Indianapolis, Indiana is a city on the rise, attracting businesses and tech talent. This Midwest city has a low cost of living and high quality of life, making it a vibrant hub for young professionals who want both an exciting career and an affordable lifestyle.
If you're considering whether Indianapolis is a good place to live, read on to learn why it might just be the perfect place for your next career move — and a fantastic place to call home.
8 Reasons You’ll Love Living and Working in Indianapolis
1. A Growing Tech Scene
The Midwest is seeing a surge in tech growth, Indianapolis included. Many of the cities’ tech companies are raising significant capital. Since 2019, there has been a surge in venture capital (VC) investments — and subsequent tech startups — which only boost Indiana’s growing reputation as a tech hub.
CompTIA's State of the Workforce projected the state’s tech jobs will grow by almost 3% and Visit Indy boasts that there are 815,000 tech industry jobs in Indiana.
TechPoint’s 2024 Indiana Venture Report showed Indiana ranked 6th in the nation for share of deal increase from 2023 to 2024 — only 16 states increased their share of deal value this year. As the state and its tech ecosystem continue to focus on supporting entrepreneurship and venture growth, this share is only expected to increase.
Indianapolis is home to key industries like healthcare, manufacturing — including advanced manufacturing and automotive —, logistics, and financial services.
The city prides itself on being a leading center for life sciences, fueled by significant outputs in pharmaceuticals, healthcare research, and biotechnology.
Additionally, the manufacturing industry remains a cornerstone of Indianapolis’s economic framework. The availability of skilled labor and robust infrastructure propels this sector, with substantial contributions coming from advanced manufacturing and automotive industries.
2. Home to Major Corporations
Indy isn't just about startups; it's also a hub for established corporate giants. These companies provide stability to the local economy, creating numerous well-paying jobs:
- Eli Lilly and Company: A global pharmaceutical leader headquartered in Indianapolis, Lilly has been a cornerstone of the city's economy for over a century.
- Salesforce: Salesforce’s largest presence outside San Francisco is in Indy. The company even has its name on the tallest building in the state.
- Anthem, Inc. (now Elevance Health): One of the largest health insurance companies in the United States, Anthem has a significant presence in Indy.
- Cummins: While headquartered in nearby Columbus, Indiana, Cummins has a substantial operation in Indianapolis.
- Roche Diagnostics: A major player in the diagnostics industry, with a North American headquarters in Indianapolis.
- OneAmerica Financial: A financial services company with headquarters in Indianapolis.
3. Affordable Living
Indianapolis stands out as one of the most affordable major cities in the U.S. It has a 10% lower cost of living than the national average and was in the top quartile for cost of living compared to the national average.
This affordability extends to:
- Housing: Home prices and rental costs are generally lower than the national average — 22% in 2024 — making it easier to find a comfortable place to live without breaking the bank.
- Cost of Goods: Everyday expenses, from groceries to clothing, are slightly more budget-friendly in Indianapolis.
- Utilities: Utility costs are reasonable — 5% less than the national average — further contributing to overall savings.
Additionally, the estimated median tech wage was $77,912, offering tech workers in Indianapolis a higher quality of life when coupled with the state’s low cost of living.
4. A Flourishing Arts and Culture Scene
Photo courtesy of Indy Jazz Fest
Indianapolis boasts a rich cultural scene that goes far beyond the Indy 500. Art lovers, specifically, will find plenty to explore:
- Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields: Featuring a diverse collection spanning various periods and styles, plus beautiful gardens and grounds.
- Mass Ave (Massachusetts Avenue): A vibrant arts and theater district with galleries, performance venues, and unique shops.
- Fountain Square: Known for its eclectic mix of art galleries, live music venues, and vintage shops.
- Indiana State Museum: Showcasing Indiana's natural and cultural history.
For music lovers, the city hosts Indy Jazz Fest every September. It’s 10 days of jazz music highlighting world-class talent and a celebration of music, joy, and community.
In the Near Eastside of Indianapolis, the Feast of Lanterns happens annually, a free and family-friendly festival with local music, craft vendors, and neighborhood booths.
These events, along with others, allow Indiapolias-dwellers to celebrate music, art, film, and more in their home city.
5. A Diverse and Welcoming Community
Indianapolis is a melting pot of cultures and backgrounds. The city is becoming increasingly diverse, welcoming people from all walks of life. For example, the Hispanic population has grown significantly in the last two decades. This diversity is reflected in the city's neighborhoods, cuisine, and cultural events, like FIESTA Indianapolis, which has showcased Hispanic and Latino culture since 1981.
6. It’s Family-Friendly
Indianapolis is home to the world’s largest children’s museum, which has 7.5 acres of outdoor sports, core exhibits, and daily activities. But that aside, the low cost of living and affordability of housing attract those looking for a “big, small-town” atmosphere.
7. Top-Notch Educational Institutions
The city and its surrounding regions attract top talent to its colleges and universities, bolstering its claim as a tech hub. These higher education institutions are developing cutting-edge programs and curricula to cultivate a skilled workforce that can meet the demands of the ever-evolving tech industry.
Besides being the home to IUPUI (Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis), Indianapolis is a short drive from top universities such as:
- Indiana University: Home to one of the top-ranked business schools, Kelley School of Business, and the largest medical school in the nation, the university is located in Bloomington, Indiana, which is about an hour away from Indianapolis.
- Purdue University: Ranked as one of the top engineering schools in the country, and ranked #3 in the number of engineering degrees it awards. Purdue is located in West Lafayette, Indiana, which is about an hour and a half away from Indianapolis.
8. Parks, Trails, and Outdoor Adventures
Indianapolis offers an abundance of green spaces and recreational opportunities:
- White River State Park: Located in the heart of downtown, this urban park features walking and biking trails, gardens, and attractions like the Indianapolis Zoo.
- Monon Trail: A popular paved trail for walking, running, and biking that stretches for miles through the city and surrounding suburbs.
- Eagle Creek Park: One of the largest city parks in the United States, offering hiking trails, a lake for boating and fishing, and a nature preserve.
Whether you enjoy a leisurely stroll, an invigorating bike ride, or a peaceful paddle, Indy has something for everyone.
