Indiana

[next_migration]

Indiana could support its urban areas easily if, as usual, people ate less meat. It has a historic industrial base in the north and good farmland downstate, and the population density is not excessive. This state could easily make room for more migrants; the only uncertainty is political. The GOP holds a supermajority in both branches of the legislature due to both the state’s conservative, rural character and its rather extreme gerrymandering, recently claimed to be worse than 95% of U.S. states. The legislative districts to be used from 2022 onwards not only “crack” parts of Indianapolis into irrelevancy, but similarly break up Fort Wayne, Lafayette, and Evansville. During 2021, the legislature and the Trump-loyalist attorney general devoted time to taking exceptional action to strip the Republican governor of power to respond to the pandemic.

Migrants who hope to live in a secular democracy would be taking a serious risk by moving here, although it might be relatively easy to get across the border in a hurry if needed. They should be prepared to live under very conservative government, with economic life dominated by polluters and union-busters, and to face increasingly aggressive anti-LGBTQ and possibly anti-immigrant policies as soon as the federal courts will let the state get away with it. Younger female residents should be prepared to travel to another state if emergency reproductive health care is needed. At present, I doubt that Indiana is a good choice for most such people, although if this pre-breakup period lasts long enough that climate change forces many millions of migrants out of the Western or coastal regions, increasing population pressures in the bluer states may make Indiana appear more attractive as a more affordable destination with more available jobs.

Migrants who hope to end up in a Red theocracy would also be taking some risk. Despite its right-wing politics and “home of the KKK” status, Indiana never was culturally or economically a Southern state, and a state government that was really confident that “urban” residents remain a small minority wouldn’t have to work so hard to gerrymander them out of political participation. Betting on Indiana to join the Confederacy might not pay off.

All that said, many Indiana communities have much to offer in terms of day-to-day quality of life. If you are one of the 43 remaining Americans who genuinely don’t care about politics and don’t expect any of the culture-war issues to affect you personally, this state could be a fine destination.

 

 

Indiana is not as urbanized as some similar states; Indianapolis, by far the largest city, has a population of close to 900,000, out of a total state population of about 6.8 million. The broader metro area is about 2 million people, but still, that’s less than a third of the state. The second-largest population center is the Rust Belt strip at the north edge of the state: East Chicago, Gary, Michigan City, and surroundings as an extension of the Chicago metro area, and farther east, South Bend and Elkhart. Much of that area has been devastated by the decline of the traditional manufacturing economy, plus historical and recent discrimination and malign neglect. (Gary is only 10% white. Do you suppose that affects what the state government does to boost its economy?)

Because of the gerrymandering issue, city folks already living in Indiana would be well advised to spread themselves out a bit more. They will still be outnumbered, but they won’t be completely deprived of a potential voice in the legislature, like many urban neighborhoods are. There are quite a few moderately sized cities and smaller towns outside those metro areas. You’ll want to avoid areas of permanently high unemployment and economic stress. Some of the more promising and more affordable cities are as follows:

 

o  Fort Wayne in the northeast has over 260,000 people and a somewhat sprawly metro area, though not as bad as Indianapolis. The city is at the confluence of two rivers. The diverse economy includes manufacturing (including defense), distribution, transportation, and logistics, finance and insurance, professional services, health care, retail, and tourism. Despite the recent loss of some manufacturing, the city is overall in good shape, though poor neighborhoods are not doing so well. There are a variety of public and private university branch campuses, and two community college campuses. Fort Wayne has all the cultural institutions you’d expect, a well-regarded zoo, a library system that holds the nation’s second-largest genealogy collection, and many public events, including a Pride fest. The city is relatively bike-friendly and has Greyhound service.

o  Kokomo (60,000 people) is north of Indianapolis. It’s a manufacturing town, having longstanding problems with ground and water pollution; at present the auto parts industry is the biggest employer. There are state and community college branch campuses. Cultural institutions are quite limited, but there is a decent five-line trolley-themed bus service that is, exceptionally, free. Has Greyhound service.

o  Lafayette (71,000 people) is northwest of Indianapolis, on the Wabash River across from West Lafayette, the home of Purdue University. There is also a community college. Purdue is the largest employer in Lafayette as well; other industries include manufacturing and agricultural processing. West Lafayette has more high-tech businesses inspired by the university. The two cities have a joint bus service, making commuting to Purdue more convenient. West Lafayette is not recommended here since rents and housing prices are far higher than in Lafayette. Lafayette has a good variety of cultural activities. There is an Amtrak station and Greyhound service.

o  Bloomington (79,000 people) is south of Indianapolis. It’s the home of Indiana University Bloomington, a large school, and a community college. The local economy has many jobs in technology, life sciences, the medical industry, and health care. The city is supportive of bicycling and is served by Greyhound.

o  Columbus (51,000 people) is east of Bloomington. The economy emphasizes manufacturing, technology, and research, but there is also an unusual concentration of architectural business, and the city supports and displays many examples of modern architecture and public art. There are a few university branch campuses. Served by Hoosier Ride intercity buses.

o  Evansville (almost 120,000 people) is an Ohio River port city on the southern border at the west end of the state. The diverse economy includes manufacturing, health care, energy, banking and finance, distribution and transport, retail, tourism (including a casino), and education. There is a state university, a community college, and a new medical school campus. There are many historic neighborhoods, and many neighborhoods whose soil is contaminated by industrial lead and arsenic; cleanup is slow. Air quality is also reduced by several coal-burning power plants in the area, and the river and its fish are toxic. There are many cultural, sporting and recreational options, and the library system is rated as one of the best in the country. Evansville annually hosts a Drum Corps International competition. Has Greyhound bus service.

o  Jeffersonville (63,000 people) is on the southern border, also on the Ohio River. It is connected to Louisville, Kentucky by a pedestrian and cycling bridge, and the riverfront is a popular recreational spot. Major industries include health care, finance, and a diverse array of small manufacturers; the U.S. Census Bureau has a large office. Intercity bus service is available in Louisville.

 

And here are examples of smaller towns with potential for some possible residents. For each, you can assume “jobs are limited” is part of the description. In many, non-whites, especially African-Americans, might feel uncomfortable if not unsafe.

 

o  Warsaw (15,000 people) is in the north of the state. It’s a pleasant, affordable, close-knit, largely Christian town with a significant Hispanic minority. There is a variety of manufacturing; the most notable economic sector is businesses manufacturing and supplying orthopedic devices. There’s a community college branch campus. Has Hoosier Bus service.

o  New Haven (16,000 people) is a suburb of Fort Wayne. Agriculture and agribusiness are important in the area, and there’s some manufacturing. Homes are cheap and crime is low; some residents complain of corruption and limited services. Very white.

o  Auburn (14,000 people) is north of Fort Wayne. It is extremely white, but for residents, it is friendly, safe, and cheap. It’s known for its classic-car festivals and auction, Duesenberg Museum, and well-attended fall fair.

o  Huntington (17,000 people) is southwest of Fort Wayne. Extremely white and, reportedly, not friendly to those who aren’t. Housing is still cheap, but rent is increasing; crime is very low. There’s a Christian college and some nice restaurants.

o  Logansport (18,000 people) is at the confluence of the Wabash and Eel Rivers. There are some jobs in agribusiness (a large pork packing plant that was not quick to protect workers from COVID), manufacturing, and health care, but the economy is not booming. The town is notably conservative; it has a meth problem, but most categories of crime are still very low. There is a community college, a performing arts center, and an arts association and festival.

o  Frankfort (17,000 people) is northwest of Indianapolis. It’s more diverse than some Indiana towns, with a few Mexican restaurants. Drugs are a problem, but most crime rates are still below average. There is a community college branch.

o  Greenfield (24,000 people) is east of Indianapolis, not quite swallowed by the sprawl (yet). It’s a little more expensive than most small towns. There are a variety of jobs in manufacturing and health care, but apparently many people commute half an hour to Indianapolis. Crime is low, but there’s a heavy police presence and residents warn that minorities can expect harassment. Schools are good. Has Greyhound service.

o  Greencastle (10,000 people) is west of Indianapolis. It’s the home of DePauw University, a small but well-known private college, which offers public cultural events. Greenville has an attractive nature park and thriving downtown, with a farmers’ market and a variety of local activities. There’s little crime or traffic, and housing is affordable. There’s a community college.

o  Crawfordsville (16,000 people) is west of Indianapolis. It’s the home of tiny, but well-reputed all-male Wabash College. Steel manufacturing and printing are among local industries. Crawfordsville is largely white, but with a meaningful Hispanic minority. Has an Amtrak stop.

o  Shelbyville (20,000 people) is southeast of Indianapolis. It hosts a racetrack/casino business. Residents don’t seem enthusiastic about the town, but don’t indicate that it’s horrific either; perhaps it’s just “meh.”

o  Greensburg (12,000 people) is in the southeast. There is some manufacturing employment, primarily Delta Faucet Company and a large Honda plant. It’s a pleasant little town with very low crime and not much to do. It used to be a sundown town and is still 95% white; it might not be equally pleasant for some people.

o  Seymour (22,000 people) is in the southeast; it’s the home of musician John Cougar Mellencamp. It’s a rather rundown town with not much to do, but many residents like it well enough.

o  Madison (12,000 people) is in the southeast on the Ohio River. It’s an attractive older town with a large historic district, so there is some tourism. It’s conservative and very white (though it was once a stop on the Underground Railroad). Madison hosts an annual powerboat regatta and festival and has a community-owned racing hydroplane.

o  Jasper (16,000 people) is in the southwest. It’s a pleasant, peaceful town with well-regarded schools and many professional residents; there’s a good hospital and well-paying medical jobs. Other industries include furniture making and engine remanufacturing; there’s a university branch campus. Houses are starting to get pricey, but apartments (though possibly not very nice) are often still reasonable. Jasper is described as largely white, conservative, and religious. It has a town arts council. Many residents are German-American, and the town holds an annual Strassenfest.

o  Washington (13,000 people) is in the southwest. Employers include agribusiness and services; many people commute to jobs. There are a variety of small community events. The town has a modest Hispanic minority. Served by intercity Hoosier Ride.

 

There is a variety of intercity transit, including some county systems. Several charter or fixed-route bus companies operate in the state. Greyhound has fairly good service, though for some reason it doesn’t serve most of the communities chosen for mention here, including some relatively large ones, nor does the regional Hoosier Ride service. I haven’t investigated all the other options, but it seems likely that there are many smaller communities where you really need a car to get out of town.