Moving to Indianapolis is an effective way to reduce your cost of living—especially for housing. But there’s a reason why the city is so cheap. Brace yourself for unbearable winters, rampant crime, and a dismal economy.
The city of Indianapolis was established in 1821 by the Treaty of St. Mary's, but the area had been inhabited and actively used by indigenous people as a settlement for thousands of years. It’s estimated that the location has been an important travel and trading hub since 10,000 BC due to its central location.
Indy (as it’s colloquially known), is not generally considered one of the nation’s most enjoyable cities to live in. The low cost of living is due largely to a high crime rate, a failing economy, and unpleasant weather.
If you’re determined to move to Indy, there are a few things you should know before loading up the moving truck. For your convenience, Jerry
—the trusted insurance super app for saving money on your homeowners insurance
—has created this comprehensive guide to moving to Indianapolis. We’ll also help you find the lowest Indianapolis car insurance costs
. Let’s get started. What you need to know about Indianapolis before you move
If you’re thinking about moving to Indy, you should be prepared for the reality. The city has a reputation for brutal winter weather, widespread crime, treacherous roads, and (perhaps worst of all) extreme vapidity.
On the bright side, Indianapolis does have an interesting variety of dining opportunities and craft beer options. Best of all, the cost of living is extremely low. Let’s take a closer look at what you should know before heading to Indiana’s capital city.
1. The winters are brutal
If you don’t like the cold, then Indianapolis is not the right city for you. Temperatures usually start plummeting in October and range from around 15 to 39 degrees Fahrenheit for the majority of the winter. You can also expect plenty of snow to fall and force you to stay indoors until the spring thaw.
2. Getting around is a nightmare
Like most midwestern cities, Indianapolis is pretty spread out. Walking really isn’t going to be an option, especially in the winter. And you won’t be able to depend on public transportation. Indy is home to just one form of public transportation—a single bus line with very few stops that’s notorious for its tardiness.
In short, if you’re going to live in Indianapolis, you’re going to need a car. Even then, you’ll be battling heavy traffic, high gas prices, and poorly kept roads.
3. Cost of living is very affordable
One thing that Indy does have going for it is a low cost of living. Its overall cost of living index (COLI) is 84.9—meaning it's 15.1% cheaper to live there than the average U.S city. Housing is particularly cheap. You’ll only pay an average of $739 per month for a single-bedroom apartment.
4. It has one of the highest violent crime rates of any city
You may have been told that Indianapolis is a good place to raise a family due to the midwestern hospitality and welcoming atmosphere. Unfortunately, that’s about all that the city has to offer a new family. The school system is thoroughly mediocre and the violent crime rate is extremely high.
Living in Indy, you have a 1 in 114 chance of being the victim of a violent crime—not to mention the risk of property crimes like vandalism. To give you an idea of how this crime rate compares to other cities, 95% of all U.S cities are considered safer than Indianapolis. In a recent study published by CBS, Indianapolis ranked #37 on the list of the most dangerous places in America
. 5. The economy is struggling
If you’re looking for a place to set down roots and start a career, look somewhere else. The economy in Indy is flagging—and has been for a long time. The unemployment rate in the city is 5.6% and the largest income category is below $15,000 per year (which makes up nearly 16% of all working residents).
Most Indy residents work in either the manufacturing or retail trades. But there are fewer and fewer jobs available all the time. In recent years, the city has suffered from a negative job growth of -4.7%.
6. Indianapolis is known for its sports culture
For many residents, professional sports are the highlights of living in Indianapolis. Fans of the Indianapolis Colts (the city’s NFL team) are enthusiastic to the point of zealotry. If you move to Indy, be ready for passionate fans around every corner.
7. It’s home to one of the most unique food cultures around
Indianapolis is also well known for its culinary scene. Restaurants like Bluebeard
, Three Carrots
, and Milktooth
are nationally recognized for their excellent cooking. If you prefer to get your calories in liquid form, there’s plenty that Indianapolis has to offer. The city has a reputation for great craft beer. Make sure to try out the taps at Twenty Tap
and Shoefly
. RECOMMENDEDNo spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms
Finding a place to live in Indianapolis
The most important decision you’ll have to make when moving to Indy is where you’ll live. The city is divided into 99 separate neighborhoods, with differing levels of safety and quality of life.
Do careful research of any neighborhoods that you’re considering moving to. If the area seems safe, take a walking tour of it to see what the atmosphere is like. Avoid Haughville and Tuxedo Park—they’re considered some of the city’s most dangerous locations.
You should be able to find affordable housing in just about any neighborhood—just check the crime rates in the surrounding area before your move in!
MORE:Cheap car insurance if you rent an apartment
Moving to Indianapolis checklist
Once you’ve found the right Indianapolis neighborhood and settled on a new home, you’ll need to get ready for the move. It’s easy to lose track of everything that needs to be done, use this checklist to help yourself keep everything straight.
Before you go
Before you head to Indy, make sure that you:
Either rent a U-Haul or hire a reliable moving company.
Notify everyone who needs to know that you’ll be leaving. This would include your landlord, your employer, your insurance provider, etcetera.
Pack up your things and get ready for a long road trip. Or, have your car shipped to Indy and purchase a plane ticket.
After you get there
When you get to Indianapolis, there are a few more chores that you’ll need to take care of before you can relax and settle into your new home. Here’s what you’ll need to do:
Register your car in Indiana and update your insurance information
Purchase either renters’ insurance or homeowners insurance—depending on your housing situation.
Update your mailing address
Update your voter registration
Update your healthcare information
How to save on car, renters, and home insurance in Indianapolis
Living in a place like Indianapolis means taking on a certain degree of risk—since the crime rate is so high. To keep your possessions protected, you’ll want to have good car insurance
and either renters insurance
or homeowners insurance
. The best way to quickly and easily find affordable insurance is by using Jerry
—the licensed insurance broker app
. It only takes a few minutes to download the app, set up your account, and start saving. Plus, you can use the app for free! Best of all, Jerry users save an average of $800+ a year! “Jerry
was wonderful! I used it for my auto and renters policies. I trusted it so much that I signed up my homeowners insurance under Jerry as well. All of the agents are amazingly nice and knowledgeable.” —Mary Y.
FAQ
4.7
