Relocating to NW Indiana/commute to Chicago (South Bend, Gary: rent, lawyers)

[dmb]

My husband and I are considering relocating to NW Indiana from Chicago. He is a sheet metal worker and needs to commute to Chicago, but the lower taxes and rural areas in Indiana are appealing (plus most of our family lives in Michigan). Any opinions on what area to look in? We are totally confused and concerned about purchasing a home in an area we know nothing about. Any input would be appreciated!!

[Sonnenwende]

I think it would depend partly on where your husband has to go exactly and what his hours are. Where are you looking at specifically? Merrillville, Crown Point, South Bend, Portage?

I would shy away from immediately buying in an area you admittedly know next to nothing about. I would rent a few months to see if your family likes it or not before getting married to the area. House could end up being the albatross around your neck if you end up hating the area it is in.

[dmb]

He travels all over to job sites. I would say 75% of the time he is in downtown Chicago.

[CHICAGOLAND92]

If I were you, I would choose somewhere in Lake County, possibly Munster or Highland. They are both very close to highways, but of course, traffic in Chicago is a problem no matter where you live.

[Sonic]

Do any Indi cities in Chicagoland have a population of over 50k??? Just curious.

[Drover]

Originally Posted by Sonic

Do any Indi cities in Chicagoland have a population of over 50k??? Just curious.

Gary and Hammond do; about 100K and 80K respectively. Not sure I'd care to live in either though...

[jones-n]

I live in Chicago but grew up in Hammond and still have many friends that are raising their families in this unique city. The houses in Hammond are some of the most beautiful in NW Indiana, that is why doctors, lawyers and executives from Chicago live in Hammond. It is so close to the Chicago Loop, has public bus transportation, South Shore train and Amtrak stops. Don't forget the lakefront with the largest marina on Lake Michigan, the Indiana Dunes National Lake Shore is ten minutes away, Lost Marsh golf course, Horseshoe casino, Towle Theatre and they are building an enormous Cabela's outdoor store. Check out the Forest Av. area along Hohman Ave and the state line, also the Purdue University Cal area is really nice. Many of the homes have enormous yards so you don't feel your neighbor is on top of you.
If you have kids then the city offers a College Bound program for residents. Your children can be enrolled in Hammonds public or private highschools and then they pay $7500 a year to any public or private college in Indiana.

You did mention rural, Crown Point, Chesterton and Valparaiso are all nice but they are/can be one hour to the city. Many NW Indiana cities are growing fast, so double check taxes especially for upgrades to roads, sewer and schools. Not sure how old you are but if your kids are grown check out the Miller Beach section of Gary. Public schools aren't great but being in the dunes with great beaches is incredible, feels like your on vacation. Many people work in Chicago taking the South Shore line. It is a fun, safe neighborhood on the lake.
Good luck and keep an open mind.

[ekrz44]

Want to get away from the traffic, try anything south of route 231.
Hammond in my opinion is 95% unlivable.
Highland and Munster are nice, however you're paying out the wazoo, where you can easily find Schererville or St. John comparable, affordable, and less conjested.
Don't care about a half hour trip to the train, try Cedar lake or Lowell. Cedar Lake is known for it's "affordablility", however it's up and coming. The rats are being weeded out.