I'm originally from Indianapolis and The unemployment rate is 2.5%, which is pretty low. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The city has invested a lot in new development.
22 upvotes
15 Replies
Benjamin Cook
Hot take but I have mixed feelings honestly. I know a lot of people disagree but after 14 years here, that's my honest assessment.
30 upvotes
real_vivian26
underrated comment
27 upvotes
Elena Thomas
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, the quality of life is solid. No regrets on my end..
27 upvotes
Katherine Gomez
I work in government here and the quality of life is solid. The job market for my field is underrated. Happy to answer more specific questions..
24 upvotes
Sofia
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. I have mixed feelings honestly. Compared to Miami it's challenging.
24 upvotes
Harper J.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 27, moved here 4 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in Oak Park and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Urban sprawl is real
3. The community vibe situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for remote workers. improving vibes, walkable.
- North: 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 Charlotte, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
20 upvotes
Gloria W.
couldn't agree more
12 upvotes
Ian G.
couldn't agree more
11 upvotes
Ellie
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 10 years. Moved from Austin for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is average - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Downtown schools are hit or miss. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Property taxes are high. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 9/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
10 upvotes
charlotte_kinsley
I've lived in East for about 13 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from Seattle, I was surprised by pet-friendliness. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Close to major attractions
- The nightlife scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Road conditions need improvement
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for remote workers. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
9 upvotes
Willie B.
Used to live on the Uptown side, now on the West side. Completely different vibe. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
7 upvotes
Weston R.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. it's been a really good experience overall. Compared to Nashville it's decent.
3 upvotes
Roman Lopez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Springfield for 1 years. Moved from New York for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is average - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Springfield schools are excellent. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Limited public transit options. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 5/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
2 upvotes
Avery R.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 47, moved here 7 years ago from Salt Lake City. I've lived in Pine Hills and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good internet infrastructure
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The school system situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for couples. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Meadowbrook: 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 Salt Lake City, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $50K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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.
All Countries
