any areas in Indiana that are rural but liberal? (Indianapolis: houses, rent)

[forestdweller]

I currently live in a very liberal, rural area in MA. I love it here but may have to consider job prospects in other areas. Are any of the areas outside Bloomington or Gary rural but liberal? By "liberal" I mean pro-gay rights, accepting of non-Christian religions, pro-environment. By "rural" I don't necessarily mean middle-of-nowhere -- just a place with trees and open spaces, little traffic, quiet.

Also, what's the cost of living like? Would an old farmhouse on a few acres be within reason for someone making a salary in the mid-40s? (It's not in MA! I'm laughing as I write this! But I figure it can't hurt to ask...)

Thanks.

[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)

[R0xyg4l]

I currently live in Connecticut, but am originally from Indiana. I wouldn't suggest Gary, I don't think they have the best crime record. I would possibly suggest West Lafayette. My mum currently lives there, it is somewhat rural along with some of the surrounding towns (forgive me I don't remember their names). It's pretty close to Purdue University, so I'm sure it has a great night life, and I think that they may be a bit more liberal. Keep in mind Indiana is a Republican state lol by no means I'm sure as accepting as Mass. But being a Hoosier, I think for the most part the community would be accepting. Good luck on whatever location you choose!

[R0xyg4l]

Oh BTW houses in Indiana are a lot cheaper than houses here lol. I would say no more than like 140-180k. Check out removed you can do location searches there!

[neeka]

If you want liberal, in In. then try the area around Brown county/Columbus. Defintely not Gary Thats crime ridden , blighted, with frequent violence, that some times spills into the surrounding areas. The rural areas around many of the larger universities have fairly liberal tolernce, but to be frank extreme liberal agendas are often met with a jaundiced eye in most rural areas. Ind. has a democratic senater, and had demo. Governers for 20 + years, but most In. Demos. are that vanishing breed of moderate agenda.

[Southside Shrek]

Forestdweller,
Simply put, liberals don't fair very well in Indiana. If you move to Indiana and stay there long enough, you won't be a liberal.

[ocgirl]

Stay away from Fort Wayne (pronounced Fart Ween by Fart Weenians) if you're not Lutheran or German or an original midwesterner.

[testing123]

I'm reluctant to relay this odd/sad observation, but it speaks volumes about our society.
Today, while driving in Fishers (a better educated, high-end area just outside Indianapolis) I noticed a home-made sign which proudly proclaimed: "GAYS ARE A-BOMB NABLE!"

[ivymm]

Having lived in 7 states, I feel obligated to say that of the 7 states in which I have lived IN was by FAR the worst in many ways. I lived and attended college in the Indianapolis area. Liberal is pretty close to a cuss word. I never felt as if i fit in as I did in all the other states, including OH, MI, CT.
You'll see lots of pick-up trucks, all you can eat places and fried food. Very difficult to find a non-chain store or restaurant. Pepole are much less active and into fitness.
As my niece says, great place for cheap restaurants, gas stations and strip malls. The majority of ponds and lakes are man-made. Rivers are dirty.
Gary has long been known as a downtroden area. Also, stay away from Ft Wayne.
There is snow, ice and cold in the winter. It is really worse than MA-where I now reside. Here the roads are cleared quickly. Plus-there are plenty of opportunities for skiing, sledding and skating. Seldom have an ice storm or below 20 temps.
You will be able to get a nice place for &200,000 which is impossible in metro BOS. Bloomington is very conservative and IU itself is not your typical state school; much less diversity. Also, travel in the Bloomington area or on SR 37 is a joke on FB or BB game days. If you must go, I'd rent first and probably in the Lafayette area. At least you will be closer to Chicago!
IN is a basketball state and vacations to FL, Ky and Myrtle Beach are in!
Good Luck from-
glad to be in MA

[domergurl]

Originally Posted by Southside Shrek

Forestdweller,
Simply put, liberals don't fair very well in Indiana. If you move to Indiana and stay there long enough, you won't be a liberal.

I BECAME a liberal in Indiana! It's hard to believe, but it can be done.