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Indianapolis is a world-class city on the rise. Once seen as a convergence of highways, the "Crossroads of America" is now drawing more visitors that choose to stick around. Residents enjoy a robust job market, a rebounding housing market, and arts and culture that stack up against any major city in the Midwest. Downtown and the surrounding metro areas are home to nearly 2 million residents.
The economy of Indianapolis (also known as Indy) is diverse and growing, with the large contributions coming from healthcare and transportation companies. The state's largest employers are in the health and pharmaceutical industry. The central location of Indy among many railroads and highways makes it a hub for transport, and provides easy logistics for travelers headed in any direction. Indianapolis is home to some of the most passionate sports fans in the country. The city also welcomes the largest single-day sporting event in the world, the Indianapolis 500. While locals seem to love all things auto, the beloved Indianapolis Colts (NFL) and the Indiana Pacers (NBA) take top billing in Indy.
A compact downtown, made up of five neighborhoods, makes Indy a great walking city. Indianapolis has become a top destination for conventions and big-draw sporting events that take advantage of well-organized public transportation and plentiful hotel options. A prominent canal runs through downtown, giving the city a uniquely European feel. Along the canal loop, residents and visitors enjoy a wide array of public art installations, and several of Indy's large collection of war memorial monuments.
The Indianapolis Cultural Trail links several community greenbelts and all five downtown neighborhoods. Join the throngs of joggers on the trail, many of whom are no doubt training for the city's half marathon. Check out the local art scene with a tour through the Indianapolis Museum of Art. The permanent collections and the rotating exhibits offer residents and visitors a chance to gaze upon priceless works from around the world. The museum also offers screenings of movies running from June through August, which are shown in their spectacularly groomed outdoor amphitheater.
