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Indiana reaches deal to try to steal Chicago Bears

Indiana lawmakers moved legislation Thursday to build an NFL stadium in Hammond.

Sports

Indiana lawmakers say they have reached a tentative deal with the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Chicago Bears" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/11/26/bears-caleb-williams-playoffs-eagles-49ers-packers-johnson" data-vars-content-id="7d283857-00aa-4577-9c73-20ad14395df0" data-vars-headline="Indiana reaches deal to try to steal Chicago Bears" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/11/26/bears-caleb-williams-playoffs-eagles-49ers-packers-johnson" target="_self">Chicago Bears</a> to build an NFL stadium in Hammond.Why it matters: It would be a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="historic move" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/02/13/illinois-indiana-bears-stadium-pritzker-braun-hammond-arlington" data-vars-content-id="7d283857-00aa-4577-9c73-20ad14395df0" data-vars-headline="Indiana reaches deal to try to steal Chicago Bears" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/02/13/illinois-indiana-bears-stadium-pritzker-braun-hammond-arlington" target="_self">historic move</a> — for both the Bears and Northwest Indiana.

Indianapolis Clowns set to return this spring

The team that walked so that Banana Ball could run is making a big comeback.

News

The Indianapolis Clowns are back, and they&#x27;re bringing baseball history with them.Why it matters: The Banana Ball-backed revival of one of the most storied names in American sports will introduce a new generation of fans to the trailblazing blend of baseball and entertainment that blossomed in the Circle City.

Axios Indianapolis poll: Are the Bears really leaving Illinois?

The Bears are coming to Indiana! Or ... are they? Zoom in: Whether or not the tentative deal Indiana lawmakers say they have for a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new Bears stadium" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/02/19/indiana-illinois-chicago-bears-stadium-deal" data-vars-content-id="76944e5d-aa02-4168-b4cb-16ced16d6d0d" data-vars-headline="Axios Indianapolis poll: Are the Bears really leaving Illinois?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/02/19/indiana-illinois-chicago-bears-stadium-deal" target="_self">new Bears stadium</a> in Hammond is real depends on who you ask.<ul><li>We want to ask you!</li></ul>

YMCA financial concerns go beyond Ransburg location

It's the third location in the city that's closed since the pandemic.

When the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis closes the Ransburg location at the end of March, it will be the third location closed since the pandemic.Why it matters: A spokesperson for the YMCA told Axios that <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Ransburg is closing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.change.org/p/save-the-ransburg-ymca" data-vars-content-id="e0754805-95bd-477e-93a9-70020eea0cf7" data-vars-headline="YMCA financial concerns go beyond Ransburg location" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.change.org/p/save-the-ransburg-ymca" target="_blank">Ransburg is closing</a> due to &quot;financial challenges specific to that center&quot; but an Axios Indianapolis analysis of available financial data raises more questions about the long-term financial sustainability of the organization.

The gap between renting and owning in Indy

Due to high prices and mortgage rates, Indy renters paid far less per month than homeowners in 2024.

Owning a home is 34% more expensive in Indianapolis than renting, mirroring a national trend playing out across all 100 of the largest U.S. metro areas, per a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="LendingTree analysis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.lendingtree.com/home/mortgage/comparing-rent-vs-owning-a-home-in-nations-largest-metros/" data-vars-content-id="ccb9b7c1-4597-498b-baa1-0fc14d5e5913" data-vars-headline="The gap between renting and owning in Indy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.lendingtree.com/home/mortgage/comparing-rent-vs-owning-a-home-in-nations-largest-metros/" target="_blank">LendingTree analysis</a>.Why it matters: Despite Indianapolis being named 2026&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="most buyer-friendly metro by Zillow" data-vars-click-url="https://www.zillow.com/news/indianapolis-leads-zillows-list-of-the-best-markets-to-buy-a-home-in-2026/" data-vars-content-id="ccb9b7c1-4597-498b-baa1-0fc14d5e5913" data-vars-headline="The gap between renting and owning in Indy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.zillow.com/news/indianapolis-leads-zillows-list-of-the-best-markets-to-buy-a-home-in-2026/" target="_blank">most buyer-friendly metro by Zillow</a> and one of the National Association of Realtors <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="top 10 homebuying hot spots" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nar.realtor/newsroom/national-association-of-realtors-unveils-top-10-homebuying-hot-spots-for-2026" data-vars-content-id="ccb9b7c1-4597-498b-baa1-0fc14d5e5913" data-vars-headline="The gap between renting and owning in Indy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nar.realtor/newsroom/national-association-of-realtors-unveils-top-10-homebuying-hot-spots-for-2026" target="_blank">top 10 homebuying hot spots</a>, high home prices and mortgage rates could keep some hopeful homeowners left out of our increasingly competitive market.

Nearly half of Indianapolis homes are losing value

A nationwide rise in the number of homes losing value over the past year has reached the Circle City.

A nationwide rise in the number of homes losing value over the past year has reached the Circle City, according to a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new Zillow report" data-vars-click-url="https://zillow.mediaroom.com/2025-11-17-53-of-U-S-homes-lost-value-in-the-past-year,-the-most-since-2012" data-vars-content-id="08667ba2-476c-4bea-961b-e4c188cef09a" data-vars-headline="Nearly half of Indianapolis homes are losing value" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://zillow.mediaroom.com/2025-11-17-53-of-U-S-homes-lost-value-in-the-past-year,-the-most-since-2012" target="_blank">new Zillow report</a>.Why it matters: Nearly half (48.7%) of Indianapolis homes lost value year-over-year in October, according to Zillow.

Here's how many out-of-staters are moving to Indianapolis

As Americans move less, even fewer are choosing to relocate to Indiana.

Indiana is drawing fewer out-of-state movers than most other states as nationwide mobility declines, a new analysis finds.Why it matters: The trend could put a damper on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="civic leaders&#x27; push" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2025/09/30/state-of-downtown-indianapolis" data-vars-content-id="ea134a3f-67ed-4f6e-b422-442ab8b8f346" data-vars-headline="Here&#x27;s how many out-of-staters are moving to Indianapolis" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2025/09/30/state-of-downtown-indianapolis" target="_self">civic leaders&#x27; push</a> to grow downtown Indy&#x27;s population by 20,000 people over the next decade.

Younger homebuyers face barriers in Indianapolis, nationwide

Indy's share of millennial homebuyers is lower than the national average.

Millennials made up about 45% of mortgage purchase inquiries in the Indianapolis metro area last year, down from 50% in 2023.Why it matters: High <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="housing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/09/housing-population-growth" data-vars-content-id="bbd4fddc-0db9-4d17-86f5-a7f2fa97c99f" data-vars-headline="Younger homebuyers face barriers in Indianapolis, nationwide" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/09/housing-population-growth" target="_self">housing</a> prices, mortgage rates still above 6% and a shortage of affordable homes are keeping many <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="shoppers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/20/fixer-upper-home-sale" data-vars-content-id="bbd4fddc-0db9-4d17-86f5-a7f2fa97c99f" data-vars-headline="Younger homebuyers face barriers in Indianapolis, nationwide" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/20/fixer-upper-home-sale" target="_self">shoppers</a>, especially younger people, out of the market.

Why Halloween week is the best time to buy a home in Indianapolis

Here's why data suggests late October is best for potential homebuyers.

<figure><img alt="Illustration of a flip calendar shaped like a house hanging on a wall." height="1080" id="622f1c6c-bcc6-4306-889e-4f788784d81d" src="https://images.axios.com/V7ETszg3rEM9QYg7qAiw0PE6dSs=/2022/07/06/005336-1657068816953.jpg" width="1920" srcset="https://images.axios.com/uS4rXJJJx52KyolWSpvFCxOyCnQ=/1920x1080/smart/2022/07/06/005336-1657068816953.jpg?w=1920 1920w, https://images.axios.com/ETsQoN6l1sMOcCiM5SKtrw11WVQ=/1600x900/smart/2022/07/06/005336-1657068816953.jpg?w=1600 1600w, https://images.axios.com/yfPTkAI7KTKC-yoYsgU_4U1RjM8=/1366x768/smart/2022/07/06/005336-1657068816953.jpg?w=1366 1366w, https://images.axios.com/4uQqvcB1_32oCai7tIO6utvP5hM=/1024x576/smart/2022/07/06/005336-1657068816953.jpg?w=1024 1024w, https://images.axios.com/bO5AHZG-ioMVIFZ-AW9Wy2QzQ90=/768x432/smart/2022/07/06/005336-1657068816953.jpg?w=768 768w, https://images.axios.com/9_GPXIrP3LKA-o2v5ADd9TxW5As=/640x360/smart/2022/07/06/005336-1657068816953.jpg?w=640 640w, https://images.axios.com/WzapPucb89Tmi2Lfbd09tlpWEms=/320x180/smart/2022/07/06/005336-1657068816953.jpg?w=320 320w"/><figcaption>Illustration: Aïda Amer/Axios</figcaption></figure>If you are in the market for a new home in the Indianapolis metro, mark your calendars — the best time to buy is fast approaching. Why it matters: Shoppers who pounce on local listings at the right time could find perks, including 26% more active listings than average and prices 9.6% below seasonal peaks, according to a Realtor.com <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="analysis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.realtor.com/research/best-time-to-buy-2025" data-vars-content-id="2e6d9daf-cd2f-4727-ae9e-3f62cbc4db54" data-vars-headline="Why Halloween week is the best time to buy a home in Indianapolis" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.realtor.com/research/best-time-to-buy-2025" target="_blank">analysis</a>.

Tracking Indy residents who daydream about moving away

As city leaders focus on growing the population, homebuyers seem open to leaving.

Prospective homeowners in the Indianapolis area are searching for housing anywhere they can find it — even if that means leaving.Why it matters: Once-affordable areas are becoming out of reach, and some buyers are eyeing cheaper markets <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="despite metros" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2024/06/03/indianapolis-population-census" data-vars-content-id="ea50c081-ad34-4dd1-abd0-8c01f4d84671" data-vars-headline="Tracking Indy residents who daydream about moving away" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2024/06/03/indianapolis-population-census" target="_self">despite metros</a> trying to boost their populations.

The cost of student housing in Indy

Student rents in Indianapolis have risen more slowly than the rest of the U.S., but they're still on the rise.

Student rents in Indianapolis have risen more slowly than the region&#x27;s broader rental market over the past five years, but the gap still leaves many struggling with affordability, according to Moody&#x27;s data shared with Axios.Why it matters: Expensive student housing adds to the already-high <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cost of college" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/04/17/college-cost-survey" data-vars-content-id="e68bcdb9-b090-4846-ab29-f81b164ba7fc" data-vars-headline="The cost of student housing in Indy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/04/17/college-cost-survey" target="_self">cost of college</a>.

More Indy seniors seek rental flexibility

More older Americans are trading home ownership for a "less is more" lifestyle.

Roughly 13.5% of Indianapolis area renters were 65 or older in 2023, up from 8.9% a decade earlier, according to a report by rental listing site Point2Homes.The big picture: More older Americans trading home ownership for flexibility coincides with a larger embrace of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="micro-living" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2024/08/26/new-home-construction-square-footage" data-vars-content-id="e8c9b46a-1fa3-4af1-a22b-a444764598f6" data-vars-headline="More Indy seniors seek rental flexibility" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2024/08/26/new-home-construction-square-footage" target="_self">micro-living</a>, a trend taking off in Central Indiana as people seek a &quot;less is more&quot; lifestyle.

The best time to list your house for sale in Indianapolis

How to make the most out of your listing in Central Indiana.

Indianapolis may be a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="buyer&#x27;s market" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2025/06/09/indiana-home-buy-sell-market-cost-2025" data-vars-content-id="c4070336-9a43-4d62-b48c-5f653514aff5" data-vars-headline="The best time to list your house for sale in Indianapolis" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2025/06/09/indiana-home-buy-sell-market-cost-2025" target="_self">buyer&#x27;s market</a>, but now is the best time to sell in the Circle City.The big picture: The &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="best time to sell" data-vars-click-url="https://zillow.mediaroom.com/2025-03-05-Homes-sell-for-5,600-more-when-they-are-listed-in-late-May" data-vars-content-id="c4070336-9a43-4d62-b48c-5f653514aff5" data-vars-headline="The best time to list your house for sale in Indianapolis" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://zillow.mediaroom.com/2025-03-05-Homes-sell-for-5,600-more-when-they-are-listed-in-late-May" target="_blank">best time to sell</a>,&quot; per Zillow researchers, depends on where you live.

Buying an Indy home requires $25K more income than renting

A "triple whammy" of factors is making it harder for Central Indiana renters to make the leap to homeownership.

Homebuyers in Indianapolis need to earn over $25,000 more a year than renters to afford their monthly <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="housing payments" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/03/10/covid-home-prices-trends" data-vars-content-id="b6bdf815-755e-48e1-9861-bf95ad8cef65" data-vars-headline="Buying an Indy home requires $25K more income than renting" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/03/10/covid-home-prices-trends" target="_self">housing payments</a>, according to a recent Redfin report.Why it matters: A &quot;triple whammy&quot; of rising home prices, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="high mortgage rates" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/04/25/housing-home-sales-mortgage-rates" data-vars-content-id="b6bdf815-755e-48e1-9861-bf95ad8cef65" data-vars-headline="Buying an Indy home requires $25K more income than renting" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/04/25/housing-home-sales-mortgage-rates" target="_self">high mortgage rates</a> and a shortage of houses for sale is making it harder for renters to make the leap to homeownership, the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.redfin.com/news/rent-vs-buy-income-gap-2025/" data-vars-content-id="b6bdf815-755e-48e1-9861-bf95ad8cef65" data-vars-headline="Buying an Indy home requires $25K more income than renting" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.redfin.com/news/rent-vs-buy-income-gap-2025/" target="_blank">report</a> says.

Real Estate 🏠

The gap between renting and owning in Indy

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Nearly half of Indianapolis homes are losing value

Here's how many out-of-staters are moving to Indianapolis

Younger homebuyers face barriers in Indianapolis, nationwide