Moving to Indianapolis, Indiana

Quick insights

• Though sometimes overlooked, Indianapolis is an exciting midwestern city with much to offer in terms of arts, music and sports.
• The cost of living and housing in Indianapolis is lower than other cities of a similar size, which may make it especially appealing for families or first-time homebuyers.ec-payscale-indianapolis
• Prospective buyers should be aware of the still-developing public transit system, plus the potential need for flood insurance and septic updates.

Moving to Indianapolis means committing to one of the biggest and most exciting cities in the Midwest with over 880,000 residents.ec-census_2025 Considered part of the Rust Belt, Indianapolis was once home to more than 60 automakers, rivaling the nearby city of Detroit. Today, an industrious vibe and racing culture remains in Indianapolis, complemented by other modern cultural developments driven by the city’s residents. In this article, we’ll provide an overview of city life and things to know before moving to Indianapolis.

About Indianapolis

The site that would eventually become Indianapolis was selected in 1820 by a committee looking to seat the new state’s capital. Its strategic location amongst rolling plains, accessible by all parts of the state, would earn the city its official moniker, “The Crossroads of America.” The streets of Indianapolis are laid out in a grid formation, with a central roundabout (“Monument Circle”) and four diagonal boulevards which divide its quadrants (Indiana Avenue, Kentucky Avenue, Virginia Avenue and Massachusetts Avenue).

What it’s like to live in Indianapolis, Indiana

Indianapolis is often referred to as “Indy” by residents, who proudly identify as “Hoosiers.” The climate in Indianapolis can range from 18 to 80 degrees throughout the year. Those moving to Indianapolis should anticipate diverse weather conditions, including potentially harsh winters and balmy summers.

Outdoor activities

Indianapolis has many green spaces throughout the city to enjoy during warmer months, with several major parks of note. New Hoosiers may want to consider visiting Martin Luther King Memorial Park, Ensign Graham Edward Martin Park and White River State Park. White River State Park, which is nearest to the city center, contains an amphitheater, the Indianapolis Zoo and the carefully landscaped White River Gardens, among other attractions. For those interested in boating, the Geist Reservoir, Eagle Creek Reservoir, Morse Reservoir and Lake Monroe provide convenient and scenic options for days out on the water.

Arts and culture in Indy

The city has much to offer locals in terms of both classic and contemporary performing and visual arts. The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra and Indiana Repertory Theater offer performances at the highest artistic levels, with programming for kids to help engage and inspire. Indianapolis is known for its love of jazz music, with several notable jazz clubs and an annual jazz festival. For art, residents can visit any of the many privately owned galleries in the city or check out the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields. The 152-acre Newfields campus has activities for kids and adults alike, including seasonal programming, a beer garden and many outdoor sculptures.

Sports and racing in Indianapolis

Sports are a major part of life in Indianapolis. The city has a special interest in amateur sports, with NCAA Final Fours and Big Ten championships frequently hosted in Indy. Indianapolis’ pro-sports teams include the Indianapolis Colts (NFL), the Indiana Pacers (NBA), Indiana Fever (WNBA) and Indy Fuel (ECHL), among others.

And of course, there’s the iconic Indy 500, an annual 500-mile car race that takes place at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The race is internationally known as the largest single-day sporting event in the world, hosting close to 400,000 people throughout the property on the day of the race.ec-world-record-academy-speedway Outside of race day, racing enthusiasts can visit the adjacent museum, which includes one of the world’s largest collections of racing and classic cars.

Getting around Indianapolis

True to its roots, Indy remains a car-focused city when it comes to getting around. Apart from the four major diagonal streets previously listed, those moving to Indianapolis with a car should be aware of the locations of I-79 and I-65, which trace through the east side of the city.

There is also a substantial public transportation system in place—the IndyGo system—with plans from the city to make it even better. These plans include expanding the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) program and improving access to the Indianapolis International Airport (IND), located southeast of the downtown area. For cyclists, the city continues to add more miles of bike lanes and expand the Indiana Pacers Bikeshare program.

The Indianapolis job market

Indianapolis has many jobs in the healthcare, finance, education and insurance industries. Because of the many sports activities in the city, there are also many jobs for those interested in stadium operations and other athletics-focused careers. The public school system and higher education institutions (such as Indiana University and Marian University) also employ many academic professionals within the city.

What to consider when buying a home in Indianapolis

Buying a home is one of the biggest purchases the average person will ever make. Making the decision carefully will require considering many factors, including the price, the best neighborhoods for your lifestyle and city-specific regulations.

Cost of living in Indianapolis, Indiana

Indianapolis is a notably affordable city, with an overall cost of living falling 10% below the national average.ec-payscale-indianapolis Housing is especially affordable, coming in at 22% lower than the national average. At the time of writing, the median home price in Indianapolis is $387,968, making the city attractive for first-time homebuyers.

Popular neighborhoods in Indianapolis

When it comes to selecting the right area to shop for a home in, it's important to consider both your lifestyle essentials and the added perks of each neighborhood.

• Devon: Located on the northeast side of the city, this quiet residential neighborhood has many single-family homes built in the 1950s with mid-century charm, expansive yards and greenery. Devon is about a 15-minute drive from the downtown area, using major roads.
• Geist: Also on the north side of the city, Indy's Geist neighborhood has a sparse urban feel with good public schools. It is near the Geist Reservoir (which provides fresh water to the city), the Community Hospital North and Fort Harrison State Park.
• Fountain Square: Located on the near east side of downtown Indy, this artsy neighborhood is walkable, friendly and loaded with quirky shops, nightlife and laid-back dining. Many historic single-family homes can be found here, with good access to public transportation and major hospitals nearby.
• New Bethel: This neighborhood on Indy’s southeast side has many newer, larger homes with room to spread out and good access to I-74.

Additional considerations for homebuyers

Before moving to Indianapolis, it’s important to make sure you’re up to date on the relevant regulations and concerns of the area. Considerations for homebuyers in Indianapolis include:

• Flood insurance: Parts of Indianapolis are prone to flooding, so certain homes may require additional flood insurance.
• Historic preservation: Homes with historic faces may fall under strict regulations to restrict changes to the exterior of the building.
• Septic systems: Many homes in Indianapolis have historically had their own septic systems; In recent years, this practice began raising environmental concerns, and the city has taken steps to regulate private septic systems and support residents transitioning to the municipal sewage system. When shopping for a home in Indianapolis, making an inquiry about the property's connection status is essential to prepare for potential connection and construction costs.

Housing resources in Indianapolis, Indiana

Buying a home is complicated, and first-time homebuyers are bound to need all the help they can get. Programs worth investigating for financial support and guidance include:

• The Indianapolis Neighborhood Housing Partnership: This group offers programs and guidance for first-time homebuyers, including homebuyer education courses and affordable loan programs.
• The Department of Metropolitan Development: The city also provides resources through this department, including information on zoning and development plans that may affect future property values.
• Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans: This government-backed program insures loans for qualifying borrowers (with a credit score, buying a home that falls within FHA loan limits) to encourage lenders to offer lower down payments and closing costs.

Moving to Indiana: Pros and cons

To help you make your assessment, let’s review some of the pros and cons of living in Indianapolis:

Pros of living in Indianapolis

• Low cost of living and many affordable homes
• Many residential and family-friendly neighborhoods
• Good public transit system, with planned expansions
• Robust arts scene and sports culture

Cons of living in Indianapolis

• Potentially challenging weather
• Job market is somewhat narrowly focused
• Some areas not as well connected by public transit
• Homeowners may need to purchase flood insurance and a septic tank

In conclusion

For many people who are thinking about moving to Indianapolis, the city has all the ingredients needed for a happy, fulfilling lifestyle. In particular, the low cost of living and housing in the city may make it easier to get by and focus on family or hobbies. Before buying, prospective homeowners should research potential neighborhoods and special housing considerations. Especially for first-time buyers or those out of state, working with an established real estate professional in the area or a home lending advisor can make a world of difference.