Finding Community and Creativity in Noblesville: How AJ's Move Sparked a New Chapter

When AJ O'Reilly and his family decided to leave St. Paul, Minnesota, the goal was simple: find a place that felt like home. What they found in Noblesville, Indiana, exceeded their expectations — not only in lifestyle but in opportunity. With the help of the MakeMyMove program, AJ transitioned his remote work life into something deeper: a renewed sense of community and a platform for creative entrepreneurship.

Finding Community in Noblesville

Before landing in Noblesville, AJ had already experienced life in Bloomington, Indiana, followed by a stint in St. Paul. Though the Twin Cities had much to offer including a vibrant culture, big city amenities and walkable neighborhoods — AJ found himself craving a stronger connection to community.

“My wife needed to move back to Indiana for her job but we could really go anywhere in the state,” AJ explained. “We were looking at the Indianapolis area, and my dad sent me a link to the MakeMyMove website and it all just came together after that.”

The MakeMyMove application process was almost too simple. “It was extremely easy. Suspiciously easy,” AJ laughed. “Usually, things like this are filled with red tape, but this wasn’t. It guided us toward Noblesville, which wasn’t at the top of our list. But once we visited — we knew.”

After a house-hunting trip that included a stop for dinner in downtown Noblesville, AJ and his family felt an immediate connection. “There was an event happening in the square. It just felt like home. It reminded us of what we loved about Bloomington.”

A Mindset Shift

The MakeMyMove program offered more than financial incentives. “It wasn’t the deciding factor for choosing Noblesville,” AJ clarified. “But it did nudge us to explore the town — and we might’ve missed it otherwise.”

AJ appreciated that the program helped create a bridge to local contacts. “The incentives listed in the program — meeting people from the Noblesville Chamber of Commerce, Mayor Chris Jensen — some of that didn’t happen due to scheduling. But what happened was even better. I connected with Chuck Haberman from the city’s economic development team, and he introduced me to Noblesville Creates. That was the spark I needed.”

This introduction opened the door to local arts organizations — something AJ had missed during his time in St. Paul. “We loved St. Paul, but it was a big city. You didn’t really get that small-town feel or opportunity to jump into the community. Here, I could connect with people and plug in right away.”

Learn More About What Makes Noblesville such a great place to relocate to

Building Creative Roots

One of the most exciting parts of AJ’s move wasn’t about starting fresh — it was about growing something new. Alongside his full-time remote job, AJ owns a fine art supply store that was originally launched in Bloomington. “When we left for St. Paul, we weren’t sure what would happen to it,” he said. “But when we moved back to Indiana, we thought - let’s do this again, this time in Indianapolis.”

That spark turned into action. AJ opened the store’s new location in the historic Stutz building in downtown Indy and quickly began forming relationships with local arts communities — including Noblesville.

“We’ve been collaborating with the Fishers Art Center, creating supply kits for their classes. We support Noblesville Creates and participate in events like Comic Book in a Day. We even have a small pop-up space at their campus.”

Even though the store’s first relaunch happened downtown, AJ is already eyeing the possibility of expansion. “I’m still trying to figure out how to get something going in Noblesville specifically. That’s where my heart is.”

Coworking That Connects Beyond City Limits

Among the MakeMyMove benefits AJ did tap into was the coworking space membership through COhatch — something he found both practical and surprisingly flexible.

“I’ve worked remotely for years, so having a place to get out of the house and be around people is important,” he said. “What was great about COhatch is that it has multiple locations. I’d meet people for coffee or meetings in Fishers, Carmel, even downtown Indy. It helped me connect beyond just Noblesville — I could build relationships across Hamilton County.”

That connectivity proved useful as AJ explored retail partnerships, potential collaborations and deepened ties within Indiana’s creative business scene. “It was more than just a desk and Wi-Fi — it was a gateway.”

Explore other Communities in Indiana that Pay You to Move

Bringing More Than a Paycheck

Reflecting on the move, AJ emphasized a key idea for other communities who are considering relocation programs like MakeMyMove: relocation isn’t just about geography — it’s about impact.

“The MakeMyMove program is built around the idea that you’re bringing your remote salary to a new town — and that’s great,” he said. “But we came with more than a paycheck. We brought a small business – a creative business. We want to add something to the community.”

For communities, the takeaway is clear: remote workers bring more than income. “It’s not just about where someone works — it’s what they’re bringing,” AJ added. “Skills, creativity, business ideas. That’s the kind of energy and talent worth nurturing.”

Family-Focused and Future-Minded

One of the most important lenses AJ used in evaluating towns was his family — especially his young child. “When we moved to St. Paul, it was all about finding a cool house. But now, it was about schools, parks, safety — everything a parent thinks about.”

Noblesville offered all of that, plus something extra: charm.

“We toured a lot of towns — Avon, Westfield, Fishers — and honestly, they’re all solid options,” AJ said. “But Noblesville has the nicest downtown. That’s what sold us.”

The family purchased their home sight unseen, based on video tours and trust in the community vibe. They now live near the border of Noblesville and Fishers — close enough to enjoy the amenities of both.

“We’re not going anywhere,” AJ said confidently. “We love it here.”

A Community That Lets You Go Deep

For remote workers considering a relocation, AJ offers this insight: you can get involved as much as you want — and Noblesville makes that easy.

“Here, you meet one or two people and you’re in. You can go deep. That’s the beauty of a smaller, engaged community.”

As he looks ahead, AJ plans to continue building his presence in the creative community, possibly bringing the physical location of his store to Noblesville and contributing in meaningful ways.

“I’m trying not to go crazy,” he laughed, “but I want to do more. There’s something special here — and it feels good to be part of it.”