Any info on Hammond (Michigan City, East Chicago: apartment, crime, credit)

[missythang27]

Hello, I am going to relocating for my job in month and since I am don't I am going to afford 2 live in Chicago like I wanted to...I'm, considering Hammond and besides I thin k I can get better deal on a my own apartment with my credit. Anyway since I dont drive and work odd hours (I need be 2 hours away from my crew base, I work for Amtrak) I wondering what is deal with hammond like housing and where is best place to stay and still be near shops and stores . Are cabs that run 24/7 or just certain time of days? I only have 10 days to have this set in place and I might just fly back from chester (just outside of philly) to chicago for couple of months until I get settle .


thanks .

and please tell me the real deal.

[Piggy]

My personal opinion only, but I think Hammond has a bit too much crime for my taste. I'd try Merrillville if it were me. I'm not a big fan of the whole area with the high cost of living though. Have you considered trying to find a corporate apartment on a temporary basis until you have time to check out the area? It might be a little easier than trying to rush it. Good luck, moving is always a stressful time.

[domergurl]

You don't drive ... that's kind of tricky. The South Shore Line, which runs through Hammond is what you would be using to get in and out of the city. Amtrak runs out of Union Station (I assume that's where you'll be working from?). The station the the South Shore comes in on is about a 15-20 minute walk to Union Station.

Hammond can be dicey, particularly around the area of the train station, since you'll be walking ... please rethink. Taxis ... foreign concept in Indiana. You will have to call and have them come and get you.

There really aren't any walkable train stations on the South Shore ... maybe in Michigan City, you could check that out.

But, if you are going to work out of Union Station, you should check out some of the towns where the Metra runs. I used to ride into Union Station from Brookfield and our apt. was walking distance to the station there.

Good luck!

[artemis]

I would recommend that you look outside of Lake County all together. Hammond, East Chicago, etc are just not that safe. Especially if you are single.

I urge you to check into Chesterton, in Porter County, they are fairly close to the South Shore. You can pick up a good used car at a reasonable price to drive to the station. And you wouldn't have to worry about it being stolen while you are gone. You pretty much have to have wheels in that area of the state. Even if you live in Hammond.

[mikuly1987]

I totally agree with artemis. Yeah hammond would be a good place to live with out a car if your not afraid to be jumped and robbed. You can find some nice housing there but the whole area is not a good place to live. I would try maybe Crown Point or Merrillville or Hobart. And yeah def. look in to getting a car. You don't really want to be walking around the upper part of Lake County.

[jones-n]

Do not listen to these narrow minded country folk! I live in Chicago but grew up in Hammond and still have many friends that are raising their families in this CITY. Yes, it is a city with good areas and bad, but these replies make it sound like you will get killed for stepping out of your house. Unless you are a prostitute, gang member or selling crack, you will not have any problems. Cars get stolen in Chesterton and houses get robbed in Munster, there is crime everywhere, especially Merrillville. 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 and the Ind. Dunes are ten minutes away. Check out the Forest Av. area along Hohman Ave and the state line, also the Purdue University Cal area is really nice.