I Lived in New York, but Indianapolis Is Better for Me in Many Ways

After living in two of the biggest US cities, most people thought I’d choose to spend my young adulthood in one of them.

I grew up in Chicago, then moved away for college. During that time, I took a semester off to pursue an internship in New York City. Living in Manhattan and commuting to Rockefeller Center were some of the most magical experiences of my life.

The city itself checked almost every box, and I thrived in its lively, urban energy. I returned to college with newfound confidence, an expanded worldview, and real-life stories that sounded like novels.

Graduating with a remote job gave me the flexibility to start my next chapter anywhere. My friends and family were certain I’d go back to New York, or at least get my own place back home in Chicago.

To everyone’s surprise, I chose Indianapolis, a midsize city I couldn’t even locate on a map. Little did I know, this eyebrow-raising move would transform my quality of life and redefine my concept of freedom.

New York City wasn’t a good long-term fit for me

Cost was a major factor in my decision not to return to New York. Manhattan was a thrill, but rent alone set me back thousands of dollars a month — and I lived in a small studio apartment.

Food, entertainment, and transportation added thousands more. Every trip to the grocery store felt like a punch in the stomach; each credit-card statement reminded me that I was in unsustainable territory. Even spending time in nature felt pricey, since I had to pay to commute to Central Park.

My cost of living started to take a toll on my well-being. After about four months in Manhattan, I realized that unless I had an investment-banker salary or a trust fund (or both), living in the city didn’t make sense for me or align with my goals.

Seemingly every dollar I made went to the basics, and I had nothing left over to visit friends and family, save for retirement, or do anything except survive. I started to feel isolated.

I still craved city life, but not at the expense of everything I cared about.

So, I took a hard, honest look at my non-negotiables. I valued being close to my family in Illinois, saving money, and living in a city. At the very least, I wanted to experience something new.

When my partner got accepted into Indy’s dental school, it felt like a sign. Maybe my ideal new home could be in Indiana.

In 2024, I made the move to Indianapolis

Indianapolis is a midsize city with a population of around 800,000, which is about 10% of the size of New York City’s.

Given it’s so much smaller, I half-expected Indianapolis to look like a dull old painting with barren streets and sleepy energy. However, it turned out to be a bustling, vibrant city that had just about everything I loved in NYC.

Indianapolis has all the telltale characteristics of a larger city, including sports, concerts, diversity, and top-tier restaurants, but with a much lower price tag — and the Midwestern charm I had missed in New York.

My top-floor apartment is located in the heart of downtown, right along the canal with miles of trails, kayaking spots, and beautiful views. It’s a roomy one-bedroom unit with parking included, and the rent I split with my partner is under half of what I paid for my underground Manhattan studio.

Plus, the area is incredibly walkable. I can get to just about anywhere on foot, from grocery stores and restaurants to parks and sporting events that draw the entire city.

With almost everyone rooting for the same teams (which was rarely the case in New York), a buzzing downtown, and local traditions, there’s an unshakeable pride and a firm sense of belonging here.

Indy felt like home the day I moved.

My life is richer, in more ways than one

For me, the benefits of living here are much deeper than just a stretchy dollar. I’m flourishing, not just getting by, with enough time, energy, and money for what matters most to me.

Real meaning came not from living out the 20-something dream in New York City, but from slowing down and realigning my priorities.

I no longer feel trapped by rent payments and bank statements, but free — to travel, save, and spend on experiences that count. Free to handle emergency expenses and dine without guilt. Free to build my future without abandoning the present.

Downsizing cities didn’t feel like a sacrifice, but a major upgrade. My lifestyle here allows me to put aside money for retirement, prioritize wellness, and see my loved ones regularly, with room to splurge on superfluous things that make me happy.

As it turns out, I can have it all and then some.

My midsize city may not have the prestige of Chicago or the iconic reputation of New York City, but living here has dramatically improved my quality of life.

Living in Indianapolis still feels like a happiness cheat code.