Pros and Cons of Indiana (Indianapolis, Peru: transplants, lease, crime rates)

[DragonseyeGlassworks]

I've read with interest many of the postings on City-Data about Indiana. I am not a native of this state having only lived here for 13 years, but I do consider it my home.

I firmly believe you can make anywhere your home, as long as you have the right attitude. That being said, here are the pros and cons of this state. Obviously, they do vary depending on the area your living in. I live in Peru, 50 miles north of Indianapolis. It is a small urban town of 12k.

Pros:
-Affordable housing, taxes, etc.
-Better than average state to raise children
-Better than average schools and family driven businesses.
-Fairly friendly communities.
-Better than average traffic (less congestions, travel experience)
-Lower than average crime rates
-Within driving easy driving distance of many large metropolitan areas, ie. Chicago, Detroit, St. Loius, etc.

Cons:
-Not so great current Governor who does what he wants, regardless of what the people that elected him want. He believes in selling off bits and pieces of our state to foreign countries. Hopefully this will change in next years election.
-Manufacturing job driven (thou this is changing and could be predominantly tech driving in the next few years) creating less than appealing job market for the less skilled / creative worker.
-If your not a Bush ite, you have to be a bit careful about advertising your political views. Hopefully, this too shall pass!
-Four seasons weather with extremes that not all transplants will be able to tolerate.

All in all, if I had to decide to move here all over again, I would do it without hesitation. I have come to love this state and can recommend it for someone looking for a long term home. Having come from a large city and now living in a small rural community was a big change. One that I wouldn't change for the world!

Holliday Smith
Dragonseye Glassworks.com

[DragonseyeGlassworks]

I forgot to mention. If you want to visit our community (Peru, Indiana) September 15, 2007 we are having Fall Fest 2007, featuring artists from all over the state, a cruise in car show, loads of live entertainment and food.

[domergurl]

You pretty much nailed in Dragon, thanks!

One specific groan I have is regarding our Aussie-Spain toll road. They now have a couple I-pass only lanes and one, one, one, one ... ONE other lane where you have to hand a person toll money. Getting on from I-65 costs 15 cents (for how much longer, who knows). They took out the auto-baskets (where you can chuck your money in) and now we have to wait in line to give a toll road worker (who is usually kibbitzing on his/her cellphone btw) your coins ... what a stinking waste!!! This toll road lease is such a stupid boondoggle.

[DragonseyeGlassworks]

The worst part of it domergirl is that he has plans for more selling off if he is re-elected. Scary!

[Southside Shrek]

I try to avoid toll roads and stick to American roadways. Therefore I don't care if they are foreign owned and controlled.

[DragonseyeGlassworks]

Hi Southside.

That might be fine for driving, but that isn't the only thing he's trying to sell off. You might want to do some research.

[Southside Shrek]

I suspect someone is also trying to sell off the Hoosier Lotto.

[DragonseyeGlassworks]

Wouldn't surprise me.