Possible relocation to work in burns harbor (Gary, Hammond: university, living in)

[LucianoF75]

Hello,

I am considering the opportunity to relocate from New Jersey to work in Burns Harbor.
I was checking information and I found 4 possible options to live close to the job.

1) Chesterton
2) Hammond
3) Whiting
4) Valparaiso

I was thinking about those 4 places because I am 43 years old, single and during the weekend I like to enjoy dinner at some place, going to some coffee store and maybe drive to Chicago to enjoy the city. I like to live in safe and medium size towns with the option to have close some big city.

I appreciate your assistance.

Thank You,
LF

[johnd393]

I wouldn't pick Hammond or Whiting

[Chuckity]

Valpo.

Great downtown and dining scene. And and easy commute to work and Chgo (about an hour) if you stick to the north side of town.

Chesterton would be my second choice. Cute downtown. Dining options getting better (Volstead) and a super short commute to Burns Harbor. And very easy to either jump on the expressway or South Shore to head downtown.

[chet everett]

Much nicer amenities in Valpariso or Chesterton. Whiting has done some things to make its downtown more charming and the local government is very much aware that the long association the town has had with oil refinery won't last forever so they are working toward a future that may be very different -- Restaurants & Retail - The City of Whiting, Indiana


Valpariso has a University that helps attract families with some spendable cash to support nicer restaurants and such, this is a just a sample of the dozen or so places close to the campus -- https://visitindiana.com/blog/index....raiso-indiana/


Chesterton is more family oriented. Significant number of residents commute to Chicago for work, cars are far and away the most popular option for commuters, even if the ride the South Shore Train line it is located at Dune Park and is not walkable for many residents. It is adjacent to the Calumet Train, a mostly nice option for those who walk / job / bicycle, though being adjacent to the Indiana Dune the gravel path other has standing water that seeps out of the sand...


Hammond is safe town that is a good alternative for families fed up with living in parts of Chicago or other Illinois towns that have become too costly. I would not recommend it for anybody that is looking for the kinds of places that singles like for dates and such.

[LucianoF75]

thank you so much everyone! really valuable information to add to the job offer!

[Chuckity]

Originally Posted by chet everett

Valpariso has a University that helps attract families with some spendable cash to support nicer restaurants and such, this is a just a sample of the dozen or so places close to the campus -- https://visitindiana.com/blog/index....raiso-indiana/





Hammond is safe town that is a good alternative for families fed up with living in parts of Chicago or other Illinois towns that have become too costly. I would not recommend it for anybody that is looking for the kinds of places that singles like for dates and such.

Chet ... that dining link is pretty outdated - couple of those spots no longer exist. Here's a better one: Home - Downtown Valpo Restaurant Group

Also, I'm not sure I would call Hammond safe. Parts are safER than Calumet City or Gary or East Chgo, but it's not overall a safe community.

[CGab]

Valparaiso is the nicest out of your list and the downtown area there would be what you're looking for, but it is also the farthest from downtown Chicago (60-90 min). Chesterton would be the next nicest, but not much of an atmosphere for singles. Whiting is the closest to Chicago and safe, but again not much going on there. Hammond is safest near Munster, but overall still not a bad town, but the least desirable IMHO out of the 4 mentioned towns.