What do you think of Indianapolis? (Evansville, Bloomington: college, live in, restaurants)

[domergurl]

When we lived in Fishers, I was out and about and still found it difficult to meet people. I had no problems striking up conversations at the park, store, etc. But connecting with people was like trying to pull teeth. It just seemed like the people either had relatives in the area that they hung with, or weren't accepting applications for new friends. After a couple years, I made friends, but its funny, my friends were either from overseas, or from the areas I lived in before (South Bend area, Chicago).

[Drover]

Originally Posted by domergurl

Didn't you know this before you moved? Sorry. You just have to work a little harder in Indianapolis. Fun isn't presented to you on a silver platter like in major cities. I don't mean disrespect because I felt the same way you do when we left Chicago for NW Indiana and NW Indiana for Fishers. But again, we had kids, so that introduces an different dimension and actually makes the Indianapolis area better.

I don't think it matters whether she knew it or not; sounds like she didn't have much say in the matter anyway. Sometimes you have to go where the job takes you, even if it temporarily takes you some place you'd rather not be.

[Naptowner]

Originally Posted by domergurl

When we lived in Fishers, I was out and about and still found it difficult to meet people. I had no problems striking up conversations at the park, store, etc. But connecting with people was like trying to pull teeth. It just seemed like the people either had relatives in the area that they hung with, or weren't accepting applications for new friends. After a couple years, I made friends, but its funny, my friends were either from overseas, or from the areas I lived in before (South Bend area, Chicago).

A lot of people who live in Indianapolis went to high school here and never left, and they're still friends with the people they ran around with in high school and/or college. So yeah, I know what you mean about people not taking friendship applications. But people usually have coworkers (maybe not the OP, but her husband) or people they see at the gym all the time, or at church, etc. I have met some people volunteering for various non-profits that I had quite a bit in common with. So it's not impossible, it just gets harder as we get older.

[MzBecca4u]

I love Indy and miss it dearly - l did not appreciate it when I lived there in my 20s, left it and returned in my late 30s and again in my mid-40s - now that I"m near 60, I can't wait to get back home. I'm in the proces of convincing my new husband (who is from Gainsville, FL -boring) to live in Indy 7-8 months and in FL the colder months. We have 4 years to retire, so I have plenty of time.

[forcedtomove01]

Originally Posted by Naptowner

You also have to consider the friend element. You (forcedtomove) lived in Chicago for ten years, and I would assume that in that time you made some friends that you would do things with. Is it possible that part of what 'sucks' about being here is that you haven't met many people yet?

I'm not saying Indianapolis holds a candle to Chicago in the 'things to do' department, but it's a lot easier to have fun if you're going out and meeting people. And since you're stuck here anyway . . .

I understand what you mean and I'm sure not knowing anyone has something to do with my discomfort but even if I had friends here. I still wouldn't be happy with my surroundings.

By the way I have lived in Chicago all of my life. I'm 42 yrs old. But I am a very active person. I work in the fashion and cosmetics industry as a makeup artist and stylist.

Work wise there really isn't a market for me out here.
So that is quite disappointing. We have kids so the area we picked to live in is pretty decent. Although I didn't know much about Indy before we moved, except for a weekend visit or two to find housing.

So yes I am a little less than excited thinking of living here for 10 more months.

My husband only relocated to a position out here because his old Union wouldn't allow him to transfer to Ca.Which is where we both want to take our family to live

( So honestly its not about the friends aspect of it really.
Mostly it comes down to a lifesyle we want to live and an atmosphere that supports that endlessly. )
He applied for another position in his company(AT&T)that is part of a different Union that also affiliates Ca and other Western states.

So the kids and I will probably leave when our lease expires and he will join us later.

And on another subject.....where are the beaches?
I desperately miss my lakefront!

[sweetana3]

Thats so much like moving to Nebraska or Oklahoma and asking where the mountains are.

[Future Trooper]

i have actually had people ask me that same question IN INDIANA!

[domergurl]

The only beaches, in my opinion, are in Northwest Indiana.

[Drover]

Originally Posted by sweetana3

Thats so much like moving to Nebraska or Oklahoma and asking where the mountains are.

No, it's more like knowing there's no mountains in Nebraska or Oklahoma but moving there anyway for personal reasons but still missing the mountains you left behind.

Is it so hard to understand that sometimes people have to make compromises in determining where to live even if they wish they didn't have to?

[ShadowCaver]

Originally Posted by Drover

No, it's more like knowing there's no mountains in Nebraska or Oklahoma but moving there anyway for personal reasons but still missing the mountains you left behind.

Is it so hard to understand that sometimes people have to make compromises in determining where to live even if they wish they didn't have to?

Very well said.