Better Care, Better Life: What Drove One Family to Noblesville

When Chad and his wife Heather made the decision to leave central Texas behind, they weren’t just chasing a change of scenery; they were seeking a better life for their growing family. Today, they’re thriving in Noblesville, Indiana, thanks to some research and help from MakeMyMove.

Relocating for Quality of Life and Quality Care

Chad and his wife didn’t move to Indiana on a whim. Their journey began years earlier, when they relocated from the Los Angeles area to Texas to be closer to her family and to gain access to more affordable housing. But as time passed, the dream of homeownership in Texas began to dim under the weight of other concerns, especially when their second child, Asher, was born with cerebral palsy and needed specialized care.

“Texas is just basically one season,” Chad said. “Hot, humid, sticky, it feels like you’re living on the equator most of the year. But it wasn’t just the weather. We were also far away from a children’s hospital and the care we were getting didn’t meet Asher’s needs.”

For a child with complex medical requirements, proximity to reliable care wasn’t optional; it was essential. So, Chad and his wife began researching new locations, taking into account everything from health care access and cost of living to school quality and crime rates. Eventually, the stars began to align around Hamilton County, Indiana.

The Right Fit: Hamilton County and Riley Children’s Health

Asher’s needs became a central part of the family’s relocation strategy. Through a combination of Heather’s research and a long-term plan to eventually live nearer her sister, the couple landed on central Indiana as a top contender and Riley Children’s Health as a game-changer.

Since moving to Noblesville, the family has received outstanding care through the Riley network, including hospital stays, therapies and access to top pediatric specialists. “It’s just been a really positive experience across the board,” Chad said. “We’ve had three hospital stays since arriving and every interaction has been great. We feel supported here.”

In addition to top-tier health care, the family found a welcoming community, a strong local culture and neighborhoods that offered both peace of mind and access to the things that matter most.

Discovering Noblesville and The Power of the Right Place

Initially, the couple was drawn to Carmel, a well-known Indianapolis suburb with a reputation for great schools and beautiful neighborhoods. But their research quickly expanded to include Noblesville, Westfield and other nearby towns in Hamilton County. That’s when Noblesville started to stand out.

“We liked the feel of Noblesville, especially compared to some of the bigger, more congested communities in the area,” Chad said. “Downtown Noblesville has that small-town charm and we love spending time at Dillon Park and exploring the local events.”

Chad, a senior product manager for a software company, works remotely and appreciates the flexibility his job offers. That freedom helped make the cross-country move possible and it continues to provide day-to-day stability as the family balances work and caregiving.

They initially rented a home on the east side of Noblesville to get their bearings. That gave them time to explore the area, assess neighborhoods and think about where they’d like to eventually buy. “We’re right near the border of Noblesville, Carmel and Westfield and it’s perfect for us,” Chad said. “We’ve made some great friends through church and school and our daughter is about to start second grade here.”

Learn Why Noblesville’s One of America’s Most Welcoming Places

Why MakeMyMove Made a Difference

Although they had already begun researching a potential move to Indiana, MakeMyMove offered something invaluable: momentum. “I think my sister-in-law was the one who first sent us the MakeMyMove link,” Chad said. “It gave us that extra nudge to start taking the idea seriously.”

The application and onboarding process was easy and straightforward and the financial incentive helped offset some of the costs associated with the move. For Chad, that mattered not just financially but emotionally.

“It made us feel like the city really wanted us here,” he said. “That was important. Moving across the country is expensive, especially with a family and a child with special needs. But the program made it feel like we weren’t doing it alone.”

Once accepted into the Noblesville program, they were connected with local partners, including the Noblesville Chamber of Commerce, who helped ensure a smooth landing and introduced them to community resources. Along with that support, the relocation package included incentives that helped them start building their new life right away. One that stood out to Chad was the health and wellness stipend, which he’s used to sign up for a local gym and explore recreational activities in the area, something that’s helped his family stay active while meeting new people. “It’s not just about getting someone to move,” he said. “It’s about making sure they can build a life when they get there. The incentive helps, yes, but so does the human side - the support, the outreach, the local connections. That made all the difference.”

A Stronger Village and a New Beginning

Despite being far from both sides of the family, his parents are retired in Montana and Heather’s relatives are still in Texas - the Binghams have found community and connection in Indiana.

“We just had another baby a month ago,” Chad said. “And honestly, even without family nearby, it’s been easier than we expected. The hospital was great. We’ve made some amazing friends. It really does take a village and we’ve started building ours here.”

The couple is now focused on their long-term goals, including purchasing a home in the area. Chad admits he has one slightly superficial wish: a basement. “Texas doesn’t really have them because of the soil,” he said with a laugh. “But I love basements. It’s one of the first things I noticed about homes here in the Midwest.”

They’re also keeping an eye on nearby Westfield, where new developments include the kinds of amenities that Heather likes - including pools, fitness centers and family-friendly community designs. But for now, Noblesville remains home.

“All of our conversations are about where we want to buy here, not if we want to leave,” he said. “We’re planting roots.”

Advice to Others: “You’re Not Alone in This”

Chad knows firsthand how overwhelming a long-distance move can feel. “There are so many moving parts, especially when you're dealing with kids, jobs, schools and health care,” he said. “But for anyone considering it, I’d say don’t overlook the support that programs like MakeMyMove can offer.”

That support, along with careful planning, a remote-friendly career and a commitment to finding the right environment for their children has helped Chad’s family build a new life in Indiana.

Building, Belonging and Becoming Hoosiers

A year after their move, Chad and his family are looking toward the future. They’ve joined the ranks of happy Hoosiers who came for opportunity and stayed for the lifestyle. Their calendar is filling up with school events, local outings and plans to explore more of the Midwest.

As for regrets? Chad can’t name a single one.

“We took a leap of faith,” he said. “And it’s absolutely paid off.”