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.
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3 Reasons to Live in Indiana
- Good Education System: Indiana has a high school graduation rate of 90.9% and is ranked seventh in the country for grades Pre-K through 12.
- Job Growth: In 2024, the number of jobs in Indiana is projected to increase by 1,280.
- Affordable Cost of Living: Indiana has an 8% lower cost of living than the US average.
7 Best Places to Live in Indiana
Indiana is home to some of the best cities, each with a distinct appeal and charm.
| # | City | Population | Median Home Price | Monthly Expenses | Unemployment Rate | Community Well-Being Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Zionsville | 30,832 | $487,500 | $8,601 | 1.9% | 72/100 |
| 2. | Westfield | 48,262 | $499,990 | $9,103 | 2.4% | 70/100 |
| 3. | Indianapolis | 891,604 | $224,450 | $8,098 | 2.5% | 60/100 |
| 4. | Fort Wayne | 264,514 | $191,000 | $7,778 | 2.5% | 56/100 |
| 5. | Bloomington | 79,006 | $260,000 | $8,289 | 2.5% | 52/100 |
| 6. | Carmel | 99,453 | $522,450 | $8,098 | 1.9% | 60/100 |
| 7. | South Bend | 103,084 | $141,000 | $8,095 | 3.4% | 55/100 |
1. Zionsville: Best Place to Live in Indiana
| Home Value | ⬆️ 4.4% |
| Median Income | $204,191 |
| Monthly Expenses | $8,601 |
| Unemployment Rate | 2.7% |
Zionsville is one of the best places to live in Indiana. The median home price in this town is $571,816. The town’s average 2 bedroom rent is $1,510, $80 more than the national average. Throughout the year, Zionsville also holds several festivals and cultural events, such as the Brick Street Market and the Zionsville Lions Club Fall Festival.
Over the past year, Zionsville has experienced a 2.4% increase in the job market. Several major employers, including Finish Line, BAE Systems Electronic Systems, and Avon Products, Inc., support the town’s economy.
» Homes for Sale in Zionsville, IN: View thousands of properties in this safest city.
2. Westfield: Best City for Families
| Home Value | ⬆️ 1.2% |
| Median Income | $157,236 |
| Monthly Expenses | $9,103 |
| Unemployment Rate | 2.9% |
Westfield is one of the best cities in Indiana. The median home price in Westfield is $429,623. The average cost of living in Westfield is $1973. It is also known as the best city to live in Indiana for family. The city’s advantageous location close to important highways and Indianapolis supports a robust local economy.
Moreover, the city also offers a range of cultural and entertainment options, such as Westfield in Lights, Rock the Junction, etc.
» Homes for Sale in Westfield, IN: Find your dream home in the Crossroads of Indiana.
3. Indianapolis: Best Capital City to Move on Budget
| Home Value | ⬆️ 1.7% |
| Median Income | $75,792 |
| Monthly Expenses | $7,743 |
| Unemployment Rate | 2.80% |
The largest capital city of the state of Indiana is Indianapolis. The cost of living in the city is 1% higher than the state average and 8% lower than the national average. In Indianapolis, groceries and clothing cost approximately 4% less than the national average.
The capital city has seen the job market increase by 2.5% over the last year. It is home to more than 700 businesses, including the global headquarters for companies such as Eli Lilly and Company, Dow AgroSciences, and ExactTarget.
» Homes for Sale in Indianapolis, IN: Search for your home in the capital city of Indiana.
4. Fort Wayne: Best City for Young Professionals
| Home Value | ⬆️ 7.9% |
| Median Income | $62,031 |
| Monthly Expenses | $7,779 |
| Unemployment Rate | 2.70% |
Fort Wayne is the second-largest city in the state of Indiana. The median home price in this city in Indiana is $217,257. The city offers various cultural attractions, such as the Fort Wayne Museum of Art, a performance at the Embassy Theatre, or outdoor activities at parks like Headwaters Park.
Besides this, employment in Fort Wayne has risen by 8.3%. Some major employers are Parkview Health, Lutheran Health Network, Lincoln Financial Group, Fort Wayne Metals, etc. Some major employers are Parkview Health, Lutheran Health Network, Lincoln Financial Group, Fort Wayne Metals, etc.
» Homes for Sale in Fort Wayne, IN: Find your dream home in Summit City.
5. Bloomington: Safest City to Live
| Home Value | ⬆️ 2.6% |
| Median Income | $54,060 |
| Monthly Expenses | $8,289 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.0% |
Bloomington is one of the best cities to live in Indiana. It is also home to Indiana University, one of the largest and most prestigious public universities in the United States. The cost of living in the city is 8% higher than the state average and 1% lower than the national average.
In addition, the median home price in the city is $287,138. The city also has educational facilities like the WonderLab Museum of Science, Health, and Technology, which offers families and kids interactive learning opportunities.
» Homes for Sale in Bloomington, IN: Find your dream home in one of the best cities in Indiana.
6. Carmel: Best City to Live in Indiana
| Home Value | ⬆️ 4.6% |
| Median Income | $119,772 |
| Monthly Expenses | $9,103 |
| Unemployment Rate | 2.60% |
Carmel is one of Indiana best places to live. The median home price is $503,545. The city offers its residents a superior quality of life. The city’s job market grew by 2.5%, and it’s predicted to grow by 43.8% over the next decade.
The city has numerous businesses, providing residents with ample job opportunities. Some major employers include Zotec Partners, ADESA, Seven Corners, etc.
» Homes for Sale in Carmel, IN: View the best luxurious properties for sale in the best city in Indiana.
7. South Bend: Best Place for Retirees
| Home Value | ⬆️ 8.0% |
| Median Income | $46,002 |
| Monthly Expenses | $8,095 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.5% |
South Bend is among the best places to retire in Indiana. The city is home to the University of Notre Dame, a renowned institution known for its academic excellence and storied history. South Bend has a cost of living that is 3% less than the state average and 11% less than the federal average.
The city’s economy is diverse, with strong sectors such as education, manufacturing, and healthcare. It includes employers like Saint Joseph Health System and Beacon Health System.
» Homes for Sale in South Bend, IN: View the best properties in Wagon City.
Best Places to Live in Indiana for Young Adults
Here are the best places to live in Indiana for young adults:
- Columbus: Columbus is the best city for young adults. Future job growth over the next ten years is predicted to be 38.9%. Some of the best are Dorel Juvenile Group, NTN Driveshaft Inc, Enkei America, Inc., etc.
- Fishers: It is a tech and innovation hub. The city has seen the job market increase by 2.5% over the last year. Some of the best industries are ClearObject, Formstack, etc.
Bottom Line
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 one of the best places to live in Indiana.
The city’s current population in 2024 is estimated to be 6.87 million, making it the 17th largest populous state in the US.
In some cities, the median home price is $228,552. Whereas in cities like Carmel, it can go up to $503,545. So, you must do your research before you move to Indiana. To start your home search, browse properties online.
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Research Methodology
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: Zillow[2] and Redfin[3]
- Median Household Income: United States Census Bureau[4]
- Monthly Expenses: Economic Policy Institute[5]
- Unemployment Rate: US Bureau of Labor Statistics[6]
- Community Well-Being Score: Community Well-Being Index by Sharecare[7]
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, retirees, and working professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best place to live in Indiana?
Fort Wayne is the best place to live in Indiana. The median home price in this city is $217,257 and the cost of living is relatively low. The employment rate in Fort Wayne has risen by 8.3%. Some major employers are Parkview Health, Lutheran Health Network, Lincoln Financial Group, Fort Wayne Metals, etc.
Which is the best place to live in Indiana for retirees?
South Bend is the best place to live for retirees. The city's economy is diverse, with strong sectors such as education, manufacturing, and healthcare. The cost of living in this city is 3% less than state average.
Which is the cheapest place to live in Delaware?
Gary is the cheapest place to live in Indiana. Home prices and cost of living in the city are some of the lowest in the state.
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