Jobs are booming, and costs are shrinking in Indiana! Yep! Americans love Indiana! And why wouldn’t they? The Hoosier State charges ahead with its economy ranked 5th in the nation! Even better, the COL is 8% lower, and housing prices are 8% below the US median.
No wonder 150,649 people moved to Indiana in 2024! The state is known for its love of basketball, beautiful fall weather, and sprawling farmlands. With a diverse economy, affordable living, and excellent job prospects. Your dream home is closer than you think!
What Are the Best Places to Live in Indiana?
| # City | Weighted Average Scores | Median House Price | Median Income | Cost of Living | Community Wellbeing | Crime Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Fishers | 73.54 | $555K | $144,626 | 7% ⬆️ | 70 | 58 |
| 2. Carmel | 65.33 | $555K | $173.106 | 6% ⬆️ | 60 | 21 |
| 3. Logansport | 61.17 | $105K | $60,771 | 29% ⬇️ | 49 | 24 |
| 4. Indianapolis | 56.56 | $240K | $75,991 | 14% ⬇️ | 54 | 3 |
| 5. Fort Wayne | 55.44 | $203K | $72,419 | 18% ⬇️ | 54 | 13 |
| 6. West Lafayette | 54.72 | $366K | $101,331 | 16% ⬇️ | 55 | 18 |
| 7. Zionsville | 51.71 | $680K | $174,048 | 0.9% ⬆️ | 55 | 82 |
| 8. Bloomington | 33.61 | $250K | $106,708 | 11% ⬇️ | 52 | 7 |
| 9. South Bend | 45.21 | $180K | $61,974 | 21%⬇️ | 55 | 5 |
| 10. Peru | 43.35 | $160K | $54,479 | 28% ⬇️ | 38 | 3 |
*These cities are ranked based on our research methodology.
To simplify your search in the Indiana housing market, we’ve sorted the top 10 cities into four categories: for young professionals, for single families, and for retirees. Each city is evaluated based on the median house price, cost of living, crime rate, and unemployment rate.
4 Best Places to Live in Indiana for Young Adults 💼
1. Indianapolis
- Median House Price: $240K
- Cost of Living: 14%⬇️ than the national average.
- Crime Rate: 3%
- Unemployment: 4%
- Walkability Score: 37; it is a car-dependent city.
Indianapolis is the capital and largest city of Indiana and is also known as the Crossroads of America. This is because of its strategic location on I-69, which connects it to the state’s largest cities. This excellent connectivity makes it a hub for logistics and jobs.
Trade, transportation, and utilities are the largest employers in Indianapolis, which employs over 240,000 people. Major employers in the area include companies like Amazon and FedEx. Renowned for its motorsports heritage, it hosts the iconic Indianapolis 500 at the Motor Speedway.
» Indianapolis Homes for Sale: Explore properties in one of the best cities to live in Indiana.
2. Fort Wayne
- Median House Price: $203K
- Cost of Living: 18%⬇️ than the national average.
- Crime Rate: 13%
- Unemployment: 3%
- Walkability Score: 32; somewhat walkable
Fort Wayne, the ‘Summit City,’ is the second-largest city in Indiana. It is a booming hub for healthcare and manufacturing, with major employers like Park View Health. Its low cost of living makes it a good place to buy your next house, start your career, or launch a business.
Located in the Midwest, the Summit City has over 400 lakes for outdoor activities. On weekends, you can visit the Parkview Field for a baseball match. You can enjoy Kickstart, a month-long celebration of bikes, arts, and music, held every May. Besides, you can also explore the Fort Wayne Museum of Art.
» Fort Wayne Homes for Sale: Search homes in one of the best cities in Indiana for young adults.
3. Bloomington
- Median House Price: $250K
- Cost of Living: 11%⬇️ than the national average.
- Crime Rate: 7%
- Unemployment: 4.4%
- Walkability Score: 43, it is generally walkable
Home to Indiana University, Bloomington is famous for its arts scene, abundant restaurants, and diverse cultural offerings. Forbes termed it as one of the “Best Places For Business Careers” in 2019. So, if you’re a young professional, this city has a lot to offer!
You can visit McCormick’s Creek State Park to soak in the picturesque waterfalls. Monroe Lake is also great for boating and fishing on the weekends. Besides, you can also catch a race at the Bloomington Speedway or ride the Bloomington’s Mural Train on the weekend.
» Bloomington Homes for Sale: Discover your future home in one of the most charming southern Indiana cities.
4. West Lafayette
- Median House Price: $366k
- Cost of Living: 16%⬇️ than the national average.
- Crime Rate: 18%
- Unemployment: 3.3%
- Walkability Score: 51, somewhat walkable
Home of the popular Purdue University, West Lafayette is renowned for its major research institutions. Skywater Technology is the key firm and employs 24% of the residents. Besides this, it is a great place where you can find an abundance of cultural attractions.
The downtown offers a variety of art galleries and breweries. This includes the historic Triple XXX Family Restaurant, Indiana’s oldest drive-in. Besides, Celery Bog Nature Area is a popular green space in the area.
» West Lafayette Homes for Sale: Find your dream home in one of the most beautiful places in Indiana.
3 Best Places to Live in Indiana for Families 👨👩👧👦
1. Carmel
- Median House Price: $555k
- Cost of Living: 6%⬆️than the national average.
- Crime Rate: 21%
- Unemployment: 2.6
- Walkability Score: 19, highly car dependent
Carmel is one of the most popular locations in Indiana. It boasts a high quality of life, a strong economy, and a family-friendly vibe. This city is referred as the ‘Roundabout Capital’ of the US, due of its 128 roundabouts that have been constructed since 1998.
It has also been recognized as one of the safest and best cities in Indiana to raise a family. Here, you can visit Carmel Beach, taste local wines, and explore the Arts District. Besides, you can also experience the scenic 17-mile Drive and discover the historic landmarks.
» Carmel Homes for Sale: Find your dream home in one of the best places to live in Indiana.
2. Zionsville
- Median House Price: $680k
- Cost of Living: 0.9%⬆️ than the national average.
- Crime Rate: 82%
- Unemployment: 4%
- Walkability Score: 60, somewhere walkable
Zionsville is one of the best places in Indiana and safer than 82% of the cities in the US. On weekends, you can visit the Eagle Creek State Park for a quick hike. Besides, you can also visit the Wetland Reserve or practice your swing at the Eagle Creek Golf Club.
Families flock to Zionsville for its small-town charm and public schools that rank within the top 5% of 364 school districts in the state. From convenient walkability to quality education, this city checks all the boxes for a place where you can find your forever home.
» Zionsville Homes for Sale: Explore homes in one of the best cities in Indiana for your dream home.
3. Fishers
- Median House Price: $362k
- Cost of Living: 7%⬆️ than the national average.
- Crime Rate: 58%
- Unemployment: 2%
- Walkability Score: 18, highly car dependent
Fishers is a rapidly growing suburb and often regarded as one of the friendliest towns in Indiana. With top employers like Navient, Stanley Security, and Roche, its job market is projected to grow at 55% annually. This is almost twice the US median.
For recreation, you can visit the popular Conner Prairie Interactive History Park and the Geist Waterfront Park on the weekend. Besides, you can also visit the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater for live music and entertainment with your family.
» Fishers Homes for Sale: Find your dream property in one of the best places to live in Indiana for families.
Best Places to Live in Indiana for Retirees🧓
1. South Bend
- Median House Price: $180k
- Cost of Living: 21%⬇️than the national average.
- Crime Rate: 5%
- Unemployment: 5.5%
- Walkability Score: 42, somewhat bikeable
Like many Rust Belt cities, South Bend has poured money into residential development to offer more living space to its residents. Love history, art, or live shows? If yes, then you can explore the National Studebaker Museum and catch a show at the Morris Performing Arts Center.
Additionally, major local employers include the Saint Joseph and the Beacon Health System. On weekends you can visit the St. Joseph River to enjoy urban whitewater rafting at the East Race Waterway.
» South Bend Homes for Sale: Explore properties in one of the best places to live in IN.
2. Peru
- Median House Price: $160k
- Cost of Living: 28%⬇️than the national average.
- Crime Rate: 3%
- Unemployment: 6.4%
- Walkability Score: 71, highly walkable
Located in the heart of the Hoosier State, Peru is a quiet town that will surprise you with its charm. Among the small cities in Indiana, Peru appeals most to retirees. While it does not share the metropolitan energy, it offers a different appeal: tranquility.
If you enjoy the outdoors, Peru is a hidden gem. Nearby, you’ll find state parks that are perfect for short hikes, fishing, and birdwatching with your family. Besides, you can also visit Grissom Air Museum, which offers a fascinating glimpse into aviation history.
» Peru Homes for Sale: Explore homes in one of the safest places to live in Indiana.
3. Logansport
- Median House Price: $105K
- Cost of Living: 28⬇️than the national average.
- Crime Rate: 24%
- Unemployment: 3.2%
- Walkability Score: 51, somewhat walkable
Logansport is one of the best places to live in Indiana for retirees who seek an affordable waterfront community. Nestled in the valleys of the Eel and Wabash Rivers, it offers a serene landscape. This balances outdoor recreational potential with an engaging local scene.
Seniors relocating to Logansport can indulge in an active lifestyle throughout their day. You can enjoy walks along the River Bluff Trail and Riverside Park. Besides, you can also explore the popular hiking trails like the France Park Waterfall trail.
» Logansport Homes for Sale: View top properties in the most beautiful places in Indiana.
Mortgage Pre-Approval: Your First Step to Buy a Home 🏡
Mortgage pre-approval simplifies the home-buying process by giving you a clear picture of your budget and borrowing capacity. Plus, sellers are more likely to accept your offer if you’re pre-approved since it shows you’re a serious buyer.
With the current low mortgage rate of 6.17%, there is an increase in home-buying demand in Texas. So, don’t wait. Get a mortgage pre-approval today and avoid bidding wars!
Is Indiana a Nice Place to Live?
Moving to Indiana means experiencing a midwestern lifestyle with a strong sense of community and affordability, diverse landscapes, and a relaxed pace of life.
Indiana is one of the best places to live in the U.S. thanks to its booming job market, top-notch education system, and great climate. Moreover, the price of living in Indiana is 2% lower than the national average.
Research Methodology for the Best Places to Live in Indiana
This study ranks Indiana cities using a weighted average scoring model based on eight parameters. We’ve linked the resources used in our study of the best places to live in the Hoosier State:
Redfin[1]: Median House Price
Zipatlas[2]: Population, Median Income, Expenses, Unemployment Rate
Salary.com[3]: Cost of Living
Sharecare[4]: Community Well-Being
Neighborhoodscout[5]: Crime Index Score
The total score for each city combines a weighted score for its rank. Here’s the weightage: population (10%), home price (20%), income (20%), expenses (15%), unemployment (15%), cost of living (10%), crime index (5%), and well-being (5%).
Additionally, we have listed the good cities to live in Indiana for varying demographics. These include the best places to live for families, young adults, and retirees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Indiana a good state to live?
Yes, the Hoosier State is a good place to live. In Indiana, the cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. Zionsville, Westfield, and Indianapolis are some of the best places in Indiana to live.
Which is best city to live in Indiana?
Fishers is the best city to live in Indiana. The city offers a strong job market with major employers like Finish Line and BAE Systems Electronic Systems. It also hosts annual cultural events.
What are the nicest cities in Indiana to live in?
The best parts to live in Indiana are the central and northern regions. They include cities like Indianapolis, Carmel, Fort Wayne, and more.
Which is the cheapest place to live in Indiana?
Gary is one of the cheapest places to live in Indiana. The cost of living in the city is 12.7% lower than the national average.
