Single mom moving from ca to indy....good idea? (Indianapolis: college, salary)

[phlinak]

Originally Posted by NewHomer556

I came from Irving and I moved to The far north side of Indianapolis around 82nd street a year ago.
We were tired of the traffic, stress, soaring rent, declining wages, wildfires and air pollution. Our kids were struggling with the public schools in Irving so we thought about trying something new a few years ago. We did our research and settled on Indianapolis and we couldn't be happier. Our 2 boys are in great schools and the cost of living is so much lower here its like a different planet. Traffic here is an utter joke and as a result we haven't had breathing issues like we did in California. Not having wildfires is a major help too
The cold here isn't that bad and it was easy for us to get used too and with how strong the community support is if we needed our driveway plowed we just ask the neighbor and tip him for it.

Originally Posted by masters1

Been here for 22 years after living from coast to coast. Lived in the Bay Area many years ago. For all around quality of life you can't beat Indy. There is a lot to do here, it's affordable and the people are friendly. I consider it a good quality of life.

Did either one of you find it hard to adjust to the Indiana weather after living in CA?

[MortonR]

Originally Posted by phlinak

Did either one of you find it hard to adjust to the Indiana weather after living in CA?

I'll offer my observations on this based on being a native Hoosier, growing up and living here for almost 30 years, leaving, then returning later in life from Florida:

The cold isn't a big deal. Like any climate, as long as you dress for it you'll be fine. You'll acclimate. Having four seasons is really great.

The lack of sunlight in the winter months was a killer for me. I suffered from seasonal affective disorder (SAD) due to the lack of sunlight. I went from seeing the sun on an almost daily basis in Florida to times where I might not see it for a week or more. Not as bad as the Pacific Northwest, but definitely has an affect on you, some more than others.

With medication and one of those special lights I was able to cope. I would add that I am a very healthy person, spend a lot of time outdoors, etc., etc., so this came as a real surprise to me. The first winter by January I was a real mess and I didn't know why. Thank goodness I had a great care provider who diagnosed me in short order.

RM

[phlinak]

Thank you, MortonR, for your response.

[MortonR]

Originally Posted by phlinak

Thank you, MortonR, for your response.

You’re welcome.

I see you’re listed as being in Alaska - I used to do a lot of work up there, all over the state including out in the Aleutians. I can’t begin to imagine what it would be like to winter up there....

RM

[phlinak]

Originally Posted by MortonR

You’re welcome.

I see you’re listed as being in Alaska - I used to do a lot of work up there, all over the state including out in the Aleutians. I can’t begin to imagine what it would be like to winter up there....

RM

Yeah, I've been here for over 15 years and I'm more than done with 6 months of winter (and 4 1/2 hours of daylight at the solstice) but in a little over four years, I can pull the plug.

That's why we're scoping out possible locations for retirement.

So far, we're looking at about a half dozen places including the Indy metro (particularly Carmel) and so far, we like what we see.

Fortunately, we have the time to be thorough and do it right.

[MortonR]

Originally Posted by phlinak

Yeah, I've been here for over 15 years and I'm more than done with 6 months of winter (and 4 1/2 hours of daylight at the solstice) but in a little over four years, I can pull the plug.

That's why we're scoping out possible locations for retirement.

So far, we're looking at about a half dozen places including the Indy metro (particularly Carmel) and so far, we like what we see.

Fortunately, we have the time to be thorough and do it right.

I think Indianapolis would be a great place to live after Alaska.

It was always my observation while working in Alaska that there were two kinds of people who lived there - those who couldn’t wait to leave, and those who would never leave.

Good luck!

RM

[phlinak]

Originally Posted by MortonR

I think Indianapolis would be a great place to live after Alaska.

It was always my observation while working in Alaska that there were two kinds of people who lived there - those who couldn’t wait to leave, and those who would never leave.

Good luck!

RM

A very astute and very true observation.

You can definitely place us in the former group.

Have a blessed day.

[TedH71]

Don't get a condo and a HOA based place to live. Not worth it. Indianapolis apparently has enough houses that are under $70k and affordable. You just have to rent first and figure out which areas are considered unsafe and stay away from those then go find the house you want.

[ellie84]

wow so good to hear nice things about my home state!!

[HatchChile]

Indiana winters are not terribly cold... but they are ugly and soul-crushing because everything turns gray. And the winter drags for 6 months or so. And, when it's cold that humidity doesn't help. It goes through your coat and hats. Ugh. I mean it's nothing compared to Chicago windy winters... but coming from CA it'll definitely be something to consider.

I'd consider TX as some other people mentioned. I myself in healthcare although in healthcare IT... but I literally get harassed via Linkedin by recruiters wanting people somewhere in "a large healthcare system in TX". Summers are going to be hard, but the pay is so much better than in Indiana... in places like Houston, the average pay is much higher than even here in Denver. Plus, if you choose your relocation place right you can still be somewhat close to the ocean or the mountains/hill country. Plus you get better food.... much much much better food than in Indiana (Amish/German style food vs Tex Mex or TX BBQ??? Come on, lol. I know what I would choose!) That always helps!