11 Reasons Living in Indianapolis Is the Best and Everyone Should Move Here

Consistently ranked as one of the most affordable, major cities in the country, Indianapolis costs residents just over 25 percent of annual household income. Houses and apartments throughout the city can be yours without breaking the bank.

The city has long been a staple in the architectural world. Throughout downtown Indy, you’ll be hard-pressed to NOT find a stunning piece of architecture. Take in the sight of Union Station (pictured above), the world’s first union station which opened back in 1853.

Between the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts and the NBA’s Indiana Pacers, as well as both minor league baseball (Indianapolis Indians) and hockey (Indy Fuel), the city’s professional sports scene has something to tickle every sports fan’s fancy.

The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis holds the title of being the world’s largest. The nearly 473,000-square foot establishment is home to National Geographic: Treasures of the Earth and dinosphere exhibits, as well as the Broad Ripple Park Carousel, which is a National Historic Landmark.

Local, craft beer has become a major source of pride for the city of Indianapolis. All over the city, downtown to the East side to up North, there is hardly a neighborhood that can’t cater to a beer lover. For one of the most popular in the city, check out Sun King Brewery in the heart of downtown.

Home to one of the biggest IndyCar races, the Indy 500, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway attracts residents and tourists alike as they flock here every May to watch some of the finest professional drivers tear up the track. And, later in the summer, you can also enjoy the excitement of NASCAR's Brickyard 400.

Indianapolis has a thriving restaurant scene - with a little of something for everyone.

If you love art and antiques, you’ll be pleased to know that Indianapolis is home to a fantastic art scene. Throughout the city, you’ll find numerous art galleries and antique shops housing some wonderful finds. Every May, the city’s Broad Ripple neighborhood hosts the nationally-ranked Broad Ripple Art Fair which presents work from over 200 artists and artisans.

While not home to the number of large live music venues that you’d find in Chicago, Los Angeles, or New York, Indianapolis has a very good selection of local bars and clubs featuring live music almost every day of the week. If you’re downtown, head on over to the Rathskellar’s Beer Garden or to the Old National Centre. If you’re up further north, check out The Vogue in Broad Ripple for an eclectic mix of performers throughout the year.

Despite being a metropolitan town, Indianapolis is home to a massive amount of parks, 192 to be exact. Whether you’re looking for a quiet, tree-lined spot to have a Sunday picnic or you’re interested in taking a lengthy hike, there is a park for you. And, if you’re willing to venture outside of the city, there are multiple state parks that are perfect for biking or hiking getaways. One of our faves also happens to be one of Indy’s oldest: Holliday Park. Spanning over 95 acres, it features a stunning art piece known as The Ruins.

Indianapolis has been widely praised for this innovative idea. Winding through downtown, this eight-mile bike and pedestrian path connects historic neighborhoods and cultural districts. The Trail serves as a gateway to the city’s culture, art, and promotes healthy living for the city’s residents and visitors. It is a beautiful public space, perfect for exploring everything that downtown Indy has to offer.