Summary
Indiana is often recognized for its avid commitment to sports, particularly basketball, and its limestone production. However, this Midwestern state also has the advantage of one of the lowest costs of living in the United States. Here, a dollar holds greater value compared to 41 other states.
For individuals considering a move to the Hoosier State, it is noteworthy that Indiana’s real estate prices rank among the most reasonable in the nation.
The state’s economy is robust and comparable in size to that of Norway, as per the American Enterprise Institute. Ranking as the 16th largest state economy in the U.S., and possessing the sixth lowest unemployment rate, Indiana presents a compelling choice for both residents and potential visitors.
Key sectors bolster the state’s economy, including agriculture, manufacturing, and the automotive industries, alongside significant contributions from healthcare and education. The presence of reputable universities like Purdue University and the University of Notre Dame enhances its educational landscape.
A report by the Indiana Business Review indicates that, in 2010, Indiana’s economy expanded at twice the national rate, a trend that continued in the following years.
Therefore, it is perhaps unsurprising that Money Magazine designated Fishers, Indiana, as the best place to live in America in 2017.
For those contemplating establishing residency in Indiana, the following are the 15 best locales for living in this state.
1. Carmel
Source: Lindasj22 / shutterstockCarmel, recognized for its scenic beauty, ranks as one of the prime places to reside in Indiana. This city offers an abundance of outdoor activities, including the Monon Trail and The Palladium at Carmel City Center.
Residents enjoy a vibrant outdoor lifestyle, highlighting Carmel’s revitalized downtown area, various sports and recreational facilities, along with a range of appealing housing options.
The city’s economy is thriving, evidenced by an unemployment rate of approximately three percent, indicating a landscape of positive job growth. While the cost of living in Carmel is roughly fourteen percent above the national average, its average household income exceeding six figures balances this out.
Entertainment & Activities
Notable attractions in Carmel include:
- Carmel Arts & Design District
- Carmel City Center
- The Palladium at the Center
- Coxhall Gardens
- Waterpark at the Monon Community Center
- Monon Trail
- Central Park
- Carmel Farmers Market
2. Fishers
Source: sevenMaps7 / shutterstockSituated centrally in Indianapolis, Fishers boasts a population of approximately 97,000, making it a representative example of rapid population growth.
Life in Fishers provides access to a variety of outdoor pursuits, including golfing, kayaking, and biking. Noteworthy attractions encompass the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater and Conner Prairie Interactive History Park.
Fishers’ economy is robust; the unemployment rate has fallen below three percent, significantly lower than the national average. Although the cost of living is about five percent above the national average, many households enjoy an annual income of around $90,000.
Entertainment & Activities
Key activities in Fishers include:
- Conner Prairie
- Nickel Plate District
- Nickel Plate Trail
- Fishers District
- Fishers Farmers District
- Flat Fork Creek Park
- Topgolf Fishers
- Hamilton Town Center
3. Munster
Source: Dmytro Sergiyenko / WikimediaMunster, located in Lake County, is approximately 15 miles west of Gary. This suburban community is part of the Chicago metropolitan area, situated around 30 miles from Chicago’s central business district.
While the crime rate in Munster may raise concerns, it remains lower than the state average. Furthermore, homes are valued below the national mean, and the schools benefit from substantial funding, resulting in them being among the highest-performing in Indiana.
Residents of Munster enjoy an average household income of $70,503, which surpasses many towns and cities within the state, despite the local unemployment rate being one of the highest in Indiana. Addressing this issue could significantly improve the quality of life in the area.
Entertainment & Activities
Popular attractions in Munster include:
- Centennial Park
- Theatre at the Center
- Cheers, Food & Drink
- Jak’s Warehouse Amusement Center
- Floyd’s Distillery
- Wicker Memorial Park
- Lan-Oak Lanes
- Sky Zone Trampoline Park
4. Plainfield
Source: Eric Wood / WikimediaAlthough the crime rate in Plainfield could see improvement, residents have numerous positive aspects to celebrate.
Situated approximately 20 miles southwest of Indianapolis, this mid-sized city of about 30,000 is distinguished by its affordable living and community-focused atmosphere.
The median home value in Plainfield is below the national average, with rental costs hovering just above $1,000. The area features multiple biking trails and walking paths, appealing particularly to families seeking amenities that support a lower cost of living.
Entertainment & Activities
Notable attractions in Plainfield are:
- Hummel Park
- Sodalis Nature Park
- Friendship Gardens Park
- Outdoor Splash Island Water Park
- The Shops at Perry Crossing
- Swinford Park
- Oasis Diner
5. Warsaw
Source: Henryk Sadura / shutterstockConcerns of crime safety are present in various towns across Indiana, including Warsaw; however, the town offers compelling advantages.
Warsaw is notably among the best locations to launch a business in the state, as reported by Nerd Wallet. This town, with just over 14,000 residents residing in Kosciusko County, ranks in the top five for entrepreneurial ventures within Indiana.
Additionally, Warsaw supports a strong healthcare sector, being home to prominent orthopedic companies such as Biomet, Zimmer, and DePuy, earning it the title of the Orthopedic Manufacturing Capital of the World. Additional significant employers include Medtronic, Tecomet, and Paragon Medical.
Despite an average annual income falling below $50,000, reflecting the state median, the low cost of living in Warsaw enhances its appeal, with homes priced just over $100,000.
Entertainment & Activities
Key attractions in Warsaw are:
- Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts
- Downtown Warsaw
- Pike Lake Beach
- Central Park
- Center Lake Beach
- Lucerne Park
- The Bowling Alley
6. West Lafayette
Source: Aeypix / shutterstockWest Lafayette serves as the home of Purdue University, one of the most esteemed public institutions in the United States, marking it as a quintessential college town. The local population exceeds 44,000, contributing to a diverse community largely influenced by the university.
Aesthetically pleasing, West Lafayette is known for its community-oriented environment, where newcomers are welcomed. The resident demographic is predominantly well-educated individuals, and the public school district ranks among the top-performing in Indiana.
The downtown area features a variety of restaurants and shops, and residents benefit from a median home value that is below the national average, with average rental costs falling under $1,000.
Entertainment & Activities
Noteworthy activities in West Lafayette include:
- Downtown Lafayette
- Purdue University
- Elliott Hall of Music
- Mackey Arena
- Wabash Heritage Trail
- Harry’s Chocolate Shop
7. Fort Wayne
Source: Katherine Welles / shutterstockFort Wayne, with a population exceeding 257,000, is the second largest city in Indiana, serving a metropolitan area with over 415,000 inhabitants. While the search for quality schools and low crime rates may yield limited results here, Fort Wayne has its unique advantages.
This mid-sized city appeals to young professionals seeking an affordable lifestyle combined with low commute times and a thriving nightlife. The cost of living is remarkably low for a city of its size, with homes averaging just over $100,000 and rents below $1,000 monthly.
Indeed, GoBankingRates.com highlighted Fort Wayne as one of the “15 Best Places to Live If You’re Trying to Save Money,” emphasizing its financial advantages.
The median income in Fort Wayne is just under $50,000, which is colorable in the context of the state.
Entertainment & Activities
Popular attractions in Fort Wayne are:
- Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo
- Fort Wayne Museum of Art
- Embassy Theatre
- Promenade Park
- Science Central
- Kreager Park
- Fort Wayne Fire Fighters Museum
8. Batesville
Source: Chris Flook / WikimediaBatesville, a small town with over 6,000 residents in Ripley County, is worthy of mention due to its notably low unemployment rate, appealing to job seekers.
Major employers in Batesville include Hill-Rom, a healthcare firm, and Batesville Casket Co. The median household income is higher than in many parts of Indiana, averaging just above $50,000. This area is particularly family-friendly, and the local public schools rank among the best statewide.
Entertainment & Activities
Noteworthy activities in Batesville include:
- Liberty Park
- Versailles State Park
- Wolf Creek Habitat & Rescue
- Ertel Cellars Winery
9. Bargersville
Source: www.lasitersoldme.comBargersville, located in Johnson County, is a small town with a population exceeding 6,000.
Despite its modest size, the town boasts a strong school district, attracting many families. Bargersville is recognized as one of the safest suburbs in a state that grapples with various crime issues.
Furthermore, the cost of living is affordable, with home prices generally under the national average, allowing potential homeowners to acquire reasonable two- to three-bedroom properties based on their location. Moreover, households enjoy some of the highest average incomes, often exceeding $70,000.
Entertainment & Activities
Notable attractions in Bargersville include:
- Mallow Run Winery
- Up Cellar
- Indianapolis Zoo
- Rascal’s Fun Zone
- The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
- White River State Park
10. Indianapolis
Source: Alexey Stiop / shutterstockIndianapolis, the capital of Indiana, is situated in Marion County and is recognized as the 15th largest city in the United States, with a population exceeding 850,000. As expected in any major city, crime rates can be a concern, yet the city remains a popular choice for many families.
The desirable lifestyle characteristics of Indianapolis attract individuals who appreciate a vibrant city ambiance without the overwhelming pace of larger metropolitan areas such as New York City.
Home prices in Indianapolis reflect the state’s overall low cost of living, with average values just above $100,000. The city is plentiful in excellent amenities, such as the Indianapolis Zoo, the Children’s Museum, various sporting events, and numerous big-city features.
Entertainment & Activities
Some recommended experiences in Indianapolis include:
- Indianapolis Zoo
- Newfields
- Indiana State Museum
- Eagle Creek Park
- Victory Field Stadium
- Holliday Park
11. Columbus
Source: James Kirkikis / shutterstockColumbus, positioned in Bartholomew County, stands as one of Indiana’s outstanding towns to reside in.
This sizeable town, housing nearly 46,000 residents, enjoys relatively high average incomes of over $50,000, largely attributed to significant employers, including Toyota’s manufacturing division and Cummins Diesel.
Residents and visitors engage in various outdoor activities such as golfing, cycling, hiking, and canoeing, complemented by a vibrant array of antique stores, specialty shops, and major retail outlets, enhancing shopping experiences. Noteworthy dining options, including Bistro 310, further enrich the local culinary scene.
Entertainment & Activities
Some engaging attractions in Columbus include:
- Columbus Public Art Collection
- Downtown Columbus
- Mill Race Park
- Atterbury-Bakalar Air Museum
12. Westfield
Source: sevenMaps7 / shutterstockWestfield emerges as one of Indiana’s premier towns to live in, distinguished by several favorable factors.
This Indianapolis suburb features schools that rank among the best in the state. Additionally, the community benefits from short commute times due to its close proximity to the city.
The job market is strong, offering some of the highest salaries in Indiana, with household incomes approaching six figures. Such lucrative earnings are beneficial in a region characterized by a higher cost of living; Westfield has some of the most expensive housing options in the state, averaging over $200,000.
Entertainment & Activities
Significant activities in Westfield include:
- Conner Prairie
- MacGregor Park
- Urban Vines Winery & Brewery Co
- Quaker Park
- Midland Trace Trail
- Freedom Trail Park
13. Dyer
Source: JoeyBLS at en.wikipedia / WikimediaDyer, situated in Lake County, has a population of 16,257.
This town gained recognition over ten years ago when it was ranked among the top 100 places to live in the U.S. by CNN and Money Magazine, a status it continues to uphold.
Residents of Dyer enjoy some of Indiana’s highest incomes, averaging over $80,000 annually. Additionally, property values are among the state’s highest, with crime rates remaining low compared to state averages.
Moreover, outstanding schools make Dyer an appealing choice for families, drawing many to the idyllic town just south of Munster.
Entertainment & Activities
Notable attractions in Dyer include:
- Stardust Bowl 3
- Engine Room Ale House
- Windmill Brewing
14. Highland
Source: wikipedia.orgHighland represents yet another example from Lake County, underscoring the county’s desirability.
Located near the Calumet Shoreline of Lake Michigan, not far from Gary and Hammond, this town houses over 23,000 residents in a notably safe environment. Its population is primarily educated, and families benefit from access to some of the finest public schools.
Commute times average just under 25 minutes, although this may extend for those traveling to Hammond, Gary, or the nearby Chicago area.
Home prices in Highland are slightly over $100,000, and residents enjoy an average income exceeding $60,000.
Entertainment & Activities
Popular attractions in Highland include:
- Wicker Memorial Park
- Plaza Lanes
- Beer Geeks
- Traditions Restaurant
- Indiana Dunes National Park
- Main Square Park
- Central Park
15. Zionsville
Source: Huw Williams (Huwmanbeing) / WikimediaZionsville, while listed last, is consistently recognized as one of Indiana’s top living locales, often appearing on best places to live lists across the U.S.
This suburb of Indianapolis, located in Boone County, is home to over 25,000 residents and features some of the finest public schools nationally, along with a remarkable safety record.
The cost of living in Zionsville reflects its desirability, with average home prices exceeding the national average. For individuals migrating from places like New York and California, this may appear modest, yet for Indiana’s standard, it offers one of the most upscale neighborhoods in the state.
Zionsville ranks seventh in terms of income across Indiana, with residents earning well above six figures annually.
Entertainment & Activities
Notable attractions in Zionsville include:
- Mulberry Fields
- Zionsville Farmers Market
- Creekside Nature Park
- Grapevine Cottage
- White River State Park
- Newfields
