Indiana, midwestern state in the N central United States. It is bordered by Lake Michigan and the state of Michigan (N), Ohio (E), Kentucky, across the Ohio R. (S), and Illinois (W). Although Indiana is primarily a manufacturing state, about three quarters of the land is utilized for agriculture. With a growing season of about 170 days and an average rainfall of 40 in. (102 cm) per year, Indiana farms have rich yields. Grain crops, mainly corn and wheat, are important and also support livestock and dairying industries. Soybeans and hay are also principal crops, and popcorn and widely varied vegetables and fruits are also produced. Hogs, eggs, and cattle are also important. Meatpacking is chief among the many industries related to agriculture. Although the urban population exceeds the rural, many towns are primarily service centers for agricultural communities. The Mound Builders were Indiana's earliest known inhabitants, and the remains of their culture have been found along Indiana's rivers and bottomlands. The region was first explored by Europeans, notably the French, in the late 17th cent. The leading French explorer was Robert Cavelier, sieur de La Salle, who came to the area in 1679. At the time of exploration, the area was occupied mainly by Native American groups of the Miami, Delaware, and Potawatamie descents. Vincennes, the first permanent settlement, was fortified in 1732, but for the first half of the 1700s, most of the settlers in the area were Jesuit missionaries or fur traders.

Indiana has a diversified economy and is one of the least expensive places to live in the Midwest. It is a great place to raise a family and offers great apartment rentals.

Indiana is nicknamed The Hoosier State. It is considered the crossroads of America. Indiana is also known for its cornfields, farms, factories and lengthy Native American history. It is the birthplace of the famous Indy 500. Indiana has flat land and heavy industrial areas in the north, prime agricultural areas in the central part of the state, and hills, valleys and caves in the southern part which makes it a diversified place to live. If you choose Indiana as your new residence you can find housing and apartment rentals to meet your needs.

Over 1.1 million acres of land are available for outdoor recreation, parks, forests, nature preserves, and fish and wildlife areas. There are museums and memorials across the state. Indiana is home to the Indiana Pacers professional basketball team and the Indianapolis Colts in pro football, and also host to the Indy 500. Low cost of living provides affordable apartments to rent in Indiana.

Education is a top priority. Opportunities abound in higher education at Indiana Univ., Purdue Univ., Indiana State, Univ. of Southern Indiana, Ball State Univ., community colleges, and Ivy Tech State College which is a statewide 2-year technical college. If you choose Indiana for higher education you can find apartment rentals to meet your needs.