What Is Indiana Like As A State

How is the state of Indiana?

Indiana is arguably the MOST average state in the Union. Geographically, there's nothing spectacular about it. Its Great Lakes coastline is less than 50 miles in width. Its highest point ranks as one of the lowest of all the states. It doesn't boast any spectacular geographic feature to distinguish it or set it apart from the other states. The Ohio River flows along the southern border of the state and it's quite a picturesque area, but it's not the type of place that people would drive 500 miles to see or pay for a painting of a scene depicting the area to hang above the mantelpiece.

In terms of human geography, it's fairly average. There are a few decent-sized cities, none of them exceeding one million in population. Indianapolis - the capital and largest city is famous for its speedway. The Notre Dame football team is very well known, they play just outside of South Bend. Like all other states, there are some areas that are not very nice, but crime and poverty are not major issues in Indiana.

It's neither a particularly rich nor a particularly poor state. Indianapolis is actually one of the richest metropolitan areas in the Midwest and in the entire nation, its income level is considerably higher than the rest of the state, but that's not unusual for large centers of population in states with a relatively low population to begin with.

Essentially Indiana is a place that it's easy to forget is there and skip right over. Many people simply drive straight across it without bothering to step out of the car.

And they're not missing much.

Is Indiana a northern state?

Yes, people from Indiana are northerners.
And of course it's a northern state, the only thing that divides it from Canada is Michigan and a lake.

Is Indiana a racist state?

I may be biased, because I live in Indiana with my wife and we both hate it. But there are a lot of jobs here right now.
I've found it to be more racist than other states. I don't hear people say the "n" word to me like I do in the South (amazing how racist some people get when they think they can get away with it) but there's just this stigma. It somewhat depends on the area of Indianapolis you're in. There are very accepting, progressive areas of the city, like Fountain Square, Broad Ripple, Old North Side, etc. But there are just some really backward, awful redneck parts of the city as well, particularly on the south side. It's pretty segregated as well. The mostly black areas are more east and west, while the mostly white areas are more north and south. The north side of the city is wealthier with the exception of a mostly black area just north of Downtown, but that's an awful neighborhood.
I lived in Indy for a bit, around 79th & Michigan, and that was a really interesting area. It was where all races came together - white, black and latino - and they all lived amongst one another. That was the only part of town I've seen that in.
There are some really racist towns in Indiana. Shelbyville, Martinsville, Kokomo. But to Indiana's credit, it's much worse in Missouri. People are nicer in Missouri than they are here though.

What is it like living in Indiana?

Chicago has decent public transportation. Most of Indiana does not.
Smoking is allowed indoors some places in Indiana, but the legislature keeps trying to ban it and may succeed someday. The college campuses usually limit smoking, and at Purdue you'd have to be at least 30 feet away from any building to smoke.
Indiana permits some fireworks, not all.
I do not know what you mean by FSCs or emissions required.
Income tax is 3.4%, few exemptions or deductions permitted. Sales tax is 7%. Some counties may have additional income or sales taxes or sales taxes only on restaurant food, etc. Property tax depends on if and where you own property. There's also a tax one pays with one's auto license plates.
There aren't many toll roads in Indiana. Stay off I-90 in the north part of the state and you will not pay much at all in tolls.
I attached a link summarizing the firearms laws as of 2008. They may have changed. Hunting is popular in Indiana, enough that you should wear blaze orange if you go to a state forest in the fall. Hunting is forbidden in the state parks unless the deer herd needs thinning, then the DNR may permit hunting for one day.
I don't think Indiana has any dry counties. However, unless the law was changed recently, it does have blue laws limiting the sale of alcohol on Sunday.
Suburban living and rural living are somewhat different. In the suburbs, the neighbors, stores, libraries, etc. are relatively close, but people do not necessarily have close relationships. In rural areas, people live farther apart, but often have a stronger sense of community. I would consider Hillsboro a rural area.

Indiana has required fire safe cigarettes since 2009.
Indiana does not require emissions testing.

What is the weather like in Indiana?Help. :)?

So,next June,I'll be moving to Indiana.I'm not sure which part,either Broadripple or Fishers or maybe even Indianapolis.But,all I know...is I'm moving.It's tough,yeah,but one thing I know for sure is that Indiana has 10 billion times better weather than Louisiana,where I am.So,I'd like to know,what are the months like all year round?It would be a huge help if you answered.Thanks,if you do.