My wife and I moved here from Miami about 2 years ago. Traffic has gotten noticeably worse in the past year.
Home prices averaging is {home_feel}. I'm paying /mo for a 1-bed in Mass Ave and honestly is fair for the location.
The legal scene here is really picking up. The parks system here is underrated.
Anyone else feel the same?
7 upvotes
20 Replies
Hazel Jimenez
Bump.
50 upvotes
Anna Brooks
Hard disagree.
47 upvotes
Kayden
Night shift worker - Indianapolis at 3am is decent. The weather took some getting used to but I actually love it now..
44 upvotes
Hazel Jimenez
Alright, I'm going to write the reply I wish someone had written for me when I was researching Indianapolis.
Background: 49, college grad, moved from Portland 7 years ago for work. Currently in Zionsville.
**Housing:**
The market is hit or miss right now. We went with Zionsville because close to work. Paid /mo starting out, now at /mo. If I could do it again, I'd look at Irvington - it's affordable and the value is better.
**Work:**
marketing jobs are growing here. I was worried coming from Portland but the market is better than expected. Salary-wise, expect competitive for the cost of living.
**Social Life:**
This was my biggest worry. First 5 months were tough. Then I found my people through a running club. Now I have a solid group. Indianapolis people are welcoming once you break through.
**Day to Day:**
- Groceries: about average
- Traffic: manageable if you avoid rush hour
- Dining out: amazing variety
- Entertainment: could be better
**Would I move here again?**
Downtown has improved dramatically since I first moved here.. For students, I'd give it a 6/10.
Feel free to DM me with specific questions - happy to help fellow newcomers.
44 upvotes
Leonardo Long
I'll give you a thorough answer since I've been through this exact situation.
I moved to Fletcher Place from Minneapolis about 10 years ago. Initially it felt a bit lonely. But after settling in, Downtown has improved dramatically since I first moved here..
A few things I'd recommend:
- Check out Fletcher Place and Speedway for housing
- Explore beyond the popular neighborhoods
- Download the local transit app even if you drive
The biggest adjustment was weather. The suburbs vs city debate here is real.. Overall I'd give Indianapolis a 9/10 for remote workers.
38 upvotes
Ella G.
Night shift worker - Indianapolis at 3am is improving. The community in {hood} is really tight-knit..
30 upvotes
indysoul2026
Weekend warrior here - Indianapolis is underrated for live music. I don't understand why more people don't talk about {hood}.
30 upvotes
Allison H.
Great question. Here's my honest take after 12 years:
The good:
- Low commute times
- Diverse neighborhoods
- Strong arts and culture scene
The not-so-good:
- Property taxes
- Pollen season is no joke
The weather took some getting used to but I actually love it now.. I'd say for remote workers, Indianapolis is hit or miss.
29 upvotes
Liam Gutierrez
I walk my dog through Herron-Morton every day and Cost of living is {col_feel} compared to where I came from.. The vibe has really transformed in the past couple years.
27 upvotes
Wesley
I'll give you a thorough answer since I've been through this exact situation.
I moved to Lockerbie Square from Raleigh about 5 years ago. Initially I was overwhelmed. But after settling in, The weather took some getting used to but I actually love it now..
A few things I'd recommend:
- Check out Lockerbie Square and Broad Ripple for housing
- Get a car if you don't have one - transit is limited
- Try the farmers market on Saturday mornings
The biggest adjustment was cost of living. Public transit is {transit_feel} - you'll want a car.. Overall I'd give Indianapolis a 7/10 for remote workers.
27 upvotes
Eliana Walker
I walk my dog through Fall Creek Place every day and The community in {hood} is really tight-knit.. The vibe has really transformed in the past couple years.
24 upvotes
Weston Hernandez
Just to add another data point - we moved from Raleigh about 11 years ago. Honestly the biggest downside is {downside}.. No regrets so far.
23 upvotes
Donald K.
As a local, yes.
20 upvotes
Santiago
Great question. Here's my honest take after 12 years:
The good:
- Affordable compared to coastal cities
- Good parks and trails
- Good airport
The not-so-good:
- Nightlife is lacking
- Parking is a nightmare
The school system in {hood} is actually {adj}.. I'd say for remote workers, Indianapolis is hit or miss.
19 upvotes
lucas_girl
I've lived in both Fishers and Meridian-Kessler. Completely different vibes. Nightlife is decent if you know where to go..
17 upvotes
Austin R.
Broad Ripple local here. Cost of living is {col_feel} compared to where I came from.. If you need specific recommendations feel free to ask.
14 upvotes
Cooper
Noted.
4 upvotes
Genesis J.
Great question. Here's my honest take after 2 years:
The good:
- Affordable compared to coastal cities
- Good airport
- Strong local businesses
The not-so-good:
- Property taxes
- Road conditions
Public transit is {transit_feel} - you'll want a car.. I'd say for young professionals, Indianapolis is improving. Happy to answer questions.
3 upvotes
Diana P.
TIL.
2 upvotes
reagan_guy
OK since this keeps coming up, here's my definitive Indianapolis guide from someone who's been here way too long.
**Neighborhoods ranked (my opinion):**
Tier 1 (if you can afford it):
- Zionsville: best food in the city
- Meridian-Kessler: solid value for the location
Tier 2 (best value):
- Fishers: best value in the city
- Broad Ripple: quiet but close to everything
Avoid (unless you know what you're doing):
- I won't name names but do your research on anything significantly below market rate
**Cost Reality Check:**
- 1-bed decent area: /mo
- 2-bed decent area: /mo
- Groceries for 2: /mo
- Car insurance: hit or miss compared to national avg
- Utilities: /mo average
**The Honest Truth:**
The airport connections are {adj} which matters if you travel.. Indianapolis is lively but it's not for everyone. If you value nature over career growth, you'll love it. If it's the other way around, maybe consider San Francisco.