Welcome to Shelby County, IA, located in the heart of scenic Western Iowa and centered within the area known as the “Breadbasket to the World”.

Harlan, the county seat, offers a historic downtown square lined with buildings that have been restored and transformed into a variety of local businesses, a farm-to-table restaurant, a 4-screen movie theatre, and multiple antique shops and boutiques.

Harlan is a great place to locate for remote workers. The city has a low cost of living, a strong economy, award winning school districts, a $10 million dollar fitness facility and indoor aquatic center, and a welcoming community.

You can live the relaxed, “Norman Rockwell” lifestyle surrounded by rolling hills and valleys while you are only a 45-minute drive away from downtown Omaha and a 90-minute drive away from Des Moines.

One of the biggest advantages of living in Shelby County is the low cost of living. Affordable housing, locally sourced restaurants, varied grocery store options, easy flowing transportation, and utilities that are below the national average offer residents of Shelby County the opportunity to live a financially comfortable lifestyle.

Shelby County has a strong economy, with a low unemployment rate and a growing number of job opportunities. The area is home to several internationally known manufacturing companies, top-notch healthcare, access to Iowa Western Community College, a fiber-optic network that provides fiber to the home, and a strong technology and agricultural industry. This means that family members of remote workers can find a job that fits their skills and interests.

Harlan offers a wealth of opportunities for families. The city has multiple parks, libraries, and museums. Children can participate in a wide range of sports leagues, a very strong art and theatre culture, and award-winning musical programs. There are numerous community events, activities, and opportunities to volunteer allowing new residents to find several ways to connect with their new community.


Through excellent outdoor recreation opportunities, unique cultural experiences, and an emphasis on activities for families, you will understand why remote workers love calling the communities of Shelby County to be 

Shelby County

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Welcome to a program built specifically for remote workers!

The Indy Region wins hearts with welcoming neighborhoods, diverse communities, and a genuine spirit of connection. From thriving local businesses and lush parks to major sports, arts, and unforgettable events, come see why residents love Indy and are proud to call this region home.

Excited to explore the perks of remote work in the Indy Region?

Over the last decade, the region has become a thriving hub for remote workers, boasting one of the fastest growing remote work populations in the country. Indiana consistently ranks among the best states for remote professionals, thanks to its affordability, low taxes, and business friendly climate. We’ve assembled a host of benefits to help you make the most of it:

 2× weekly day passes to 16Tech coworking space:

 Elevate your work-from-home routine by plugging into Indy’s most dynamic innovation hub. With two day passes each week, you’ll gain access to a vibrant co-working environment where entrepreneurs, creatives, and tech leaders gather to seek fresh ideas, professional connections, and a change of scenery.

6-month pass to COhatch co-working spaces:

 Access 6 premium workspaces across Indianapolis, designed for comfort, style, and flexibility. Whether you’re networking over coffee, hosting a meeting, or escaping the home office, COhatch spaces provide a welcoming, community driven environment for collaboration and creativity.

 Reach your fitness goals and connect with health focused locals in welcoming group classes. From motherhood and senior sessions to full body workouts, Day Won offers challenges for all ages that celebrate movement and wellness

 Sip on your favorite brew while uncovering insider tips and building local connections.

Opportunities to connect with networking groups across the Indy region, customized to fit your interests and goals:

 Ready to expand your professional network but not sure where to begin? We’ve got a wealth of dynamic networking groups for you to explore! Let us help you connect to both your new community and a thriving professional network in no time. 

and one of Indy’s most enthusiastic local guides! She’s here to guide you through the city’s hottest hotspots, can’t-miss events, and hidden gems, making it a breeze for new movers to dive into Indy’s vibrant culture.

And Alli’s not alone—our team of Indy locals can connect you with the best experiences, local spots, and opportunities so you’ll feel at home in no time. Curious to see how Alli and the rest of our local team can help you build your community in Indy? 

Make your move smoother and way more exciting with perks designed to help you plug into your new city. From free local gear to special access around town, you’ll have everything you need to explore Indy’s vibrant sports, arts, nature, and entertainment scenes. It’s the perfect way to feel connected, supported, and proud to call Indy home.

Feel the thrill of Indy’s sports scene with family friendly passes to join one of the most passionate sports communities in the country! Cheer on the Pacers, fresh off their Eastern Conference Finals run, or catch the Fever as rookie sensation Caitlin Clark lights up the court.

Indianapolis Live Music Forty5 Ticket Pack:

 Feel the pulse of Indy’s music scene with a night out at Forty5. Incredible venues include: Rock the Ruins, The Tobias Theater, The Vogue, Turntable, Broad Ripple Park, and Indiana War Memorial & American Legion Mall.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway Ticket Pass: 

Experience the roar of engines at the world famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway and stake your claim as a true Hoosier racing enthusiast.

Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra Ticket Bundle:

 Experience the rich legacy of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra—one of the Midwest’s leading orchestras—as they perform a dynamic mix of classical masterpieces and contemporary works at the historic Hilbert Circle Theatre.

Indianapolis Indians Ballpark Experience Pack:

 Experience the thrill of America’s pastime at Victory Field—one of the nation’s top minor league stadiums—where you’ll watch future MLB stars, enjoy fan-friendly amenities, and soak in the passionate community spirit that makes every game unforgettable.

 Join the roar of the crowd and cheer on Indy Eleven, Indianapolis’s professional soccer team competing in the USL Championship—the nation’s second highest league—where passionate fans come together to grow the sport and community spirit.

 Discover every corner of Indy with 51 bike stations reaching outside of downtown Indy to neighborhoods along the City's bike and greenway network. Take and leave bikes at your own leisure and explore the city with ease.

Curious about finding the perfect home, top-notch schools, and quality childcare in the Indy Region?

 Whether you’re enchanted by the historic charm of Franklin or tempted by the modern amenities of Lebanon, we have all the resources—housing, education, childcare, and more—to make your transition seamless. The Life in Indy Opportunity Map lets you explore local communities and hear real experiences from residents. 

Dive into the site today and start discovering your new home!

This program is sponsored by the Indy Chamber and the Central Indiana Regional Development Authority, with support from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation.

Ready to find your new home? Explore our Indy Region communities below!

Arianna Cruz

Indy Region Resident

Sarah Ford

Whitestown Resident

Make the move to the Indy Region and take advantage of the exciting incentives in store! Enjoy affordable living, a thriving job market, and a welcoming community. With family-friendly neighborhoods, great schools, and plenty of outdoor fun, it’s the perfect place to start a new chapter!

Indianapolis

Step Into Life in the Indy Region

Pack of day passes at 16Tech co-working space

6-month passes to CoHatch co-working spaces across the Indy Region

6-Month Complimentary Neighbor Club Membership for Verified Home Services

Forty5 Live Music Ticket Pack (including 6 venues)

Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra Ticket Bundle

Indianapolis Indians Ballpark Experience Pack

Opportunities to connect with networking groups across the Indy Region, customized to fit your interests and goals

Muncie is a place for people who find more inspiration in a repurposed historic studio (like the one where Bob Ross filmed) than in a sanitized glass office tower. It’s for the remote worker who’d rather commute via the 62-mile Cardinal Greenway trail than a six-lane highway, and the person who wants to be who wants to be part of the DWNTWN Arts District before it's "discovered." We’re not a one-size-fits-all suburb; we’re a community that thrives on a "Magic City" ethic of reinvention. If you have a DIY spirit and want a seat at the table, we have one waiting for you.

 and personal Muncie welcome guide! Amber works for the City of Muncie, and she's here to answer your questions and help you feel right at home. Simply submit an application to get in touch.

We’ve designed our incentive package to help you plug into the community the moment you arrive.

Unrestricted funds to use however you need—whether it’s covering movers, a down payment, or a shiny new home office setup.

Live like a lifelong learner with access to Ball State University’s Bracken Library, a Semester Rec Fit Pass, and Discounted Athletics Tickets (Go Cardinals!).

Free Co-working Space at The Innovation Connector: 

Work in a professional, entrepreneurial environment with a free workspace at The Innovation Connector, Muncie’s hub for startups, remote workers, and small businesses. Enjoy high-speed internet, networking events, and access to business support services.

We don't just hand you a check; we hand you a community. Get a 6-month YMCA membership to meet neighbors and an invitation to Local Board Participation to help shape our city’s future.

people have moved to Muncie through MakeMyMove, joining a growing community of newcomers. 

"When we moved to Muncie last August I wasn’t sure what to expect. We came from the Lexington, KY area which we really enjoyed. We have been so thrilled with our decision...there’s not a single thing that we need that Muncie doesn’t have." 

Located just over an hour northeast of Indianapolis, Muncie possesses a small-town college vibe without forgoing big-city amenities. Home to Ball State University, the city features arts and entertainment attractions, sporting events, and unique neighborhoods that offer plenty for the whole family - or just a night out with friends.


Muncie

Live and Work Remote in Muncie

Co-working space courtesy of The Innovation Connector

Access to the Ball State University Library

1 semester Rec Fit pass at Ball State University

Help Desk for connecting to local resources

Discover a world class city with a program built specifically for remote workers. Indianapolis wins hearts with its incredible neighborhoods, diverse communities, and a genuine spirit of connection. From nationally recognized sporting events to a thriving arts and culinary scene, Indy is a city where you can truly live, work, and play. It is affordable, welcoming, and packed with opportunities to get connected both professionally and personally.

As the Racing Capital of the World and home to the largest single day sporting event on the globe at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Indianapolis operates on a massive international scale. Yet, the daily pace remains incredibly accessible and connected. The city is seamlessly woven together by the Indianapolis Cultural Trail, an internationally acclaimed eight mile urban path that safely links all six downtown cultural districts for pedestrians and cyclists.

This heavy investment in local infrastructure leads directly into highly distinct, walkable neighborhoods. Residents can easily spend a weekend exploring the largest children's museum on the planet, cheering on the Pacers downtown, or taking the twenty mile Monon Trail straight to a local brewery. Whether you want the independent theaters and local dining along Massachusetts Avenue, the vintage duckpin bowling and eclectic music venues of Fountain Square, or a quiet residential street in Broad Ripple, living in Indianapolis provides immediate, affordable access to experiences that simply do not exist anywhere else.

Excited to explore the perks of remote work in the Indy?

Over the last decade, the Indianapolis has become a thriving hub for remote workers, boasting one of the fastest growing remote work populations in the country. Indiana consistently ranks among the best states for remote professionals, thanks to its affordability, low taxes, and business friendly climate. We’ve assembled a host of benefits to help you make the most of it:

Indianapolis isn’t just a great place to live—it’s a place to thrive. With low cost of living, a collaborative spirit, and a calendar full of can’t miss events, you’ll find yourself falling in love with Indy’s energy and charm.

Ready to get started? Indy is ready to welcome you.

This program is sponsored by the Indy Chamber and the Central Indiana Regional Development Authority, with support from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation.


Curious to learn more about Indianapolis? Check out our community page below!

Welcome to Indy! We're a city of neighborhoods where everyone can find their vibe. Explore the arts in Fountain Square, the historic architecture in Lockerbie Square, or grab dinner and a movie at Kan-Kan Cinema in Windsor Park. Enjoy walkable streets, shops and nightlife in Broad Ripple, historic homes and the state's (world's?) best Halloween festival in Irvington Don't miss the dining and entertainment on Mass Ave or the charming streets of Butler-Tarkington. With beautiful parks like Eagle Creek and a welcoming community, you'll love it here!

Step Into Life in Indianapolis

6-month pass to CoHatch co-working spaces across the Indy region

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Questions & Answers

Hello - I am testing this page to see if it is still valid and if you are able to respond. Thank you.

What are some housing resources that you'd recommend to new neighbors? I'm thinking: Facebook groups, local realtors, other resources I don't yet know exist!! 👀 Link them here! 👇

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