any areas in Indiana that are rural but liberal?

[Martha Spoor]

I grew up in Northern Indiana and then moved to Massachussets and Rhode Island for twenty years. Coming back to Central Indiana was quite a change for me. But comparing the cost of owning a house in New England to buying here I couldn't beat it. The property taxes are so cheap it is unbelievable to me. But the best part of living in my little town of 200 is the school system where my grandchildren are not just a number. My grandson graduated from North Attleboro, MA and there were over 300 kids in his class. But what you said was so true of rural life. Even though I have owned a house here for twenty years I am still an outsider. Also, I commute 20 miles to my job and with the price of gas that hurts. But as I drive into my quaint little village and cross a creek I remember why I love Central Indiana.

Originally Posted by testing123

Dear Forest,

I'm from the D.C. area and consider myself openminded. I've lived in quite a few places, both here and abroad. I moved to Indianapolis two years ago to help my parents who retired and moved here.

Looking at maps, my wife and I were very optimistic to see so many lakes, rivers and "green" areas. The $120,000 home prices seemed wonderful. And having worked for some big companies in D.C., I thought I'd be able to find a job right away.

~~~~~~~~
Two years later, we can tell you this...

There are some very nice people in Indiana.

However, coming to Indiana was the biggest mistake we've ever made. Most of those lakes, streams and green spaces either charge you a $5 entrance fee or have HUGE signs saying "PRIVATE PROPERTY -- KEEP OUT!" (very Christian) --Even around Lake Michigan! The Indiana portion of lake Michigan looks like Buffalo, NY and is equally dirty/polluted. The "Private Beach/Private Property" signs continue around the lake into Michigan. Many of the lakes and rivers in the state are virtually inaccessible. We have to drive 45 minutes to get to a halfway decent state park. But now there are hillbilly hunters running around blasting anything that moves. How charming... And don't even think about eating a fish caught in Indiana waterways!

Homes? Homes in Indiana DO NOT appreciate. Considering inflation, they depreciate. Indiana has the highest rates of home foreclosures in America. They sell plastic-sided houses for $120K (special financing, it's cheaper than rent!) to kids who work at Wallmart, who then run up their credit cards and get foreclosed on.

Indiana is a big RED state. Bush won in a landslide. --Many people here work for minimum wage. Many work as laborers for $9 or $10 per hour and have NO health insurance. Many live in extreme debt. Many live in poverty... But if you dare mention "HILLARY CLINTON" to any of them -- be ready for a fight! They hate 'Librals' since Rush Limbaugh tells them to. An acquaintance recently told me, "I'm still pi$$ed off that France didn't support the presidunt in I-raq." (My wife is French) --I told him I'd call Jacques Chirac personally and let him know. (I kid you not!) This is the mentality here, too often. Liberal bastions here? --I don't think so.

As for work? I've worked in the IT/Media field for over 10 years. The last job I applied for was 1/2 of my previous salary. They received 90 applications for one position. I didn't get it. (I was in the top 3 though!) I've heard nepotism plays a big role here. I think it helps to know people, or at least go to the same church.

So our advice ... unless you like hamburgers, all-U-can-eat steak buffets, booze --they sell hard liquor at grocery and drug stores; but NOT on Sundays!, cornfields, churches, strip malls, 'no trespassing' signs, foreclosures, tornados and gas-guzzling SUVs, you might want to consider another destination.

Oh, and PLEASE TAKE US WITH YOU!!!
(the scream)

[Martha Spoor]

I grew up in Northern Indiana and then moved to Massachussets and Rhode Island for twenty years. Coming back to Central Indiana was quite a change for me. But comparing the cost of owning a house in New England to buying here I couldn't beat it. The property taxes are so cheap it is unbelievable to me. But the best part of living in my little town of 200 is the school system where my grandchildren are not just a number. My grandson graduated from North Attleboro, MA and there were over 300 kids in his class. But what you said was so true of rural life. Even though I have owned a house here for twenty years I am still an outsider. Also, I commute 20 miles to my job and with the price of gas that hurts. But as I drive into my quaint little village and cross a creek I remember why I love Central Indiana.

[bulletbaron]

If you want liberalism, why not move to Illinois! Home of Barack Obama, Jesse Jackson, Jesse Jackson Jr., Louis Farakan (Black Muslims), Bobby Rush(ex Minister of WAR for the Black Panther Party, Carloly Mosley Braun, Dick Durbin, and of course, Dicky Daley with his Gay Olympics. Please do not move to Indiana, we are getting too many Liberals as it is, and oh yes, take "testing123" with you.

[domergurl]

I think this thread has outlived it's usefulness ... consider it closed.