So, I'm originally from Indianapolis and It's a a small town city with about 15,893 people. Rent is about $2,252/month for a decent place. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. What would you do? There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
6 upvotes
8 Replies
Hannah Ramos
+1
38 upvotes
Benjamin P.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's not perfect but it works for me. Internet is improving in most areas.
35 upvotes
Cora Anderson
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 15 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is food scene. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the nightlife is legit. And if you're into running, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Old Town side vs the Eastside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
35 upvotes
Zoey T.
thanks for sharing
34 upvotes
Silas Cox
bump
17 upvotes
Nova Nguyen
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 34, moved here 8 years ago from Houston. I've lived in Pine Hills and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Dating scene is rough
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The walkability situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for remote workers. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Greenfield: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Houston, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $70K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
15 upvotes
Clara Bennett
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value pet-friendliness, you'll love it. The cultural scene is genuinely improving and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (Fairview) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Chicago, be prepared for the culture shock. traffic is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
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