What is it like to live in Evansville? (Indianapolis, Washington: apartment, condos)

[artgirl23]

Currently live in Chicago, but considering moving to Evansville. I am lured by the cost of homes compared to Chicago suburbs. Most of my life I have lived in the suburbs.. whether it was Minnesota, or Long island, or Louisiana, or Florida. I feel "at home" living in the suburbs and having a house and garage. I don't like townhomes or condos and having HOA's, feels just like an apartment. Wondering the following about Evansville


1. Are certain areas "safer" than others?
2. How easy is transportation for the occasional trip to Chicago (I don't want to bring car to the city)
3. wondering how difficult it would be to find work as an administrative assistant, or HR, or bank teller, or writing related work?



For those who have lived or live in Evansville, what did you like best about it, and least about it?


I am not sure how to begin searching for a home as to "where" in Evansville I should look.
I prefer home built after the mid 1980's,.. so are there certain neighborhoods or streets one can recommend for newer homes as opposed to older? I would look for a home under $200K, under $150 k even better... would seek 4 bedroom house and at least 1600 square feet.



How difficult is it to get permits if I wanted to have a large shed built on the property or a 4 season porch? I would need art studio space, so if there is not a basement, would need to have a an enclosed porch or shed built to accommodate that hobby space.


If basements are common, I would want to live in an area where there is LEAST likely to be drainage issues or need for sump pumps.


Thanks for any and all info and insights. I don't know anyone who lives there. A friend directed me to this forum.

[rrah]

Your biggest "problem" is the no car piece. In most places outside of large cities a car is a necessity-Evansville included.

[artgirl23]

I own a car

[artgirl23]

I didn't want to take my car to visit Chicago.

[htfdcolt]

Originally Posted by artgirl23

Currently live in Chicago, but considering moving to Evansville. I am lured by the cost of homes compared to Chicago suburbs. Most of my life I have lived in the suburbs.. whether it was Minnesota, or Long island, or Louisiana, or Florida.

My only question is--why? We did the same thing...albeit 20+ yrs ago...moved from Naperville to Evansville. It was like taking a step backward in time. Unless you have a compelling job situation, I wouldn't do it. Look around the Indy suburbs...far more attractive, lots of housing options, and amenities galore.

[artgirl23]

How do you compare the cost of a similar middle class house in Indianapolis suburb to Evansville?
What do you mean by stepping backwards in time? What suburbs are you recommending?
The major reason I'm considering Evansville is because of the low cost of houses and within reason to take periodic trips to Chicago

[Toxic Toast]

Originally Posted by artgirl23

1. Are certain areas "safer" than others?
2. How easy is transportation for the occasional trip to Chicago (I don't want to bring car to the city)
3. wondering how difficult it would be to find work as an administrative assistant, or HR, or bank teller, or writing related work?

Former Evansville resident and frequent visitor.

1) In general, the safest areas of Evansville are the areas of town that are not adjacent to downtown. East of 41 and north of Washington Ave is generally fine, and moreso the further east you go. East of Vann it starts to feel more suburban until you hit Newburgh. Newburgh is Evansville's most affluent "suburb." McCutchanville is the area by the airport that is also quite suburban. Anything north of Lynch Rd might be what you're looking for. North Park is pretty good, albiet older. The west side if Evansville is thought to be more of the hillbilly side of town. It is fine, but unmistakably more of a country feel. This is a generalization, if you have specific areas of interest ask. There are nice areas all over Evansville.

2) There are direct flights between Eville and Chicago. The only other option would be hitching a ride.

3) I can not help with that one.


I think Evansville is a fine place. Depending on where in Chicagoland you are coming from, it will be quite a culture shock. I hope you're planning to visit and not relying on internet strangers.

[Berteau]

Just live in Indy. Its closer to Chicago and the cost of living is similar to evansville. I have no idea why you would pick evansville.

[Ivory Lee Spurlock]

I'm sure there are thousands of people in Evansville who are about as close to Chicago as they want to be.

[artgirl23]

Thank you.