In 1818, “a haven of blooms” impressed a group of settlers from Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, and the Carolinas so much that they called the place nestled in the rolling hills of southern Indiana, Bloomington. Today, known as the “Gateway to Scenic Southern Indiana,” Bloomington spans 23.4 square miles of varied topography, with access to hills, lakes, and forests. Its median age is 24 (2022), and its major industries include education, technology, life sciences, and advanced manufacturing.

In 1794, American Revolutionary War general Anthony Wayne directed the U.S. Army to build Fort Wayne in northeastern Indiana, at the convergence of the St. Mary’s, the St. Joseph, and the Maumee Rivers. Today, the 110.8 square-mile city situated on flat land has a median age of 35.4 (2022). Insurance, technology, design and craftsmanship, logistics and e-commerce, food and beverage, and advanced materials fuel its economy.

Indianapolis is known as the capital of Indiana, as well as being the racing capital of the world. The 367.9 square-mile city hosts the popular Indy 500, the Brickyard 400, and the U.S. Grand Prix Formula One race. Founded in 1821, Indianapolis lies on a level plain surrounded by low, sloping hills. It’s a planned municipality, with radiating streets that converge in the city center. Its median age is 34.2 (2022). Transportation, government, utilities, manufacturing, education, health services, and leisure and hospitality support its economy.

South Bend, a 42.4 square-mile city established in 1865 on the St. Joseph River in Indiana, checks all the boxes: great job opportunities, friendly people, and diverse neighborhoods. The median age is 33.7 (2022), and its largest industries are tourism, education, and healthcare.