Work in Michigan City, where to live? (Hammond, Portage: real estate, apartment)

[aikidoka]

I may be accepting a job in Michigan City. I currently rent in Hammond and would like to eventually move if I stay with this job. I'm hoping to reduce the commute while still being near retail and other job opportunities for my fiance.

Westview, Portage, Chesterton, Laporte, Valparaiso?

[domergurl]

why not just stay in mc?

[aikidoka]

I haven't heard much good about living in MC.

[Chuckity]

Out of the places you've mentioned, for quality of life & ease of commute, I'd pick Chesterton.

[aikidoka]

Yes, Chesterton is what I would pick based on the info I've found. Unfortunately, prices there seem to be a bit out of my range with the current offer I have.

I have a friend who has lived 14 years or so in Michigan City and she was saying there are areas that aren't so bad and she could steer me to them. I still think if I decide to relocate for this job La Porte would be a better choice than MC. Am I correct on that?

[aikidoka]

What about renting? I'm thinking that buying real estate would tie me down too much for the job offer I have right now. What I can afford is in La Porte which makes commuting to other communities and possible future job offers west of Valparaiso a bit problematic.

Any apartment recommendations or warnings?

[Chuckity]

Originally Posted by aikidoka

Yes, Chesterton is what I would pick based on the info I've found. Unfortunately, prices there seem to be a bit out of my range with the current offer I have.

I have a friend who has lived 14 years or so in Michigan City and she was saying there are areas that aren't so bad and she could steer me to them. I still think if I decide to relocate for this job La Porte would be a better choice than MC. Am I correct on that?

Depends on what you like. LaPorte is much slower than MC. Not that MC is a rockin', happening pool of culture and nightlife but LaPorte is more rural than MC.

Originally Posted by aikidoka

What about renting? I'm thinking that buying real estate would tie me down too much for the job offer I have right now. What I can afford is in La Porte which makes commuting to other communities and possible future job offers west of Valparaiso a bit problematic.

Any apartment recommendations or warnings?

There are quite a few single family homes for rent that are very affordable - most you won't find in any newspaper, you need to take a drive around to find them.

I can't help you on apartment rec's - but wish you the best of luck.

[flyingwriter]

I would suggest New Buffalo, Michigan. It's a great resort beach town, with a lot of things to do in the city. It's also only 10 minutes to Michigan City, and a lot safer. I don't know much about the Indiana side.

[mtlogger]

I'd live in MC near the golf course or airport instead of driving back/forth from Chesterton. 12-20 & 94 aren't so great on winter days.

[LIS123]

Originally Posted by aikidoka

What about renting? I'm thinking that buying real estate would tie me down too much for the job offer I have right now. What I can afford is in La Porte which makes commuting to other communities and possible future job offers west of Valparaiso a bit problematic.

Any apartment recommendations or warnings?

You should definitely rent if you're not certain how long you'll be in a position. I don't see the Economy really picking up much anytime soon and, with that, housing prices aren't likely to go up much (though the decline in prices maybe nearing its end soon). If you're going to rent anyway, why not stay either in MC or closer to it? There are going to be some parts that are better than others.