A New Life and Love in Richmond, Indiana: Kelley's Relocation Story

When Kelley Meadows started dreaming of a life beyond the sweltering Texas heat, she had no idea a simple Facebook ad would be the catalyst for a brand new chapter. Kelley wasn’t just looking for cooler temperatures—she was searching for a community, a fresh start, and a place to call home. Thanks to MakeMyMove, she found all that and more in Richmond, Indiana.

A Search for Sustainability and Belonging

Kelley had known for a while that Texas wasn’t working for her. The extreme heat wasn’t just uncomfortable—it was unbearable. Her health and lifestyle were affected, and even her beloved dog, Moonlight, struggled in the sweltering climate. “My body just doesn’t tolerate 100-degree weather well,” she said.

But beyond the weather, Kelley was craving a more sustainable and accepting environment. She was drawn to the Midwest in part because of its resilience to climate change and its lower risk of natural disasters. "I didn’t want to be moving every few years because of hurricanes, fires, or floods. I wanted a place where I could put down roots," she explained.

Kelley was also looking for a cultural shift. While she appreciated the Southern hospitality that communities like Kileen and Austin provided, she often felt that certain social expectations—particularly around religion—made it harder to fully be herself. As someone who identifies as non-religious, she occasionally found herself in situations that felt like she didn’t fit in. “In the Midwest, people tend to keep their beliefs to themselves,” she said. “I can just be who I am without feeling out of place.”

A Road Trip to a New Beginning

Inspired by an ad she saw about MakeMyMove on Facebook, Kelley and her mom embarked on a cross-country road trip to visit six different communities featured on the platform. Each stop offered something unique, but Richmond stood out immediately.

"I fell in love with Richmond when I found it," Kelley said. Beyond the lower temperatures and charming cityscape, Kelley was drawn to Richmond’s sense of community, affordability and potential for a stable future.

An Application Process that Opened Doors

Once Kelley knew Richmond was the right fit, she submitted her MakeMyMove application—and was pleasantly surprised by how easy the process was. Straightforward and transparent, it gave her confidence in the move ahead. Richmond’s program also allows movers to tailor their incentive packages, and Kelley chose the Arts Package, which came with free season tickets to the Richmond Symphony Orchestra. It was an opportunity she never would have considered back in Austin, where ticket prices made cultural outings feel like a luxury.

"It was a great excuse to dress up, but you didn’t have to. You could go in jeans and still enjoy world-class music," Kelley shared. It wasn’t just an introduction to Richmond’s arts scene—it was her first glimpse into a life where both culture and affordability were accessible.

Living Well for Less

Moving to Richmond also brought financial freedom. Kelley was able to rent a home with a large yard—something that would have been unattainable in Austin’s inflated housing market. With a lower cost of living, Kelley has paid down debt, maintained her preferred lifestyle, and even enjoyed little luxuries like daily three-egg omelets despite inflation.

"People really underestimate how much their life can improve when they move to a lower cost of living area," she said.

The supportive and welcoming atmosphere in Richmond helped Kelley quickly build a network of friends. Local businesses, like Two Sisters Bookshop, became places where she not only shopped but formed genuine community ties.

Finding Love

One of Kelley’s favorite Richmond discoveries was the Hill’s Bark Park—a spacious, fenced-in dog park complete with agility equipment and a welcoming community of pet lovers. For her dog, Moonlight, who had long struggled with Texas’s intense heat, the change was transformative. With the milder climate and room to roam, Moonlight could finally enjoy long play sessions without the constant need to cool down.

Learn More About Other Dog-Friendly Communities

It was at that very dog park that Kelley’s life took an unexpected, heartwarming turn. About two months after moving in, Kelley met her future husband, a doctoral student and fellow dog lover. Their connection was immediate and refreshingly organic.

"When you meet someone through shared interests instead of a dating app, there’s no pressure," Kelley explained. "It just clicks naturally."

Early on, Kelley knew she had found someone special. After seeing her new backyard’s overgrown state, after only a few dates her now husband, offered to help—spending nearly eight hours over two days mowing, trimming, and clearing space for Moonlight to play safely. His only motivation? Wanting to make Kelley’s life better.

"That's when I knew he was the one," Kelley said.

Building a Future Together

Kelley and her husband recently got married in Richmond’s beautiful public rose gardens—a picturesque and surprisingly affordable venue. Their wedding was an intimate gathering of close friends and family, celebrating not just their love, but the new life they’ve built together.

Looking ahead, Kelley is excited about what’s next. She and her husband-to-be plan to start a family, continuing to put down roots in the community that welcomed her so warmly.

"I was looking for a place to plant myself and grow," Kelley said. "Richmond has given me that chance."

What started as a simple Facebook ad has turned into a lifelong adventure, proving that sometimes, the biggest changes begin with the smallest steps.