Best Cities for a Young Family? Indiana (Indianapolis, Fort Wayne: home, find a job)

[ceeveg]

Where would be a good place for a single income family (couple plus infant) to move in Indiana? My husband would need work in the construction/manufacturing/woodworking area (CAD, drafting, design, project engineering, estimating), and we'd need to be able to find a job for him in the $60,000 range.

We're not looking for anything in particular -- just safe, affordable, and a stable community.

Thanks!

[domergurl]

That's kind of hard to say. You'll get most people who love where they live to tell you to come there. You could live in or around Indianapolis or Fort Wayne and I'll pipe in and say that I love it here in Columbus.

[rrah]

Based upon a couple of sources, the average household income in Indiana statewide is about $45-46,000/year. I don't know where you live now, but you may find that Less income is more in Indiana.

The construction and manufacturing industries are taking real hits right now.

[mbuszu]

Fort Wayne is great for young families. There's a ton of family-oriented activities, an unbelievably great cost of living, decent weather, and of course a lot of couples with children. Regarding the job situation though... I haven't any idea how easy or difficult of a time your husband would have. I would recommend applying to jobs before going through the expense of relocation anywhere.

[ceeveg]

We will definitely look into these areas. At least we'll have a good idea when job searching. Thank you!

[javahoe]

I have lived in Ft. Wayne, South Bend, Evansville and spend considerable time in Indianapolis.

Indy is a great area but for your money, I would look into Ft. Wayne or Evansville. Both are similar sized and offer many amneties a larger city would offer.

I enjoyed living in both cities and would recommend either one. I am probably a little more partial to Evansville as that is where I am at now. If for nothing else, the winters are much, much milder than Ft. Wayne.

[JulieL]

ceeveg,
Columbus would be a great place for a family to settle down. Great place to raise children. Safe for the whole family. With all the areas that you have mentioned that your husband can do he could get a job just about anywhere. Milestone, Case, and Forester Construction all some of the top companies in Columbus. AS far as manufacturing...plenty of mold shops that might be able to use him. I used to be an office manager at Precise Mold...Do not know if they are hiring but there would be plenty shops right up his alley. Decatur Mold in North Vernon pays pretty good. Last and final thought, Cummins or the Honda Plant would be a place to consider. Great pay and benefits. Columbus is definately safe, affordable, and a stable community.

Good Luck. If you need anymore info please DM me.
JulieL

[West coast at heart]

I think Mishawaka has a lot to offer as well. Housing is affordable. Construction is still going despite the housing and economy problems. AND...we are close to the home of the Fighting Irish!!!!!!! Go Irish!!
Sorry, had to throw that in there. We have a great year ahead of us in football.

wc@h