Sandwiched Between Indianapolis And Fort Wayne Is An Affordable City With Small-Town Charm And Tasty Eats

Every so often you'll encounter a town that evokes an air of nostalgia and serves as a snapshot into the past. A quickly developing boomtown after natural gas was discovered, Gas City was once a bustling industrial hub that set the stage for the charming small-town atmosphere it retains to this day. Historic buildings tell stories in the murals that line the quiet downtown streets, and delightful eateries provide a warm, welcoming ambiance for those who visit.

Much like the city of Marion, Gas City is situated between Indianapolis and Fort Wayne, in Grant County, Indiana. Visitors can enjoy quiet parks with shady paths and walking trails to view wildlife or get their daily steps in. There is even a charming Garfield Trail with statues of the colorful orange cat, ready for selfies. Summer concerts and food truck events provide low-cost entertainment and plenty of social interaction for residents in the warm months. The wintertime turns Gas City's downtown streets into a Christmas wonderland, filled with holiday lights and beautiful displays. Its downtown district has plenty of quaint shops for holiday shopping and fun hangout spots to relax with friends.

Gas City is an affordable place to live, with a lower cost of living compared to the national average. Costs for housing and childcare are low, as are utility costs and transportation. Median home values average about $128,940 as of 2023, according to City Data, and property taxes circle at around $2,000, according to Livability. Even healthcare costs are almost 8% lower than the national average, per Salary.com. The city is also filled with affordable entertainment for residents to enjoy year-round, such as museums and lively community events. 

Gas City is 78 miles from Indianapolis and 54 miles from Fort Wayne. Similar to the suburbs of Indianapolis, it has cobblestone charm and blooming trees, but far less crowds than the capital. Before its industrial heyday, the town was known by the name of Harrisburg and housed just 150 residents. The short-lasting boom brought factories, an opera house, and hotels to the town before most of its natural gas was depleted. Despite all the changes and fluctuations in size, the town has retained charming 1900's vibes embedded in the rich history that still exists.

The city exudes an air of small-town quaintness that takes you back to simpler times. The Gas City Museum is a great place to get a feel for the history of the town. Located in a former school, the museum houses old relics from the town, including building blueprints, yearbooks, and war memorabilia. The museum is located in a beautiful red brick building, built in the early 1900's during the town's rapid growth. Admission is free, and visitors are welcome Tuesday through Saturday, from the hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

There's a historic brick post office in the center of downtown with a famous mural from 1937. The mural is a colorful depiction of Gas City at the pinnacle of its boomtown days, with businessmen in horse-drawn carriages, railroad workers, and couples strolling the streets. Aside from its red brick facade and vibrant mural, the building has decorative features depicting boats, planes, and ships, adding to the historical charm prevalent through the town. 

While you're enjoying the welcoming atmosphere along Main Street, check out some of its delicious restaurants. First off, stop by Payne's for a frothy pint of ale and its famous fish and chips. The interior of this English eatery is decorated with authentic pub-style decor, and menu options include traditional British fare. Payne's is ideal for a relaxing dinner with friends or a quiet date on the town — with soft lighting, warm ambiance, and ample wine selection. 

Another restaurant you won't want to miss is Casa Grande Mexican Grill & Bar, with a delectable selection of exotic dishes and huge drinks. You can gleefully devour some shredded beef chimichangas while sipping a carefully crafted margarita in the cozy, tropical environment. For a delicious breakfast at a very reasonable price, visit Jackie's Family Restaurant. This charming homestyle bistro offers comforting dishes, like sloppy Joe (made from a secret family recipe) and mouth-watering homemade pies.

Aside from the delicious eateries around Main Street, the town hosts a regular foodie event. First Fridays is an all-out food fest in this town with hordes of vendors lining up, with food trucks and live music filling the streets. The first Friday of each month in the summertime, residents gather around downtown Main Street to mingle and enjoy tantalizing flavors brought forth by community vendors and local restaurants. Residents come to this monthly event to enjoy a lively evening of low-cost entertainment and social interaction. With so many charming and tasty ways to have fun, Gas City could be a good choice for your next affordable and perfect getaway destination.