Searching for apartments around Gary, IN (Indianapolis, Hammond: apartment complex, rentals, homes)

[Sylvie1234]

I'm moving to Northwest Indiana in two to three weeks since I'll be working in Gary, IN, so I've been searching for apartments around the area. I've thought about Gary, but after reading a lot of posts regarding the area, I decided otherwise.

A lot of the apartments I've looked at are from Merrillville, such as Summer Wood Apartment Homes, Huntington Cove, Hickory Ridge Lake, and a few other. Do you guys know anywhere you can suggest? How's the The Mansards in Griffith? I heard Summer Wood Apartment was pretty bad before, but it's under new management now, is it any better?

Thanks

[Sylvie1234]

How's the Hampton In Highland? It's in Highland, IN, and from what I've read on here... a lot of people think Highland is a good place to live.

I saw there's an apartment "Southmoor" in Hammond. It's quite cheap and has positive review at apartmentrating.

Any suggestions are appreciated. Thanks

[SoHoVe]

Could you be a bit more specific about your expectations?

How important is security and safety to you?

What ammenities would you like to have?

How far would you be willing to commute (travel time)?

What area in Gary will you be working?

You are right to have axed Gary off the list...much of it isn't safe (especially for someone unfamiliar to the area).

[Sylvie1234]

I'm willing to commute up to 15 miles away from Gary, IN. I prefer somewhere west of Gary, so it's a bit closer to Chicago, Illinois, though not in Illinois. I don't care much about the amenities available, other than the laundry facility, good parking space.

Security and safety are important, as long as I'm able to walk around the community during the day, and aren't afraid of people knocking on my door at night.

My monthly range is from $400-$800/month. I'm looking for either a studio or one bedroom apartment. Ideally, I like an apartment to be below $600/month, but that's probably not easy to find other than those available in Gary, IN.

[SoHoVe]

I don't know what rent is out there these days but I would say Highland is generally fine...anything in Munster should be fine and better fwy access than Highland. The Mansards in Griffith I would not recommend...it's a huge (once beautiful) complex that has seriously declined. The town of Crown Point is south rather than west but is a very nice area. Merriville is going to be hit or miss when it comes to apartments depending on location. Schererville (also south) is a nice area but traffic is heavy and it really wouldn't make as much sense (working in Gary and traveling to Chicago). If you REALLY want to be cheap and aren't picky you MIGHT be able to find something decent around the Hessville area of Hammond which is pretty safe but doesn't offer much as far as retail goes...its predominantly working class people in small homes and not much more to speak of.

Sorry I can't comment on specific apartments...I don't know enough about rentals in the area.

[Northwest Indiana]

Given your price range, your best bet would probably be in Hammond. If you stay in south Hammond (anything south of 165th Street)..or even better, south of 169th...you should be fine as far as safety. It may not be the nicest area, but it should be liveable. Another option is Merrillville, but as was stated, it is a hit or miss...there are some very nice apartment communities in south Merrillville (bordering Crown Point)...Huntington Cove is right behind the mall and is a safe area. Summer Wood is safe as well....Basically, as far as Merrillville apartments/rentals go, the further south of U.S. 30 you are, the better. The only apartment complex I know of north of U.S. 30 is Broadmoor Country Club...Not as nice and kept up as it used to be, but still a decently safe option.

As far as Highland goes, that is a very safe option as well. Hampton apartments are not bad, but many of the apartments have not been updated (if you care about that). They are also way out of the price range that you listed, so unless you can expand your price range, then you probably won't be able to live there. Munster is a good option as well, but due to the extremely limited rental options, any rentals you may find will command a high price whether it has some good amenities or not.

Here are some apartment communities that I found in safe areas within your price range:

Cedar Point - Crown Point

Hickory Ridge Lake - Merrillville

Duneland - Gary (I know you ruled Gary out, but this is in the Miller Beach area of Gary which is the safest area in Gary...It doesn't even feel like you are in Gary because it is pretty separated from the rest of the city...and since you are renting--as opposed to buying--you don't have much to lose)

Southmoor in Hammond may be a good option as well..the only thing is a bit further north, the area is a little sketchy.

Good luck!!

[Sylvie1234]

Isn't Lakeshore Dunes and Marquette Apartments the same location as Duneland, so should those be find, too?

Thanks for the suggestion. I'll give them a call and will check those place out when I'm in the Northwest area this week.

[Tyjuana02]

Lakeshore Dunes and Marquette Apartments are totally different. I use to live in Duneland Villiage which is right off Lake St. in the Miller area--which was very nice & probably still is. I just drove around that area a few days ago and it looks still safe and quiet. Anywhere in the Miller area is very good b/c it is right out of Gary--even though it is still Gary, however, it is by the lake so majority of people that way are working and living decent lives. Gary is where you will find the cheapest. Anything west like Taft/Roosevelt St/beyond should be good also, you want to stay away from the east side of Broadway on up to the Glen Park area. I was going to move back but we have decided to move to Indianapolis bc there aren't many jobs in that area. If you need other info let me know as I am from Gary. Good Luck!!!

[Sylvie1234]

Is there a certain place I should avoid when driving late at night? If I want to take the South Shore to Chicago, should I use the train station in Gary, or drive a bit farther to another station? Sorry, I've been reading a lot about Gary from all the posts in this forum, that it's beginning to seem like driving through it is dangerous itself.

[artemis]

It can be, especially if you don't know your way around.

Your best bet is Hammond or Highland. If you want a safe neighborhood where you can be safe going for a walk, there isn't anywhere in Gary that I would live. You can even rent in Whiting, and take the toll road to Gary for work.

I would catch the South Shore in Hammond, not Gary.