Sandwiched Between Fort Wayne And Chicago Is Indiana's Affordable City With Friendly Vibes And Parks

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According to AAA, Indiana is one of the cheapest places to visit in the U.S. Even Fort Wayne, a big, dynamic Midwest city, has one of the lowest costs of living in America. That doesn't mean you'll have to compromise on quality and experiences, though, because right in north-central Indiana, you'll find Plymouth, a friendly hub that promises all the charm, city experiences, good food, and lush parks you could want at a budget-friendly price tag. And the value is truly second-to-none here, because even compared to other Indiana destinations, Plymouth's cost of living is 45% lower.

The city is well-connected, too, located 68 miles northwest of Fort Wayne and 95 miles southeast of Chicago. So if you're up for a drive or two, you can always choose Plymouth as your cheaper, more laid-back base and explore the bigger cities knowing you'll get to sleep somewhere far more peaceful and quiet at night. If you're flying into town, you'll probably want to come through Fort Wayne International Airport. It takes roughly one and a half hours to drive back and forth, but depending on where you're coming from, this might be your best option.

There's a direct bus line that connects the airport to the city, too, but it takes closer to two hours and is a bit pricey, ranging between $55 and $98 at the time of writing this article. Once here, you'll see that while Plymouth might not have the amenities or excitement of big hubs like Chicago, its community feel, access to nature, and affordability are hard to compete with.

The locals aren't the only ones benefiting from Plymouth's reasonable prices; travel essentials are affordable too. While there's only a handful of hotels in the city, most cost around $100 a night, some even less. Super 8 by Wyndham Plymouth is a good, budget-friendly pick. With an 8.0 rating from almost a thousand reviewers on Expedia, the place is often praised for its clean rooms, friendly staff, and comfortable beds. The decor isn't the most modern, but it's usually considered better than your average Super 8, and for the price, you're still getting a great deal. Beyond that, the hotel is just a three-minute walk from an Aldi, so you can buy your snacks and meals with confidence that you're getting some of the best deals around.

What if you're craving a restaurant meal? Christos Family Dining is one of the favorite local spots and a family-owned joint that serves classic American dishes every day from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. (10 p.m. on weekends). Its rolls, roasted chicken, and meatloaf are some of the standouts — plus the gyros– and whatever you do, never leave without trying one of their iconic apple pies. They do deliveries, but their antique decor needs to be appreciated in person.

You'll get even more value from your Plymouth vacation if you go on a day trip or two. The good news is that there are plenty of nearby gems you can explore within a half-hour radius. Nappanee has an underrated walkable downtown full of creative boutiques, antiques, and charm; Mishawaka is Indiana's "Princess City" with shops, restaurants, and breweries; while Warsaw is home to three dazzling lakes, gourmet dining, and a bustling downtown.

Another fantastic way to experience Plymouth without breaking the bank is to take advantage of its nine public parks, starting with Centennial. Open every day from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., this is a must-see for any Plymouth trip. You'll find a public pool, volleyball and basketball courts, pavilions with grilling areas, and plenty of serene walking trails. There are also 18 holes of disc golf open to anyone looking to take their outdoorsy adventure up a notch. Most famously, though, this is the place where you'll get to attend Marshall County's iconic blueberry festival. Tens of thousands of people come here every year to enjoy the atmosphere, listen to live music, check out the local vendors, and try the famous mini donuts (come early for these since lines can get pretty long).

River Park Square is another local favorite, known for its splash pad, quiet trails, and the fantastic farmers market that gets set up here every Saturday. If you come in the summer, you can even catch a live concert, while in the winter, the flickering lights are a must-see. The grounds are open to the public 24/7.

Make sure to stop by the East LaPorte Street Foot Bridge, too. It's just a five-minute walk away from the park center, and a scenic gem on the National Register of Historic Places. The sheer number of trees and plants that surround you here is jaw-dropping. If you're more into water-based recreation, you can fish and canoe along the Wabash River Trail, located just a little over an hour away. Wabash itself is also a vibrant city that thrives with artisan shops and historic theaters, so why not make an entire day trip out of it?