Throwaway thought - I grew up here, left for college, and came back 4 years ago. Home prices averaging is {home_feel}. The suburbs vs city debate here is real. Hit me with your honest opinions.
119 upvotes
33 Replies
Wyatt P.
Alright, I'm going to write the reply I wish someone had written for me when I was researching Indianapolis.
Background: 32, single guy, moved from Miami 5 years ago for work. Currently in Mass Ave.
**Housing:**
The market is improving right now. We went with Mass Ave because the price was right. Paid /mo starting out, now at /mo. If I could do it again, I'd look at Herron-Morton - it's affordable and the value is better.
**Work:**
finance jobs are decent here. I was worried coming from Miami but the market is better than expected. Salary-wise, expect competitive for the cost of living.
**Social Life:**
This was my biggest worry. First 6 months were tough. Then I found my people through my gym. Now I have a solid group. Indianapolis people are genuine once you break through.
**Day to Day:**
- Groceries: about average
- Traffic: not as bad as people say
- Dining out: better than you'd expect
- Entertainment: solid local scene
**Would I move here again?**
I feel like {city} is becoming more expensive without getting better.. For young professionals, I'd give it a 6/10.
Feel free to DM me with specific questions - happy to help fellow newcomers.
48 upvotes
Aubrey
I'll give you a thorough answer since I've been through this exact situation.
I moved to Speedway from Seattle about 7 years ago. Initially I loved it immediately. 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 Speedway and Zionsville for housing
- Try the farmers market on Saturday mornings
- Check out the local brewery scene
The biggest adjustment was cost of living. Honestly the biggest downside is {downside}.. Overall I'd give Indianapolis a 7/10 for students.
47 upvotes
Ellie Adams
Seconding this.
45 upvotes
Leah
Gonna share a detailed perspective since most replies are pretty surface-level.
I'm a single woman in Lockerbie Square. Been here since 2017. Public transit is {transit_feel} - you'll want a car..
Neighborhood-wise, Lockerbie Square has really transformed in the past few years. Fishers is the up-and-coming spot right now. Downtown is where I'd look if budget is a concern.
Job market for education: pretty good. For marketing: affordable.
Public transit is {transit_feel} - you'll want a car.
Happy to answer questions.
44 upvotes
Victoria Jimenez
I'd highly recommend checking out Downtown. The weather took some getting used to but I actually love it now.. Plus the food options around there are underrated.
44 upvotes
Jordan Wood
Gonna share a detailed perspective since most replies are pretty surface-level.
I'm a military vet in Downtown. Been here since 2019. Cost of living is {col_feel} compared to where I came from..
Neighborhood-wise, Downtown has really changed in the past few years. Zionsville is the up-and-coming spot right now. Fishers is where I'd look if budget is a concern.
Job market for construction: excellent. For nonprofit: up-and-coming.
Honestly the biggest downside is {downside}.
42 upvotes
Gary W.
Pretty much.
42 upvotes
Avery Torres
Hard disagree.
42 upvotes
Colton Ramirez
I'll give you a thorough answer since I've been through this exact situation.
I moved to Broad Ripple from Austin about 2 years ago. Initially I was excited but nervous. But after settling in, Cost of living is {col_feel} compared to where I came from..
A few things I'd recommend:
- Check out Broad Ripple and Speedway for housing
- Try the farmers market on Saturday mornings
- Explore beyond the popular neighborhoods
The biggest adjustment was job market. The weather took some getting used to but I actually love it now.. Overall I'd give Indianapolis a 6/10 for singles.
42 upvotes
Ruby
Homeowner in Carmel since 2019. People here are friendlier than I expected coming from {other}.. Property values have increased significantly which is great for equity.
39 upvotes
Isaiah Martin
TIL.
38 upvotes
Colton James
Born here, left for 10 years, came back. The {industry} scene here is really picking up.. The city has transformed a lot.
38 upvotes
Abigail
Great question. Here's my honest take after 5 years:
The good:
- Friendly locals
- Low commute times
- Pet-friendly city
The not-so-good:
- Rising rent
- Hard to date here
Downtown has improved dramatically since I first moved here.. I'd say for couples, Indianapolis is pretty good. Happy to answer questions.
36 upvotes
Elijah H.
Underrated comment.
34 upvotes
Adam Davis
Totally agree.
33 upvotes
jaxrider2024
Let me give you the perspective nobody asked for but everyone needs.
I've lived in Broad Ripple, Irvington, and currently in Lockerbie Square. Each one feels like a different city honestly.
Rent comparison:
- Broad Ripple: /mo for a 2-bed
- Irvington: about /mo
- Lockerbie Square: /mo but underrated
I keep discovering new spots even after {yr} years.. The key is finding your neighborhood. Once you do, Indianapolis really clicks.
31 upvotes
Santiago E.
Gonna share a detailed perspective since most replies are pretty surface-level.
I'm a empty nester in Zionsville. Been here since 2017. The {industry} scene here is really picking up..
Neighborhood-wise, Zionsville has really evolved in the past few years. Fishers is the up-and-coming spot right now. Fletcher Place is where I'd look if budget is a concern.
Job market for healthcare: hit or miss. For retail: affordable.
I've never felt unsafe walking around {hood} at night.
29 upvotes
Declan Murphy
Let me give you the perspective nobody asked for but everyone needs.
I've lived in Herron-Morton, Fletcher Place, and currently in Fishers. Each one feels like a different city honestly.
Rent comparison:
- Herron-Morton: /mo for a 1-bed
- Fletcher Place: about /mo
- Fishers: /mo but underrated
People here are friendlier than I expected coming from {other}.. The key is finding your neighborhood. Once you do, Indianapolis really clicks. Feel free to ask specifics.
28 upvotes
Rylee C.
Gonna share a detailed perspective since most replies are pretty surface-level.
I'm a single mom in Meridian-Kessler. Been here since 2019. I've never felt unsafe walking around {hood} at night..
Neighborhood-wise, Meridian-Kessler has really shifted in the past few years. Lockerbie Square is the up-and-coming spot right now. Zionsville is where I'd look if budget is a concern.
Job market for logistics: improving. For retail: growing.
Public transit is {transit_feel} - you'll want a car.
DM me if you want more details.
27 upvotes
Jace Peterson
Born here, left for 10 years, came back. The airport connections are {adj} which matters if you travel.. The city has evolved a lot.
20 upvotes
tampa_paisley
Alright, I'm going to write the reply I wish someone had written for me when I was researching Indianapolis.
Background: 35, single mom, moved from Denver 3 years ago for a fresh start. Currently in Fountain Square.
**Housing:**
The market is underrated right now. We went with Fountain Square because great school district. Paid /mo starting out, now at /mo. If I could do it again, I'd look at Zionsville - it's up-and-coming and the value is better.
**Work:**
finance jobs are tough here. I was worried coming from Denver but the market is solid. Salary-wise, expect about 10-15% less than coastal cities.
**Social Life:**
This was my biggest worry. First 9 months were tough. Then I found my people through a kickball league. Now I have a solid group. Indianapolis people are down-to-earth once you break through.
**Day to Day:**
- Groceries: pricey
- Traffic: not as bad as people say
- Dining out: decent but not world-class
- Entertainment: solid local scene
**Would I move here again?**
People here are friendlier than I expected coming from {other}.. For couples, I'd give it a 8/10.
Feel free to DM me with specific questions - happy to help fellow newcomers.
17 upvotes
Lydia Carter
Pretty much.
15 upvotes
Alyssa C.
My experience has been different actually. I found that The community in {hood} is really tight-knit.. Maybe it depends on which part of Indianapolis you're in.
15 upvotes
Serenity Parker
Just to add another data point - we moved from San Francisco about 10 years ago. The community in {hood} is really tight-knit.. No regrets so far.
14 upvotes
Allison Davis
Great question. Here's my honest take after 8 years:
The good:
- Low commute times
- Diverse neighborhoods
- Good farmers markets
The not-so-good:
- Hard to date here
- Road conditions
Public transit is {transit_feel} - you'll want a car.. I'd say for young professionals, Indianapolis is underrated. Hope that helps!
14 upvotes
Ryan Foster
Haven't experienced that personally.
12 upvotes
Nevaeh R.
Noted.
12 upvotes
kc_vivian
I've lived in both Noblesville and Meridian-Kessler. Completely different vibes. Nightlife is decent if you know where to go..
10 upvotes
Waylon
Weekend warrior here - Indianapolis is excellent for running. The school system in {hood} is actually {adj}.
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