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Find Work in the Best Places to Live in Indiana

By Jennifer Verta, Monster Contributor

Indiana is often referred to as “The Crossroads of America” for its central location in the Great Lakes region and its widespread highway corridors that take you anywhere you want. However, Indiana is also an excellent place to settle down and find a job in any field you like. Keep reading to discover what the best places to live in Indiana have to offer and if they are the right fit for you and your family.

First though, what makes Indiana worthy to be called home? Here are a few facts to consider:

  • Indiana is in the top 10 most affordable states in the U.S. Yes, even its capital, Indianapolis.
  • Housing is still reasonable at a median value of $286,833.
  • The state income tax rate is a flat 3.23%. Taxation on short or long-term capital is advantageous as well.
  • Indiana has some spectacular natural areas. There are 24 state parks and three national parks to be precise. Indiana Dunes State Park and the Indiana Dunes National Park on Lake Michigan, and the Hoosier National Forest in the south of the state are just a few examples.
  • You’ll experience all four seasons here. In Indiana, there are snowy winters, hot summers, and all that’s in between.
  • Top-rated education is on offer from Indiana University, the University of Notre Dame, and Purdue University as some of the most prestigious schools in the state.

Living in the “Hoosier State”, you’ll have plenty of choices for where to settle down. There are cities favored by young and mature professionals alike, as well as for families. Here are some of the best cities to live in Indiana:

Bloomington

Do you like cities with a ton of architectural history? Then, Bloomington and its almost 50 spots on the National Register of Historic Places is certainly what you’re looking for. With nearly 80,000 people, this city is one of the best places to live in Indiana for many reasons. Also known as the “Gateway to Scenic Southern Indiana”, Bloomington itself is a city where nature surrounds you. Parks, lakes, rivers, and much more are within easy reach of town.

Bloomington is also the home of the prestigious Indiana University and its NCAA basketball team. Those contribute to creating a vibrant and young atmosphere in town, you’ll love.

Finally, if the 12.7% cost of living, lower than the national average, won’t drag you here, the blooming (pun intended) job market will. Education, life sciences, tech, and manufacturing are just some of the strongest sectors to look into in Bloomington.

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Evansville

Evansville is a small city in Southwestern Indiana overlooking the Ohio River at the border with Kentucky. Just like Bloomington, Evansville is among the best cities to live in Indiana for a lower cost of living and unemployment rate. Plus, in this city you’ll find a nice mix of both new and historic. Take for instance its charming downtown area where historic parts and a modern pedestrian boulevard for shopping and reaching the waterfront coexist.

Wesselman Woods Nature Center, Mesker Park Zoo and Botanic Garden, Evansville Auditorium and Convention Center, and Angel Mounds State Historic Site are some other must-see locations in town. Healthcare is the largest employer in here. However, there are plenty of opportunities in manufacturing, warehousing, education, and production as well. Berry Plastic, a Fortune 500 global manufacturer of packaging products is located in Evansville and is considered by many one the best places to work in Indiana.

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Fort Wayne

With just over 265,000 people, the “City of Churches”, Fort Wayne, is the second largest urban area in Indiana after the capital. It is located at the confluence of St. Joseph, confluence, and Maumee rivers around which the city grew and shaped its downtown. Today this area offers attractive riverfronts, shopping options, and an art campus. In the rest of the city, you’ll also find facilities at which to watch baseball games, attend concerts, and a museum of art.

That’s not all, though. Fort Wayne is considered one of the best places to live in Indiana for its affordability, especially for young homebuyers, and growing job opportunities. The highest number of job postings you’ll find here belong to the healthcare, insurance, finance, engineering, and production industries.

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Greenwood

Greenwood is a suburban city in the southern metro area of Indianapolis. At only a 20-minute drive from the capital, Greenwood is one of the best places to live in Indiana both for families and young professionals. In fact, the cost of living is cheaper than the national average, including when it comes to housing, and has a way more relaxed feel that we’re sure you’ll easily adapt to. It’s full of green areas, parks, restaurants, and breweries, and offers all sorts of recreational activities both in winter and summer.

Plus, if you crave a weekend getaway, Indianapolis airport is conveniently close. As far as career prospects go, it’s ideal for professionals in healthcare and life sciences, pharmaceuticals, and biotech above all. However, more and more companies in manufacturing and logistics are flocking to the area, including Amazon and FedEx.

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Indianapolis

Indianapolis is the capital of Indiana and the largest city in the state with around 882,000 residents. Yet it’s a very walkable big city with a small-town feel. Indianapolis is considered the financial and cultural hub of the state. It’s no surprise that this is one of the best places to work in Indiana. It’s a great place if you’re seeking careers in life sciences, healthcare, or pharmaceuticals, as well as insurance and sales. Indiana University Health, St. Vincent Hospitals and Health Services, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield and Roche are just a few of the biggest employers in town.

In Indianapolis, you’ll find something for everyone. The world's largest children's museum and the zoo keep the little ones entertained. Art lovers can soak up creativity at the Indianapolis Museum of Art and then enjoy nature at Lilly House and Gardens, a National Historic Landmark part of the museum complex. This city is also considered one of the best places to live in Indiana by racing sports fans as it hosts the Indy 500, the annual automobile race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

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South Bend

South Bend is a small city in northern Indiana, seven miles from the border with Michigan. It counts around 103,000 people in its population and is well known for the prestigious University of Notre Dame. The college institution itself is a very important cultural center for the city, making South Bend one of the best places to live in Indiana to work in higher education and related fields. The city has also undergone a revitalization that is attracting younger professionals. Plus, it offers plenty of nightlife, festivals, and The Four Winds Casino, that also provides jobs in services.

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Terre Haute

One of the best places to live in Indiana and raise a family is Terre Haute. This small city of around 58,000 souls borders the Wabash River to the west and is only just over an hour away from Indianapolis, driving northeast. It’s a win-win for those seeking a quieter lifestyle without living too far from the capital.

It’s more affordable to live here and the schools consistently achieve great rankings. With more than 15 museums and landmarks, Terre Haute is culturally rich. Similar to other cities in Indiana, in Terre Haute you’ll have an easier time pursuing jobs in production, manufacturing, healthcare, and education. Other sectors with good opportunities include food services and administration.

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Monster Brings You to The Best Places to Live in Indiana

When it comes to finding a job in the “Hoosier State”, you must first choose among the best cities to live in Indiana. For all that comes next, just create a free candidate account on Monster. You only have to upload your most recent resume and we will provide you with all the tools to succeed in your job search. Did you know that Monster’s members can be targeted with job offers from our partner recruiters and companies? Don’t wait any longer, sign up today!