Indiana's Emerging Housing Markets: Unveiling the Allure of Elkhart, Fort Wayne and Lafayette for Remote Workers
By Natalia Wolting • Feb 27, 2024
The Wall Street Journal and Realtor.com recently looked at data from 300 metropolitan areas in the United States and found that 3 Indiana cities – Elkhart-Goshen, Fort Wayne and Lafayette-West Lafayette should be on the radar of remote workers looking to relocate. These communities offer homebuyers affordability and economic vitality with a calmer, slower-paced lifestyle compared to large urban areas. Telecommuters who are ready to find a new community that feels like home while making it easier for them to reach their goals of becoming first-time home buyers or saving for the future - may find just what they are looking for in one of these communities. Here are some additional reasons why remote workers could benefit from moving to one of these new emerging housing markets.
Elkhart-Goshen: Where Affordability Meets Innovation
Nestled in northern Indiana, the Elkhart-Goshen area boasts a median home listing price of $260,000, making it an incredibly affordable option for homebuyers compared to national averages. The Elkhart area is also a haven for innovation and is known as the "RV Capital of the World," with over 1,000 manufacturers and suppliers in the area. This translates to a population that includes engineers, designers and other professionals whose talents thrive in an environment of forward-thinking solutions.
The community also offers a rich cultural scene and is home to a surprising number of art galleries, studios and theaters fostering a vibrant creative community. The Midwest Museum of American Art houses an impressive collection of regional art while The Lerner Theatre presents a variety of live performances throughout the year. Remote workers who enjoy the outdoors will appreciate the stunning natural beauty of nearby lakes and parks including the Elkhart River Preserve where they can hike or bike the trails, go boating on Lake Wawasee, or fish in the St. Joseph River.
Additionally, Elkhart County is home to a large Amish community offering a glimpse into a simpler way of life. Residents can visit Amish farms, shops and restaurants to experience their unique traditions and sample cuisine often made from recipes passed down through multiple generations.
The Lerner Theatre in Elkhart, Indiana hosts entertaining acts all year round.
Fort Wayne: A City on the Rise
The bustling city of Fort Wayne has been making waves in recent years. Its affordability combined with a thriving economy powered by healthcare, manufacturing and finance makes it an attractive community for remote workers. Recent recognition as the most affordable city for Gen Z to become homeowners has further confirmed Fort Wayne's appeal to young professionals seeking a vibrant and affordable community.
Its Riverfront area situated around 3 rivers has recently experienced a renaissance and has formed the heart of Fort Wayne's revitalization. Remote workers can explore parks, trails, public art installations, take a river cruise and catch a concert at the lively Promenade Park. Fort Wayne's culinary scene provides residents with delicious options including trendy gastropubs, farm-to-table restaurants, award-winning breweries and ethnic eateries so there's something for every palate. Fort Wayne also caters to families with numerous kid-friendly attractions including the interactive Children's Zoo or the sprawling Foellinger Park with its botanical gardens, trails and water park.
Freimann Square Park in downtown Fort Wayne, Indiana is a popular spot for festivals and events.
Lafayette-West Lafayette: Academic Excellence in an Idyllic Setting
Home to the prestigious Purdue University, Lafayette-West Lafayette boasts a vibrant college-town atmosphere. Remote workers can enjoy cultural events, lectures, sporting events and a diverse student population that brings energy and excitement to the area. Beyond Purdue events, the area boasts a thriving arts scene with galleries, studios and theaters. The Lafayette Civic Theatre and the Art Museum of Greater Lafayette showcase local and regional talent - while First Fridays offer gallery walks and live music.
Nature lovers will appreciate the proximity to hiking trails at Tippecanoe River State Park, biking and relaxing at the Aquatic Center at Prophetstown State Park, or fishing at Lake Shafer or Lake Freeman. The area also welcomes people from all backgrounds, fostering a diverse and inclusive community that includes large populations of Hispanic and Asian communities and cultural festivals like Taste of India. Topping it off with an affordable housing market and a strong school system, the Lafayette-West Lafayette community should be at the top of the list for remote workers on the move.
In West Lafayette and Lafayette, Indiana, you'll benefit from living near a top-ranked research university.
So, whether you're drawn to innovation, cultural vibrancy, or academic excellence - Indiana's rising stars of Elkhart-Goshen, Fort Wayne and Lafayette-West Lafayette present compelling options for remote workers seeking a new community to call home. With their friendly people and welcoming atmospheres, these cities foster a sense of belonging and all 3 communities offer significant cost-of-living advantages allowing remote workers to stretch their budgets further. To learn more about the incentives available to remote workers who are interested in moving to these communities or similar ones visit MakeMyMove.
About MakeMyMove
Remote work has freed millions of Americans to live where they want, and many are making the move to places that better match their lifestyle. In turn, cities and towns across the country are offering incentives like cash, perks and programming to remote workers who move and work from their communities. At MakeMyMove, you can explore all the places, get personalized help to find the one that’s right for you, connect with locals, and access support to make your move a piece of cake.