07/13/2026
New CNBC Poll listed Indiana as 2nd worst place to live in the country. CNBC can rank Indiana however it wants. Most Hoosiers know there is far more to our state than any national list can capture.
Indiana is not perfect. Health care access needs improvement. Childcare is too expensive for too many families. Some of our roads and infrastructure need serious attention. We should be honest about those challenges and keep working to address them.
But calling Indiana one of the worst places in America to live does not reflect the state I know.
Here, homeownership is still within reach for many working families. Taxes are comparatively reasonable. We have good jobs, manageable commutes, strong communities, and a cost of living that allows people to build a life rather than simply struggle to keep up.
Indiana also offers more variety than outsiders may realize. I have lived in rural, suburban, and urban communities across our state, and there truly is a place here for almost everyone.
For those who want quiet acreage and a slower pace, Indiana has it. For those who want restaurants, professional sports, major events, and an active downtown, Indianapolis delivers. For families seeking strong schools, safe neighborhoods, new development, and thriving communities, Hamilton County and several surrounding counties continue to stand out year after year. I recently drove from Noblesville to Chicago going through Illinois, and you dont have to go far to be reminded of that.
There is also something about Indiana that cannot be measured on a spreadsheet.
Family still matters here. So does faith, hard work, personal responsibility, and being there for your neighbors. In communities across this state, people still know one another, support local businesses, coach youth sports, volunteer, and step forward when someone needs help.
Not everyone wants a coastal ZIP code, an unaffordable apartment, and hours spent sitting in traffic. Many people simply want a yard, a safe neighborhood, good schools, meaningful work, and the freedom to enjoy the life they have earned.
Indiana offers that, in many different forms.
Can we do better? Absolutely. Strong communities are built by people who are willing to acknowledge problems and work together toward solutions.
But I remain proud of Indiana, proud of the people who call it home, and optimistic about what our state can become.