venues. Downtown Indy is a hub for everything from Lucas Oil Stadium and the Indiana State Museum to the Indianapolis Zoo and Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, and many flock to the city center to cheer on the Indianapolis Colts, Indiana Pacers and Indianapolis Indians. The city also hosts the renowned Indianapolis 500 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway each year. 

Needless to say, fans of arts, culture and sports are happy to put down roots here. But the city’s thriving job market and reasonable housing market make it an equally appealing place for families seeking an affordable but enriching lifestyle. Green spaces are abundant, too, with The White River State Park conveniently located downtown and Eagle Creek Park providing things to do outside such as boating, hiking and birdwatching.

What major employers are in Indianapolis?

Indianapolis is known for its thriving and diverse job market with plenty of opportunities to build a career in industries such as health care, technology, manufacturing and finance. Major employers like Eli Lilly and Company, Salesforce and Rolls-Royce have a presence in the city, as well as several logistics and transportation companies. The wide range of industries contribute to the overall economic health and growth of the area, making Indianapolis a worthwhile contender for young professionals and entrepreneurs seeking a sustainable place to build their careers.

Read more about living in Indianapolis, IN.

Muncie

A view of the business district on Walnut Street in Muncie, Indiana.

Why Muncie is a great city to live in Indiana

Muncie, Indiana, is located in the east central region of the state and is known for its combination of small-town charms and cultural attractions. Locals boast about their hometown’s friendly neighborhoods, vibrant art scene and interesting history, all while enjoying an affordable cost of living and commitment to historical preservation. 

Despite being a slightly smaller community, Muncie could never be faulted for a shortage of local activities. Muncie Civic Theatre and Cornerstone Center for the Arts put on a variety of annual performances, workshops and exhibitions, and downtown Muncie plays host to countless festivals, markets and cultural celebrations throughout the calendar year. Outdoor enthusiasts even appreciate the easy access to activities such as walking, cycling and wildlife observation at destinations like The White River Greenway and the nearby Summit Lake State Park. 

What jobs are in Muncie?

Muncie got its start in manufacturing, but the modern economy has grown and evolved to include a diversity of industries such as health care, education and technology. Ball State University is a major employer in the area, as well as IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital, Navient and Magna Powertrain. The city is also working to create a more tech-friendly economy with initiatives like the Innovation Connector, a business incubator and networking space, and a growing number of co-working spaces catering to entrepreneurs and early start-ups.

Read more about living in Muncie, IN.

South Bend

The St. Joseph River provides a picturesque backdrop and lots of activities for South Bend, Indiana.

Why is South Bend a great place to live in Indiana?

South Bend, Indiana, is tucked away in the northern part of the Hoosier State and boasts a rich history and promising future. It’s best known as the home of the University of Notre Dame, a renowned Catholic research university founded in 1842 and known for its iconic Golden Dome and Fighting Irish sports teams. While the school certainly plays a major role in the community, the city has more to offer than educational degrees. Often referred to as “River City,” South Bend is conveniently located on the St. Joseph River, which makes it a great place to live for anyone interested in water sports. Kayaking, fishing and walks along the water are common local pastimes, as well as the ever popular Riverlights Music Festival, a multi-day affair that ushers in musicians and bands from all around the country. 

Is South Bend a good place to live?

South Bend has a lot to offer people looking to put down roots in Indiana. Compared to other cities in the country, it has a notably lower cost of living, especially when it comes to housing prices. The expanding local economy means jobs are more readily available in industries such as health care, technology and manufacturing. Parks and nature reserves, as well as water access, make it a quality place to live for outdoor enthusiasts. The historic charm of downtown attracts those who appreciate history, while sports fans will appreciate the community comradery surrounding local teams like the Fighting Irish and South Bend Cubs. All in all, everyone from young professionals and families to retirees can enjoy living amid the vibrant culture and hidden gems this beautiful Indiana city has to offer. 

Read more about living in South Bend, IN.

Thinking of Moving to Indiana?

We’ve gathered everything you need to find a great place to live in Indiana. We have plenty of resources on moving to Indiana as well as other best places to live in the Midwest. No matter where you want to live, we’re ready to help you decide where to move and uncover the best places to live in the U.S.

Other Great Places To Live Near Indiana

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