Living in Indiana: An Insider’s Look at What the Hoosier State Is Really Like

You’ve heard of Indiana. Cornfields, basketball, the Indy 500. But what’s it really like to live there? This is your guide to everything that makes Indiana so special, from its quirky lingo to its fierce pride in being just a little different, Get ready to learn things about this Midwest gem you never knew before. Whether you’re considering a move or just curious about what daily life is like here, there’s more to Indiana than meets the eye. 

Indiana’s Four Distinct Seasons 

Springtime Renewal 

After a long winter, spring brings a sense of renewal to Indiana. The days get longer, the temperatures rise and the landscape comes alive again. Trees bud, flowers bloom and birds return from their southern retreats. If winter weather gets you down, spring in Indiana will lift your spirits. 

Summer Heat and Humidity 

Summers in Indiana can be hot and humid, with temperatures often in the 80s F to 90s F and humidity levels making it feel even hotter. Air conditioning is a must for most Hoosiers during July and August. However, the long summer days are perfect for enjoying Indiana’s lakes and rivers, as well as outdoor festivals, concerts and cookouts. Just be prepared to sweat! 

A Colorful Fall Foliage 

Autumn in Indiana brings a vibrant display of fall colors as the summer greens fade to bright reds, golds and oranges. The crisp air and cool nights make fall a perfect time for apple picking, pumpkin carving and cozying up around a campfire. Fall foliage peaks in October, so head to Brown County State Park or Turkey Run State Park to enjoy some of the best leaf-peeping in the Midwest. 

Snow-Covered Winters 

Winters in Indiana are cold, with average high temperatures in the 30s. Parts of the state receive over 40 inches of snowfall each year, blanketing the landscape in white. Embrace the winter season by ice skating, sledding, skiing or snowshoeing. Or stay indoors and enjoy a mug of hot cocoa — no one would blame you! The winter scenery in Indiana may be chilly, but it’s also charming. 

The Cost of Living in Indiana 

You might be surprised by how affordable it is to live in Indiana. Housing costs here are well below the national average. According to NerdWallet, the median home value in Indiana is $142,300 compared to $231,200 nationally. Rent is also lower, around $860 per month for a two-bedroom apartment versus $1,230 nationwide. 

Low Taxes 

Indiana has a flat income tax rate of just 3.23% for individuals. There’s also no state estate tax or inheritance tax. Sales tax is 7% on most items. Property taxes in Indiana are higher than average but generally lower than in neighboring states. The low tax burden means you get to keep more of your hard-earned money in your pocket. 

Inexpensive Utilities

Utility costs in Indiana are very affordable compared to other parts of the country. Electricity is 9.16 cents per kilowatt-hour, compared to 12.89 cents nationally. Natural gas is also cheap at $8.75 per thousand cubic feet. Internet access can be had for around $50 to $70 per month. 

Budget-Friendly Activities 

There are plenty of free or low-cost recreational activities to enjoy in Indiana like visiting state parks, festivals and museums. Indianapolis has a fantastic children’s museum, a world-class zoo and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway which hosts the Indy 500. You can also catch major sporting events like Pacer’s basketball or Colts’ football games without breaking the bank. 

Top Things to Do in Indiana 

Explore Brown County State Park. Nestled in the rolling hills of southern Indiana, Brown County State Park is a nature lover’s paradise. With over 15,000 acres of rugged forestland, it’s Indiana’s largest state park. You can go hiking, camping, horseback riding and rock climbing. In the fall, the park is especially stunning when the leaves change colors. It’s like stepping into a postcard. 

Visit the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Hall of Fame Museum. Even if you’re not a race car fan, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is an iconic part of Indiana history. Take a behind-the-scenes tour of the track and visit the Hall of Fame Museum to see classic cars from the Indianapolis 500. When you’re there, you can almost hear the roar of the engines and feel the excitement of race day. 

Explore unique small towns. Some of Indiana’s small towns have a charm all their own. Check out Nashville, a quaint artist colony in Brown County known for craft shops, art galleries and seasonal events. Or visit Madison, a historic river town with antique stores, wineries and stunning views of the Ohio River. If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten path getaway, these small towns are perfect for a weekend escape. 

Experience the Indiana Dunes. Along 15 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore features massive sand dunes, beaches, hiking trails and diverse wildlife. Climb the dunes for panoramic views of the lake, then hike through wetlands, prairies and forests. With over 2,000 plant species, the dunes are a botanist’s dream. You can go swimming, sandboarding, bird watching and camping under a blanket of stars. The scenic beauty of the dunes will leave you in awe. 

Explore the Indiana Dunes and other Midwest National Parks in our National Parks of the Midwest guide. 

Dine at St. Elmo Steak House. No trip to Indiana is complete without experiencing the famous St. Elmo Steak House. Open since 1902, this upscale restaurant is known for amazing steaks, seafood and their signature shrimp cocktail sauce. With its dark wood decor and vintage vibe, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Even if the prices make your eyes bulge, St. Elmo’s is worth it for a special occasion. The food, service and ambiance are exceptional. 

Famous Hoosiers You Didn’t Know Were From Indiana 

You probably know that Larry Bird and David Letterman hail from the Hoosier state, but Indiana has produced many other notable famous faces over the years. 

Orville Redenbacher: The Popcorn King 

The man behind the famous popcorn brand was born in Brazil, Indiana. Orville Redenbacher spent decades hybridizing popcorn to create a variety that popped bigger and lighter. His dedication earned him the nickname “The Popcorn King.” Today, Orville Redenbacher’s popcorn is still the best-selling brand in the U.S. 

James Dean: Rebel Without a Cause 

The iconic American actor was born in Marion, Indiana. Though his film career only spanned three movies before his tragic death at age 24, James Dean became a symbol of youthful nonconformity and angst in the post-war United States. His most famous role was as troubled teen Jim Stark in the film Rebel Without a Cause. 

Colonel Sanders: Kentucky Fried Chicken Founder 

The man behind KFC, Colonel Harland Sanders, was born in Henryville, Indiana. After trying many jobs, Sanders started cooking and serving fried chicken from his roadside restaurant in Corbin, Kentucky during the Great Depression. His “Kentucky Fried Chicken” became so popular that Sanders started franchising his secret fried chicken recipe “Kentucky style” and eventually turned it into the world’s most popular chicken restaurant chain. 

Michael Jackson: The King of Pop 

One of the greatest entertainers of all time, Michael Jackson, was born in Gary, Indiana. Jackson began performing with his brothers in The Jackson 5 at a young age before launching a solo career that made him a global pop icon. His record-breaking album “Thriller” still ranks among the best-selling albums of all time. Though Jackson’s later life was controversial, his impact on music, dance and pop culture is unparalleled. 

Living in Indiana, you’re in good company with this group of notable former Hoosiers. Be on the lookout—you never know which small-town Hoosier may become a household name next. 

What Indiana Is Really Like

The Weather: It’s Not Always Warm and Sunny 

You’ve probably heard that Indiana has cold, snowy winters and hot, humid summers. That’s true, but the weather is often unpredictable. With mild temperatures and changing leaves, spring and fall can be beautiful, but they only last a few weeks. Be prepared for temperatures to fluctuate 30 degrees from day to day. Invest in a good coat, gloves, hat and boots if you want to enjoy being outside year-round. 

There’s More Than Just Farms 

While agriculture is an important part of Indiana’s economy, there’s much more to the state. College towns like Bloomington and West Lafayette have thriving food, music and arts scenes. Indianapolis, the state capital and largest city, is home to world-class museums, sports teams, shopping and dining. Outdoor recreation abounds, from hiking and camping in state parks to water sports on Lake Michigan. 

Hoosier Hospitality is Real 

Indiana is known for “Hoosier hospitality,” a friendly, welcoming spirit. People here tend to be polite, community-oriented and willing to help their neighbors. Strangers will smile, wave and strike up friendly conversations. If you need directions or recommendations, don’t hesitate to ask the locals. They’ll be happy to chat and point you in the right direction. 

There’s No Place Like Home in Indiana 

While Indiana has its quirks, it also has a nostalgic charm for those who call it home. Generations of families have built their lives here, connected to the land and to each other through a shared experience of the place. If you give it a chance, Indiana’s simple pleasures and midwestern values may win you over too. There’s a reason so many born-and-raised Hoosiers stay here: For them, there’s simply no place like home. 

Considering a move to Indiana? Working with a professional moving company like United Van Lines can take the hassle out of cross-country moves to Indiana. Our customized, full-service moving packages can cover all your moving needs. United’s experienced agents can manage storage, packing, unpacking, car shipping, debris removal and more. 

Want to know more about living in other states and cities? Check out our city and state guides. Ready to make a move? Our blog is filled with helpful moving checklists, tips and tricks for settling in your new abode and our digital moving magazine, House Key, is designed to simplify and streamline every step of your move.