Moving from Los Angeles, CA to Indianapolis, IN

Indianapolis: More Than Just the 500

Think “Indianapolis” and what’s the first thing to come to mind? It’s probably the iconic Indianapolis 500, the world’s largest single-day sporting event and a Memorial Day weekend tradition for more than a century. Auto racing has a rich history in Indy, but the Indiana state capital offers much more for its visitors and residents. What if you’re relocating from Los Angeles to Indianapolis? Here’s an overview of what to expect.

Taking the Temperature

One of L.A.’s biggest draws is its mild year-round climate. Average daily temperatures range from the mid-50s to the mid-70s, depending on the season, and there’s not a ton of rain. That’s not the case in Indianapolis, where residents endure some form of precipitation (rain, snow, sleet or hail) for an average of 111 days per year. Indy also gets 22 inches of snow per year (the U.S. average is 26). Temperatures range from a low of 20 degrees in January to a high of 84 in July.

Getting Around

While Los Angeles is legendary for its cluttered roadways, Indianapolis ranks as one of the least congested cities in the world, according to the Global Traffic Congestion Index (the worst? Mexico City). The study reveals that the average trip in Indianapolis takes just 10 percent longer during rush hours than it would if streets were empty. That’s a surprising statistic, given that Indy’s one among the top 20 largest cities in the country with a population of more than 863,000.
Like in Los Angeles, there are different ways to get around in Indianapolis, a city known for its walkability. IndyGo provides public transportation with 30 fixed bus routes from its downtown hub. Uber and Lyft are also available. Looking for eco-friendly options? BlueIndy is an electric car-sharing program with more than 200 locations, 1,000 charging stations and 500 cars throughout the city. Pacers Bikeshare bikes are available with a 24-hour pass, a monthly pass or an annual purchase.

Things To Do

Upon first glance, moving to Indianapolis from Los Angeles may seem like a culture shock — and there are many differences between the two. As the second most-populated city in the country (with more than 4 million residents) and a premier cultural destination, L.A.’s got something for everyone. But Indy holds its own! Here some of the city’s top attractions:

Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Race fans pack out The Brickyard each year for the Indianapolis 500 (held in May) and the Brickyard 400 (July). This national historic landmark, constructed in 1909, is the highest-capacity sports venue in the world and can hold more than 257,000 spectators. It’s nicknamed The Brickyard in reference to track’s early days when owners replaced the crumbling original racing surface with 3.2 million paving bricks. For a more intimate experience, you can take a grounds tour or visit the 30,000-square-foot museum.

Central Canal. Also known as Indy Canal Walk, this clean, peaceful 3-mile loop is a popular relaxation spot. Visitors can walk alongside the canal, book a Segway tour, hire a gondolier, or rent a pedal boat or kayak. This is also a prime spot to enjoy a great view of the Indianapolis skyline and come of the city’s best contemporary architecture.
Indianapolis Museum of Art. This massive structure is among the 10 largest art museums in the U.S, covering 152 acres and featuring more than 54,000 works of art spanning 5,000 years. The museum also has interactive installations for kids. You can also stop by the Oldfields-Lilly House & Gardens, a 26-acre estate on the museum grounds and a National Historic Landmark.

Indiana War Memorial. This landmark includes two museums, three parks and 24 acres of monuments, statues, sculptures, and fountains. It’s drawn comparisons to the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Indianapolis is second only to D.C. in acreage and number of monuments dedicated to veterans.

The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. The world’s largest children’s museum features a planetarium, recreations of three major archeological sites and a 12,500-year-old mastodon skeleton.
Lucas Oil Stadium. The home of the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts opened in 2008 and hosted the 2012 Super Bowl. The venue holds 67,000 spectators and features a retractable roof, giving access to views of the downtown skyline. Catch a Colts game or take a guided tour of the stadium for behind-the-scenes access.

Indianapolis Zoo. This family favorite is home to more than 1,600 animals and 23,000 plant species. The White River Gardens features a glass-enclosed conservatory, a water garden and 1½ miles of walkways.

Job Market

Entertainment moves the economic needle in Los Angeles. Conversely, Indianapolis is a growing market with abundant job opportunities in health care and tourism. It’s a healthy job market with an unemployment rate that’s lower than the national average. It’s also a popular place for new graduates looking for work. National companies headquartered in the area include Angie’s List, RCI, Dow AgroSciences, and the NCAA. 

Housing Market

It’s no secret that Los Angeles has one of the highest cost of living indexes in the country. As of February 2019, the average price of a home in Los Angeles County was $579,500 while the average apartment rent was $2,826. By contrast, the average Indianapolis home value is valued at $142,900, and the average apartment rent is $973.

Educational Opportunities

Indianapolis Public Schools serve more than 27,000 K-12 students and 70 schools, including four high schools. Shortridge High School, which opened in 1864, is the oldest public school in the state of Indiana. For higher education, there are 31 colleges and universities in and around Indianapolis, including Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) and Butler University.

Move With U-Pack 

Are you ready to leave L.A. behind and race to Indy? U-Pack specializes in long-distance moves, so we can transport your belongings affordably and hassle-free! Our nationwide coverage area serves all 50 states, Canada and Puerto Rico. Get a free moving quote online, or call us at 844-362-5303844-594-3077 to explore your options.