I Choose Indy!

I chose Indy just after receiving a degree in Computer Science from Purdue University in 1997. For those that recall that period was just before Y2K and just before the crest of the .com era. Anything Internet or computer related was hot including some of the craziest business models you could imagine. I had offers to work in several cities such as San Francisco, Houston, Chicago, and a few on the East Coast. Having grown up in Indiana and lived for a couple of summers in Houston it was extremely tempting to join the brain drain fleeing the state for residence elsewhere.

However strong the temptation to leave, it was more compelling to stay. Having lived in large places such as Houston made me appreciate Indy more. I’ll never forget the time at a stop light in Texas another car pulled up to me and started talking. They saw my plate from Indiana and wanted to know more about where I was from. Turns out they were a Hoosier transplant and excited to see someone from back home. Only that Hoosier hospitality, despite coming 1200 miles from home, could make you appreciate the people and in the 4th largest city stop to talk.

In addition to the people, the cities position for growth is amazing. Whlie there are any number of larger cities out there, the Colts, Circle Center mall, downtown restaurants, Victory Field, Canal condos and revitalization, Hall of Champions, and more are all evidence about the potential of Indy. It seems to follow a planned growth model of adding items of value and substance rather than wildly out of control. Its a larger city with a small town feel and personality.

I chose Indy because its a place that I value.