Tell me about Indy!

[NLay]

I just want to say that I'm from the burgh and currently live in Indy. Main differences are the cost of housing(cheaper in Indy) but keep in mind that there is a reason. There are a lot more jobs in Pittsburgh than in Indy. I know the job market is tough everywhere but I think its much worse here. Just make sure you have one before you move here. The smoking situation u were talking about is much better here in Indy. But keep in mind allergies are much worse here.

[grmasterb]

Originally Posted by NLay

There are a lot more jobs in Pittsburgh than in Indy. I know the job market is tough everywhere but I think its much worse here.

According to these figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, you're wrong. Table 1. Civilian labor force and unemployment by state and metropolitan area

[Avengerfire]

Originally Posted by sweetana3

Smoking is no longer an issue. I have not noticed any problem in any public place in years. Few smoke downtown and even businesses are on the band wagon to get rid of smoking. Lilly has banned it on their entire campus.

I have asthma and would be very sensitive to it.

How does the car exhaust do for you? If you are that sensitive you must not ever be able to leave your home.

[analog_kid86]

Originally Posted by peanut33

I'm thinking of moving from Pittsburgh to Indy to be closer to family. I've been to Indy but want to learn more about living there. All input is appreciated!
Here are the things I'd like to know more about:

#1 is probably crime/safety. Obviously there is crime and there are places to avoid, but how do you feel it compares to other cities? Is it relatively safe to walk places during the day, etc? (I know of other places where that's probably risky...haha)

Is there any form of mass transit? I like being able to ride the bus and let my car sit...is that possible there? Are there places to bike? Are there bike lanes? I would like to use this mode of transportation but am uncomfortable riding on the street.

How is traffic?

Are there places to live where I could walk to the store, restaurants, etc? How is downtown living? I'd prefer not to live in the suburbs but it seems like everyone does??

I really like the urban feel of Pittsburgh (at least I think it has that), would I lose that in Indy? I'm from a small town and would prefer not to live somewhere that just feels small.

Is Indy clean?

Do you think the city is trying to advance or is it stagnant or going backward? Is Indy trying to be more eco-friendly?

Also, I've noticed that everyone in Pittsburgh seems to want to leave...is Indy like that or do people seem proud to live there?

I'm also looking at Chicago, Columbus, Nashville, and maybe Atlanta, so if you have any comments/comparisons, they are welcome of course.

Thank you!!

As far as safety, the north burbs are probably your best bet.

There is a bus system however most people choose to drive. Traffic can be bad, but isn't notoriously bad. It's just like any other city. Avoid rush hours and it's not bad.

Downtown is nice... it's the areas (in my opinion) all around downtown that get sketchy.

Indy is big, but sprawling. It's not as dense as Pittsburgh so you might lose some of that urban feel.

Indy is moderately clean (in my opinion).

As of now, the city seems to have some growth. I haven't lived near there in a few years now, but was down visiting a couple weeks ago and have noticed numerous new buildings being erected. As far as eco-friendly is concerned, someone else may know more about that than I would.

I don't think Indy has that same exodus type feel in it. If anything, all of the young people in small towns in Indiana are yearning to get to "the big city" and Indy seems to satisfy many of them.

I can't say much about Columbus or Atlanta, but I LOVE Chicago. I also like Nashville, but prefer Indy.

Hope I've been some help.

[Central Illinois 1]

Indy = Great town and friendly people. The traffic is usually an easy go and the cost of living is well below the national average. Moving from Pittsburg should be an esay transition as the cities seem very similar in most respects.