Americans love Indiana! And why wouldn’t you? The state is ranked 7 in Pre-K through 12, with a high school graduation rate of 90.9%, above the national average. In addition, Indiana is also one of the leading manufacturing states in the United States.
In 2024, the state’s GDP will grow below 1%, rising to between 1% and 2% per quarter in 2025. There are various best places to live in Indiana, such as Indianapolis, Westfield, Zionsville, etc.
The state is also a major producer of steel, heavy machinery, and automotive parts. Apart from that, the Indy 500 in Indiana is the largest auto-racing event globally and the biggest single-day sporting event worldwide. So, to know more, let’s explore the cities to live in Indiana.
Best Places to Live in Indiana in 2024
Here’s our ranking of the top areas in Indiana to live in. We’ve considered the community well-being score, median home price, monthly expenses, and the population of the cities.
| # | City | Population | Median Home Price | Monthly Expenses | Community Well-Being Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Zionsville | 32,534 | $580,000 | $8,601 | 72/100 |
| 2. | Westfield | 57,746 | $480,000 | $9,103 | 70/100 |
| 3. | Indianapolis | 888,578 | $238,000 | $8,098 | 60/100 |
| 4. | Fort Wayne | 269,994 | $225,900 | $7,778 | 56/100 |
| 5. | Bloomington | 78,840 | $296,500 | $8,289 | 52/100 |
| 6. | Carmel | 102,296 | $485,375 | $8,098 | 60/100 |
| 7. | South Bend | 103,395 | $485,375 | $8,095 | 55/100 |
| 8. | Fishers | 104,094 | $413,000 | $9,103 | 70/100 |
| 9. | Lafayette | 71,216 | $233,500 | $7,905 | 55/100 |
| 10. | Noblesville | 73,916 | $347,000 | $9,103 | 70/100 |
10 Best Places to Live in Indiana
Here’s our list of the top 10 cities that offer comfortable living options in the Hoosier State:
#1 Zionsville
- Median Home Price: $580,000[2]
- Median Household Income in Zionsville: $152,788[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 72/100[6]
- 3 Popular Zip Codes in Zionsville, IN: 46077 | 46075 | 46052
Living in Zionsville is 81% safer than in the rest of the country. This quaint town is renowned for its heritage, dotted with historical buildings like the Brick Street Inn. Zionsville also hosts several events, the most famous being the Lions Club Fall Festival.
A low unemployment rate of 3.3% reflects Zionsville’s strong job market. Several major employers support the town’s economy. These include Finish Line, BAE Systems Electronic Systems, and Avon Products, Inc.
» Zionsville Homes for Sale: View properties in the best place to live in Indiana.
#2 Westfield
- Median Home Price: $480,000[2]
- Median Household Income in Westfield: $117,519[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 70/100[6]
- 3 Popular Zip Codes in Westfield, IN: 46074 | 46062 | 46069
Westfield is a fast-growing city in Hamilton County. Living here is 8% cheaper than the national average. The average salary in the city amounts to around $44,793 annually.
Westfield’s growth is driven by its strategic location along U.S. Route 31, with easy access to Indianapolis and nearby cities. It is also home to the Grand Park Sports Campus, the largest U.S. youth sports facility hosting soccer, baseball, and football tournaments.
» Westfield Homes for Sale: Find your ideal home in one of the best cities to live in IN.
#3 Indianapolis
- Median Home Price: $238,000[2]
- Median Household Income in Indianapolis: $59,110[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 60/100[6]
- 3 Popular Zip Codes in Indianapolis, IN: 46201 | 46203 | 46218
Indianapolis, the capital of Indiana, is known as the ‘Crossroads of America’. This is due to its central location amidst an extensive highway network. Besides this, healthcare costs are 11% lower than the national average.
Indianapolis has a diverse economy where healthcare, manufacturing, and technology are key industries. Top employers are Eli Lilly, Salesforce, and Indiana University Health. 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.
#4 Fort Wayne
- Median Home Price: $225,900[2]
- Median Household Income in Fort Wayne: $58,233[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 56/100[6]
- 3 Popular Zip Codes in Fort Wayne, IN: 46814 | 46818 | 46825
Known as the ‘Summit City’, Fort Wayne is the second-largest city in the state. It is a major economic hub, with key industries being healthcare, manufacturing, and logistics. Parkview Health, Steel Dynamics, and General Motors are major employers.
Fort Wayne’s cost of living is 9% lower than the national average. Moreover, the city offers various cultural attractions, such as the Fort Wayne Museum of Art. It also has parks, such as Headwaters Park, for outdoor activities.
» Wayne Homes for Sale: Discover your ideal residence in one of the best places in Indiana to live.
#5 Bloomington
- Median Home Price: $296,500[2]
- Median Household Income in Bloomington: $46,543[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 52/100[6]
- 3 Popular Zip Codes in Bloomington, IN: 47401 | 47403 | 47408
Bloomington is home to Indiana University, one of the largest and most prestigious public universities nationwide. In addition, the WonderLab Museum of Science, Health, and Technology is an educational set-up popular amongst kids.
Healthcare costs 6% lower than the national average. Known for its natural beauty, it boasts several limestone canyons and waterfalls at McCormick’s Creek State Park. Also, Monroe Lake is great for boating and fishing.
» Bloomington Homes for Sale: Find your dream home in one of the best places to live in Indiana.
#6 Carmel
- Median Home Price: $485,375[2]
- Median Household Income in Carmel: $132,859[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 60/100[6]
- 3 Popular Zip Codes in Carmel, IN: 46032 | 46033 | 46280
Carmel boasts a high quality of life, a strong economy, and a family-friendly vibe. The city has a flourishing job market with a low a unemployment rate of 4%. Healthcare, finance, and tech are major industries and employers include Zotec Partners, ADESA, and Seven Corners.
Moreover, Carmel has parks like Coxhall Gardens and the Monon Trail for biking and walking. The Arts & Design District features art galleries, boutiques, and eateries. They attract both residents and visitors alike.
» Carmel Homes for Sale: Explore properties in one of the best places to live in IN.
#7 South Bend
- Median Home Price: $485,375[2]
- Median Household Income in South Bend: $49,056[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 55/100[6]
- 3 Popular Zip Codes in South Bend, IN: 46628 | 46615 | 46614
South Bend is home to the University of Notre Dame. It is a renowned school, known for its high academic standards and rich history. The cost of living is also 11% lower than the national average.
Major employers in South Bend include the Saint Joseph Health System and the Beacon Health System. The city also sits on the St. Joseph River, which offers an urban whitewater rafting experience at the East Race Waterway.
» South Bend Homes for Sale: View properties in one of the best cities to live in Indiana.
#8 Fishers
- Median Home Price: $413,000[2]
- Median Household Income in Fishers: $126,548[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 70/100[6]
- 3 Popular Zip Codes in Fishers, IN: 46037 | 46038 | 46040
Fishers is a rapidly growing suburb. The cost of living is 7% higher than the state average. However, its job market is strong and projected to grow at 55.28% annually. Major employers like Navient, Stanley Security, and Roche contribute to this growth.
The city also offers various recreational activities. You can visit popular spots like the Conner Prairie Interactive History Park or the Fishers Farmers Market. Also, the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater offers live music and entertainment.
» Fishers Homes for Sale: Explore beautiful homes in one of the best places to live in Indiana.
#9 Lafayette
- Median Home Price: $233,500[2]
- Median Household Income in Lafayette: $126,548[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 55/100[6]
- 3 Popular Zip Codes in Lafayette, IN: 47905 | 47906 | 47909
Lafayette offers a blend of small-town charm and big-city amenities. Food in the city costs 3% lower than the national average. It is also home to Purdue University, which contributes to a strong academic and research environment.
Moreover, Lafayette has a zoo, a battlefield museum, and historic downtown areas. It’s known for its mix of history and modern culture. It houses Indiana’s oldest bar and is well-known for events like the Taste of Tippecanoe.
» Lafayette Homes for Sale: Discover your ideal residence in one of the best towns to live in Indiana.
#10 Noblesville
- Median Home Price: $347,000[2]
- Median Household Income in Noblesville: $99,458[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 70/100[6]
- 3 Popular Zip Codes in Noblesville, IN: 46060 | 46062 | 46250
Noblesville blends city life with natural beauty. It boasts parks like Forest Park and Dr. James A. Dillon Park, which offer several outdoor activities. Moreover, the cost of living in the city is 13% lower than the US average.
Noblesville has a job growth rate of 52.22%, which is quite impressive. Major employers include Riverview Health, SMC Corporation of America, and Noblesville Schools.
» Noblesville Homes for Sale: Find your ideal home in one of the best places in Indiana to live.
Best Places to Live in Indiana Based on Demographics
We have researched the best places for single families, young professionals, and retirees. The cities are ranked on parameters like education, employment opportunities, and healthcare facilities.
| Demographic | #1 | #2 | #3 |
| Single Families | Carmel | Zionsville | Westfield |
| Young Professionals | Indianapolis | Fort Wayne | South Bend |
| Retirees | Peru | Marion | Connersville |
Is Indiana the Right Place for Your Next Move?
Indiana is one of the best places to live in the US due to its growing job market, good schools, and a strong sense of community. Zionsville is among the best places to live in Indiana.
With the current low mortgage rate of 6.25%, there is an increase in the home-buying demand in Indiana. Get a mortgage pre-approval to make sure your offer stands out from the competition.
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Research Methodology for Best Places to Live in Indiana
We considered different regions to rank the best places in Indiana. Comparison criteria for the best cities to live in Indiana and the information sources are as follows:
- Population: Indiana Demographics Report[1]
- Median Home Price: Redfin[2]
- Median Household Income: United States Census Bureau[3]
- Monthly Expenses: Economic Policy Institute[4]
- Community Well-Being Score: Community Well-Being Index by Sharecare[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 place to live?
Yes, the Hoosier State is a good place to live and is a major steel producer. The cost of living is 8% 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?
Zionsville 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 parts of 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 the cheapest place to live in Indiana. The cost of living in the city is 12.7% lower than the national average.
