East Chicago, Indiana -- info requested (Gary, Hammond: renting, crime rate, home)

[the_hungry_wanderer]

Hello,

Not much has been written in these forums about East Chicago, Indiana. I have a question.

I have a friend that, due to family reasons, faces the real possibility of relocating to the Chicago, Illinois area. Budget is a serious concern so renting in Chicago might be a real challenge for her. In order to get the most bang for her dollar, she's seriously contemplating moving slightly out of state. She went as far as considering Gary as a possible home base.

After doing a bit of research, I noticed that East Chicago, Indiana was slightly closer to Chicago. She does have a car and would be going driving into Chicago during the non-rush hours a few times a week. Considering the numerous issues that arise when discussing Gary, would East Chicago be a much better choice? Is it considerably safer than Gary? What's the overall feel of East Chicago, Indiana?

Thanks so much for your help!

[domergurl]

If she's considering EC, then have her consider Hammond/Robertsdale/Whiting first!

[Ashleighunique15]

I've been living in East Chicago all of my life. I understand that E.C. is very close to Chicago, but your friend will highly regret living here. It is a horrible place to live. It has such a high crime rate to be such a small town. The city has changed so much. There isnt a decent grocery store or shopping center. The pollution is horrible. I suggest Highland, Scherillville,Merrillville, Munster. Not E.C. it is a horrible place to live.

[WildWestDude]

Have not seen Whiting for a while, but it might be a good option. (others can add on)

Try southern Hammond, parts of Highland or Griffith if your budget is low.
If you can spend a bit more go a bit further south than those.

Do NOT go to GARY if you value your safety and sanity.

[artemis]

Originally Posted by WildWestDude

Have not seen Whiting for a while, but it might be a good option. (others can add on)

Try southern Hammond, parts of Highland or Griffith if your budget is low.
If you can spend a bit more go a bit further south than those.

Do NOT go to GARY if you value your safety and sanity.

Whiting is a quiet town, much safer than East Chicago. Its close proximity to the Skyway Bridge into Chicago would be a great timesaver.

Highland or Griffith is ok, but you might spend time sitting in traffic on 80-94 as you make trips into Chicago.

[pinkpearls]

Live in Hegewich on the Indiana and Illnois border. Most southern tip on the South East Side of Chicago. I's a small older community. not to expensive, and right off the Shoth Shore Train line into Chicago. Lake County is Dirty and the taxes may be cheap as far as food and gas and cigarettes goes.(Solution: just drive over state lines.) But the air is Horrible! And the property taxes are a JOKE in Lake County Indiana.


East Chicago is nothing like Chicago and it's a bad neighborhood ,high in crime! I would compare it to GARY.

[artemis]

Hegewisch is right across the border from Whiting. Do you really think your air is cleaner?
The polution in South Cook County is every bit as polluted. Sheesh.

Cook County's property taxes are significantly higher than Lake County Indiana. I've lived in both places. Hegewisch isn't somewhere where I'd like to live.

[rrah]

artemis-you took the words right out of my mouth!

[backtochitown]

I was born in E. Chicago and my dad was a cop there.

30-35 years ago it was relatively nice from what I remember in my childhood days...really good basketball teams too!...it is a different story today though...my grandmother moved to Griffith to get out.

[domergurl]

EC Central High School was on lockdown a couple days ago due to groups fighting each other. It's not the safest place to be.