Best Cities -- Honorable Mention
Evansville, Ind., wins in our readers' choice poll of favorite places to live, work and play.
By Cameron Huddleston, Contributing Editor, Kiplinger.com
August 2008
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Population (metro area): 350,172
Population Growth Since 2000: 2%
Percentage of Workforce in Creative Class: 23.2
Cost of Living Index: 96 (100 being the national average)
Median Household Income: $43,109
Income growth since 2000: 13.6%
A low crime rate, affordable homes, good schools, hardly any traffic and plenty to do. Who wouldn't want to live in a city that offered all this? Perhaps that's why Kiplinger.com readers picked Evansville, Ind., as their favorite city, with almost twice as many votes as runner-up Green Bay, Wis. (See how many votes it got.)
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On the banks of the Ohio River in southwestern Indiana, Evansville has plenty of amenities you'd find in a bigger town. For example, the Evansville Museum of Arts, History & Science houses a $10 million permanent art collection. The Centre, a 2,500-seat auditorium, brings in Broadway touring acts. And the Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra performs with such renowned musicians as Grammy Award-winning violinist Joshua Bell.
There is a lot of outdoor recreation nearby: Paoli Peaks ski resort, state and national parks, lakes and, of course, the river. "I don't have to take a vacation to have a good time," says resident and native Mike Zimmer.
Although not as low as any of the other Best Cities selected by Kiplinger's Personal Finance, the cost of living in Evansville is below the national average, and the median home price of $109,682 is about $100,000 less than the national median price for metro areas.
A new, four-bedroom home goes for around $150,000. The real deals, though, are on brick-paved First Street in the historic district downtown, where you can find beautiful 4,000-square-foot homes in good condition for less than $300,000.
Like many of Kiplinger's Best City picks, Evansville is witnessing redevelopment of its downtown. The city saw a steady decline in population since the 50s as people moved to the suburbs, says Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel. But revitalization efforts in downtown neighborhoods reversed that trend in 2007, when the city's population actually increased.
As testament to the city's downtown redevelopment efforts, loft apartments now are filling once-vacant buildings. Two corporations, Berry Plastics and American General Finance (a division of AIG), are building their headquarters downtown. Casino Aztar, the city's biggest tourist attraction, built a $40 million entertainment district that includes a boutique hotel and hip lounge. And individuals and corporations chipped in more than $4 million to help build the Koch Family Children's Museum of Evansville in the former Central Library downtown.
A pedestrian and bicycle trail now runs the length of downtown along the river. The city installed this first 4.2-mile section of Pigeon Creak Greenway in 2007. When completed, the trail will be 42 miles, encircling the city.
The single best thing that has happened to Evansville, though, was the opening of a Toyota plant in 1996 in nearby Princeton, says Zimmer, who is an economics professor at University of Evansville. With about 4,600 employees, it's the area's biggest employer. Toyota also has provided a stabilizing influence in a city that had a history of union troubles, Zimmer says.
Although manufacturing still dominates the area, Evansville is becoming a mini financial center and a regional health-care hub. And the city's two universities, University of Evansville and University of Southern Indiana, provide an educated workforce.
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Reader Comments (38)
Posted by: John at 08/15/2008 04:28:44 PM
You would not rank Evansville in the top 1000 cities let alone top 10 in the US if you ever spent any amount of time there. The residents there are not friendly to "outsiders" and the opportunities to land a job there that would even resemble a long term career are few and far between. The local business environment is one of who you know not what you know. Unless you want to work in a factory the rest of your life, go elsewhere...
Posted by: Lane at 08/15/2008 05:15:20 PM
Thank you John, I believe you have summed it up very nicely. I didn't realize how much Evansville lacks until I moved away.
Posted by: Sherri at 08/15/2008 06:04:48 PM
Sorry that John had a bad experience. His is not the norm. My husband and I came to Evansville over 30 years ago and our careers have flourished here. I love to tell people about the day we moved and our realtor had chili simmering on the stove in the house we had purchased...she left a note saying, "I thought you kids would be cold and hungry." It wasn't 15 minutes till the neighbor across the street arrived with Christmas cookies. I told my husband..."I'm home!" And I've felt at home ever since. This is the most philanthropic community I've ever known, and I've lived other places...Indianapolis, Cincinnati, and a couple of places in Kentucky. Sorry, John, you are off the mark.
Posted by: Cindy at 08/15/2008 06:38:02 PM
I'm sorry you feel that way John. We moved here 15 years ago. My son was in the Navy at the time. When he got out, he came here, got an Assoc. Degree from Ivy Tech in computers and has a WONDERFUL job now. We didn't know anyone here. Evansville has been friendly to us and we have never been treated as outsiders.
Posted by: James Lee Page at 08/15/2008 06:46:42 PM
I am proud that Evansville was voted the best place to live by Kiplinger(.com)...readers. The city has a rich history and a natural abilty to stand on it's own. The people are warm and friendly. I have known this fact as a child because of my family that live there. I have seen first hand the love and support that my family and the people of Evansville give to people in time of great need. The people of this great city rarely ask for anything in return. I am proud of the City of Evansville and it's people. I thank you for giving me a proud legacy. James
Posted by: Leah at 08/15/2008 06:53:27 PM
We lived in Evansville for almost three years when we first got married. We lived downtown, and then in an historic house in nearby Newburgh. We were both from "up north," and had no problems meeting people and making friends. We ended up moving to be closer to our families, but never a day goes by that I don't wistfully check the Evansville news sites and dream about going back to live there. There are plenty of medical and university jobs, and since the largest cities (Nashville, Louisville, St Louis and Indpls) are 3-5 hours away, I think you can bet on Evansville continuing to grow as a regional hub. I thought the people were very friendly. We always had something to do, and when we moved in, our neighbors gave us welcome baskets--and my husband and I are hardly the most outgoing people in the world. It's hot in the summer, but you get used to it.
Posted by: DAVE at 08/15/2008 07:38:54 PM
...I lived in Evansville until I was 18 and left for college and work. I returned to Evansville at age 26 and realized what I had been missing. Evansville is a wonderful place and I hope that people like "John" could see that, but if they can't that means more fun for us here.
Posted by: Darla at 08/15/2008 09:06:22 PM
John, you just didn't meet the right folks! Our fair city is very friendly...from the German influenced West side to the more urban East side, I have found many great friends and neighbors since moving here in 1980.Here is a list of some of the businesses that offer employment opportunities: Major Employers Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana 4,700; Deaconess Health Systems 4,200; St. Marys Medical Center -3,317; Evansville-Vanderburgh School Corporation - 3,166; Industrial Contractors, Inc. 2,500' Alcoa Warrick Operations 2,150; Whirlpool Corporation 2,083; Bristol Myers Squibb/Mead Johnson 2,000; University of Southern Indiana 1,929; Black Beauty Coal Company 1,753; Vectren 1,750' T.J. Maxx 1,540; GE Plastics 1,440; American General Finance 1,400 Berry Plastics 1,400; Old National Bancorp 1,200; Casino Aztar 1,150 Warrick County School Corp. 950; Fifth Third Bank 650; Guardian Automotive 650; Shoe Carnival 600; University of Evansville 523; Anchor Industries 500; Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana 460; Integra Bank 437; Atlas Van Lines 436; Ameriqual 400; Keller-Crescent Company 386; Azteca Milling LP 175; George Koch Sons, Inc. 110; (source, Evamsville Chamber of Commerce). So you see these aren't all factory jobs, but hey, what's wrong with factory workers? We also have great outdoor events like the Freedom Festival in June and the Hydroplane races on the river or the West Side Nut Club Fall festival in October featuring carnival & street vendors for a solid week....this city is well deserving of being a top ranked city in my opinion.
Posted by: Anon at 08/16/2008 12:24:45 AM
Are you kidding me? I lived there for a few years...a few years I will never get back.
Posted by: Diana at 08/16/2008 12:54:22 AM
Way To Go Evansville!!Being born and raised in Evansville I have to say even though my husband lost his job of 30 yrs forcing us to move to Las Vegas,Evansville will always be home to me. After living in this large city i do realize how friendly the people in Evansville really are.I will ALWAYS be proud to be a HOOSIER !!
Posted by: Carol at 08/16/2008 01:17:42 AM
My husband and I recently moved to the Evansville area from San Diego, and our experience has been the complete opposite of John's. The residents have been very warm and welcoming. The combination of Southern hospitality and Midwestern sensibility has been a refreshing change from what we had experienced in California. I have found a number of interesting professional opportunities in the few months that I have been searching, and the selection process has been much more fair and far less political than was the case elsewhere. What has impressed me the most is the community spirit that I have seen at so many events, from the Freedom Festival to the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure (which had almost as many participants last year as San Diego, which has 7 times the area population).
Posted by: Kellie at 08/16/2008 03:28:39 AM
Actually, John, I would have to disagree with you. I have lived in Evansville for five years. When I moved here from Louisville, I found that the residents were very friendly. This is a great place to raise children. And as for the business opportunities, my husband started up his company here and has done very well. I also found a great career here and did not know anyone when we move here. I would definitely recommend this town.
Posted by: doc at 08/16/2008 09:28:26 AM
Sadly, John is typical of the small minded folks who make up a small portion of the population of every community in the USA...Evansville is a lovely place to raise a family, retire, go to school or get a good job. The offerings are many, the problems are few. And the people are the friendliest I've met in 30 years of worldwide travel....so, y'all c'mon down!
Posted by: P. Smith at 08/16/2008 09:36:01 AM
John sums up the entire population of the city by the attitudes of a few he encountered (because we all know he didn't personally encounter all 300,000+ people in the area)....A bad attitude hinders employment chances.
Posted by: Jennifer at 08/16/2008 09:49:21 AM
Apparently "John" either didn't live here long enough or had a bad experience. I moved here from California & I have no complaints. Yes I've lived in bigger & smaller as well as alot worse. I've been across the country & I stopped here because the benefits out rank the negatives. It's clean, there is a very reasonable cost of living here. It's peaceful & quiet, yet growing we trust each other here. In terms of what "John" said regarding career opportunites. I moved here in high school went to college here & have moved my way up the "medical career" I started. If you put forth no effort somewhere it doesn't matter where you live. Personally even having lived in California, I'm glad I stayed here. Life is what you make it, John.
Posted by: Wally at 08/16/2008 10:56:19 AM
...If this represents one of Kiplinger's best choices, I would not waste my time looking at the others.
Posted by: CJ at 08/16/2008 10:58:48 AM
I grew up in Evansville and lived there for a couple of years as a young adult. I now live in a mid-sized city in the Northeast. It's good to see my hometown receive some recognition for being a good place to live, which it is. The city does have a good public school system that is used by virtually all residents, which can't be said for most metro areas of the same size in the Northeast. The city also does have low crime and is home to a strong middle class population. Again this is unlike most Northeastern metro areas, where the city is home mostly to poor people or young professionals and most of the metro area's middle class live in the suburbs. Add in the low cost of living and housing and it is a good place to live, for families. There are a few important problems with the city though. As the previous commenter mentioned, Evansville does have a problem accepting "outsiders". The city has a very provincial mindset. And it can be deadly dull to live there as a young, single person. Evansville is definitely a city for families. Second, finding a good, professional job in Evansville is an on-going problem. The city's main three industries are manufacturing, health services, and financial services, but the financial services employment in the city is mostly "back office", administrative work, not professional employment. The common wisdom when I was growing up in Evansville was that if you wanted a good career, you had to leave the region to find it. And most of the city's young, well-educated people do just that, leave for other cities to start careers (not work). This exodus of young workers has been going on for decades. Contrary to what Mayor Weinzafpl says, Evansville didn't lose population over the last few decades to suburbs (there aren't any real suburbs in the area besides Newburgh). Evansville lost its population to other cities and regions, when it workers (particularly young ones) had to go elsewhere to start careers. Also, did I mention that the city is 4 hours from Indianapolis and 2.5 hours from St. Louis, kind of in the middle of nowhere. So bottom line, Evansville is great for transplant families, but not for young workers starting off in their career.
Posted by: Michelle at 08/16/2008 11:59:48 AM
Evansville is a great place to live and work! The locals are VERY friendly, especially when you are friendly to them. Jobs other than manufacturing are not difficult to find if you put some effort into it. There are a wealth of corporate headquartered businesses in Evansville which offer great opportunity for careers and career advancement. Cost of living is lower than larger cities making decent housing affordable. Personally, I have lived in several other cities larger and smaller, Evansville is the perfect size that you still feel the small town atmosphere with the metropolitan edge. Another giant perk is NO TRAFFIC! Commuting from one end of town to the other is a breeze compared to larger cities gridlock! Great job to Mayor Weinzapfel for bringing a younger viewpoint to the city! Downtown is once again a beautiful place to be!!
Posted by: kristi at 08/16/2008 12:40:19 PM
I live here and still can't believe this was ranked one of the top cities to live in. I thought it was a joke at first. I mean who in their right mind would choose to live here if they didn't have to?
Posted by: Shaun at 08/17/2008 03:09:47 AM
It's who you know and not what you know? Say it isn't so John! Welcome to reality.
Posted by: Grace at 08/17/2008 11:12:47 AM
I moved to Evansville almost 10 years ago and couldn't disagree more with John's comments. I found people to be welcoming and as willing to let you be involved as you choose to be. I believe attitude plays a major role in how you are accepted into any new situation, and the best attitude one can have moving into a new place is, "This is my home now. How can I contribute to make it better?" I have a great job and great friends. I've even found a family here.
Posted by: Tex at 08/17/2008 04:50:10 PM
Hopelessly stuck in the past and absolutely nothing going on. I moved to Evansville a year ago and have made no new friends. A strong lack of civic pride and strong resistance to change. I've lived in a number of places to further my career and deeply regret the move I made here...
Posted by: Paul Wesley Hall at 08/17/2008 09:55:49 PM
I have to disagree with John and side with the 2200+ that voted. Being an Evansville resident for 44 years and having a job where I travel to many of the other cities mentioned, I find Evansville a comfort. I have never found a reason to be unemployed here for any length of time, housing is relatively inexpensive and I have only dialed 911 to report lost dogs or stranded motorists and have found friendly faces everywhere!...
Posted by: Chad at 08/18/2008 06:21:57 AM
John: I have to agree very much, I have lived in and around Evansville for most of my life. Believe me when I say this, there are much better places to live...
Posted by: Mason at 08/18/2008 02:26:50 PM
No town or city is perfect, and none are right for everyone. One person's "stuck in the past" is another person's Norman Rockwell charm. I've lived on the east coast, west coast, and in between. I found my attitude played a big role in whether or not I liked where I was at the time. Since there were far more positive comments from Evansville residents than from other cities in the survey, there must be a lot more people here whose attitudes are positive enough to cause them to write in. I guess that says something about the community.
Posted by: Justin Skinner at 08/18/2008 02:51:51 PM
After traveling the US I have found that Evansville might not be the most entertaining and trendy town, however it is one of the BEST and SAFEST places to raise a family. The city is making great strides to modernize and move forward, those with bad attitudes and the lack of social skills to interact in this town are the ones who bad mouth it and have the "strong lack of civil pride"...that is sad. I for one am proud of my city and will do anything I can do to assist in maitaining and growing our fine metro area..
Posted by: David at 08/18/2008 03:46:54 PM
In my 62 years, have lived in Georgia, Tenessee, Illinois (2 cities), Connecticut and Indiana. In my profession, I have traveled to and worked in a dozen states and scores of cities. Years ago while living in Connecticut, my wife and I selected Evansville Indiana as the ideal city to move our family to based on a nationwide survey I made of ideal places to live...Our growing family wanted a mid size MSA with a positive future. We found that and much more such as a well diversified economic base, stable economy without boom and bust cycles, several national corporate headquarters, low crime rate, friendly honest reliable people with a good work ethic, good schools, attentive government, youth sports leagues, central location, 4 seasons climate, reasonable air transportation, plenty of recreational opportunities, a high ratio of good golf courses per capita, semi-professional ball team, 3 colleges, affordable housing, variety of job opportunities, natural resources, national forest, state parks, Ohio River, good medical care, ability to start your own business, a variety of cultural events, museums, philharmonic, Casino, a zoo,an artist community, excellent theater productions, The District night club area, a multitude of festivals and community events and much more. If you demand professional sports there are eight NFL, NBA, NHL, and baseball teams within a 3 hour drive...While Evansville may not be the most exciting place for a twenty-something, when it comes time to start a family or a business, Evansville should be on your short list.
Posted by: Kimberly at 08/19/2008 12:06:00 AM
I moved to Evansville from Chicago eight years ago and have been a 'downtowner' for four years now. I wish I could take John on my personal tour of the city I love to call home. It is perfectly located and full of things to do and explore. I can't believe I've been here so long and there are still adventures and even restaurants I haven't tried. A living experience in any city would amount to only what you make it but I'm always proud to let anyone know that this city certainly helps to make living absolutely enjoyable. I know I'm not alone in my thinking...When we bought our Christmas Tree two years ago, the man who tied it to our vehicle was quick to remind us, for no reason at all.."you know, some people call it Heavensville."
Posted by: Tom W. at 08/19/2008 01:26:31 AM
I recently visited Evansville this spring for the first time in over 20 years. I grew up there from 1952-1975. Its new growth areas are wondrous and its older parts of town are charming. I am proud to call it my home town and cherished every second of my visit. I'd move back in a heartbeat if I could. What a great blend of the old and the new, the large and the small.
Posted by: Riley P at 08/20/2008 12:16:10 AM
....I have lived in Newburgh (suburb of Evansville) since I was 11 years old..I thought it was the best place to live. I grew up and enjoyed high school. I went out of state to college, lived on the east coast for a bit and studied abroad. I then moved to Louisville to start my career and then had a child and quickly returned to the only place I can call home, Newburgh (Evansville). I will agree with both John and the Evansville Cheerleaders. I know that when we first moved here (my dad took a job) that my parents had a difficult time finding their new circle of friends, in a lot of ways it is tight knit community. However, in time, they found a lovely group of friends that have become our second family. I will agree that if you are a recent college grad and not in health care or related to someone it is very hard to find a good-paying job. starting a career not just working) However, I took a job in Louisville and worked their for 8 short months and was offered a similar job in Evansville. It just seems like there aren't a lot of entry level jobs for college grads looking to start their careers. A lot of the young professional people do move away, but others choose to relocate here and then a lot of the time those who couldn't wait to leave, can't wait to come home once they have kids and grow up a bit and realize that Evansville isn't so bad. Now we are almost 30 and have 2 small kids and I wouldn't ever live any place else. It is perfect for us. We can afford a lovely home and there is plenty for us to do as a family and plenty for us to do as adults. Please don't get me wrong, does Evansville have a hopping night life? No it doesn't. But at this point in my life, I don't need that. However, the few nights a month my girlfriends and I go out or my husband and I go out, we can always find some thing to do. I think the people that really dislike Evansville and are outspoken about it, would feel the same no matter where they lived...
Posted by: Eric at 08/20/2008 06:58:16 AM
Having lived in Chicago and St. Louis and in Philly and San Fran for months at a time on special assignments with my employers I cannot agree more with Evansville's choice as best place to live. The people are the most friendly, the schools (both public and private) are terrific, there are three hospitals and three Universities. The Philharmonic is exceptional. UE and New Harmony's theater scenes are world class. One could go on and on... I think the people that dislike Evansville do so becuase it does not have the "cool" Subculture which one does see in the big cities mostly catering to college aged and recent college graduates. Evansville is not the BEST place in the world to live if you are in this group. For all else -- it is world class.
Posted by: Paul Wiemeier at 08/20/2008 10:20:51 AM
Evansville is a great town and continues to grow and expand its dynamics as a city....not a whole lot to do. Easy to get into trouble, because the recreations and night life opportunities are just not there yet still. On a cost of living debate, Evansville is wonderful. I have lived in Nashville for 3 years since moving from Evansville, and have lived in some other great places as well. Evansville has nothing on Nashville. It doesnt even compare. Evansville still has a ways to go. There is just no tradition, besides orange barrels and lots of construction. Oh yeah, and corn!
Posted by: Janet at 08/20/2008 06:32:31 PM
I'm glad to see that my hometown was given this honor. I haven't lived there since 1980, but I visit often to see many friends and family that I love a lot. I was happy living in Evansville, and I was happy living in Louisville for 25 years, and I am happy now living on Kentucky Lake. I loved growing up in Evansville and felt I got a very good education there, graduating from Mater Dei High School. Louisville seemed to offer the most in terms of cultural events, sporting events, dining experiences, friendliness of people, etc. Now that I am retired, I love the slower pace of western Kentucky. However, I believe most of the happiness and contentment one finds in a place to live is the result of that person's attitude about life and people. If you are friendly, you will make friends wherever you go. If you are an optimistic person, you will find the good wherever you go. The opposite is also true.I was told when I left Evansville that I would probably be just as happy in Louisville as I was in Evansville because I was basically a happy person. That stuck with me for all these years and has proved to be true. Maybe those who dislike Evansville need to look at themselves and not just the outside influences.
Posted by: Shae at 08/26/2008 01:36:36 PM
Evansville has a slightly lower cost of living than comparable cities, but a SIGNIFICANTLY lower pay scale. Salaries are known to be about 30% less than comparable cities. There are several online studies about this (this comment form won't allow URLs). At Payscale, you can see that a software engineener with TWENTY years experience makes less than the national average for a software engineer of ALL experience levels.
Posted by: Shae at 08/26/2008 03:08:58 PM
...I'm surprised and disheartened at the way those who like Evansville have...attacked those who don't. If you've had a good experience, that's fine, but it doesn't mean that others haven't had geniunely bad experiences (as opposed to it being their inability to be pleased or to enjoy country charm, as some have implied). I live in Southeastern Indiana now, and I love corn, simplicity, and country charm. However, when I lived in Evansville (for about a decade; I've lived in North Park, Heidelbach, Green River Road, Linwood Street, Boeke, and other places), a mid priced apartment (not a slum, not a fancy place) was almost always roach infested and filthy (compared to the same priced apartment in Indianapolis), I was robbed half a dozen times, I encountered widespread racism and race-related tension from both blacks and whites, and jobs were scarce and low-paying outside of a few fields. If you've been lucky enough to find a nice job, neighborhood and circle of friends, good for you. But there might be more going on outside of your social circle.
Posted by: Harold Lockyear at 09/08/2008 09:46:00 AM
I live in this area and find this article to be true. It is not perfect by no means, but many people who have come here to work from outside stay for the rest of their lives.
Posted by: Hector Frodo at 09/17/2008 12:54:59 PM
I was raised in Evansville and left when I was 18. The world has a 1000 cities more interesting, with more opportunities for employment, more cultural activities and certainly more natural resource areas of interest. The people who loaded this poll must need reassurance they don't live in the arm pit of the midwest, but they do.
Posted by: Transplant at 10/14/2008 10:11:47 AM
I have lived in Evansville for 6 years and after moving from the East Coast, and find it boring and unsophisticated ...Housing is very affordable but does not appreciate as in other areas. There is no music scene, unless you like twangy country. The Philharmonic is good but certainly far from excellent. Evansville is a great place to raise children but for older adults, it is ho-hum. If my job didn't keep me here--I would be gone!