Relocating to Indianapolis or Hamilton County from Atlanta (Lawrence, Fishers: appointed, fit in)

[cessnaairplane784]

Greetings. I am a 25 year old male from the Atlanta metro suburbs and am considering moving to the Indianapolis area in search for a new career and a new start in life. I have a public health college degree and am interested to see what jobs are available in the public health/informatics/epidemiology or healthcare arena. I know and hear a lot about the headquarters for Eli Lilly, a pharmaceutical company, is located there, so anything that does not pertain to Eli Lilly is fine. To narrow the scope down a little bit of what I am looking for, I have targeted the northern edge of Indianapolis or north Marion County and southern Hamilton County as prospective places to live. Cities include north Indianapolis, Carmel, and Fishers.

In addition, there are other several important factors that I would like to consider if moving to the Indianapolis area and they are outlined below.

1. Jobs. As stated above, I am focusing on public health or epidemiology jobs although I can consider healthcare or hospital jobs as a second option. The bad economy has taken its toll on jobs nationwide, however, I am curious of the job prospects in Indy and if it is hard to find a job there.

2. Crime. Like many, I despise living in areas where there is a high concentration of crime despite the fact that crime occurs everywhere. Generally, what are the crime rates in the Indianapolis area and what places would you avoid because of crime? If I decide to rent an apartment near the downtown area, what areas should I avoid going or be aware of?

3. Taxes. As far as taxes are concerned (property tax, sales tax, state income tax, etc.), are they pretty high compared to areas such as New York City or Seattle? How about the cost of living?

4. Schools. Because I am single and don’t have kids, schools are not an important factor to me. However, I am curious of what the education system is like in the Indianapolis area. From the posts I’ve read, I heard that the schools in Hamilton County are excellent.

5. Race relations and friendliness of the people. Although a native English speaker, I can also speak a little bit of Chinese and French. Why do I state this? I want a little bit of diversity in the community, and from the message boards, areas such as Carmel and the downtown area of Indianapolis offer some diversity. I heard that there is a substantial Chinese population in the city of Carmel. Also from the message boards, people who live in Indianapolis for a people of time say that they avoid the southern parts because of increase prejudice toward foreigners or people who are not native Indianans. Regardless if this is true or not, I want some feedback concerning the friendliness of the people in Indy.

6. Last but not least, how about apartments in the Indy area in terms of availability and cost? As stated above, I am narrowing my search to the northern sections of Indianapolis just a little south of I-465 as well as in Hamilton County. Any information about the nature and costs of the rent of apartments in those areas is greatly appreciated.

Also, if any of you or know someone who is considering moving to the metro Atlanta area in the state of Georgia, I can tell you a lot about the place as a result of living in Atlanta for the past 21 years. If interested, just let me know.

I appreciate your comments and thanks for all your help.

[SikCense]

Thats interesting because Im from Indy and want to move to ATL. But as far as jobs.
1. Indy is not as badly hit as some other midwest and southern states. Infact I see about 10 Illinois and Ohio license plates each a day without interstate travel. Oh and Indy is good for health care jobs too. Everyone I know in health care does well.

2. If you live in the burbs you wont have a problem, crime usually happens in the inner city and is not that random usually. Crime does seem to become a problem in the summer I won't lie. And if you aren't black enter downtown at your own risk during the 3rd weekend in July at night (and I'm Black).

3. I dont own a home, but I do know that our last Mayor lost mainly because of the property taxes, but it cant be anywhere near as bad as other major cities.

4. If you stay long enough to have kids avoid IPS at all cost, if you live in the inner city you might have to go private. If you live in Marion County, Washington Twp and Lawrence Twp Schools are the way to go I guess. Hamilton County has better schools than Marion there is more money up there, but its a longer commute down the infamous I-69 to 465 during rush hour.

5. According to numbers, Indy seems segregated, but it is not like that. The city itself is, but the burbs are not at all. Every burb I have lived in or visited has had a decent about of diversity. Also people of different races will hang out together also. You will see alot of Mexican men or Black men dating White women, I dont think people think twice about it. I grew up in Indy near a once open military base so my hood was like NYC now that I think back there were so many different culture of people near the base and my hood and we were all friends. Mostly Indy is White and Black not much culture as far as Irish hoods, Italian hoods, African or Caribbean hoods. (Mostly german, and black americans). My father is African and mother African-american, and I hardly knew any Africans my whole life. The Hispanic pop is rising mostly Mexican, but my fiancee fam is Puerto-Rican. It seems like in some areas Blacks and Mexicans dont get along, but every Hispanic person I have ever got to know here was very nice and cool with me.

6. Apartment prices are okay, just stay as close to the Castleton area or Hamilton County as possible. Noblesville also has some cheaper almost brand new apartments, but if you work in Indy the commute is further.


Tell me more about Atlanta and its race relations, cause coming from here even there is discrimination in the workforce. I never been called the N word, and I see different races not only working together, but playing, dating or living together as well. Its just what Im used to and I want to relocate but dont want a segregated city like say Chicago. Oh yeah Indy also seems Liberal, but it is still a little conservative. ( No beer on Sundays)

[Michelle Morris]

While I love Indy and I would normally encourage anyone to move here, I would never encourage someone to move to a new city before they find a job there. If I were in your position, I would be looking for the job first, then making sure the city that job is in is decent.

[dave.dawsn]

Originally Posted by cessnaairplane784

I have a public health college degree and am interested to see what jobs are available in the public health/informatics/epidemiology or healthcare arena. I know and hear a lot about the headquarters for Eli Lilly, a pharmaceutical company, is located there, so anything that does not pertain to Eli Lilly is fine.


1. Jobs. As stated above, I am focusing on public health or epidemiology jobs although I can consider healthcare or hospital jobs as a second option. The bad economy has taken its toll on jobs nationwide, however, I am curious of the job prospects in Indy and if it is hard to find a job there.

Lilly announced (or the Star reported, anyway) not too long ago that they are cutting several THOUSAND jobs (worldwide, not just in Indy) by 2011.

Link: Lilly plans to cut $1B by 2011 | IndyStar.com | The Indianapolis Star

That said, the health sciences are hot in Indianapolis, and you could probably find work here. If nothing else, since Indy is the state capital, with a public health degree you should be able to work for the state or the city.

2. Crime. Like many, I despise living in areas where there is a high concentration of crime despite the fact that crime occurs everywhere. Generally, what are the crime rates in the Indianapolis area and what places would you avoid because of crime? If I decide to rent an apartment near the downtown area, what areas should I avoid going or be aware of?

Downtown is very clean and well-kept. There is very little violent crime in downtown Indy, and a lot of work since the mid-'80s has gone into making downtown a vibrant, attractive urban core for the city. During the pre-crash years, several very attractive apartment/condo/townhouse developments went up downtown, and there is also a wide variety of older apartments as well. I would recommend living there if you have any desire to be in the city because I don't think you'd be disappointed. Despite what some trolls say, Indy has a vibrant night life and excellent ethnic food.

As far as crime, I would stay in the immediate downtown area (inside the "mile square," as it's called), in Broad Ripple, or in any of the suburban areas you mentioned. If you are in doubt and want to check up on a potential spot, try this tool:

Crime in your neighborhood -- 2008

3. Taxes. As far as taxes are concerned (property tax, sales tax, state income tax, etc.), are they pretty high compared to areas such as New York City or Seattle? How about the cost of living?

Cost of living is dirt cheap for a city/metro area of 2 million. A 2500 square foot house in the 'burbs can be had for as little as $150k. $300k will get you a McMansion.

Taxes are reasonable. There are no toll roads anywhere in the metro area. Sales tax is between 7% and 9% depending on what you're buying. Certain food items at grocery stores are tax-free.

4. Schools. Because I am single and don’t have kids, schools are not an important factor to me. However, I am curious of what the education system is like in the Indianapolis area. From the posts I’ve read, I heard that the schools in Hamilton County are excellent.

Public schools in the suburbs are phenomenal...as in, nationally recognized. The schools in the city are a mixed bag...IPS is horrendous, and the outer townships vary. Lawrence and Washington townships (northeast side and northside, respectively) are probably the best of the city districts.

Indianapolis also has excellent private schools. The Indianapolis International School is very good, as is Park Tudor, but you definitely pay for it. There is a network of Catholic grade schools and high schools that is as extensive as I've ever seen, and the high schools compete with big public schools in sports (check out a Carmel - Cathedral football game if you like HS football...you'll be in for a treat).

5. Race relations and friendliness of the people. Although a native English speaker, I can also speak a little bit of Chinese and French. Why do I state this? I want a little bit of diversity in the community, and from the message boards, areas such as Carmel and the downtown area of Indianapolis offer some diversity. I heard that there is a substantial Chinese population in the city of Carmel. Also from the message boards, people who live in Indianapolis for a people of time say that they avoid the southern parts because of increase prejudice toward foreigners or people who are not native Indianans. Regardless if this is true or not, I want some feedback concerning the friendliness of the people in Indy.

I've always said that people from the coasts come to the midwest to find friendly people, and people from the midwest go south to find friendly people. You might find that we northerners are "rude" compared to the southern hospitality you're used to. There are certainly bad apples, but as a whole I think Indy is a hospitable place.

As far as race relations, I think 90% of people in the metro area are colorblind. You're right about the south side; that part of town is hopelessly conservative and backwards-thinking, and also happens to be overwhelmingly under-educated. You would not fit in. Downtown, Broad Ripple, the Northside, and the suburbs you mentioned would all be a good fit for you.

I can't attest to the Chinese population in Carmel. I know there are large Russian & East European, Burmese, Indian, Middle Eastern and Hispanic communities in Indianapolis.

6. Last but not least, how about apartments in the Indy area in terms of availability and cost? As stated above, I am narrowing my search to the northern sections of Indianapolis just a little south of I-465 as well as in Hamilton County. Any information about the nature and costs of the rent of apartments in those areas is greatly appreciated.

There are several nice self-proclaimed "luxury" apartment communities on the NE side. These names aren't verbatim, but check out Bayshore, Lakeshore, Scandia, Castle Creek, Riverbend, River Crossing, Prarie Lakes, and Willow Lake.

If you're interested in downtown, I would highly recommend coming to Indianapolis for a few days and just look around. A few of the pre-war highrises have been converted into apartments and lofts, and there has been new construction as well. Riley Towers are the tallest apartment highrises in the downtown area, so if you'd like to live up high, that may be your best bet.

I would check craigslist if I were you. There are a lot of houses/condos for rent around the city and if you use the crime database I gave you, you'll be able to narrow down the safe areas from the dangerous ones pretty well. I can tell you for certain that you'll get a better deal if you rent a private house/condo than if you go with a commercial complex.


A couple other resources that may help: http://www.indianapolismonthly.com/ http://www.nuvo.net/
Good Luck!

[BU191433]

Yes, find a job first before moving here, unless you have about a years worth of money saved up for your necessary expenses (and even then I wouldn't do it)

Let me know your price range and I'll be able to direct you to several apartments in the Carmel, Fishers, north Indianapolis area.

Carmel does have a decent sized Asian population. Not huge though

[ClemTiger0408]

I'm actually from Atlanta. I lived there from about 1994 till last year. Specifically I lived in Roswell.

I just moved here bout 2 months ago and was here for a few months starting in February.

Comparing to Atlanta, there are some things I like better and some things I don't.

First, the size of Indy is both good and bad. I love that there is hardly any traffic. If it takes me 5 minutes more than my normal commute to get to work, I'm pulling my hair out. Then I have to step back and remember that people drive for hours a day in Atlanta. The city is big enough that there is pretty much anything that you would want to do in a fairly major city. I see all the movies I want to see, there are decent parks and museums, and there are generally pretty fun festivals almost weekly.

I love that the airport is a "mid-major" meaning I can get pretty much anywhere in the country fairly easily and yet when you get there it is NEVER crowded. I don't have to walk 3 miles to concourse E. Another advantage is there are tons of huge cities within driving distance. I've already been to Chicago twice and Cincinnati once and I've lived here since July.

Here are my negatives. My biggest negative with Indy is probably petty and is definitely on a case-by-case issue. That is a lack of a Major League Baseball team. I am a huge Braves fan, but I just love MLB in general, and I am sad there aren't any MLB teams here to watch. Also, I'm a huge music fan and I've found there is not a good venue, market, or "scene" as the kids call it for the lesser known bands. All the big tours come through here, but there are a ton of bands I'd love to see but when they schedule a national tour, they often seem to skip Indy.

Apartments are CHEAP and NICE. I love my apartment and its easily 300-400 less than I would pay for equal quality in Atlanta, even the suburbs. I live just north of 465 on the north side.

I can't speak much for diversity as far as the people are concerned. I do know there are lots of festivals and "areas" that promote and celebrate diversity, but its not like I've been driving around and thought "wow, there are a lot of <enter culture here> people here".

I like downtown. My biggest complaint for Atlanta was that you could never just park somewhere and spend all day. You could go from nice place to nice place, but everywhere in between was risking your life. You're in Centennial Park, want to walk to go to Underground? Then hop in your car and drive. Thus, ruining any chances of barhopping. Indy downtown is tidy, centrally located, and SAFE. When I'm in the touristy area of downtown where the stadiums and such are, I just feel very safe, even at night. And I have a great time.

Anyways, feel free to message me if you have any specific Atlanta to Indy questions as I very recently made that jump.