Considerations When Moving to Indianapolis
Indianapolis, which is often known as Indy, is Indiana's state capital as well as its most populous city. The U.S.'s 17th most populous city, it is the 16th largest when considering land area. Indianapolis is well-known for its hosting of the Indianapolis 500, which is the world's largest sporting event that occurs in a single day. It boasts several cultural assets that include the largest children's museum in the world. Indianapolis is a robust city that has much to offer potential residents.
Moving to Indianapolis
If you seek a big city that offers a small-town feel, this dynamic city in the Midwest's heart is ready to welcome you. It has a growing economy, a low unemployment rate of just over 4%, and a sports scene that is thriving.
Indianapolis is family friendly. About two-thirds of the population reside in family households; roughly one-third of the city's residents are 25 years of age or younger. Many young residents and families are drawn to the city due to its low cost of living. Many cultures are represented in the city's population because new residents from various places around the world move to Indianapolis.
Extensive job growth and a low cost of living make Indy an attractive destination for new residents. Among the top industries are sports, healthcare, and tourism. More than 90 national companies are headquartered in the city, including Angie's List, Dow AgroSciences, Simon Property Group, the NCAA, and RCI.
The Crossroads of America
Indianapolis is nicknamed the Crossroads of America for good reason. The city is intersected and surrounded by several major interstates. Its international airport flies to more than 40 non-stop destinations domestically and serves all major airlines that the U.S. offers. Traveling within the city is also easy with IndyGo. As Indianapolis's public transportation system, IndyGo is set up throughout the city but is more limited as you get further away from downtown.
Another means of inner-city travel is by bicycle. Indianapolis boasts a lot of flat land that makes life easy for bike enthusiasts. Flat roads mean easier rides over long distances, particularly for new cyclists. The three primary trails running through downtown are the Monon, the Cultural Trail, and Pogue's Run.
When traveling outside the city, new residents may be surprised by how close weekend destinations are. Indianapolis is roughly two to three hours from Chicago, Detroit, Louisville, and Cincinnati. There is also great hiking an hour south in Brown County.
Up Your Sports Game
If you are moving to Indianapolis, be prepared to immerse yourself in sports. Even casual fans can get excited about the variety of sports the city has to offer. The national headquarters of the NCAA is located downtown. Indy is well-known for its basketball movie “Hoosiers,” but basketball fans have much more to sample from than high school sports.
There is also one of the country's fastest pools at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, the Natatorium, which draws Olympic swimmers in training. And, of course, the Indy 500 draws over a quarter million visitors in a single weekend to the west side for fast-paced action.
Soak in Culture
Fountain Square is the city's art hub. On First Fridays, nearly every art gallery is freely open, and Fountain Square is a great starting point. There are also local bands on rotation at freely open music venues. Sample spoken word nights available at local pubs, or watch the rivalry at a 5 by 5 competition where artists use presentations of a Ted Talk style to try for grant funding.
The city's museums also feature the Children's Museum of Indianapolis, which boasts an amazing 29 acres of exhibits, attractions, and activities that are interactive, instructing children in fun ways about physics, natural science, culture, history, and art. There is a planetarium and some of the rarest fossils the world offers. Even if you do not have kids, give the museum a try. You will not be the only one without kids accompanying you.
Another cultural city attraction is Monument Circle, which is located at the heart of Indianapolis. Locals and tourists alike use the Circle as a meeting place, a spot to watch the bustle of the city, and a point of interest. At the heart of the Circle is the towering commemoration to American Civil War Hoosiers known as the Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument. It is 284 feet tall and has stood in its place since 1888. From the observation deck, you get amazing views of the city.
Tips for Preparing to Move
Indianapolis is in the heart of the Midwest. You will want to take the weather of the season into consideration when packing and have the appropriate seasonal clothing close to hand upon arrival. Cold winters and hot, humid summers are part and parcel of the Midwest's climate. If you are putting any of your possessions into storage upon arrival, consider climate-controlled facilities to protect valuable furnishings and possessions from humidity and drastic changes to the temperature.
Whether you are looking to live near Fountain Square, in Downtown, in Bates Hendricks, or in Broad Ripple, you will find a neighborhood in Indianapolis that will suit your needs. Experience this thriving city as a resident and enjoy all it has to offer at your leisure.