I lived in the northern suburbs of Indy for 15 years. I have traveled the US extensively and currently live in Minneapolis. I can say that Indiana has many pros and a few cons:
Pros:
1) Very friendly people (in general). Sure you will run into the occasional jerk, but most Hoosiers are really friendly.
2) Indianapolis has become a great city. Plenty of museums, malls, sights, sports arenas, ect. It's cleaned up tons in the past 7 years and it now looks great!
3) Cost of living in Indiana is VERY low. The housing market is completely affordable there. You will see new houses being bulit everywhere because many can afford them!
4) Gas is some of the cheapest in the country!
5) Auto insurance is "at-fault"...which will save you about $400/year just for the state being this way.
4) Indiana is one of the greenest states you will see (in the spring/summer). Lots of trees, fields, Kentucky blue grass, ect.
5) Several top notch universities in the state (ie. Purdue U.(my alma mater), Indiana U., Butler, Notre Dame, ect.). The public education system definately has room for improvement. However, I went 3rd grade through high school in a public school and I think highly of my education.
6) You get to experience all 4 seasons of weather!! (this may be a con for some). Fall and spring are awesome!
7) Indy isn't far from other major cities in the midwest (ie. Chicago (3-4 hrs.), Cinicinatti (2 hrs.), Detroit (5-6 hrs.)).
8) During the summer, you will experience THE finest corn on the cob in the country.....YUM.
9) People are pretty passionate about sports here. Especially high school, college, and pro football/basketball. Yes...you will see a basketball hoop on every farm house and every driveway. Soccer is big. Indiana is one of the best swimming states in the country.
Cons:
1) Indiana is very Republican and very conservative...It's in the heart of the midwest.
2) Small towns galore. This may be a plus for some who like small towns everywhere. Living close to Indy is definately a good idea, as the small towns can get to ya after a while. You will find people who have lived all of their lives in the same smalltown. Tip: Listen to John Cougar-Mellencamp's "Smalltown" song for more info about Indiana smalltowns. He's an Indiana boy.
3) Summer can get really hot and humid. The worst is just sitting there and sweating because it's so humid/hot out!!
4) Indiana doesn't participate in daylight savings time like everyone else....majorly annoying!!
5) Allergies suck in this state (if you have em)!!!
6) They salt the roads in the winter = rust on cars.
Well there ya go. That's a BIG list! Hope it helps. Feel free to ask any questions you may have. And sorry...I've never been to Batesville before so I can't comment on it.