Build Your Career in Henry County, Indiana

Discover Henry County — a region where small-town living meets meaningful and growing employment opportunities. From manufacturing and food processing to healthcare, education, and services, Henry County provides clear pathways for newcomers looking to build stable and fulfilling careers. Here, you’ll benefit from a community that values quality of life, shorter commutes, and local support for your journey.

Manufacturing is a cornerstone of the economy in Henry County, with major employers producing automotive parts, appliances, metals, and consumer goods. These employers support hands-on roles with long term advancement opportunities.

. — Food manufacturing needs in Henry County; roles in processing, packaging, logistics.

 — Automotive parts manufacturing; roles in assembly, machine operation, technical support. 

Henry County serves as a healthcare center with plenty of careers in nursing, administration, support services, and more. 

 — One of the largest employers in the county; careers in nursing, allied health, administration, support services. 

Education and public service roles play a key role in Henry County's workforce and community life.

Local K–12 school districts and educational support

 — Teacher, paraprofessional, support staff, transportation. 

County and municipal public service agencies

 — Administrative, public works, community programs, social service agencies. 

Henry Country has many local businesses and manufacturing enterprises that offer stable careers.

Regional retail stores, service-trade businesses, small manufacturing support enterprises

 — Roles from customer service to logistics, management, entrepreneurship. 

Job Training Programs to Help You Qualify

Henry County offers access to training and career pathways through local and regional programs:

Workforce development programs in the region that assist with job-search, training vouchers, certifications tied to manufacturing and healthcare roles. 

Henry County Economic Development Corporation→

Community college and adult education partners that help residents train for high-demand roles in healthcare, manufacturing, and agribusiness.

Employer-sponsored training and apprenticeships with local manufacturing firms that help move from entry to higher skilled roles.

Explore top employers and career paths in Henry County, Indiana. Find $50K+ jobs, training programs, and relocation support near you.

Henry County, IN Employment Guide

In 2025, the U.S. housing market officially hit a wall. Existing home sales remained at a thirty-year low for the fourth year in a row, while the national median home price hovered around 

 from the previous year that left many would-be buyers on the sidelines.

Even so, the dream of homeownership hasn’t gone away. The 

Coldwell Banker 2025 American Dream Report

* reveals that 71% of aspiring homeowners are delaying major life decisions until they can afford to buy a home. The challenge is finding a place where the numbers work.

The good news: those places still exist. Across the country, there are cities where the median home prices sit closer to $150,000–$250,000, rents stay below national averages, and everyday life still feels manageable. A growing number are also offering relocation incentives, including cash, memberships to civic organizations and discounts to local businesses to help remote and in-person workers get settled in.

This 2026 list highlights 12 communities where affordability and quality of life still go hand in hand

 Evansville pairs everyday affordability with the amenities of a regional hub, making it easy to enjoy more space, shorter commutes, and a calmer pace of life without giving up culture or recreation. Situated along the Ohio River, Evansville is especially appealing for people looking to balance opportunity with quality of life. Residents benefit from a steady mix of industries that support long-term stability, without the boom-and-bust cycles common in larger metros.

Stroll the revitalized downtown and Haynie’s Corner Arts District for galleries, cafés, and local breweries. Catch a game or concert at the Ford Center, or take in a summer sunset along the Riverfront. Baseball fans will appreciate Bosse Field, one of America’s oldest active professional ballparks.

“There’s not a lot of distractions here and it has given me the space to hone in on my goals.” - Kyle Giblin, Evansville mover 

 Macon blends affordability with a rich cultural identity rooted in music, history and Southern hospitality. Housing costs remain lower than in larger Georgia metros, making it attractive for families, young professionals and remote workers seeking more space and a slower pace without sacrificing amenities.

 Explore the world-famous music heritage sites tied to legends like Otis Redding and The Allman Brothers. Stroll through historic neighborhoods lined with stunning antebellum architecture, visit the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park, or kayak the Ocmulgee River.


“My kids haven’t missed out on anything by moving to a smaller town. If anything, they’ve gained more because they have more freedom. They’re not locked inside.” - Audrey Boyd, Macon mover

 Life in Hutchinson feels calmer, with less traffic and more room to enjoy everyday moments, whether it’s taking a real lunch break or relaxing outside after work. At the same time, Hutch keeps residents connected, with Wichita just 45 minutes away for bigger-city shopping, dining, and entertainment when you want it.

 Hutchinson is home to the Cosmosphere, a world-class space museum and education center. It's a fantastic attraction for residents and visitors of all ages. Another unique attraction is Strataca, an underground salt mine that locals describe as a fascinating experience.

“In a big city, there are so many people that you don’t feel like you could ever really be part of something. Here, you can.” - Sarah Monje, Hutchinson mover

 Fort Wayne regularly appears on national rankings for livability and family-friendliness, including lists that name it one of the best cities to raise a family and one of the top places to live in the U.S., thanks to its strong schools, accessible amenities and community focus.

 Wander the revitalized riverfront Promenade Park, catch a TinCaps baseball game at Parkview Field, or explore cultural staples like the historic Embassy Theatre and the Fort Wayne Zoo.

 Jacksonville pairs exceptional affordability with a surprisingly diverse and stable local economy. Housing costs are often at a price point that frees up income for savings, family life, or future goals. The city’s economy is anchored by major employers, including Jacksonville Memorial Hospital, the Illinois School for the Deaf and manufacturers like Reynolds Consumer Products and Perma-Bound Books.

 Spend time at Nichols Park, home to community festivals, walking paths and summer concerts. Just outside town is Lake Jacksonville, known for its boating, fishing, kayaking and lakeside sunsets. The beautifully preserved campus and architecture of Illinois College adds cultural programming and lectures throughout the year while serving as another major employer in the area.

“There’s a level of convenience being located in Jacksonville. You’ve got retail, groceries, the county seat - everything’s nearby. It feels like everything we need is right here.” - James Gaudio, Jacksonville mover

 Compared to other major cities in the U.S., Indianapolis boasts a lower cost of living, especially in terms of housing. Indianapolis is a relatively easy city to navigate, with a well-planned grid system and good public transportation options. This makes it convenient to get around, whether you're driving, biking, or using public transit.

Locals love exploring the Cultural Trail, riding bikes along the Monon Trail, or spending an afternoon at the world-renowned Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields. Sports fans can catch the Indy 500, Pacers, Colts, Indy Fever and collegiate events. Families love the Indianapolis Zoo and Children’s Museum (the largest in the world).

“It was so much more affordable to purchase a home here than in Northern Virginia, where my wife and I used to live. It’s nice because we have the budget to make renovations and turn it into the home we want,” - Luke Lawson, Indianapolis mover

 Paducah combines standout affordability with international cultural recognition as its designation as a UNESCO Creative Cities Network Creative City. The designation has helped fuel a vibrant creative community, historic preservation and a walkable downtown that feels both intimate and culturally rich.

 The Lower Town Arts District, which features restored historic homes that double as working artist studios and galleries. Locals spend evenings taking in sunset views along the Paducah Riverwalk, or seeking outdoor adventures at the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, which offers horseback riding, hiking and wildlife just a short drive away.

"The downtown is so quaint and historic and there are so many different fun and interesting attractions you can walk to, no car or parking hassles required." - Teresa, Paducah mover 

 Richmond’s identity is shaped by a rich heritage in art, music and architecture - from its role in early jazz recording history to its remarkable collection of historic homes and a growing public art scene. Today, short commutes, a walkable downtown and a community that values local involvement make Richmond especially appealing to families and remote workers seeking a slower pace of life without sacrificing opportunity.

 Bring your pup to Hills Bark Park, a local favorite with separate areas for large and small dogs and plenty of space to socialize. Spend a quiet afternoon wandering the Rose Garden at Glen Miller Park, where seasonal blooms, a walking path and a gazebo make it a go-to spot for relaxation and photos.

Discover 12 of the most affordable places to live in the U.S. in 2026, with lower home prices, manageable rents, and communities welcoming new residents.

Augusta

Clinton

Des Moines

Fort Wayne

Floyd County

Green Bay

Hutchinson

Indianapolis

Kalamazoo

Knoxville

South Bend

Texarkana

12 of the Most Affordable Places to Live in the U.S. in 2026


How Micropolitan Communities Are Expanding Housing Access and Economic Opportunity



For decades, homeownership served as one of America’s most reliable pathways to economic stability and long-term wealth, particularly for middle-class households that form the backbone of the U.S. workforce. Recently, however, structural affordability challenges - soaring home prices, tight inventory, and elevated mortgage costs - have pushed ownership and access further out of reach for many median-income families, even as employment and earnings remain relatively stable. A Bankrate analysis finds that more than 75% of homes on the U.S. market are unaffordable to a typical household at median income levels in 2025.

MakeMyMove’s proprietary mover dataset combined with U.S. Census American Community Survey (ACS) data

 reveals a countervailing trend: relocation to rural-adjacent and micropolitan communities is emerging as a viable pathway into homeownership—one that preserves monthly affordability, improves housing quality, and supports long-term equity accumulation. These moves are not driven by economic distress, but by a growing disconnect between income and housing access in major metropolitan markets.

Remote workers represent a visible early cohort within this shift. Their geographic flexibility allows them to respond more quickly to housing constraints, making them a leading indicator rather than an exception. While not all middle-class households have the same mobility options, the behavior of remote workers offers insight into how economically stable families respond when traditional ownership pathways narrow and alternatives become available.

Remote workers are no longer trading lifestyle for income — they’re escaping the tradeoff entirely.

Through mobility, many households are maintaining similar monthly housing costs while entering larger, higher-quality homes—reframing relocation as an economic mobility strategy rather than a lifestyle preference.

What distinguishes this wave of relocation is its 

. Movers are not reacting to job displacement or housing instability; they are making deliberate decisions about where and how to live as they reassess what stability and success look like. Increasingly, that reframing includes:

Reduced commute strain and daily friction

Greater access to recreation and quality-of-life amenities

Stronger connection to place and community

Career remains essential, but it is no longer the sole organizing principle of geography. Remote workers, as early adopters of geographic flexibility, offer a preview of how economically stable households respond when income can be decoupled from location. Their movement illustrates a broader shift underway: migration as a 

strategic response to housing access constraints

, not a rejection of work or opportunity.

The Housing Context: Why Mobility Now Matters

The broader U.S. housing market has become increasingly inhospitable to traditional homeownership patterns, particularly for middle-class and median-income households. According to the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta’s Home Ownership Affordability Monitor, monthly payments on a typical home—including taxes and insurance—have grown far less manageable for households near the national median income. At the same time, national home prices in many large metropolitan areas have consistently outpaced wage growth, pushing price-to-income ratios to historic highs and compressing access to ownership even among financially stable families, while rising rents and limited availability increasingly constrain rental options as well.

These pressures are reflected in market outcomes. Existing home sales have fallen to near 30-year lows amid affordability constraints, while the median age of first-time buyers has climbed to 40—suggesting not a declining desire for ownership, but increasing difficulty in achieving it. For many working households, the challenge is no longer whether they can sustain monthly payments, but whether they can secure an entry point into ownership at all within their local housing market, as rental markets grow increasingly costly and competitive.

Against this backdrop, geographic mobility is emerging as a rational economic response. Rather than signaling a shift in values or lifestyle priorities, relocation reflects how middle-class households adapt when the traditional relationship between income, housing, and stability breaks down. Micropolitan communities, in particular, offer housing markets where monthly mortgage parity, home size, and long-term affordability realign more closely with earnings.

Remote workers, by virtue of their flexibility, are among the first to act on these conditions. Their movement does not represent a separate housing story, but an early expression of broader middle-class pressures—highlighting how access to ownership increasingly depends on where households are able to live, not simply how much they earn.

The profile of the modern mover underscores that this migration is 

, but by strategic choice in the face of mounting affordability barriers. Movers are largely economically stable households whose characteristics align with traditional homeownership pathways, even as access to ownership has become increasingly constrained in high-cost markets.

, aligning with life stages traditionally associated with first-time and early homeownership.

two-thirds hold bachelor’s or graduate degrees, and many earn $100,000–$150,000 annually

—well positioned to pursue homeownership in theory, but increasingly constrained by affordability in their origin markets.

These are households positioned to buy—but increasingly unable to do so where they started.

This demographic foundation provides essential context for the housing and economic patterns that follow, reinforcing that observed migration reflects structural access constraints, not diminished earning power or changing aspirations.

Housing: Monthly Stability, Better Outcomes

The housing outcomes observed in this analysis primarily reflect the experience of 

middle-class households—the backbone of the American workforce

—whose incomes remain relatively stable but whose access to ownership has become increasingly constrained in major metropolitan markets. Rather than indicating a willingness to accept higher monthly housing costs, the data shows that relocation allows many median-income and working households to 

re-enter a more favorable affordability distribution

, where a greater share of available homes fall within attainable monthly mortgage and rental ranges, as reflected in national housing cost distributions published by the 

 and affordability benchmarks tracked by the 

One of the most consistent patterns in the data is that movers frequently maintain 

similar monthly mortgage or housing obligations after relocation

, while substantially improving housing outcomes. Rather than stretching budgets, relocation allows working and middle-income households to shift into markets where attainable ownership options remain available, restoring alignment between income, monthly cost, and long-term housing stability.

Elevated effective monthly housing costs driven by price pressure

Higher renter concentration, reflecting constrained access to ownership

Reduced competition and greater buyer leverage

Lower relative monthly cost burden within the same income range

A broader distribution of homes within attainable monthly mortgage ranges

Movers often keep their mortgage payments stable—but dramatically improve housing quality.

This distributional shift helps explain why relocation preserves monthly housing stability while improving housing outcomes. National housing data shows that high-cost metro areas now have a shrinking share of homes with attainable monthly mortgage or rental payments, while micropolitan markets retain a broader mix of ownership-accessible housing. In this context, migration functions as an economic adjustment mechanism rather than a lifestyle choice.

 within this shift. Their flexibility allows them to act sooner, but their behavior reflects pressures facing a broader segment of the workforce.

Interpreted through a housing-access lens, the relocation data signals three key dynamics:

 High cost burdens in many metros push households to seek areas where housing costs better align with incomes.

Ownership barriers are structural, not personal.

 Limited inventory and high price-to-income ratios have made ownership elusive in many urban and suburban markets.

Micropolitan markets provide feasible ownership pathways

 characterized by less competitive bidding and more attainable price points.

Research also shows that urban households are statistically more likely to be housing cost-burdened (spending over 30% of income on housing) than rural households—a difference that supports the case for geography-based affordability strategies. 

Community Preference Shifts: From Access-Constrained to Access-Enabled

Mover patterns show consistent exits from high-cost metro areas—especially 

Chicago in the Midwest and Atlanta in the South

—toward communities where housing markets are less constrained by scarcity and cost escalation. These destinations also often feature stable regional employment ecosystems, helping households preserve income while gaining ownership or rental opportunities.

Employment classifications remain stable post-move, suggesting households do not sacrifice earnings to gain ownership access.

Careers stay stable—housing access improves.

Where Movers Gain the Most: Cities Maximizing Lifestyle

These cities have zip codes that most closely match the profile of confirmed MakeMyMove movers and represent micropolitan communities attracting relocation.

Households Under Pressure: Cities Where Costs Outpace Lifestyle Returns

These cities represent where middle-income, remote mover 

, often tied to higher housing pressure and affordability constraints.

As housing costs in major metros soar, remote workers and middle-income families are turning to rural-adjacent and micropolitan communities for affordable homeownership, better housing quality and long-term economic stability. New data from MakeMyMove reveals why.

Rome

Hickory

Jackson

Paducah

Florence

Terre Haute

Valparaiso

New Albany

Lagrange

Richmond

Chicago

Atlanta

Tampa

Los Angeles

Nashville

Washington

Baltimore

Detroit

Phoenix

Dallas

Fort Worth

Denver

Beyond the Metro: A New Housing Map for America

We're so glad you're considering a move to Eastern Kentucky. We've built this Housing Guide to aggregate helpful buying and renting resources as well as to provide tips and tricks along with way.

With over 30 counties included in the eligible relocation area, you're bound to find one that feels like home! To help your decision making process, we've broken this big region down into 5 categories:

Relocating to Eastern Kentucky is exciting - and a little different from larger metro markets. The tips below will help set expectations and make your housing search smoother:

Inventory Can Be Limited - Flexibility Helps

Many communities have a small number of available rentals at any given time. Being flexible with:

Don’t be discouraged if listings are limited on major rental websites. Some of the best housing opportunities come from:

Availability can vary widely by location. Before signing a lease, confirm:

Internet speeds (especially important for remote work)

Utility responsibilities (water, electric, trash, gas)

Have documents ready (proof of income, ID, references)

Connect with other movers who have gone through the same process in the 

Facebook group for firsthand advice, leads, and recommendations.

For local questions or connections, please contact the EKY Remote Manager, LaTasha Friend at latasha@soar-ky.org


for hand-picked recommendations on who to work with depending on your county of interest. 

The eligible counties included in Eastern Kentucky's Lake Country are Laurel, Pulaski, and Wayne.

Locally and family owned, rental property management company in Somerset KY, providing affordable, quality rental options in the Lake Cumberland KY region.

Cottages, townhouses, and apartments for rent. 

The eligible counties included in Eastern Kentucky's Mountain Towns are Bell, Clay, Harlan, Jackson, Knott, Leslie, McCreary, Owsley, Perry, Rockcastle and Whitley.

Townhomes, 1, 2, and 3+ bedrooms available for rent

Single family homes and apartments, 100+ units available

The eligible counties included in Eastern Kentucky's Red River Gorge are Breathitt, Estill, Lee, Menifee, Morgan, Powell, and Wolfe.

The eligible counties included in Eastern Kentucky's Country Music Highway are Boyd, Carter, Elliott, Floyd, Greenup, Johnson, Lawrence, Letcher, Lewis, Magoffin, and Martin.

Pool, Fitness Center, & Pickleball Courts

2 bedroom apartments or 1 bedroom cottages 

Locally owned property management company that offers quality, affordable, and well maintained rentals. 

Find apartments and homes for rent and for sale, as well as realtors and other helpful housing resources across Eastern Kentucky! 

Counties eligible for the program include Bath, Bell, Boyd, Breathitt, Carter, Clay, Elliott, Estill, Floyd, Greenup, Harlan, Jackson, Johnson, Knott, Knox, Laurel, Lawrence, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Lewis, Magoffin, Martin, McCreary, Menifee, Morgan, Owsley, Perry, Pike, Powell, Pulaski, Rockcastle, Rowan, Wayne, Whitley, and Wolfe.

Prestonsburg

Pikeville

Whitesburg

Johnson County

Eastern Kentucky Housing Guide

Thinking about making Ottawa County, KS your new home?

Explore Ottawa County, a north-central Kansas community where manufacturing, healthcare, agriculture, education, and public services form the backbone of a steady local economy. With strong regional employers, essential healthcare and school systems, and close ties to surrounding markets, Ottawa County offers reliable career opportunities alongside affordable living, open space, and a close-knit community feel.

Advanced Manufacturing & Industrial Production

Manufacturing plays a key role in Ottawa County’s economy, with employers focused on industrial services, equipment refurbishment, and production. These roles support hands-on work, skilled trades, and long-term career stability.

Sunbelt Solomon Corporation (Nearby Solomon, KS)

 — Regional Sunbelt Solomon Corporation is one of Ottawa County’s largest employers, specializing in transformer refurbishment, manufacturing, and power services for utility providers nationwide. Roles include skilled trades, production, engineering, quality control, logistics, and operations. 

Healthcare is a vital employment sector in Ottawa County, anchored by countywide medical and emergency services. Roles span clinical care, patient support, administration, and first response.

 — Ottawa County Health Center provides critical healthcare services to residents across the county from its Minneapolis campus.Positions include nursing, clinical support, EMS, administration, and patient services. 

Schools and local government provide stable employment across Ottawa County. Positions support education, public administration, infrastructure, and essential community services.

 — Regional North Ottawa County Schools serves students across rural Ottawa County and is a steady source of public-sector employment.Roles include teachers, classroom aides, administration, transportation, food services, and support staff. 

Agriculture remains a cornerstone of Ottawa County’s workforce, supporting crop production, grain handling, and ag-related services. These employers offer seasonal and year-round roles tied to Kansas’s strong agricultural economy.

— Cooperative Grain & Supply supports local farmers through grain handling, storage, and agricultural services.Roles include grain operations, CDL drivers, equipment operators, and facility maintenance. 

Community based financial institutions and professional services support local businesses and residents throughout Ottawa County. Roles focus on customer service, operations, lending, and administrative support.

 — Bennington State Bank is a community-focused financial institution serving Ottawa County and surrounding rural areas.Positions include banking operations, lending, customer service, accounting, and administrative roles. 

Government, Public Service & Local Services

Local government plays an essential role in Ottawa County, supporting public administration, infrastructure, safety, and community services. These roles offer stable employment with a strong local impact across the county.

 — Ottawa County employs professionals across public administration, public works, health services, and emergency management.Roles range from clerical and administrative positions to maintenance, law enforcement, and infrastructure support. 

Explore top employers and career paths in Ottawa County, KS. Find $55K+ jobs, training programs, and relocation support near you.

Relocation Trends & Tips for Remote and On-Site Workers on the Move

Henry County, IN Employment Guide

12 of the Most Affordable Places to Live in the U.S. in 2026

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