Bronx, NY vs Indianapolis, IN
Comparing the Bronx, NY, and Indianapolis, IN, is a tale of two cities rich in cultural history, color, and diversity. Both locations have their unique peculiarities, and this comprehensive comparison should help those looking to relocate or just visiting, make an informed decision about the perks and potential challenges in each city. Conditions in areas such as crime/safety, weather, cost of living, education, the workscape, and more are extensively discussed.
Bronx, NY and 
Indianapolis, IN : 650.2 miles
Bronx's population is larger by 57%. The population of Indianapolis has grown by 100,169 people (12.8%) during that time.
| Population | ||
| Type | Bronx | Indianapolis |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,383,871 | 882,039 |
| Female / male percentage | 53.5% / 46.5%
|
51.2% / 48.8%
|
Crime and Safety
The Bronx and Indianapolis have varying crime rates. According to NeighborhoodScout, the Bronx, though relatively safer than some years back, still struggles with safety issues. Some neighborhoods face high crime rates, but increased police presence and community efforts have improved safety. Indianapolis also has areas with higher crime rates, primarily around its urban core. Like the Bronx, efforts are being made to improve safety. It's recommended for potential residents and visitors to research specific neighborhoods.
Cost of Living
The cost of living is significantly higher in the Bronx compared to Indianapolis. According to Payscale, overall housing, utilities, grocery, transportation, and healthcare costs are all higher in the Bronx. This is primarily due to its location within metropolitan New York City. Conversely, Indianapolis offers a more affordable Midwest living experience.
Income Tax
New York State has a progressive income tax system, and New York City residents, including those in the Bronx, pay an additional city income tax. In total, tax rates can range from 6.65% to 12.696% depending on income level and filing status. Indiana, including Indianapolis, has a flat state income tax rate of 3.23%, but counties can impose an additional income tax. In Marion County, where Indianapolis is located, the income tax rate is 1.62% for a combined rate of 4.85%.
Property Tax
Property tax rates in the Bronx are part of the complex New York City property tax system and can vary considerably. On average, however, they are lower than those in Indianapolis. Indianapolis has a property tax rate that is higher than the national average, with rates differing based on location and property type.
Sales Tax
In terms of sales tax, the Bronx, like the rest of New York City, has a combined state and city sales tax rate of 8.875%. In contrast, Indianapolis has a combined state and county sales tax rate of 7%, which is lower than in the Bronx.
| Income | ||
| Type | Bronx | Indianapolis |
|---|---|---|
| Estimated median household income | $43,011 | $58,479 |
| Estimated per capita income | $23,354 | $32,792 |
| Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100) | 172.8 | 87.7 |
If you make $50,000 in Indianapolis, you will have to make $98,518 in Bronx to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
The Bronx, as a borough of New York City, is on the East Coast and is characterized by its dense urban structure with a mix of historic and modern buildings. It's bordered by the Hudson River to the west and Long Island Sound to the east. The Bronx also enjoys significant green spaces like the Bronx Zoo and the New York Botanical Garden. Less dense, Indianapolis lies in the Midwest and is characterized by a mix of urban and suburban landscapes, featuring notable parks like Eagle Creek Park and White River State Park.
| Geographical information | ||
| Type | Bronx | Indianapolis |
|---|---|---|
| Land area | 42 sq. miles | 361.5 sq. miles |
| Population density | 32,928 people per sq. mile | 2,440.1 people per sq. mile |
| Elevation | 120 feet | 717 feet |
Education
Within the education sector, both cities offer a range of excellent educational opportunities. The Bronx, as part of the New York City Department of Education, is home to dozens of high-rated schools and several highly-regarded universities, including Fordham University and Manhattan College. On the other hand, Indianapolis has a diverse range of highly-rated public, charter, and private schools and is home to institutions such as the University of Indianapolis and Butler University.
| Education level (25-year-olds and older) | ||
| Type | Bronx | Indianapolis |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 14.6% | 34.7% |
| Graduate or professional degree | 5.9% | 12.7% |
| High school or higher | 62.3% | 88.3% |
Work and Economy
The work and economies of the two cities differ greatly. The Bronx is closely intertwined with the wider New York City economy, offering opportunities in sectors like finance, healthcare, education, and retail. On the contrary, Indianapolis has a diverse economy with a focus on sectors like health care, education, finance, and manufacturing.
Biggest Employers
The Bronx's largest employers include Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx Lebanon Hospital Center and the New York City Department of Education. Indianapolis is home to giant corporations such as Anthem Inc, Indianapolis Public Schools, and St. Vincent.
In Bronx (Bronx County), 91.9% voted for Democrats and 8.1% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Indianapolis (Marion County), 60.1% voted for Democrats and 37.9% for Republicans.
Weather
Weather-wise, the Bronx experiences a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and moderately cold winters. Snowfall can be expected during winter months. In contrast, Indianapolis experiences a humid continental climate where summers are typically hot, humid, and winters can be severely cold with lake-effect snow possible.
| Weather and climate | ||
| Type | Bronx | Indianapolis |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature - Average | 54.7°F | 52.1°F |
| Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity | 67.2% | 77% |
| Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity | 26.4% | 31% |
| Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity | 75.6% | 86% |
| Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity | 49.2% | 55% |
| Precipitation - Yearly average | 47 in | 40.6 in |
| Snowfall - Yearly average | 54.5 in | 51 in |
| Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds | 16.5% | 14.7% |
| Sunshine amount - Average | 60.2% | 56.2% |
| Sunshine amount - Differences during a year | 20% | 33% |
| Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly | 64% | 65% |
| Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly | 44% | 32% |
| Wind speed - Average | 10.7 mph | 10.3 mph |
Average climate in Bronx, New York
Average climate in Indianapolis, Indiana
| Natural disasters | ||
| Type | Bronx | Indianapolis |
|---|---|---|
| Tornado activity compared to U.S. average | 58.3% | 226.7% |
| Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average | 31% | 179.6% |
| Natural disasters compared to U.S. average | 14% | 16% |
Transportation
The Bronx benefits from New York City's comprehensive public transportation system, including the subway, buses, and ferries, making commuting relatively easy. However, traffic congestion can prove challenging. Indianapolis, while not as transit-rich, offers public bus services via IndyGo and is more car-dependent, with less congestion compared to the Bronx.
| Transport | ||
| Type | Bronx | Indianapolis |
|---|---|---|
| Amtrak stations | 0 | 1 |
| Amtrak stations nearby | 3 | 1 |
| FAA registered aircraft | 39 | 739 |
| FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers | 0 | 18 |
| Means of transportation to work | ||
| Type | Bronx | Indianapolis |
|---|---|---|
| Bicycle | 0.2% | 0.5% |
| Bus | 15.6% | 1.2% |
| Carpooled | 9.3% | 8.5% |
| Car alone | 27% | 87.3% |
| Railroad | 2% | 0% |
| Streetcar | 0.2% | 0% |
| Subway | 34.6% | 0% |
| Taxicab | 1.3% | 0.1% |
| Walked | 7.2% | 1.6% |
| Average travel time to work | ||
| Type | Bronx | Indianapolis |
|---|---|---|
| Average | 44.2 min | 28.1 min |
Real Estate
The Bronx generally has a higher cost of real estate compared to Indianapolis. The median home cost in the Bronx is significantly higher than in Indianapolis. Furthermore, the rate of homeownership is much lower in the Bronx due to the high cost of properties and prevalence of rental units. Conversely, homeownership is quite high in Indianapolis with more affordable housing options available.
Neighborhoods
The Bronx is home to diverse neighborhoods each with its unique character. Neighborhoods like Riverdale, Fordham, and Belmont have gained popularity for their distinctive character and vibrant community. On the other hand, Indianapolis neighborhoods such as Carmel, Fishers, and Zionsville are well known for their high quality of life and family-friendly environments.
| Houses and residents | ||
| Type | Bronx | Indianapolis |
|---|---|---|
| Houses | 490,659 | 399,820 |
| Average household size (people) | 2.8 | 2.4 |
| Houses occupied | 463,212 (94.4%) | 358,150 (89.6%) |
| Houses occupied by owners | 90,522 (19.5%) | 201,149 (56.2%) |
| Houses occupied by renters | 372,690 (80.5%) | 157,001 (43.8%) |
| Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units | $1,273 | $876.58 |
| Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos | $708,992 | $283,027 |
| Estimated median house or condo value | $465,000 | $188,700 |
| Median number of rooms in apartments | 3.7 | 4.3 |
| Median number of rooms in houses and condos | 5.1 | 6.5 |
| Renting percentage | 80.7% | 44.2% |
| Housing density (houses/condos per square mile) | 11,675 | 1,106.1 |
| Household income disparities | 50.2% | 44.4% |
| Housing units without a mortgage | 12,021 (34%) | 4,552 (3.2%) |
| Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan | 105 (0.3%) | 9,787 (6.8%) |
| Housing units with a mortgage | 23,339 (66%) | 138,622 (96.8%) |
| Housing units with a home equity loan | 2,053 (5.8%) | 271 (0.2%) |
| Housing units with a second mortgage | 2,159 (6.1%) | 12,987 (9.1%) |
| Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities | 1.4% | 3.4% |
| Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities | 1.7% | 1.1% |
Industries and Occupations
The dominant industries in the Bronx include healthcare, education, retail, and public administration. The most common occupations are in administrative support, sales, and management roles. In contrast, Indianapolis' economy is driven by healthcare, manufacturing, and retail. Occupations within Indianapolis are dominated by office and administrative support, sales jobs, and management roles.
Health Care
Both cities offer extensive healthcare services. The Bronx, part of the larger New York City system, has some top-rated hospitals, including Montefiore Medical Center. The Bronx is also a hub for specialized treatment facilities and healthcare programs. Indianapolis also offers excellent healthcare services with facilities like Indiana University Health, which ranks high nationally in multiple specialties.
| Health (county statistics) | ||
| Type | Bronx | Indianapolis |
|---|---|---|
| General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent) | 3.2 | 3.4 |
| Average weight of females (lbs) | 160 lbs | 165.5 lbs |
| Average weight of males (lbs) | 188.8 lbs | 200.3 lbs |
| Residents visited a dentist within the past year | 67% | 68.8% |
| Residents exercised in the past month | 67.5% | 69.9% |
| Adult residents drank alcohol in the past 30 days | 73.2% | 49.9% |
| Residents smoked 100+ cigarettes in their lives | 39.6% | 43% |
Infrastructure
In terms of infrastructure, the Bronx, being part of the sprawling metropolitan New York City, boasts an extensive public transportation system, and significant interstates, bridges, and tunnels link the borough to other parts of the city and beyond. Indianapolis also has a well-developed infrastructure, including highways, airports, and public transportation, though less extensive compared to the Bronx.
| Infrastructure | ||
| Type | Bronx | Indianapolis |
|---|---|---|
| Hospitals | 57 | 76 |
| TV stations | 30 | 19 |
| Bank branches located here | 118 | 259 |
| Bank institutions located here | 24 | 27 |
| Main business address for public companies | 2 | 28 |
| Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past | 1 | 1 |
| Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past | 4 | 19 |
Schools
Culture and Food
The Bronx is famously multicultural and boasts a fascinating blend of cuisines from around the world. Popular food destinations in the Bronx include Belmont's Arthur Avenue, often referred to as the 'real Little Italy'. The culture of Indianapolis is steeped in Midwestern charm and Hoosier hospitality with a growing food scene boasting farm-to-table restaurants, innovative local breweries, and international cuisine.
Sports Teams
Both cities have their share of sports teams, with the Bronx being home to the world-renowned New York Yankees. Indianapolis, on the other hand, is home to the Indianapolis Colts in the NFL and the Indiana Pacers in the NBA.