Moving to Indiana: Pros and Cons in 2025
If you’re thinking about moving to Indiana, you’re not alone. The Hoosier State atttacts newcomers for good reason! With bustling metropolitan areas like Indianapolis and quiet rural towns, there’s a place to match your desired pace of life.
As much as there is to love about Indiana, it’s smart to weigh the good and the not-so-good before you buy a new home and pack up your belongings.
Here, we’ll walk you through what you need to know about moving to Indiana to help you decide if it’s the right fit for you.
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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 IN
- ✓Low cost of living
- ✓Amiable people
- ✓Excellent universities
- ✓Diverse economies
- ✓Water recreation
Cons of living in IN
- ✖Cold and snowy winters
- ✖Low diversity
- ✖Limited recreational activities
- ✖Limited public transportation
- ✖Air pollution
Things to do in Indiana
Whether you’re moving to Indiana work, family, or just a fresh start, you’ll want to get the most out of your new home state — and that includes finding fun things to do. The good news is that, no matter your interests, Indiana has lots of fun places to explore and things to do.
You can visit these places with your family or use them to meet new people if you’re alone. With so many choices, you’re sure to find something that suits you and makes you feel comfortable.
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 a unique character molded by its history, culture, and residents. Learning about its small details and quirky traditions helps you understand what life there is truly like.
These fun facts about Indiana, will give you a glimpse at what makes the state unique, and may even give you a few more reasons to make the move.
- 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
While you’re thinking about relocating to Indiana, it’s important to look beyond facts and figures to get to the story they tell about the Hoosier State.
A state with more people might have more jobs, entertainment, and better infrastructure. On the other hand, a state with fewer people could mean a quieter lifestyle and close-knit communities.
Average education levels show the availability of job opportunities or access to local schools and colleges. Political breakdowns may indicate a state’s values and priorities.
Understanding who lives in Indiana, how they live, and what they value can make it much easier to decide if it’s the kind of place where you’d feel comfortable and connected.
| 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
Climate plays a huge role in shaping your day-to-day life, so it’s an important factor to consider when deciding whether Indiana is right for you. Looking at seasonal highs and lows and average rain and snowfall can help you imagine how much time you’ll be spending outdoors, preparing for storms, and adjusting to temperature extremes.
Summer highs can influence your energy bills and how much time you spend away from the AC. Winter lows determine the type of wardrobe and heating system you’ll need. Annual snowfall can range from light flurries to major storms that affect travel and daily life.
Whether you love sunshine, prefer cooler temps, or want to avoid snow altogether, knowing the climate can help you decide if Indiana aligns with your lifestyle and comfort level.
| 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.
Knowing which industries boost the economy can help you evaluate job prospects in your field or foresee job market stability. If you’re thinking about renting or buying a home, housing costs are probably a major factor when deciding whether to move.
The cost of living index shows how much your money is worth compared to the national average. A lower index usually means daily expenses such as groceries, transportation, and housing are cheaper.
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 influences your decision to move, a state’s schools reflect its career opportunities and community resources.
Whether you’re planning to go back to school yourself, have kids nearing graduation, or just want to live in a state with strong academic options, it’s worth checking out what Indiana has to offer.
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’ve reviewed hundreds of moving companies and worked directly with customers to identify the top movers across the country.
If you’re planning on moving to the Hoosier State, here are the best moving companies to help you transport your belongings to your new home wherever you are headed 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 you take the leap to Indiana, it’s a good idea to get a handle on moving costs. On average, hiring professional movers will run you about $131 per hour. The total cost depends on how much stuff you have and how far you’re moving. Cross-country moves, for example, will definitely hit your wallet harder than a quick hop across state lines.
The type of move you choose can make a big difference in cost, too.
To keep costs down, choose one of the best moving container companies. You do the packing and loading and they handle the driving for you, so it’s kind of like a middle ground between DIY and full-service.
Want to save even more? The most affordable option is to get a rental truck. With this options, you’ll do all of the heavy lifting, including packing, loading, driving, and unloading.
But if you’d rather not break a sweat, professional interstate movers can do all the work for you. Just keep in mind that this convenience comes at a price. Be sure to get quotes from several different movers to find one that fits your budget and moving needs.
| Company | Quote | Rating |
|---|---|---|
Safeway Moving
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Mayzlin Relocation
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BLVD Moving
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PODS
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American Van Lines
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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
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