Median Home
$220,000
Rent (1BR)
$1,000/mo
Cost of Living
88 / 100
Unemployment
3.6%
Sunny Days
186/yr
Walkability
Car-Dependent
What It's Really Like in Indianapolis
The crossroads of America with the Indy 500, affordable Midwest living, and a surprisingly vibrant downtown with excellent restaurants and sports culture.
Neighborhood Guide
Where to live in Indianapolis based on your lifestyle and budget.
Mass Ave
trendyIndianapolis's cultural corridor with theaters, restaurants, and boutiques. The city's most walkable and vibrant district.
Avg Rent
$1,300
Home Price
$300,000
Walkability
High
Broad Ripple
trendyVillage atmosphere with the Monon Trail, local shops, and college-town energy near Butler University.
Avg Rent
$1,100
Home Price
$280,000
Walkability
Medium
Carmel
family-friendlyConsistently rated one of the best places to live in America with roundabouts, arts district, and excellent schools.
Avg Rent
$1,300
Home Price
$380,000
Walkability
Medium
Fountain Square
artsyRetro-cool neighborhood with duckpin bowling, vinyl bars, and Indy's best dive bars. Creative and affordable.
Avg Rent
$1,000
Home Price
$250,000
Walkability
Medium
Cost of Living Breakdown
Compared to the national average (100). Below 100 = cheaper, above 100 = more expensive.
Groceries
94
6% below avg
Housing
66
34% below avg
Transportation
96
4% below avg
Healthcare
92
8% below avg
Utilities
94
6% below avg
Best Neighborhoods By Situation
Best for Families
- Carmel — $1,300/mo rent
Best for Young Professionals
- Mass Ave — $1,300/mo rent
- Broad Ripple — $1,100/mo rent
Most Affordable
- Fountain Square — $1,000/mo rent
- Broad Ripple — $1,100/mo rent
Most Walkable
- Mass Ave — walkability: high
Getting Around Indianapolis
Walkability: Car-Dependent
Indianapolis is primarily car-dependent. You'll need a vehicle for most daily activities including commuting, shopping, and entertainment.
Airport: IND
Indianapolis is served by IND airport, connecting you to major domestic and international destinations. This is important if you travel frequently for work or want to visit family back home.
Jobs & Economy
Median Income
$49,027
Unemployment Rate
3.6%
State Income Tax
3.23%
Cost of Living Index
88
Top Industries
HealthcarePharmaceuticalsMotorsportsInsuranceLogistics
Major Employers
Indiana University HealthEli LillyAnthemRoche DiagnosticsRolls-Royce
Popular Routes to Indianapolis
People are moving to Indianapolis from these cities.
Indianapolis, INIndianapolis
290 miles4.5hr driveI-65 South
Indianapolis, INIndianapolis
530 miles8hr driveI-74 East
Indianapolis, INIndianapolis
530 miles8hr driveI-65 South
Indianapolis, INIndianapolis
1,000 miles15hr driveI-70 West
Indianapolis, INIndianapolis
1,060 miles16hr driveI-70 West
Indianapolis, INIndianapolis
837 miles15.2hr driveI-40 East
Indianapolis, INIndianapolis
2,348 miles42.7hr driveI-40 West
Indianapolis, INIndianapolis
214 miles3.9hr driveI-65 North
Indianapolis, INIndianapolis
1,126 miles20.5hr driveI-65 South
Moving from Indianapolis to Other States
Route guides from Indianapolis, IN to every US state.
Indianapolis → CaliforniaIndianapolis → TexasIndianapolis → FloridaIndianapolis → New YorkIndianapolis → PennsylvaniaIndianapolis → IllinoisIndianapolis → OhioIndianapolis → GeorgiaIndianapolis → North CarolinaIndianapolis → MichiganIndianapolis → New JerseyIndianapolis → VirginiaIndianapolis → WashingtonIndianapolis → ArizonaIndianapolis → MassachusettsIndianapolis → TennesseeIndianapolis → MarylandIndianapolis → MissouriIndianapolis → WisconsinIndianapolis → ColoradoIndianapolis → MinnesotaIndianapolis → South CarolinaIndianapolis → AlabamaIndianapolis → LouisianaIndianapolis → KentuckyIndianapolis → OregonIndianapolis → OklahomaIndianapolis → ConnecticutIndianapolis → UtahIndianapolis → IowaIndianapolis → NevadaIndianapolis → ArkansasIndianapolis → MississippiIndianapolis → KansasIndianapolis → New MexicoIndianapolis → NebraskaIndianapolis → IdahoIndianapolis → West VirginiaIndianapolis → HawaiiIndianapolis → New HampshireIndianapolis → MaineIndianapolis → Rhode IslandIndianapolis → MontanaIndianapolis → DelawareIndianapolis → South DakotaIndianapolis → North DakotaIndianapolis → AlaskaIndianapolis → District of ColumbiaIndianapolis → VermontIndianapolis → Wyoming
Moving from Indianapolis to Metro Areas
Route guides from Indianapolis to major metropolitan areas.
Indianapolis → New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJIndianapolis → Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CAIndianapolis → Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-INIndianapolis → San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CAIndianapolis → Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TXIndianapolis → Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WVIndianapolis → Trenton-Princeton, NJIndianapolis → Bridgeport-Stamford-Danbury, CTIndianapolis → Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MDIndianapolis → Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FLIndianapolis → Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZIndianapolis → Vallejo, CAIndianapolis → Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TXIndianapolis → Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WAIndianapolis → Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MDIndianapolis → Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WAIndianapolis → Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NHIndianapolis → Denver-Aurora-Centennial, COIndianapolis → Kenosha, WIIndianapolis → Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI
Moving from Indianapolis to Major Cities
Route guides from Indianapolis to the largest US cities.
Indianapolis → New York, NYIndianapolis → Los Angeles, CAIndianapolis → Chicago, ILIndianapolis → Houston, TXIndianapolis → Phoenix, AZIndianapolis → Philadelphia, PAIndianapolis → San Antonio, TXIndianapolis → San Diego, CAIndianapolis → Dallas, TXIndianapolis → Austin, TXIndianapolis → San Jose, CAIndianapolis → Jacksonville, FLIndianapolis → Fort Worth, TXIndianapolis → Columbus, OHIndianapolis → Charlotte, NCIndianapolis → San Francisco, CAIndianapolis → Seattle, WAIndianapolis → Denver, COIndianapolis → Nashville, TNIndianapolis → Oklahoma City, OKIndianapolis → Washington, DCIndianapolis → El Paso, TXIndianapolis → Boston, MAIndianapolis → Portland, ORIndianapolis → Las Vegas, NVIndianapolis → Memphis, TNIndianapolis → Louisville, KYIndianapolis → Baltimore, MDIndianapolis → Milwaukee, WIIndianapolis → Albuquerque, NM
Your Indianapolis Newcomer Checklist
A 30-60-90 day plan to get settled in your new city.
30
First 30 Days
- Update your driver's license & vehicle registration
- Register to vote at your new address
- Set up utilities (electric, water, internet)
- Find a primary care doctor & dentist
- Open a local bank account if needed
- Explore your neighborhood on foot
60
Days 30–60
- Join a local gym, club, or meetup group
- Try restaurants in different neighborhoods
- Find your go-to grocery store & pharmacy
- Learn the best commute routes & shortcuts
- Attend a local event or festival
- Meet your neighbors — introduce yourself
90
Days 60–90
- Establish a weekend routine (parks, brunch spots)
- Build a professional network in your industry
- Find a favorite coffee shop to work from
- Explore day-trip destinations nearby
- Start feeling like a local — give directions!
- Invite friends & family to visit your new home