Chris and His Family Find a Fresh Start—and a Stronger Village—in Westfield, Indiana

When Chris and his wife Cassie relocated to Westfield, Indiana, they were reshaping their daily lives around the things that mattered most: family, community, and their children’s futures.

Chris and Cassie weren’t strangers to Indiana. Chris had grown up in Hamilton County, and while the couple had spent the past decade living in Washington, D.C. and then Cincinnati, they’d always kept one eye on the Indianapolis area—especially Carmel, Fishers, and Westfield.

“We knew we were ready to move back,” Chris said. “And when my father-in-law sent us the MakeMyMove link, it gave us a little extra push and peace of mind. We were already looking in this area, but the incentive helped us feel supported and welcomed back,” he said.

More Than Curb Appeal

Their home search was thorough—eight or nine houses, three or four bids. But it was the Centennial neighborhood in Westfield that finally checked all the boxes. Cassie fell in love with the house and the neighborhood’s atmosphere: a pond, children riding bikes, a quiet street with families chatting on evening walks.

“We were standing in the driveway, and she just looked at me and said, ‘This is it,’” Chris recalled.

For Chris, the decision to return to Westfield felt full circle. The town had changed in the years since he left—it’s growing rapidly, like its neighboring cities Carmel and Fishers—but it still felt familiar. More importantly, it was close to the people who mattered most.

“We’re on the southern edge of Westfield, just minutes from our families,” he said. “That’s made a huge difference.”

Education and Support that Matter

Cassie’s background in special education gave the couple unique insight into what kind of support their son Kendrick would need. And Westfield checked all the boxes.

“We’ve always been a public school family,” Chris said. “We wanted somewhere that offered the resources and inclusion Kendrick would need to succeed—and where our younger son Sebastian could thrive too.”

What ultimately tipped the scales was Westfield’s blend of academic strength and geographic closeness to loved ones. After years of living elsewhere, they weren’t just moving back—they were choosing to build something lasting in a place that felt like home.

Everyday Life Made Easier

For Chris, who works remotely, the move didn’t bring dramatic changes to his work life but it reshaped everything else.

“The biggest change is how often we see our family now,” he said. “The grandmothers come by to help with unpacking or just hang out with the kids. We’re not coordinating big weekend trips anymore. It’s just easier.”

That ease has translated to the kids, too. While relocating can be tough on children, especially those with additional needs, Chris said the transition went smoother than expected.

“Kendrick has really settled in,” he shared. “He likes his room, and having his grandparents nearby brings a sense of comfort. And Sebastian? He’s already made friends at the neighborhood pool.”

The family is starting to build new routines—from casual visits with cousins to frequent dips in the pool—that make their new house feel like home.

Rediscovering Central Indiana—with a Local’s Eye

Though Chris grew up in Hamilton County, a decade away gave him a fresh perspective on how much the area has grown. And unlike the sprawl and congestion of D.C., he finds Westfield and nearby Carmel striking a balance between urban amenities and a manageable pace.

“I’ve always appreciated the roundabouts in Carmel,” he joked. “They actually help with traffic—and I find myself appreciating the small conveniences more now that we’re back.”

Though they’re only recently resettled, Chris and Cassie already have a growing list of Indiana attractions to explore. From family-friendly spots like the Indianapolis Zoo to local flea markets, distilleries, and the Bottleworks District, they’re excited to rediscover the area with fresh eyes.

“Noblesville’s downtown is on our list too,” he added. “It’s been fun to ask friends for suggestions and just start checking things off.”

Learn Why Noblesville Was Named One of America’s Most Welcoming Places

One of their favorite early outings was a dinner with friends at Rick’s Boatyard Cafe, a waterfront restaurant in Indianapolis with scenic views of Eagle Creek Reservoir.

“It was one of those summer nights where everything just feels right,” Chris said. “We’re still exploring, but that one’s going on the favorites list.”

They were also finally able to join the long-running “alphabet supper club”—a rotating dinner group with friends where each host picks a restaurant based on a letter of the alphabet.

“We’d been liking all their Instagram posts from afar and stewing with jealousy,” Chris joked. “Now we’re part of it.”

They’re also planning to make the most of Indiana’s seasonal activities. Fall festivals, winter lights, summer concerts—it’s all part of the reason they came back.

A City That Works for Families

After spending years in larger metro areas, including Washington, D.C., Chris says the return to Indiana has offered a more sustainable pace of life, with all the essentials, and none of the burnout.

“D.C. had a lot to offer, but it was just go-go-go,” he said. “Here, it’s more balanced. It feels like a place where families can thrive.”

Compared to coastal cities like Boston or San Francisco, Chris says the cost of living in Indiana has been a major plus.

“You can get more house, more yard, more community—for a lot less,” he said. “That’s not something you take for granted when you’re raising kids.”

Why MakeMyMove Mattered

Even though Chris and Cassie were already considering a move back, the MakeMyMove program helped reinforce their decision—and provided practical support throughout the process.

“It wasn’t just the financial incentive, though that helped,” Chris said. “It was knowing there was a team on the other side who wanted us here.”

He appreciated the ease of applying and the responsiveness of the MakeMyMove team. From eligibility to onboarding, everything was clearly laid out and easy to navigate.

“They made the process feel human,” he said. “Not transactional.”

Building a Life, Not Just a Home

As they continue settling in, Chris and his family are already making plans—not just for the next few months, but for the years to come. They’re building routines, exploring the region, and deepening connections with their community.

“There’s still so much to see and do,” he said. “But we already feel like we’re home.”

They’re also sharing their experience with others, especially friends and family who are starting to feel the crunch of higher costs and longer commutes in other cities.

“I’ve told a few people about the MakeMyMove program,” Chris said. “It’s a good reminder that you can build a great life somewhere affordable, where your support system is close, and where your quality of life really improves.”

For Chris and his family, that place turned out to be Westfield, Indiana.