Indianapolis vs. Raleigh (living, cost, state, better)

[Blondie08]

Raleigh metro is 1.8 million
Indianapolis metro is 1.7 million

Raleigh is the fastest growing metro in the country
Indianapolis has an average growth rate

Raleigh is more high tech
Indianapolis is more urban

Both are state capitals

Which city is better when it comes to urbanity, quality of life, cost of living, sports, downtown night life and all around things to do?

[Akhenaton06]

Comparing the cities themselves, one advantage Indy has is being THE urban center of its region. Raleigh has to share that distinction with Durham, and to a lesser extent, Chapel Hill. So in terms of the cities themselves, I give Indy the nod.

[Colts]

First of all, the Raleigh metropolitan area as defined by the U.S. Census is NOT 1.8 million people, it's actually around 1 million. Raleigh's Core Statistical Area (CSA) does have 1.6 million, but that's because it's actually an agglomeration of three cities whose metro areas merged together (Raleigh, Durham, and Cary). Indy, on the other hand, is the only core city in a metro of 1.8 million and a CSA of over 2 million. So any way you define it, Raleigh is actually significantly smaller that Indy. Just wanted to clarify things.

Now then, this is a hard pick. Indy's core would probably be a bit more older and established, though the Raleigh area benefits from significantly better weather, especially in winter. Both cities give off a modern, white collar vibe.

[Akhenaton06]

Originally Posted by Colts

First of all, the Raleigh metropolitan area as defined by the U.S. Census is NOT 1.8 million people, it's actually around 1 million. Raleigh's Core Statistical Area (CSA) does have 1.6 million, but that's because it's actually an agglomeration of three cities whose metro areas merged together (Raleigh, Durham, and Cary). Indy, on the other hand, is the only core city in a metro of 1.8 million and a CSA of over 2 million. So any way you define it, Raleigh is actually significantly smaller that Indy. Just wanted to clarify things.

There are two MSAs in the Triangle CSA: Raleigh-Cary and Durham (which includes Chapel Hill). It should be noted, however, that they all formerly constituted one MSA which got broken up when the Census Bureau/OMB redefined MSAs. Just wanted to shed even more light on things.

[Toxic Toast]

Raliegh has an NHL team. I wish Indy had an NHL team.

[rnc2mbfl]

Originally Posted by Blondie08

Raleigh metro is 1.8 million
Indianapolis metro is 1.7 million

Raleigh is the fastest growing metro in the country
Indianapolis has an average growth rate

Raleigh is more high tech
Indianapolis is more urban

Both are state capitals

Which city is better when it comes to urbanity, quality of life, cost of living, sports, downtown night life and all around things to do?

Raleigh and the Triangle house the three major universities in the State: NC State in Raleigh, UNC in Chapel Hill and Duke in Durham.

Raleigh's a decent drive to DC while Indy is a decent drive to Chicago.

Raleigh is less than 2 hours from the coast and 3-4 hours from the mountains of VA and NC. Indy can't touch that.

Cost of living is lower in Indy. This is especially true of housing. Raleigh's cost of living is pretty much near the national median.

Raleigh has a more educated populace: among the very top tier in the country.

Indy has pro-football and basketball. Raleigh has ACC basketball and football.

Raleigh is immediately adjacent to neighboring communities/cities that offer different vibes.

My parents are from Indiana and would never go back. I vote Raleigh.

[grmasterb]

Who comes up with these threads??

[urbancharlotte]

Originally Posted by grmasterb

Who comes up with these threads??

I was thinking the same thing! This is almost as bad as that Indy vs. Omaha thread. I have never lived in Raleigh nor Indy, but I have visited both. Visiting "The Nap" was an absolute pleasure!!! Visiting Raleigh was about as exciting as visiting Muncie, Indiana. I am NOT joking either.

Indy hands down!!! Next topic please...

BTW why are the Waffle Houses in Indiana called Waffle and Steak? They are both the same chain, but they have a different name in Indy...

[Infamous92]

Raleigh by a very wide margin.

[adavi215]

I think it is a no brainer that Indianapolis wins the urbanity battle. You could even argue that Durham is more urban than Raleigh. It is a bit apples to oranges comparison to me because Raleigh is a polarized region having multiple cities and centers, while Indianapolis is THE anchor city in the region.