Chesterton vs. Valparaiso Schools (Crown Point: rentals, crime, townhome)

[flamadiddle]

For those familiar with these school systems, do you feel one is better than the other? (Elementary through High School)

[valpofan11]

I just graduated from Valparaiso High School, both are solid academically all around, not very diverse, but both have good standing perceptions throughout the Region and offer a vigorous curriculum that can prepare students well. They're basically the same IMO.

[flamadiddle]

Thanks and congrats valpofan11!

Do you know anything about the homes close to downtown valpo? Is that area stable/safe or is it changing?

[valpofan11]

Originally Posted by flamadiddle

Thanks and congrats valpofan11!

Do you know anything about the homes close to downtown valpo? Is that area stable/safe or is it changing?

Thank you much appreciated. So the downtown residential areas are pretty nice, definitely safe. A new 4 unit townhome building is being built on Chicago St just north of our downtown square. The area east of downtown and part of Valparaiso University's west side is called Hilltop. This is a pretty poor, racially diverse area, many VU students don't feel safe walking through Hilltop at night. But overall, Hilltop is not bad, shootings do not occur here, but many of the homes are rentals.

Valparaiso is definitely not "changing" socioeconomically. Crown Point is more at risk of that than Valparaiso.

[My Kind Of Town]

Originally Posted by valpofan11

Thank you much appreciated. So the downtown residential areas are pretty nice, definitely safe. A new 4 unit townhome building is being built on Chicago St just north of our downtown square. The area east of downtown and part of Valparaiso University's west side is called Hilltop. This is a pretty poor, racially diverse area, many VU students don't feel safe walking through Hilltop at night. But overall, Hilltop is not bad, shootings do not occur here, but many of the homes are rentals.

Valparaiso is definitely not "changing" socioeconomically. Crown Point is more at risk of that than Valparaiso.

I didn't realize that area had a name. I lived there my last two years at VU. It was definitely rough though I never experienced crime first hand other than a random local that showed up at a party to start a fight (this happened on two occasions and one did result in a physical altercation). Personally, I wouldn't say I ever felt unsafe but I was always mindful of my surroundings as there was a lot of "interesting" activity and some real slumming going on. Many females would feel unsafe walking in this area at night, especially if they were alone or in a small group.

[Bluefox]

The Hilltop area has always been a little gritty, even back in the 90s.

[Chuckity]

Originally Posted by flamadiddle

Thanks and congrats valpofan11!

Do you know anything about the homes close to downtown valpo? Is that area stable/safe or is it changing?

If I weren't getting crabby and older by the second, I would buy a big older home close to downtown (but not Hilltop) in a hot minute. (Basically anywhere north of Lincolnway and roughly west of Calumet.)

Valpo's downtown has undergone tremendous changes in the last decade and it's only getting better.

My kids were products of the Valpo school system (K-12) and I can't say enough good things about the schools - but the sense of community is what really makes Valpo a great place to raise kids.

[flamadiddle]

Originally Posted by valpofan11

Thank you much appreciated. So the downtown residential areas are pretty nice, definitely safe. A new 4 unit townhome building is being built on Chicago St just north of our downtown square. The area east of downtown and part of Valparaiso University's west side is called Hilltop. This is a pretty poor, racially diverse area, many VU students don't feel safe walking through Hilltop at night. But overall, Hilltop is not bad, shootings do not occur here, but many of the homes are rentals.

Valparaiso is definitely not "changing" socioeconomically. Crown Point is more at risk of that than Valparaiso.

Originally Posted by Chuckity

If I weren't getting crabby and older by the second, I would buy a big older home close to downtown (but not Hilltop) in a hot minute. (Basically anywhere north of Lincolnway and roughly west of Calumet.)

Valpo's downtown has undergone tremendous changes in the last decade and it's only getting better.

My kids were products of the Valpo school system (K-12) and I can't say enough good things about the schools - but the sense of community is what really makes Valpo a great place to raise kids.

Roger that and thanks for the info.

Regarding getting old and crabby, you should start practicing, "Hey you kids, get off my lawn!"

[svillechris]

Both Chesterton and Valpo are considered to have strong school districts. I think 15+ years ago Chesterton was considered to be a bit of a little brother to Valpo as Valpo had better test scores and was bigger in enrollment, but now they're practically on par with eachother in most everything including number of kids in the district and high school enrollment. Can't really go wrong with either.

[flamadiddle]

Originally Posted by valpofan11

The area east of downtown and part of Valparaiso University's west side is called Hilltop. This is a pretty poor, racially diverse area, many VU students don't feel safe walking through Hilltop at night. But overall, Hilltop is not bad, shootings do not occur here, but many of the homes are rentals.

Uh, about that shooting comment....

Two questioned, one hospitalized in Valpo shooting | Northwest Indiana Crime and Court | nwitimes.com