The third-most populous city in the Midwest, Indianapolis is also the capital of Indiana and home to myriad sports teams, colleges, and entertainment venues. Although it has a few downsides, this city is chock-full of reasons to move there. Here’s our take on why you should move to Indianapolis.

Pro: Appreciate All the Seasons

If you’ve ever experienced the joy of leaves changing colors or a White Christmas, then you’ll love Indianapolis. The city enjoys all four distinct season. The summers hit the low 90s, making for perfect days spent at downtown’s White River State Park. Grab some friends and take a road trip to see the fall foliage at nearby  Brown County State Park. In the winter, hit the ski lifts and terrain park at Perfect North Slopes.

Pro: Sports Are King

Indianapolis boasts an NBA team (Indiana Pacers), an NFL team (Indianapolis Colts) and is home to the famous racing event, the Indianapolis 500. Grab tickets to see any one of these events and you’ll be surrounded by true sports fanatics.

Con: Public Transportation

Most residents agree: the public transit options in Indianapolis leave something to be desired. The city has one public bus system, the IndyGo, and no trains or light rail. If you’re thinking of Living in Indianapolis, you’ll most likely need a car to get around.

Pro: Very Affordable Cost of Living

The cost of living here is extremely doable, with median rental prices for one and two bedrooms reaching just $760 and $810, respectively. Join a gym for under $40, grab a pint of craft beer for $5, and eat a three-course meal for two at a restaurant for around $55. Bottom line: your money will go further living in Indianapolis.

Pro: Experience Classic, American Food–And an Eating Contest

St. Elmo’s has been around since 1902 and is an Indianapolis staple for delicious grub. The single appetizer on the menu–shrimp cocktail–is the focal point of the annual St. Elmo Shrimp Cocktail Eating Championship, a contest that legendary, professional eater Joey Chestnut has dominated for the last five years.

Con: It’s Not Chicago

For as much as Indianapolis has going on at any given moment, the one fact remains: it’s not Chicago. Anyone looking for a city that never sleeps is not going to like Indianapolis. Sure, it has plenty of things to do, nearby places to explore, and great restaurants, but it will always be unfairly compared to the more populous, bustling Windy City. 

Pro: It’s Full of Job Opportunities

In 2017 alone, Indianapolis added 24,700 new jobs, a 2.3% uptick from the previous year. For students at nearby Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, and even schools in Cincinnati and Louisville, both a short drive away, Indianapolis offers ample job growth for many business sectors. The outlook for healthcare and social services has seen the most positive increase in the last decade, with jobs growing by more than a third. Other areas of growth are professional, scientific and technical (technology jobs); administrative; and transportation and warehousing.

There you have it, the pros and cons of living in Indianapolis. While its public transit options are limited and it’s no Chicago, this Midwestern city still has a lot going for it. Eat at a historic steakhouse, enjoy an affordable cost of living and economic growth, and experience four wonderful seasons in this Midwestern city. Thinking of living in Indianapolis? Find your apartment before you get there so you can start enjoying all the perks of the city from the moment you arrive.

The post 5 Reasons You Should Be Living in Indianapolis and Why Its Pros Outweigh Its Cons appeared first on The Zumper Blog.