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Pack your bags for the Hoosier state.
There is an impossible urge when traveling to wonder "could I really live here?" And if you are hoping to make your home base in the Midwest, you're not alone.
But while there are charming cities throughout the region, one stands out as the best place to live: Carmel, Indiana.
The city, which sits just north of Indianapolis, was ranked the best place to live in the Midwest, according to a report from Livability, which focuses on small-to-medium sized cities. Known for its award-winning schools, creative arts scene, and community spaces, the company said Carmel offers a "slower pace of life."
Head to the Great American Songbook Foundation, a cultural affiliate of the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles, to explore its full calendar of exhibits and special programming; or watch the city light up during the holidays with one of the best Christmas markets in the country.
Residents of Carmel also have incredible access to the outdoors. There are more than 700 acres of parks and greenways in the city, according to Livability. That includes the Vera J. Hinshaw Park & Preserve, which boasts more than 11 acres of greenspace and undeveloped nature.
Carmel's close proximity to Indianapolis also means residents are a hop, skip, and a jump from a larger cultural ecosystem and have easy access to the Indianapolis International Airport (IND), which was named one of Travel + Leisure readers’ favorite airports in 2025.
Another important detail to note about Carmel for anyone considering relocating there is the cost of housing. The average price of a home in the city is currently $547,449, according to Zillow. That has risen 4.2 percent over the past year.
"The Midwest is affectionately—and accurately—known as 'America’s Heartland,'" Livability wrote in its report, adding, "Don’t let any nostalgic description fool you: the Midwest offers everything you could want. You’ll find it all here, from water sports and vibrant coastal towns along the Great Lakes to the architecturally awe-inspiring streets of major cities like Chicago."
The company added: "The region successfully mingles deep-rooted small-town charm with robust industrial and agricultural economies, providing both career opportunities and a balanced quality of life."
Beyond Carmel, the Illinois city of Naperville was ranked as the second-best Midwestern city to live in thanks to its tight-knit community, close proximity to Chicago, and more. Naperville was followed by Fishers, Indiana; Overland Park, Kansas; and Troy, Michigan, rounding out the top five.
Read the original article on Travel & Leisure
