Lake County relo questions

[artemis]

I sure see a lot of Illinois tags on cars at the Southlake Mall, and area grocery stores. And they come over the State line for the big ticket items like TV's, etc. They can't fool us huh?!? LOL

[domergurl]

They don't have to pay those outrageous Illinois state sales taxes! Ever see the lines at gas stations on the Indiana line? Ever wonder why there are smoke shops there too?

[FedUpInFtMyers]

As I was born and raised in NW Indiana, I have to agree with the advice given about Crown Point but wish to add the difficult commute that mom2four's husband will face each and every day especially in the winter. The snowfall, ice including black ice, and the overall road conditions after snowfall is something to be concerned about and considered. What I do remember about Illinois is that the streets were much easier to drive on after snowfall or several days of snowfall. The choice between NW Indiana and Illinois is a matter of quality of life as well. Mom2four's husband will have a much longer day due to commute not to mention the safety concerns of commuting in the winter if living in NW Indiana vs. Illinois. If you choose to commute between NW Indiana and Illinois, please make sure you have a garage for your husband's car as this will cut some time off of getting to work in the AM. And some very good snow tires on a frontwheel drive car or SUV, wiper fluid that is approved for below zero temps to help the defroster to melt any ice or clear slush that has splashed up on the window while driving or clearing of any ice that may have formed during the course of the work day, and an ice scraper if all else fails. Good Luck, and I mean that sincerely. The winters can be brutal, but the people are the best I have ever known anywhere.

[mom2four]

Fortunately, my husband will be working for a man who also lives in Ind. and would not make my husband (or any of his other employees) come to work in adverse conditions. We were actually there the cold (!!!) weekend of December, so got to experience cold and ice. And we do have ice here in N. Texas. Currently, my spouse travels 5 days a week, so he is ready to make the change.

My big suprise was housing. Everyone on this site said Indiana housing was so affordable-but I felt the quality for the price was disappointing. I am having trouble resolving leaving here now that I have seen we cannot even get close to comparable to what we have now-even 100,000 over what this house cost does not get you close in similar quality! Very disappointing.

[MiaT]

I hope you're having luck finding a home in NWI. I recently moved to NWI from Indy and I'm saying "culture shock" Don't expect much southern hospitality in NWI! Perhaps look a little further East to Valpo (very nice community - highter priced homes) or Jasper County (rural county - not crazy about it but you can get more for your $)....a little farther commute. Check out DeMotte/Wheatfield - lots of new neighborhoods/nice homes - about 25 miles from mall shopping. My kids are in school at KV (Kankakee Valley) - they have adjusted well - kids are friendly enough. Good luck!