With its diversified economy, Indianapolis has risen to be one of the thriving urban cities in the United States. This aptly sized metropolis with small town values caters to every demographic with its museums, outdoor sculpture gardens, upscale dining, symphony orchestra, and various sports venues. Known for its hospitality and low cost of living, the Circle City has been attracting people not just from neighboring states, but from across the globe.
Home to various professional sports teams, this city is also the home of the governing bodies of several sports like USA Synchronized swimming, USA Gymnastics, and USA Diving.
Known as the Racing capital of the world, this city boasts of hosting the Indianapolis 500 and Brickyard 400. Both are motorsport events held annually that attract crowds in the hundreds of thousands.
Here is a guide that will help you relocate smoothly to Indianapolis.
Indianapolis Climate
Geographically, Indianapolis is similar to any Midwestern city with prairies and deciduous forests. A humid continental climate with no pronounced wet or dry season can be seen in the city. Summers are warm with temperatures often reaching 95oF.
Spring and autumn are pleasant with the occasional snowfall followed by warmer days. Due to polar air from the north, frigid temperatures and low humidity characterize winters.
Rainfall is more common in the spring and summer, which are the result of thunderstorms. The city is also susceptible to thunderstorms, tornados, flooding, snow and ice storms.
Indianapolis Neighborhoods
Indianapolis, like any other major city, reflects a diversity of culture. Owing to its proximity to Butler University and known for its bohemian flare, Broad Ripple Village is popular among college students and young people. Restaurants of different cuisines, thrift stores, bars, and tattoo parlors adorn the streets of this neighborhood. The Broad Ripple Art Fair is held in this neighborhood each May.
The Circle Center Mall forms an equilateral triangle with Bankers Life Fieldhouse and Lucas Oil Stadium, which attracts a large number of tourists. The Wholesale District reflects downtown Indianapolis but is expensive due to its touristy nature.
One of the oldest urban neighborhoods in the city, Lockerbie Square is where you will find restored residences alongside condos and modern housing. Dotted with galleries, theaters, restaurants, bars, and nightclubs, the district of Mass Ave reflects a pedestrian-friendly lifestyle. Indiana Avenue lets you explore black history through art, historic attractions, museums, and parks.
Living Costs in the City
Indianapolis is a big city with small-town values where people are warm and willing to lend a helping hand. When compared to large cities like New York or Chicago, Indianapolis has less traffic and lower housing costs and taxes. Transportation, education, and healthcare costs are high when compared to other places. Alcohol and tobacco, clothing, furniture, grocery, and household accommodation costs are low. Sales tax in the city is eight percent.
Registering Your Car
You have 60 days to register your car in Indiana from the date of the beginning of your residency in the state of Indiana. For registering your vehicle, proof of your residency in the state and proof of your social security number should be submitted at a BMV office. Vehicle Inspection Number inspection by a law enforcement officer or at any local license office is also required.
A driver’s license should be obtained within 60 days of becoming a resident of the state of Indiana. You are required to surrender your valid out-of-state driver's license before applying for an Indiana state license. If you do not have a valid out-of-state driver's license, then you are required to get an Indiana's learner permit for 180 days, before you can apply for the state's license.
Indianapolis Moving Resources
There are hundreds of reputable and reliable moving companies in the city of Indianapolis to help you with your move and get you unloaded and unpacked in your new home. Whether you’re moving from within the state of Indiana, or whether you’re moving from the East or even the West coast, you’ll find moving companies that can help you get settled in Indianapolis. Here are just a few of places where you can find movers to handle your relocation to Indianapolis:
In addition, there are also many storage companies located within the city in case you need a place to store some of your belongings, whether it’s for a short amount of time until you get settled in your new home, or for more long-term storage. You can find yourself an Indianapolis storage company to help fulfill your storage needs.
Public Transportation
IndyGo is the name given to the public transportation of Indianapolis that is comprised of scheduled buses, limited express shuttle buses, and a private people mover system with public access. The service is more extensive in and around downtown but becomes less frequent as you move away from the downtown area.
Shuttles for special events like the Indianapolis 500, the US Grand Prix, and the Circle City Classic are available. Most of the buses are equipped with bike racks. For those over age 65, under 18, and physically challenged – half-fare discounts are available.
It is necessary to apply for a half-fare ID card at any of IndyGo’s customer service centers to obtain the discounts. There is a door-to-door Open Door service for those people whose disabilities prohibit them from using the fixed-route bus system. To obtain this service, one has to book them three days in advance.
Culture and Contemporary Life
In one of the many initiatives that the Indianapolis government has undertaken to transform the city into a cultural destination, six districts were designated as cultural districts and are connected by a Cultural Trail. Fountain Square, Indiana Avenue, Mass Ave, the Canal and White River State Park, and the Wholesale District are the five districts connected by the Cultural Trail, and are known as places of historical importance, along with the presence of various entertainment venues.
This, in turn, is connected to Broad Ripple Village by the Monon Trail. As part of the Central Indiana greenway system, this cultural trail is a bike and pedestrian path fully equipped with benches, bike racks, bike rentals or drop-offs. Since 1982, an outdoor summer concert called the Marsh Symphony on the Prairie was hosted by the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. Many art fairs like the Talbot Street Art fair, Penrod Art Fair, and Broad Ripple Art Fair are held in various parts of the city.
The Indiana Black Expo is a 10-day national event showcasing contributions of African-Americans in different fields. Fashion Week is held in the months of March and October and features works by local and national designers and has grown to become one of the most popular events in Indianapolis. Unlike other major cities, Indianapolis doesn’t have a signature dish, but its cuisine reflects a fusion of native and European influences. Some of the more popular dishes include breaded pork tenderloin sandwiches, sugar cream pie, corn dogs, and onion pie.
Moving to Indianapolis
A growing GDP, higher education institutions, and affordable housing have made Indianapolis one of the best places to relocate. Utility services are an integral part of home moving. Before you relocate to Indianapolis contact your utility service and inform them about your change of address. The phone companies are AT&T and Comcast, and the latter can provide internet, cable and direct TV.
The power is provided by Indianapolis Power while Citizens Gas and Coke Utility supply the gas. Before hiring a moving company, educate yourself about reliable and reputable movers that are operating in the city. Read customer reviews, check their ratings with the BBB, and ask for customer references from the company itself before you make a final decision about hiring a moving company.