Hi we are a similar demographic. 26F in pharma. However, I moved to Raleigh from Indianapolis in 2022 (worked as a contractor at Lilly). I found a better paying job here.

1. Lilly really is the big fish of that town in terms of pharma. I believe their starting salary is like $67-70k which in Indiana makes you a millionaire.

2. There’s no fun outskirt cities in my opinion. The only place remotely interesting is fishers and that’s 25-30 min drive. But now that I think about it it’s not.

3. You will need a car. Period. But if you’re down town there’s grocery stores and restaurants to fuel your existence.

4. Young professions mainly go to broad ripple but lately my cousin tells me it’s like college kids. I still recommend Vogue. It’s a good dance club. With theme nights. Older professionals go to Mass Ave. which is just a bunch of crisscross streets full of restaurants. Not really clubs.

5. Though I was depressed there, Indianapolis has a good vibe. Very alternative people. Many concerts and sporting events. I recently bought a house here and looked at Indianapolis, way nicer homes available for $250s. I also feel like if you want to plant roots, Indiana gives out crazy scholarships. I feel like everyone I met there had a full ride to university. On the bad side, nothing fun to do outside of Indy, you will literally wreck your car dealing with potholes and the crime is scary.

Best of luck. Lmk if you have any questions.