9 Best Places to Live in Indiana in 2024
Indiana is known for its vibrant cities, beautiful landscapes, and friendly communities. For folks who are looking for a new place to call home, there are many urban and suburban towns and cities in Indiana worth considering, particularly due to the low cost of living, safety, and favorable tax laws. But how does one pick the town that best suits your needs? Considering everything below, plus factoring in entertainment, outdoor activities, and housing, here are the nine best places to live in Indiana in 2024.
Carmel
If safety is a top priority, look no further than Carmel; it consistently ranks as one of Indiana’s safest cities. Carmel is located to the north of Indianapolis and, apart from low crime rates, has an excellent school system and plenty of parks, making it a great place for families. Carmel is home to some of Indiana’s top-ranked schools, with fantastic staff and many high-achieving students. Aside from academia, these schools offer a variety of extracurricular options to students, from sports to fine arts.
The infrastructure in Carmel can only be described as affluent and pristine. The streets, parks, and shopping centers are very well maintained, and the average income is high compared to the rest of the state. Unemployment is low, and there are ample opportunities for jobseekers looking to move to Carmel and improve their quality of life. Additionally, Carmel is a thriving, upbeat city with a well-established art scene, fantastic theaters, many art galleries, churches, and several annual cultural events.
Fishers
Fishers is a suburb of Indianapolis and, much like Carmel, it is safe, has a flourishing economy, superb schools, and offers a top-notch quality of life for families and individuals looking for a new start. Fishers is one of Indiana’s top 10 safest cities, with almost every neighborhood being peaceful and secure. There are also plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, such as boating at Geist Reservoir. There are 100 miles of trails in Fishers for hiking or biking, 60 or more sports fields, and 24 parks.
Every Saturday from May to September, local vendors come together at the Farmer’s Market to sell superb treats like honey, meat, bread, jam, and coffee. The downtown area is a bustling district filled with restaurants, shops, and entertainment spots. Alternatively, new residents can head to the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater, which hosts several yearly festivals, movie events, and concerts.
Zionsville
Zionsville is a peaceful small town outfitted with the best of modern amenities. It is located in Boone County and is extremely safe, with little to no property or violent crimes. While the population in Zionsville is lower than in Carmel and Fishers at 32,286 residents, it does have a higher cost of living.
This cost is because many of the properties are historic Victorian homes that are very well-maintained. However, the quality of life is very high here. Zionsville is a calm town, and the residents are friendly. It is a great place for those looking to escape the hustle of city living.
Education in Zionsville is on par with Carmel and offers students a multitude of extracurricular activities such as choir, band, and sports. While the town is quaint and quiet, it does not lack in the entertainment department. There are plenty of cozy cafes, art galleries, and quaint shops located downtown, and nature preserves and parks nearby.
West Lafayette
The well-known Purdue University is situated in West Lafayette, making it a college town with plenty of campus activities and events open to all. The city is also home to many top-ranked high schools which offer students a world-class education.
The infrastructure in West Lafayette is a combination of urban and suburban and boasts several art galleries, restaurants, and unique shops that residents love. Most locals spend their free time playing baseball at Howard Park or biking along Wabash River, among other things.
West Lafayette isn’t limited to college students alone; many young professionals choose to move to this city because of its flourishing economy and ample job opportunities. Renters or buyers will appreciate West Lafayette’s low crime rate and low housing costs.
Bloomington
Bloomington is a fantastic place to call home because of its welcoming community. Many families, individuals, young couples, and retirees have settled in this beautiful city. It does not cost a lot to live in Bloomington, either.
The city is well known for its limestone quarries, Indiana University, and its protected forests, lakes, and hills. The university and its many students give Bloomington a youthful feel. Additionally, the school system in this city is also highly rated.
Natural beauty is abundant in Bloomington. With 200 miles of trails, biking, walking, and hiking are common pastimes. There are several fantastic restaurants and craft breweries and a thriving art, sports, and music scene. For more subdued activities, residents like to view the Elizabeth Sage Costume Collection or take a tour of the Eskenazi Museum.
Columbus
Named the 2022 Community of the Year by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce, Columbus is a city with stunning architecture and a healthy business climate. Seven buildings within Columbus are National Historic Landmarks, but there are plenty of modern buildings that are equally stunning.
Living in Columbus will be perfect for people who enjoy the great outdoors, as Clifty Falls State Park, Brown County State Park, and Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge and close by. Columbus is safer than 18% of neighborhoods in the U.S. The city is centrally located (it is only an hour away from Indianapolis), 18% safer than other neighborhoods, and has a low cost of living, which makes it a great place to live.
Fort Wayne
Fort Wayne is a bustling, mid-sized, Midwestern town that hosts several annual events such as the Busker Fest and Three Rivers Festival.
It is a great city to live in if you want to raise a family, grow a business, or work because of its low cost of living and quiet neighborhoods. Housing costs in Fort Wayne are lower than average, making buying a home achievable.
If you have kids, the Children’s Zoo and The Fort Wayne Science Central are the perfect places to entertain them. For people who enjoy cycling or being active, there are many annual events, such as marathons and relays hosted by Fort4Fitness. Alternatively, there are over 400 lakes in the area, any of which would make for a perfect weekend getaway.
Fort Wayne is a diverse and multicultural city with many residents being of Burmese or German descent and a thriving Amish community. The residents are friendly and inviting, the city is safe, and there are great schools.
Valparaiso
Valparaiso is a city with affordable real estate, a stable economy, an above-average school system, and a crime rate that is 62% lower than the national average.
The city is mid-sized and has roughly 34,000 residents. Housing won't be a problem here. Apart from being affordable, there are several options available, such as duplexes, condos, and townhouses. 20+ parks within the city are clean and well-maintained, like Rogers-Lakewood Park and Ogden Gardens.
One major attraction for the residents of Valparaiso is Central Park Plaza. It is home to an amphitheater (which is converted to an ice rink each winter), a splash pad, a lawn, and a performance stage.
Just a 10-minute drive from Valparaiso is the Indiana Dunes National Park and the Indiana Dunes State Park. There, you can enjoy the beach and go hiking or camping. There are also two wonderful golf courses - the Valparaiso Creekside Golf Course and Forest Park Golf Course.
Noblesville
Noblesville, which was founded in the 1800s, is a city of culture, community, and commerce with a vibrant quality of life. The city is affordable and has a booming job market. Many of the sidewalks and streets in this city still have the original hand-paved bricks from the 1800s and several historic buildings can be seen today in pristine condition. A lot of modern architecture also blends seamlessly into the old, historic infrastructure. The downtown area is dotted with fun things to do and see, like quaint shops and fantastic eateries. The city is in the vicinity of many parks where residents can go kayaking or canoeing.
Indiana is a beautiful state filled with towns and cities, each with its own unique blend of history, nature, beauty, and fun. All of the destinations mentioned above are equally safe and affordable and would make a great place to settle down, whether folks are a young couple starting out or a more established family with kids; this state has it all!
