Paris, IL or Terre Haute? (Indianapolis, West Terre Haute: home, neighborhoods, buy)

[Taihawk]

Hello all, my wife and I (both in late 40’s) are potentially looking to move to the area. Work would be in Paris, wife travels for work about every 3-4 weeks via plane.

At first blush, it would seem to make sense to live in Terre Haute and travel to Paris. Reasons we have out of the box are (1) taxes likely better in Indiana, (2) bigger town so more amenities, (3) closer to the airport in Indy. Am hoping to hear input from folks that live there, since we are likely overlooking some obvious stuff (at least obvious to people living in the area currently). Thanks in advance for any input

[Toxic Toast]

Terre Haute is not as bad as you will likely hear. You didn't specify which amenities you are looking four outside of the airport in Indianapolis, but there are amenities in Terre Haute. There is a Meijer, Starbucks, Java Haute, Children's Museum, and two universities.

[Taihawk]

Thank you for your reply Toxic. Amenities aren’t really a focus as much as overall costs of living, friendliness, etc...... overall “vibe” I guess. My wife and I are both from small-town Midwest (she from town of around 10k population and me from town of 2K; currently in Tampa, FL and have learned we hate big city, and miss the change of seasons and (most importantly) the people and values of the Midwest. As we start looking into a possible move, we are just hoping to get as much insight as possible from those in the know

[dodeca]

I don't know Paris well, but Terre Haute is a nice small city. I grew up there and have family there. There is really no traffic, most neighborhoods are very safe and affordable, and public services are generally good. The four colleges/universities in the city/county also bring in a lot of young people, events and activities. I think even from Paris, ILL, Indianapolis would be the closest major airport, although there are some flights from the Champaign-Urbana airport.

There are also a lot of nice rural areas around Terre Haute - for easy access to Paris and the Indy airport, you might look in rural West Terre Haute, or the area northeast of Terre Haute - around Rose-Hulman. Those areas are nicely hilly, with good access to shopping areas and I-70.

Good luck with your move.

[Taihawk]

initial thoughts are that living on the Indiana side would be better taxes-wise, however that may be offset by lower day to day cost of living closer to Paris on the Illinois side. If it’s all a wash, then I guess it just opens up a lot more options.

[excowboy]

Always like TH - Rose Hulman is where I went to school and wife went to State.

[bankncard]

Always like TH - Rose Hulman is where I went to school and wife went to State.

[Pundcakesss]

If you buy a home in Illinois prepare to endure declining home values, soaring taxes and crappy services.
The smart choice is buy in or near Terre Haute on the Indiana side.

[CGab]

I have family in Terre Haute, look there! Illinois is a fiscal mess and won't get any better! You'd be taxed on everything! Indiana has better COL all together! Bette schools and a fiscally sound state!

[Serious Conversation]

Terre Haute if you are concerned about taxes. That's no slight against the communities in western IL. I've found many to be nice to visit and I'm sure their fine places to live, just dragged down by the government in Springfield.