OK so I'm originally from Indianapolis and Homes are going for about $613,200 on average. The city has invested a lot in new development. Would love some local perspective. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The suburbs are where most families end up.
21 upvotes
13 Replies
Avery Morris
facts
37 upvotes
Lillian Kelly
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 57, moved here 6 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in Old Town and Sunset, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The job market situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for families. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Sunset: 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 Baltimore, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $100K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
36 upvotes
Theodore Moore
I've lived in Midtown for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from San Francisco, I was surprised by nightlife. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Good airport with direct flights
- The pet-friendliness scene is decent
The downsides:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for couples. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
36 upvotes
Thomas C.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 2 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is pet-friendliness. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the food scene is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Springfield side vs the South side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
34 upvotes
Theodore Reyes
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 10 years. Moved from Minneapolis for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2017 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. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Lakewood schools are surprisingly good. 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. Chain restaurants dominate. Dating scene is rough. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 8/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
33 upvotes
Isaac Richardson
glad someone said it
30 upvotes
Julian Edwards
I've lived in The Heights for about 4 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I genuinely enjoy living here. When I first moved here from Houston, I was surprised by cultural scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good internet infrastructure
- Good airport with direct flights
- The dating scene scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for families. Feel free to reach out with questions..
25 upvotes
Willie P.
I've lived in Westside for about 15 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from Dallas, I was surprised by outdoor recreation. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Four distinct seasons
- The pet-friendliness scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Urban sprawl is real
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for retirees. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
23 upvotes
Hailey Anderson
Saving this thread
23 upvotes
Connor Rivera
I've lived in Meadowbrook for about 1 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from Denver, I was surprised by safety. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Close to major attractions
- The food scene scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Limited high-paying job options
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for couples. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
22 upvotes
Zoe Evans
I've lived in Greenfield for about 1 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I genuinely enjoy living here. When I first moved here from Charlotte, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Close to major attractions
- The school system scene is tough
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Chain restaurants dominate
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for families. Hope this helps!.
19 upvotes
naomi_mama
Public transit is hit or miss here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's exactly what I was looking for.
13 upvotes
avery_heart
I work in manufacturing here and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The job market for my field is decent. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
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