Exploring Why Indiana Is One Of The Least Fun States In America
I stumbled across a study by Wallet Hub revealing that Indiana is one of the least fun states in the country. So, based on my experiences, I put together my list of why Indiana is so boring. Let’s go through it.
Why Is Indiana So Boring?
Relocating to Indiana is a bad idea for anyone who struggles with boredom. My top 10 reasons why Indiana is the no-fun capital of the midwestern U.S. include the following reasons:
- Urban living is limited
- Nightlife options are lacking
- Recreational marijuana is illegal
- Buying alcohol is overly complicated
- There aren’t any mountains
- No ocean beaches
- Farmland covers the state
- Natural green spaces are limited
- It’s either too cold or too hot
- Food and drinks are Midwest bland
For anyone considering moving to Indiana, it’s essential to understand these issues first. So, please stick with me to the end because I have a confession to make.
But first, let’s go over my reasons one at a time, starting with the effects of rural living.
Disclosure: At no cost to you, I may get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.
1. Urban Living Is Limited
Indiana is boring because Indianapolis is the only major metropolitan area with roughly 2 million residents, nearly one-third of the state’s population.
The rest of the state is rural and sparsely inhabited. Furthermore, Gary, Indiana, is often cited as one of the most depressing cities in the U.S.
2. Nightlife Options Are Lacking
Indiana is dull because its rural, sparsely populated areas offer little nightlife. People who need the hustle of a big city and plenty of late-night entertainment options will be bored in the state.
Perhaps the lack of nightlife is not a big deal for people seeking a quiet rural retirement lifestyle in Indiana. On the other hand, younger-minded folks beware.
Next, Indiana won’t be confused with Las Vegas because no sinners are allowed. Here’s why.
3. Recreational Marijuana Is Illegal
Neither medical nor recreational use of cannabis is legal. A recent bill has proposed legalizing the recreational use of cannabis. However, the Federal Government must first remove it from the federal Schedule 1 controlled substance list.
Source: The University of Indianapolis student newspaper
Ironically, nearly one in 12 Indiana residents meet the criteria for having a substance use disorder. So, it doesn’t appear the law is working.
Source: University of Indiana
4. Buying Alcohol Is Overly Complicated
Until 2018, you couldn’t buy alcohol in Indiana on Sunday. Since then, the state government relaxed the laws. Now, sales are allowed from noon until 8 p.m. on Sundays.
So, you want to have drinks in front of the television for a noon kick-off of an Indianapolis Colts game. In that case, you must plan and buy your booze on Saturday.
Next, let’s head outdoors and see if we can find some fun things to know about Indiana living.
5. There Aren’t Any Mountains
Indiana is monotonous because it doesn’t have mountains.
So, you won’t have any fun here if you are a skier, hiker, or person who desires to live in a mountain town.
6. No Ocean Beaches
Indiana is boring because it is not coastal. Thus, sun, salt water, and sand lovers will regret relocating to Indiana.
7. The State Is Covered In Farmland
Most of Indiana is a dull plains landscape. There is prairie land as far as the eye can see.
Most of the state is long and flat. Corn and soybean farmland cover much of the land.
So, unless finding your way out of a corn maze is your idea of a good time, you will be pressed to find fun things to do.
Yes, there is the Indy 500. But sitting for hours watching cars drive in a circle differs from my idea of a good time.
8. Natural Green Spaces Are Limited
First, forests and woodlands cover only 21% of the land, one of the country’s lowest percentages of all states.
Source: Wikipedia
There are forests in southern Indiana as the state gives way to the rolling hills before crossing the border into Kentucky. Worse yet, the state’s access to national parks is limited because of the dull landscape.
To summarize outdoor life, anyone who finds energy and inspiration by spending time in beautiful and natural spaces will be bored in Indiana.
Now, onto everyone’s favorite topic: the weather.
9. It’s Either Too Cold Or Too Hot
Fortunately, it doesn’t matter that there is nothing to do outside. Even if there was, the weather usually doesn’t cooperate.
Outdoor fun is limited because winters are icy, snowy, and grey. Summers are hot and humid. Spring is damp and cold. Then, when the spring weather warms, the pollen counts skyrocket, ruining it for anyone who suffers from seasonal allergies.
Yes, the fall season is pleasant, but it passes so quickly.
Finally, food is everyone’s second favorite topic after the weather. Let’s discuss it.
10. Food And Drinks Are Midwest Bland
Around the region, Chicago has deep-dish pizza, Kentucky has bourbon, Missouri has a good barbecue, and Cincinnati is famous for its chili.
Unfortunately, I can’t think of any exceptional food or drink Indiana lays claim to. Yet, in another ironic twist, the state has an abnormally high obesity rate, approaching 50%.
Source: Becker’s Hospital Review
Okay. These are my top 10 reasons why Indiana is a boring state to live in.
Before wrapping up, please allow me to address an important question and offer some final thoughts.
Which City In Indiana Is The Most Boring?
Insider.com ranked Columbus as the most boring city in the state based on several factors.
Why do I bring this up? Well, here’s my confession. My wife and I spent our honeymoon in Columbus, Indiana.
What does that say about us? It says we are boring people.
On the other hand, maybe we were good at making fun back then, if you know what I mean.
Why Indiana Is So Boring – Final Thoughts
Indiana is dull for many reasons, ten of which I have highlighted today.
Too many rural spaces, conservative laws, monotonous geography, lackluster food, and lousy weather top the list that makes Indiana one of the least fun states to live in.
Perhaps the lack of fun things to do is one reason why Indiana is an inexpensive place to live.
Author Bio: Tom Scott founded the consulting and coaching firm Dividends Diversify, LLC. He leverages his expertise and decades of experience in goal setting, relocation assistance, and investing for long-term wealth to help clients reach their full potential.