Arina P Habich // Shutterstock
Best places to raise a family in Indiana
Choosing a place to raise children can be a daunting task for any family. If it takes a village to raise a child, that may just extend all the way to your next-door neighbor, fifth-grade teacher, or volunteer soccer coach. While all parents are looking for a great place to raise their kids, oftentimes this decision means balancing鈥攁nd prioritizing鈥攃ertain community resources and costs.
compiled a list of the best places to raise a family in Indiana using data from . Niche ranks places to live based on a variety of factors including cost of living, schools, health care, recreation, and weather. Keep reading to see if where you grew up or currently live made the list.
You may also like:
Fastest-growing jobs in Indiana
#25. Hidden Valley
- Population: 5,531
- Median home value: $195,500 (95% own)
- Median rent: $1,380 (5% rent)
- Median household income: $107,000
- Top public schools: North Dearborn Elementary School (A-), East Central High School (A-), Greendale Middle School (A-)
- Pictured: ($389,900, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $195,500 (95% own)
- Median rent: $1,380 (5% rent)
- Median household income: $107,000
- Top public schools: North Dearborn Elementary School (A-), East Central High School (A-), Greendale Middle School (A-)
- Pictured: ($389,900, 4 bedrooms)
#24. St. John
- Population: 17,426
- Median home value: $290,200 (97% own)
- Median rent: $908 (3% rent)
- Median household income: $105,852
- Top public schools: George Bibich Elementary School (A), Lake Street Elementary School (A), Timothy Ball Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: St. John the Evangelist School (unavailable)
- Pictured: ($699,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $290,200 (97% own)
- Median rent: $908 (3% rent)
- Median household income: $105,852
- Top public schools: George Bibich Elementary School (A), Lake Street Elementary School (A), Timothy Ball Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: St. John the Evangelist School (unavailable)
- Pictured: ($699,000, 4 bedrooms)
#23. Valparaiso
- Population: 33,355
- Median home value: $185,800 (56% own)
- Median rent: $925 (44% rent)
- Median household income: $59,533
- Top public schools: Northview Elementary School (A), Washington Township Elementary School (A), Ben Franklin Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: Victory Christian Academy (A-), St. Paul Catholic School (unavailable), Immanuel Lutheran School (unavailable)
- Pictured: ($1.4 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $185,800 (56% own)
- Median rent: $925 (44% rent)
- Median household income: $59,533
- Top public schools: Northview Elementary School (A), Washington Township Elementary School (A), Ben Franklin Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: Victory Christian Academy (A-), St. Paul Catholic School (unavailable), Immanuel Lutheran School (unavailable)
- Pictured: ($1.4 million, 6 bedrooms)
#22. Battle Ground
- Population: 1,857
- Median home value: $180,000 (90% own)
- Median rent: $969 (10% rent)
- Median household income: $87,813
- Top public schools: William Henry Harrison High School (A), Battle Ground Elementary School (B+), Battle Ground Middle School (B)
- Pictured: ($269,900, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $180,000 (90% own)
- Median rent: $969 (10% rent)
- Median household income: $87,813
- Top public schools: William Henry Harrison High School (A), Battle Ground Elementary School (B+), Battle Ground Middle School (B)
- Pictured: ($269,900, 3 bedrooms)
#21. Chesterton
- Population: 14,119
- Median home value: $190,400 (68% own)
- Median rent: $933 (32% rent)
- Median household income: $73,977
- Top public schools: Liberty Intermediate School (A), Brummitt Elementary School (A), Jackson Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: St. Patrick Elementary School (unavailable), Duneland Montessori Academy (unavailable), La Petite Academy of Chesterton (unavailable)
- Pictured: ($1.1 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $190,400 (68% own)
- Median rent: $933 (32% rent)
- Median household income: $73,977
- Top public schools: Liberty Intermediate School (A), Brummitt Elementary School (A), Jackson Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: St. Patrick Elementary School (unavailable), Duneland Montessori Academy (unavailable), La Petite Academy of Chesterton (unavailable)
- Pictured: ($1.1 million, 4 bedrooms)
You may also like:
Highest-rated Class of 2025 football recruits from Indiana
#20. Crown Point
- Population: 29,850
- Median home value: $194,600 (82% own)
- Median rent: $1,046 (18% rent)
- Median household income: $76,927
- Top public schools: Dwight D. Eisenhower Elementary School (A), Solon Robinson Elementary School (A), Jerry Ross Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Crown Point Christian School (unavailable), St. Mary Catholic Community School (unavailable), Trinity Lutheran School (unavailable)
- Pictured: ($1.3 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $194,600 (82% own)
- Median rent: $1,046 (18% rent)
- Median household income: $76,927
- Top public schools: Dwight D. Eisenhower Elementary School (A), Solon Robinson Elementary School (A), Jerry Ross Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Crown Point Christian School (unavailable), St. Mary Catholic Community School (unavailable), Trinity Lutheran School (unavailable)
- Pictured: ($1.3 million, 4 bedrooms)
#19. Huntertown
- Population: 6,789
- Median home value: $168,700 (94% own)
- Median rent: $1,125 (6% rent)
- Median household income: $79,375
- Top public schools: Arcola School (A), Carroll High School (A), Carroll Middle School (A)
- Pictured: ($409,900, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $168,700 (94% own)
- Median rent: $1,125 (6% rent)
- Median household income: $79,375
- Top public schools: Arcola School (A), Carroll High School (A), Carroll Middle School (A)
- Pictured: ($409,900, 4 bedrooms)
#18. Osceola
- Population: 2,707
- Median home value: $111,600 (90% own)
- Median rent: $945 (10% rent)
- Median household income: $54,847
- Top public schools: Penn High School (A), Moran Elementary School (A-), Elm Road Elementary School (A-)
- Pictured: ($614,900, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $111,600 (90% own)
- Median rent: $945 (10% rent)
- Median household income: $54,847
- Top public schools: Penn High School (A), Moran Elementary School (A-), Elm Road Elementary School (A-)
- Pictured: ($614,900, 4 bedrooms)
#17. Porter
- Population: 4,817
- Median home value: $189,900 (79% own)
- Median rent: $1,299 (21% rent)
- Median household income: $91,667
- Top public schools: Discovery Charter School (A), Brummitt Elementary School (A), Chesterton Senior High School (A)
- Pictured: ($291,200, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $189,900 (79% own)
- Median rent: $1,299 (21% rent)
- Median household income: $91,667
- Top public schools: Discovery Charter School (A), Brummitt Elementary School (A), Chesterton Senior High School (A)
- Pictured: ($291,200, 3 bedrooms)
#16. Schererville
- Population: 28,590
- Median home value: $222,400 (80% own)
- Median rent: $973 (20% rent)
- Median household income: $72,035
- Top public schools: George Bibich Elementary School (A), Peifer Elementary School (A), Timothy Ball Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Hammond Baptist High School (B), St. Michael School (unavailable), Forest Ridge Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: ($1.4 million, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $222,400 (80% own)
- Median rent: $973 (20% rent)
- Median household income: $72,035
- Top public schools: George Bibich Elementary School (A), Peifer Elementary School (A), Timothy Ball Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Hammond Baptist High School (B), St. Michael School (unavailable), Forest Ridge Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: ($1.4 million, 3 bedrooms)
You may also like:
Highest-earning counties in Indiana
#15. West Lafayette
- Population: 48,551
- Median home value: $224,000 (35% own)
- Median rent: $912 (65% rent)
- Median household income: $34,650
- Top public schools: West Lafayette Junior/Senior High School (A+), West Lafayette Elementary School (A+), West Lafayette Intermediate School (A+)
- Top private schools: Montessori School of Greater Lafayette (unavailable)
- Pictured: ($649,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $224,000 (35% own)
- Median rent: $912 (65% rent)
- Median household income: $34,650
- Top public schools: West Lafayette Junior/Senior High School (A+), West Lafayette Elementary School (A+), West Lafayette Intermediate School (A+)
- Top private schools: Montessori School of Greater Lafayette (unavailable)
- Pictured: ($649,000, 4 bedrooms)
#14. Aberdeen
- Population: 1,591
- Median home value: $345,000 (67% own)
- Median rent: $1,327 (33% rent)
- Median household income: $119,676
- Top public schools: Union Center Elementary School (A), Union Township Middle School (A), Ben Franklin Middle School (A)
- Pictured: ($408,800, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $345,000 (67% own)
- Median rent: $1,327 (33% rent)
- Median household income: $119,676
- Top public schools: Union Center Elementary School (A), Union Township Middle School (A), Ben Franklin Middle School (A)
- Pictured: ($408,800, 3 bedrooms)
#13. Whitestown
- Population: 8,312
- Median home value: $225,000 (71% own)
- Median rent: $1,317 (29% rent)
- Median household income: $85,000
- Top public schools: Reagan Elementary School (A+), Brownsburg East Middle School (A+), Zionsville Community High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Traders Point Christian Schools (B+), Primrose School at Anson - Zionsville (unavailable), Zionsville KinderCare (unavailable)
- Pictured: ($449,900, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $225,000 (71% own)
- Median rent: $1,317 (29% rent)
- Median household income: $85,000
- Top public schools: Reagan Elementary School (A+), Brownsburg East Middle School (A+), Zionsville Community High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Traders Point Christian Schools (B+), Primrose School at Anson - Zionsville (unavailable), Zionsville KinderCare (unavailable)
- Pictured: ($449,900, 4 bedrooms)
#12. Bargersville
- Population: 7,085
- Median home value: $219,100 (78% own)
- Median rent: $983 (22% rent)
- Median household income: $87,763
- Top public schools: Center Grove Middle School Central (A), Center Grove Elementary School (A), Center Grove High School (A)
- Top private schools: Risen Lord Montessori School (unavailable)
- Pictured: ($1.2 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $219,100 (78% own)
- Median rent: $983 (22% rent)
- Median household income: $87,763
- Top public schools: Center Grove Middle School Central (A), Center Grove Elementary School (A), Center Grove High School (A)
- Top private schools: Risen Lord Montessori School (unavailable)
- Pictured: ($1.2 million, 4 bedrooms)
#11. Avon
- Population: 17,453
- Median home value: $210,600 (84% own)
- Median rent: $1,149 (16% rent)
- Median household income: $94,213
- Top public schools: Brownsburg East Middle School (A+), White Lick Elementary School (A+), Plainfield Community Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: Kingsway Christian School (unavailable), Our Shepherd Lutheran School (unavailable), Avon Trails KinderCare (unavailable)
- Pictured: ($695,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $210,600 (84% own)
- Median rent: $1,149 (16% rent)
- Median household income: $94,213
- Top public schools: Brownsburg East Middle School (A+), White Lick Elementary School (A+), Plainfield Community Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: Kingsway Christian School (unavailable), Our Shepherd Lutheran School (unavailable), Avon Trails KinderCare (unavailable)
- Pictured: ($695,000, 4 bedrooms)
You may also like:
Highest-rated wineries in Indiana by visitors
#10. Noblesville
- Population: 63,071
- Median home value: $209,100 (71% own)
- Median rent: $1,039 (29% rent)
- Median household income: $82,218
- Top public schools: Hamilton Southeastern Intermediate / Junior High (A+), Fishers Junior High School (A+), Durbin Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Noblesville Kindercare (unavailable), Primrose School of Noblesville (unavailable), The Goddard School - Noblesville (Union Chapel Road) (unavailable)
- Pictured: ($1.3 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $209,100 (71% own)
- Median rent: $1,039 (29% rent)
- Median household income: $82,218
- Top public schools: Hamilton Southeastern Intermediate / Junior High (A+), Fishers Junior High School (A+), Durbin Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Noblesville Kindercare (unavailable), Primrose School of Noblesville (unavailable), The Goddard School - Noblesville (Union Chapel Road) (unavailable)
- Pictured: ($1.3 million, 4 bedrooms)
#9. Brownsburg
- Population: 26,046
- Median home value: $195,700 (73% own)
- Median rent: $1,135 (27% rent)
- Median household income: $78,877
- Top public schools: Brownsburg West Middle School (A+), Reagan Elementary School (A+), Brownsburg East Middle School (A+)
- Top private schools: Brownsburg Academy (unavailable), Brownsburg KinderCare (unavailable), The Children's Courtyard of Brownsburg (unavailable)
- Pictured: ($535,000, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $195,700 (73% own)
- Median rent: $1,135 (27% rent)
- Median household income: $78,877
- Top public schools: Brownsburg West Middle School (A+), Reagan Elementary School (A+), Brownsburg East Middle School (A+)
- Top private schools: Brownsburg Academy (unavailable), Brownsburg KinderCare (unavailable), The Children's Courtyard of Brownsburg (unavailable)
- Pictured: ($535,000, 5 bedrooms)
#8. McCordsville
- Population: 6,857
- Median home value: $230,000 (93% own)
- Median rent: $1,228 (7% rent)
- Median household income: $99,497
- Top public schools: McCordsville Elementary School (A), Mt. Vernon Middle School (A-), Mt. Vernon High School (B+)
- Pictured: ($619,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $230,000 (93% own)
- Median rent: $1,228 (7% rent)
- Median household income: $99,497
- Top public schools: McCordsville Elementary School (A), Mt. Vernon Middle School (A-), Mt. Vernon High School (B+)
- Pictured: ($619,000, 4 bedrooms)
#7. Munster
- Population: 22,689
- Median home value: $228,400 (88% own)
- Median rent: $1,149 (12% rent)
- Median household income: $84,254
- Top public schools: Munster High School (A+), Frank H. Hammond Elementary School (A), Wilbur Wright Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: St. Thomas More School (unavailable), St. Paul's Lutheran School (unavailable), Kiddie Academy of Munster (unavailable)
- Pictured: ($589,000, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $228,400 (88% own)
- Median rent: $1,149 (12% rent)
- Median household income: $84,254
- Top public schools: Munster High School (A+), Frank H. Hammond Elementary School (A), Wilbur Wright Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: St. Thomas More School (unavailable), St. Paul's Lutheran School (unavailable), Kiddie Academy of Munster (unavailable)
- Pictured: ($589,000, 5 bedrooms)
#6. Meridian Hills
- Population: 1,741
- Median home value: $515,600 (98% own)
- Median rent: $2,667 (2% rent)
- Median household income: $186,750
- Top public schools: North Central High School (A-), Shortridge High School (B+), Merle Sidener Gifted Academy School No. 359 (B+)
- Top private schools: Park Tudor School (A+)
- Pictured: ($1.3 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $515,600 (98% own)
- Median rent: $2,667 (2% rent)
- Median household income: $186,750
- Top public schools: North Central High School (A-), Shortridge High School (B+), Merle Sidener Gifted Academy School No. 359 (B+)
- Top private schools: Park Tudor School (A+)
- Pictured: ($1.3 million, 5 bedrooms)
You may also like:
Hottest Decembers in Indiana since 1895
#5. Westfield
- Population: 39,610
- Median home value: $254,800 (81% own)
- Median rent: $1,207 (19% rent)
- Median household income: $98,376
- Top public schools: Carmel High School (A+), Carmel Middle School (A+), Cherry Tree Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Union Bible College Academy (A-), St. Maria Goretti School (unavailable), Montessori School of Westfield (unavailable)
- Pictured: ($1.7 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $254,800 (81% own)
- Median rent: $1,207 (19% rent)
- Median household income: $98,376
- Top public schools: Carmel High School (A+), Carmel Middle School (A+), Cherry Tree Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Union Bible College Academy (A-), St. Maria Goretti School (unavailable), Montessori School of Westfield (unavailable)
- Pictured: ($1.7 million, 4 bedrooms)
#4. Granger
- Population: 30,776
- Median home value: $219,900 (95% own)
- Median rent: $1,491 (5% rent)
- Median household income: $101,904
- Top public schools: Northpoint Elementary School (A), Prairie Vista Elementary School (A), Discovery Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: Granger Christian School (B), St. Pius X. Catholic School (unavailable), Peace Lutheran School (unavailable)
- Pictured: ($1.3 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $219,900 (95% own)
- Median rent: $1,491 (5% rent)
- Median household income: $101,904
- Top public schools: Northpoint Elementary School (A), Prairie Vista Elementary School (A), Discovery Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: Granger Christian School (B), St. Pius X. Catholic School (unavailable), Peace Lutheran School (unavailable)
- Pictured: ($1.3 million, 4 bedrooms)
#3. Zionsville
- Population: 27,463
- Median home value: $385,700 (83% own)
- Median rent: $1,305 (17% rent)
- Median household income: $137,377
- Top public schools: Carmel High School (A+), Reagan Elementary School (A+), Brownsburg East Middle School (A+)
- Top private schools: Children's Learning Program (unavailable), Interactive Academy (unavailable), The Goddard School (unavailable)
- Pictured: ($2.9 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $385,700 (83% own)
- Median rent: $1,305 (17% rent)
- Median household income: $137,377
- Top public schools: Carmel High School (A+), Reagan Elementary School (A+), Brownsburg East Middle School (A+)
- Top private schools: Children's Learning Program (unavailable), Interactive Academy (unavailable), The Goddard School (unavailable)
- Pictured: ($2.9 million, 5 bedrooms)
#2. Fishers
- Population: 90,332
- Median home value: $264,200 (78% own)
- Median rent: $1,250 (22% rent)
- Median household income: $109,454
- Top public schools: Hamilton Southeastern Intermediate / Junior High (A+), Fishers Junior High School (A+), Hoosier Road Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: East Fishers KinderCare (unavailable), Fishers Landing KinderCare (unavailable), Fishers Roberts Drive KinderCare (unavailable)
- Pictured: ($2.2 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $264,200 (78% own)
- Median rent: $1,250 (22% rent)
- Median household income: $109,454
- Top public schools: Hamilton Southeastern Intermediate / Junior High (A+), Fishers Junior High School (A+), Hoosier Road Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: East Fishers KinderCare (unavailable), Fishers Landing KinderCare (unavailable), Fishers Roberts Drive KinderCare (unavailable)
- Pictured: ($2.2 million, 5 bedrooms)
#1. Carmel
- Population: 97,464
- Median home value: $333,200 (76% own)
- Median rent: $1,207 (24% rent)
- Median household income: $112,765
- Top public schools: Carmel High School (A+), Creekside Middle School (A+), Smoky Row Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: University High School of Indiana (A+), Our Lady of Mt. Carmel School (unavailable), Midwest Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: ($2.5 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $333,200 (76% own)
- Median rent: $1,207 (24% rent)
- Median household income: $112,765
- Top public schools: Carmel High School (A+), Creekside Middle School (A+), Smoky Row Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: University High School of Indiana (A+), Our Lady of Mt. Carmel School (unavailable), Midwest Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: ($2.5 million, 6 bedrooms)
You may also like:
Best public middle schools in Indiana
