Terre Haute: Your Gateway to a Fulfilling Life
By Natalia Wolting • Mar 22, 2024
In the quest to find the perfect community for remote workers looking to leave the big city grind behind, one city continually rises to the top - Terre Haute, Indiana. This unassuming metro area in west-central Indiana checks all the boxes for an ideal remote work haven while offering an outstanding quality of life for both families and singles alike. Let's explore what makes Terre Haute a great community.
Affordable Living
One of Terre Haute's biggest draws is its extremely low cost of living compared to other cities of its size. That includes affordable housing with the median home price sitting at just $165,000. This low cost of homeownership allows remote worker's income to go much further and Indiana also offers a homestead tax deduction stretching those dollars even further.
Small City Amenities, Quiet Neighborhoods
Despite its small population of just under 60,000 residents, Terre Haute offers an impressive array of amenities, attractions and recreational opportunities that make it feel more like a booming college town. The city has an energetic dining, retail and arts/culture scene fueled by the 20,000+ students who attend local universities like Indiana State and Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology.
It strikes the perfect balance by also providing peaceful residential neighborhoods perfect for families or professionals looking to escape urban commotion. Tree-lined areas like the historic Maple Avenue and Ohio Boulevard districts provide quiet, community-oriented living while having quick access to parks, trails and the vibrant downtown just minutes away.
Work-From-Anywhere Infrastructure
Robust internet and other infrastructure are key for any remote worker community to thrive in the modern age. Terre Haute delivers widespread availability of fiber optic and high-speed cable internet as well as comprehensive 4G and 5G coverage from major wireless providers.
The city also has ample co-working spaces such as The Station, coffee shops, public libraries and other hotspots suited for getting work done or collaborating outside the home office when desired. For remote workers wanting to occasionally mix things up with coworkers in a larger city, Indianapolis is just an hour's drive away while Chicago is around three and a half hours.
Unexpected Arts and Culture Scene
Terre Haute offers a surprisingly vibrant arts and culture scene, belying its mid-sized city status. Renowned institutions include:
Indiana State University - The largest public university in Indiana, offering a year-round calendar of artistic events, including theatre productions, musical performances and art exhibitions.
Swope Art Museum - Housing an impressive collection of American art, displaying works from the 19th century to contemporary pieces.
CANDLES Holocaust Museum and Education Center - Founded in 1987 with the mission to educate people about the Holocaust and to prevent future genocides. The museum offers educational exhibits, programs and resources about the Holocaust and the experiences of survivors.
Swope Art Museum boasts an impressive collection of over 2500 works of art.
These institutions, along with numerous local art galleries, the Terre Haute Community Theatre and music venues contribute to a rich cultural landscape that caters to diverse artistic interests.
Unique Festivals and Events
A strong sense of community permeates Terre Haute, evident in the numerous festivals and events held throughout the year:
Terre Haute International Balloon Festival - One of the largest hot air balloon festivals in the United States, attracting vast crowds and showcasing breathtaking displays of colorful balloons against the backdrop of the city.
Strawberry Festival - A delightful celebration of the region's vibrant agriculture, featuring local vendors offering fresh produce, live music performances and delicious food options.
Homecoming Week - Indiana State University's homecoming week brings the entire community together with a spirit parade, a much-anticipated football game and various other festivities.
A Culinary Adventure Awaits
Terre Haute's culinary scene boasts a surprising diversity, catering to various palates and budgets. Beyond the expected national chains, the city offers a delightful mix of:
Local Gems - From cozy cafes serving up delicious breakfast fare to gastropubs offering innovative takes on classic dishes, Terre Haute's independent restaurants provide a unique dining experience that reflects the city's character.
International Flavors - Explore the world through your taste buds with a variety of restaurants specializing in Italian, Mexican, Thai and other international cuisines, offering a chance to broaden your culinary horizons.
Food Truck Scene - Terre Haute has a thriving food truck scene providing a convenient and flavorful option for a quick lunch or weekend treat. These mobile eateries offer diverse menus, often highlighting local ingredients and innovative culinary creations.
You'll find lots of good eats at the Truckstop, Indiana's first food truck park in Terre Haute, Indiana.
Natural Beauty Within Reach
While Terre Haute offers a vibrant urban environment, it also provides easy access to natural beauty including:
Two Nearby State Parks - Established in 1916, Turkey Run State Park boasts the title of Indiana's second oldest state park. Renowned for its rugged beauty, the park features deep canyons carved by Sugar Creek, sandstone cliffs and cascading waterfalls. Located just a stone's throw away, Shades State Park offers a similar landscape to Turkey Run but with a quieter atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy hiking through the ravines and alongside Sugar Creek, with trails ranging from easy paths to challenging scrambles.
Wabash River - This scenic river meanders through the heart of Terre Haute providing opportunities for kayaking, canoeing and enjoying the peacefulness of nature.
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology Nature Trail - A hidden gem within the city limits, this trail offers a peaceful escape from the urban bustle and a chance to connect with nature right on your doorstep.
There are lots of ways to enjoy the outdoors in Terre Haute. Griffin Bike Park is a world class destination for riders.
Terre Haute presents a compelling proposition for remote workers seeking an affordable, community-oriented home. With its low costs, impressive amenities, energetic yet laid-back vibe, family-friendly neighborhoods, outdoor recreation and modern infrastructure - Terre Haute has it all for remote workers of any age or family status. Remote workers interested in relocating to the area can also qualify for $7,500 in cash as well as other incentives through MakeMyMove. All that's left is to discover it for yourself!
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.