Moving to Indiana: Pros and Cons in 2025
Thinking of moving to Indiana? You’re not alone. The Hoosier State draws folks from everywhere—whether you’re after the excitement of Indianapolis or the charm of quiet small towns, there’s a perfect spot waiting for you.
Indiana has plenty to offer, but before making the move and buying a home, take a moment to weigh the pros and cons.
We’ll break down everything you should know about moving to Indiana so you can easily decide if it’s the right place for you.
Jump to the Indiana information you are looking for:
Pros & cons of living in Indiana
Like any big move, relocating to Indiana comes with its own upsides and potential downsides that are important to consider.
Here’s a look at some of the biggest pros and cons of living in the Hoosier State to help you make an informed decision.
Pros of living in Indiana
- ✓Low cost of living
- ✓Amiable people
- ✓Excellent universities
- ✓Diverse economies
- ✓Water recreation
Cons of living in Indiana
- ✖Cold and snowy winters
- ✖Low diversity
- ✖Limited recreational activities
- ✖Limited public transportation
- ✖Air pollution
Things to do in Indiana
No matter why you’re heading to Indiana—for a job, family, or just a change of scenery—you’ll want to dive into everything your new home has to offer. The great thing is, Indiana is packed with exciting activities and places to discover, no matter what you’re into.
These places are perfect for family outings or for meeting new people if you’re exploring on your own. With so many choices, you’re sure to find a spot that matches your style and makes you feel at home.
Popular Attractions in Indiana
- Indianapolis Zoo
- Indianapolis Motor Speedway
- Indianapolis Children’s Museum
- Holiday World & Splashin Safari
- Eiteljorg Museum of American Indian and Western Art
- White River State Park
- Lucas Oil Stadium
- Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument
- Conner Prairie Interactive History Park
- Marengo Cave National Landmark
Museums in Indiana
- Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
- Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum
- Indianapolis Museum of Art
- French Lick West Baden Museum
- USS LST Ship Memorial
- Candles Holocaust Museum
- RV/MH Hall of Fame and Museum
- Studebaker National Museum
- Minnetrista
- The Eiteljorg Museum
Parks in Indiana
- Brown County State Park
- Washington Park
- Forest Park
- Indiana Dunes State Park
- We Care Park
- Falls of the Ohio State Park
- Marquette Park
- Eagle Creek Park
- White River State Park
- Craig Park
Fun facts about Indiana
Each state has its own distinct flavor, influenced by its history, culture, and residents. Exploring local traditions and quirks lets you really experience what life is like there.
Learning these fun facts about Indiana reveals what makes the state unique—and might even spark your interest in making it your new home.
- On August 29th, 1958, the “King of Pop” Michael Jackson was born in Gary, Indiana
- The world’s largest anatomically correct sculpture of the human brain lies in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at Indiana University.
- Bedford, Indiana, is known as the “Limestone Capital of the World.” The city was named so because it is surrounded by large limestone quarries.
- The Empire State building was erected from the limestone procured from Empire Quarry in Indiana. The limestone was also used in the construction of the Pentagon and National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., as well as several state capitols.
- Santa Claus, a town in Spencer County, Indiana receives more than half a million “Dear Santa” letters at Christmas time every year. The most interesting fact is that each and every letter is read and is replied to!
- Abraham Lincoln, the most beloved president in the history of America, at the age of 7, moved to Indiana. There he lived with his family on a farm from 1816 to 1830.
- The first successful goldfish farm in the United States was opened in Martinsville in 1899.
- Indiana means “land of the Indians.” It was named after the American Indian tribe who lived there when Europeans arrived.
- Because many transportation routes pass through the state, the state’s motto is the “Crossroads of America.”
Indiana population and demographics
Planning a move to Indiana? Get the inside scoop on what living in the Hoosier State is truly all about—not just the stats.
Choosing a more populous state often brings you more job options, a lively entertainment scene, and better infrastructure. In contrast, moving to a less crowded state usually means a quieter life and a closer-knit community.
Checking out average education levels gives you a sense of local job opportunities and how easy it is to find schools or colleges nearby. Meanwhile, a state’s political landscape reveals what values and priorities matter most to people living there.
Learning about the people, daily life, and values in Indiana can help you decide if it’s the right place for you to feel at home.
| Metric | Indiana |
|---|---|
| Population | 6,833,037 |
| Female | 50.3% |
| Male | 49.7% |
| College graduation rate | 28.88% |
| Political leaning | Republican 57-41 |
| Crime index | 19.72 |
Indiana weather
Weather plays a major role in daily life, so it’s smart to consider it when deciding if Indiana is right for you. Looking at seasonal temperatures and rainfall will help you plan outdoor activities, pick the right clothing, and stay prepared for whatever the forecast brings.
Scorching summer days can send your energy bills soaring and leave you cranking the AC around the clock. When winter rolls in, you’ll want a warm wardrobe and reliable heating to stay comfortable. And when snow falls, you might get anything from a gentle flurry to a heavy storm that throws your daily routine into chaos.
Curious about endless sunshine, refreshing cool breezes, or escaping snowy winters? Understanding Indiana’s climate is key to figuring out if it matches your vibe.
| Metric | Indiana |
|---|---|
| Summer high | 85ºF |
| Winter low | 19ºF |
| Annual rain | 43″ |
| Annual snow | 22″ |
Income and cost of living in Indiana
A look at major industries, average income, housing costs, and the overall cost of living gives you a clearer picture of how affordable and sustainable life will likely be in Indiana.
For example, knowing which industries drive the economy can help you gauge job opportunities in your field or predict the stability of the job market. Whether you’re planning to rent or buy, housing costs are likely one of the biggest pieces of the financial puzzle for you when deciding if you should move.
The cost of living index ties it all together by showing how far your dollar will stretch compared to the national average. A lower index typically means everyday expenses like groceries, transportation, and housing are more affordable.
These numbers are more than just statistics. They’re practical tools that help you compare your current lifestyle to what’s possible in Indiana and make a confident, informed decision about your move.
The main economic industries in the state include:
- Manufacturing ($100.7 billion)
- Real estate and rental and leasing ($36.3 billion)
- Educational services, health care, and social assistance ($35 billion)
- Professional and business services ($31.7 billion)
- Finance and insurance ($21.2 billion)
- Wholesale trade ($20.6 billion)
- Retail trade ($20.1 billion)
- Construction ($14.1 billion)
- Arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation, and food services ($13.5 billion)
- Transportation and warehousing ($13.2 billion)
| Metric | Indiana |
|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $844 |
| Average home cost | $228,879 |
| Average income (per capita) | $67,173 |
| Cost of living index* | 91 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.6% |
| Average sales tax | Not available |
| State income tax | 3.15% |
*To figure out the cost of living in each state, there’s a 100-point index, known as the cost of living index. This metric starts with a baseline number of 100. States with a number below that are less expensive to live in while states with numbers higher than 100 are more expensive to live in.
Top schools in Indiana
If education ranks high on your moving checklist, a state’s schools and universities can reveal a lot about local career opportunities and the overall community vibe.
If you’re thinking about heading back to school, have kids nearing graduation, or simply want to live somewhere with great educational opportunities, Indiana is definitely worth a look.
Here are some of the top schools in Indiana:
- Purdue University
- Indiana University Bloomington
- University of Notre Dame
- Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis
- Ball State University
- Earlham College
- Hanover College
- Indiana State University
- DePauw University
- University of Evansville
- Butler University
- Valparaiso University
- Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
- Purdue University Fort Wayne
- University of Southern Indiana
Finding the best moving company for your relocation to Indiana
We sifted through 2,756 moving companies across the country, including 49 right here in Indiana, and teamed up with actual movers and people like you to find the very best in the business.
Planning a move to the Hoosier State? Take a look at the best moving companies that’ll make sure your belongings arrive safely, wherever you’re coming from.
- Alabama to IN
- Arkansas to IN
- Arizona to IN
- California to IN
- Colorado to IN
- Connecticut to IN
- Delaware to IN
- Florida to IN
- Georgia to IN
- Iowa to IN
- Idaho to IN
- Illinois to IN
- Kansas to IN
- Kentucky to IN
- Louisiana to IN
- Massachusetts to IN
- Maryland to IN
- Maine to IN
- Michigan to IN
- Minnesota to IN
- Missouri to IN
- Mississippi to IN
- Montana to IN
- North Carolina to IN
- North Dakota to IN
- Nebraska to IN
- New Hampshire to IN
- New Jersey to IN
- New Mexico to IN
- Nevada to IN
- New York to IN
- Ohio to IN
- Oklahoma to IN
- Oregon to IN
- Pennsylvania to IN
- Rhode Island to IN
- South Carolina to IN
- South Dakota to IN
- Tennessee to IN
- Texas to IN
- Utah to IN
- Virginia to IN
- Vermont to IN
- Washington to IN
- Wisconsin to IN
- West Virginia to IN
- Wyoming to IN
Cost of moving to Indiana
Before making your move to Indiana, it’s smart to plan for the costs involved. On average, expect to spend around $136 per hour for professional movers. Your final price will vary based on the amount you’re moving and the distance—cross-state treks cost more than local relocations.
The way you move can have a major impact on your overall costs.
If you want to cut moving costs, check out one of the top moving container companies. You’ll get to pack and load your belongings whenever it works for you, while the company takes care of all the driving. It’s the perfect way to combine flexibility and savings—no need to go fully DIY or pay for an expensive full-service move.
Looking to cut costs? A moving truck rental is the cheapest route. You handle all the packing, loading, driving, and unloading yourself.
Want to skip the stress of moving on your own? Professional interstate movers can handle everything for you. But remember, this level of convenience usually comes with a bigger price tag—so be sure to shop around and compare quotes to find the best fit for your budget and your move.
| Company | Quote | Rating |
|---|---|---|
Safeway Moving
|
||
Mayzlin Relocation
|
||
BLVD Moving
|
||
PODS
|
||
American Van Lines
|
Cost to bring your car to Indiana
Bringing a car with you? Use our car shipping calculator below to estimate how much it’ll cost to transport your vehicle to Indiana.
Indiana car insurance requirements
Indiana drivers license requirements
FAQ
Is it worth it to move to Indiana?
How much money should I have to move to Indiana?
What salary do I need to live comfortably in Indiana?
What is the downside of living in Indiana?
Indiana Moving Resources
moveBuddha Migration Reports
With over 400,000 people utilizing our website to help plan their moves, we have up to date, deep insight into the most popular places people are moving to and from right now.
Not what you were looking for?
Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!
