11 Things to Know When Moving to Indiana
Indiana is a U.S. state in the Midwestern United States. The state is found nestled between Michigan, Illinois, Ohio, and Lake Michigan. It offers a central location, a low cost of living, great educational institutes, and a lot of attractive perks. In addition to this, housing is affordable, the state has a booming economy and there are countless attractions such as lakes, restaurants, casinos, museums and much more. So, if you are considering moving to Indiana, there are several things you need to know and prepare. Here are 11 things you need to know before moving to Indiana.
What to Know Before your Move to Indiana
1. Before you Arrive in Indiana
Find a reliable moving company, truck rental or moving container
For your move to Indiana, you will need to hire a reliable moving company or take on the move yourself. To find the best moving company in Indiana, look for good reviews, a professional-looking website, and years of experience.
Planning a move to Indiana? Have a look at our selection of:
Forward your mail
If you are moving to Indiana permanently and you receive a lot of mail (excluding packages), you may want to sign up with USPS’s mail forwarding service. Mail forwarding will allow your mail to be redirected to the right address for a given period of time. The fee for regular mail forwarding is only a little over a dollar for 6 months. If you want to extend the service, you will have to pay around $20 for 6 months more. You can begin your mail forwarding process by signing up on USPS’s website or directly at your local Post Office.
Sell or donate the items you won’t need in Indiana
Moving to a new place is an opportunity to start afresh. If you’re moving to Indiana, selling or donating the items you won’t need will go a long way in making your move easier. You can sell your old household items and personal possessions, and anything that will not be useful. Pick out the items that will not be useful for you in Indiana, then decide if you want to sell them on websites like Craigslist or Facebook MarketPlace or donate them to a non-profit organization.
2. What are the First Steps to Take When Arriving in Indiana?
Change your address
Along with mail forwarding, you will also have to update your new address with the concerned authorities in Indiana like the DMV. To exercise your right to vote in Indiana, you can register to vote online, by mail and in person at your county voter registration office or the Indiana Election Division.
To register by mail or in person, you need to mail/deliver a completed Indiana Voter Registration Application (Form VRG-7) or County Voter Registration Application (Form VRG-11) at your county voter registration office or the Indiana Election Division. You can also visit your local BMV license branch to register. You should also change your address with your employer, bank, doctor, insurer, and service providers so that you can avoid any complications further down the road.
Exchange your driver’s license
Once you move to Indiana and establish residency, you must transfer your out-of-state driver’s license with the BMV within 60 days. In order to transfer your out-of-state driver’s license, you’ll need to visit a BMV office in person and pass both a vision test and driving test. You will also be required to submit your old license, proofs of ID, a payment for a new driver’s license fee and some additional documents.
Register your vehicle
If you have just moved to Indiana, you’ll have to register your out-of-state vehicle within 60 days of establishing residency. Failure to do so might result in penalties and additional charges. Before applying, you must have an Indiana title on the vehicle and register within 45 days of purchase. To get your car registered in Indiana, you have 2 options available. You can register your car online, for that you must have an Indiana title on the vehicle and register within 45 days of purchase. You can do this at the MyBMV online registration portal. To register in person, go to an IN BMV office and you’ll be asked to submit your driving license, proof of Indiana car insurance and some additional documents.
Consider getting health insurance
Getting health insurance is an excellent way to get peace of mind when it comes to your health. With health insurance, you will not have to worry about spending a ton of money in case of a health-related emergency. The state of Indiana proposes a website to help you with your health insurance search. Simply choose Indiana as your state and create an account.
Consider getting home insurance
Getting home insurance is essential, whichever state you are residing in. It is a kind of financial protection that will cover for your expenses if a natural disaster damages your home. Residents in Indiana are at a high risk of severe storms, floods, tornadoes, winter storms and landslides. Therefore, getting home insurance will prove to be valuable.
3. Best Places to Live in Indiana
If you are a couple, you might want to consider living in Westfield. It offers a sparse suburban feel, a thriving nightlife, a friendly neighborhood, diverse culture, and a lot of amenities.
If you are a family, you might want to consider Carmel. Carmel offers some high-rated public schools, great job opportunities, parks, and it’s a great place to raise a family.
If you are single, you should consider moving to Bloomington. Bloomington offers a strong economy, libraries, museums, and a wide variety of amenities.
4. Housing and Renting in Indiana
How to find an apartment in Indiana?
If you are looking for an apartment for rent in Indiana, these websites will help you out.
How to find a house in Indiana?
5. How to Set Up Utilities in Indiana?
Electricity, water, and gas in Indiana
Indiana Utilities Corporation is responsible for regulating electricity, natural gas, water and telecommunication services in Indiana. They ensure that consumers are provided with accessible, safe and reliable energy services at reasonable rates.
You can visit their website and search for electricity, water and gas providers and even reach out to them if you have any inquiry. The main purpose of IUC is to keep the customers well informed regarding the services they are getting from the utility providers.
Internet and cell phone in Indiana
Getting a reliable internet service provider is what everyone desires. The state of Indiana has some of the best internet providers and is the 21st most connected state in the USA with 245 broadband providers and residents have access to an average speed of 66 Mbps internet service. Internet providers in Indiana offer a wide range of prices, speed and connection types.
When it comes to a high-speed internet connection, there is a wide variety of options to choose from in Indiana, including cable, DSL, Fiber and Satellite. The best internet providers in Indiana will have bundling options, various speeds, and multiple package options at reasonable prices.
6. Cost of Living in Indiana
The average cost of living in Indianapolis, Indiana per month is $2225 for a couple.
Cost of living per month for a couple in Indianapolis
Expense | USD $ |
Rent – Mortgage | $850 |
Utilities (gas, water, electricity, phone, internet) | $250 |
Groceries | $275 |
Entertainment | $150 |
Insurance (home, car, health) | $550 |
Other (transportation, material goods) | $150 |