Luke Lawson's Midwest Adventure: A Story of Relocation and New Beginnings

Remote work has made location less important, prompting many professionals to seek a better quality of life through relocation. Luke Lawson, a remote worker previously based in the bustling Washington, D.C., metro area, is one such individual. With the help of MakeMyMove, a program designed to attract remote workers to new communities, Luke and his wife successfully transitioned to Indianapolis, Indiana—an area that not only brought them closer to family but also offered a more affordable, connected lifestyle.

From Skeptic to Relocation

Luke first heard about MakeMyMove in an unexpected way—his mother sent him an article about the program. Living in Evansville, Indiana, she had long hoped to persuade Luke and his wife to return to the Midwest. Initially, Luke was skeptical. “To be honest, I thought that the program was a ploy or some kind of plot for my mom to get me to move back,” he said with a laugh.

However, the more he researched MakeMyMove, the more legitimate—and enticing—it seemed. The program offered financial incentives and support to remote workers willing to relocate, making it a compelling addition to the list of reasons he and his wife were already considering a move. “The cost of living in D.C. was absolutely astronomical,” Luke explained. “We had talked about moving, but engaging with MakeMyMove definitely accelerated our timeline.”

Familiar Yet New

Having previously lived in Indianapolis over a decade ago, Luke was already familiar with the city. His best friend resided there, and he had spent considerable time in the area while attending college in Bloomington. For his wife, however, Indianapolis was largely uncharted territory.

“When we started house hunting, she had never been here,” Luke said. “So, it was an entirely new experience for her, trying to figure out the area and determine if this was where we wanted to settle.”

They considered multiple locations, including Noblesville and Avon, as well as areas closer to Evansville, but ultimately, Indianapolis emerged as the clear winner. Its mix of urban energy and Midwestern charm, combined with its growing amenities and opportunities, made it the perfect choice.

The Seamless Transition: MakeMyMove’s Role

Applying for MakeMyMove was an unexpectedly easy process. “It all seemed legit, but I kept thinking, ‘Why is this so easy?’” Luke recalled. “The more contact I had with the MakeMyMove staff, the more I understood why they were doing this—they truly wanted to bring people back to the Midwest.”

One key selling point for Luke was the program’s partnership with 16 Tech, a thriving innovation district in Indianapolis. As part of the incentives offered by the Indianapolis relocation package, he received access to a coworking space at 16 Tech, a perk he’s found invaluable.

“My wife and I both work remotely, so having access to a coworking space a few times a week was perfect. The atmosphere is collaborative, the staff is welcoming and they even host community events,” he said.

In addition to professional perks, Luke found MakeMyMove’s support impressive. Early in their transition, they needed a place to board their dogs while preparing for a trip. “I asked one of the Mover Guides, Kendall for recommendations, and she gave me two or three great options, even mentioning which one she’s used,” Luke shared. “It was clear that she truly cared about helping us settle in.”

A Slower, More Connected Life

Since moving in August, Luke and his wife have embraced their new lifestyle in Indianapolis. The change of pace compared to Northern Virginia has been one of the most noticeable and appreciated differences.

“Our daily routine has shifted dramatically. In D.C., I commuted into the office a few times a week, and everything felt so spread out,” he explained. “Now, we walk to a lot of places, our community feels closer-knit, and it’s just a slower, more intentional way of living.”

Another unexpected perk? The city’s accessibility. “One of the first weekends we were here, I needed to go across town. My instinct was to brace for a two-hour commute like in D.C., but it took me 20 minutes,” he said. “And don’t even get me started on the airport—it’s the best airport in America!”

Beyond convenience, Indianapolis has offered Luke and his wife a variety of community events, from the Butter Art Fair to Tonic Ball, an annual music fundraiser. “There’s always something going on,” he said. “It’s great to feel plugged into the culture here.”

Future Goals in Indy

As first-time homeowners, Luke and his wife have been enjoying the process of turning their house into a home—something that would have been financially out of reach in Northern Virginia. “Purchasing a home was so much more affordable here, and now we can make it what we want,” Luke said.

Looking ahead, their focus is on settling in and growing their family. “We keep saying this may not be our forever home, but we want to make it feel like it could be,” he said.

Professionally, Luke enjoys the flexibility of his current remote work arrangement, he is also looking ahead to the future. He hopes to eventually transition to a role based in Indianapolis, where he can build stronger local connections within a company. "I value the benefits of remote work," he explained, "but I also recognize the advantages of being more closely tied to a company's physical presence. Exploring opportunities in Indianapolis is something I'd like to do down the road."

A Strong Advocate for MakeMyMove

Luke has become an enthusiastic advocate for MakeMyMove, frequently recommending the program to friends and colleagues looking to relocate. “I used to be on my company’s recruiting team, and I’ve pointed so many people toward MakeMyMove,” he said. “I truly believe in it.”

For remote workers considering a move, Luke’s story is a testament to how MakeMyMove can make relocation not only possible but also seamless and rewarding. Indianapolis has given him a sense of home, community, and opportunity—proving that sometimes, the best moves are the ones that bring you back to your roots.