suggestions for our search (Michigan City, Merrillville: house, school districts, college)

[fibersport]

We are finally actively searching for a home in NWI. I currently work in Michigan City but live in Lansing IL. Our oldest is planning on Purdue LaFayette next year so one driving force is the residency status, not to mention the problems in Illinois. We have been considering Cedar Lake (I'm a boater and enjoy CL), Crown Point (the wifes preference), Valparaiso (finally can spell it!) and possibly Chesterton. We've been having somewhat of a difficult time finding what we like within our budget and have some reservations of going with well and septic vs city water and sewer, however that would not be a deciding factor. I've read a few posts on this forum over the years but only now have signed up.

Our desires in a home are: 3-4 bedrooms, 2+ baths, basement, $200-250K, 1/3+ acre lot (bigger the better), Valpo, Crown Point, Chesterton or Hanover school districts. It really seems like a tall order as there isn't much out there meeting these criteria, at least ones that appeal to us. Are there any areas that anyone can either suggest or suggest against in any of these towns? We are going to look at a couple in Sylvan Manor this weekend, would love Shorewood Forest but few basements in our price range and find Four Seasons a bit too busy.

Any thoughts or suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Fibersport

[richb]

There are quite a few homes in that price range in all four towns with 3-4 bedroom and at least two baths. The lot size will likely be the hardest to fill. Most recently built (up to about 25 years old) homes in that price range tend to have quarter acre or smaller lots. What is it that isn't appealing to you of the homes you have seen? The style, layout, lot size, look of the subdivisions etc?

Does you wife prefer Crown Point over Cedar Lake because of the school system? Because if it is, a good portion of Cedar Lake east of the lake is in the Crown Point school district (and a portion of Crown Point is in the Merrillville school district).

Most of the homes you see should be on city-water and sewer, but there are pockets that could need either wells and or septic (there are little areas in Cedar Lake where you may need a well, but there are sewers). However if you are looking for that larger lot, you may have to have well and septic if you get out in the "country" a little.

Since you work in MC are you leaning towards the Porter County towns or all four equally? I am saying that because you will likely be working longer then you child goes to college.

Good luck!

[fibersport]

While I agree, there are a bunch of homes in that price range but most of them are not what we're looking for. our current house is a small quad built in 1971, I've done much updating over the years, many of these homes are still stuck in the 70's, or if they're newer, they are on postage stamp size lots. For something pushing $250K, it has to have some space. I've ruled out anything under 1/3 acre. As for some of the ones we've driven by, you hit the nail on the head, it's the style, layout, lot or subdivision that doesn't work. I would like to have or add a pool so location on the lot comes into play.

I'm aware of the CP school district in Cedar Lake, we found a house in CL that was perfect, they pulled it off the market the day before we were going to see it! There were a few nice homes in CP but they were in the Merrillville school district.

The homes in Valpo that fit are mainly on well and septic, I would say that most over 1/2 acre are on a well. I'm also seeing that Valpo home and lot price is more reasonable that in Lake County, we'll probably end up there. My wife has a comfort level that pretty much is CL, CP and Valpo. Since she's a stay at home mom, location and comfort/familiarity with the area is very important.

I do know that if I set my limit up to $260, things look better. Tough to realize that I might not be able to get what I want for what I want to spend. Are you familiar with any subdivisions that would be similar to Sylvan Manor? The wooded area and nice quiet streets is very appealing. We looked at Sagamore but the lot size is too small for me. Any direction on areas is appreciated.

[Bluefox]

Originally Posted by fibersport

While I agree, there are a bunch of homes in that price range but most of them are not what we're looking for. our current house is a small quad built in 1971, I've done much updating over the years, many of these homes are still stuck in the 70's, or if they're newer, they are on postage stamp size lots. For something pushing $250K, it has to have some space. I've ruled out anything under 1/3 acre. As for some of the ones we've driven by, you hit the nail on the head, it's the style, layout, lot or subdivision that doesn't work. I would like to have or add a pool so location on the lot comes into play.

I'm aware of the CP school district in Cedar Lake, we found a house in CL that was perfect, they pulled it off the market the day before we were going to see it! There were a few nice homes in CP but they were in the Merrillville school district.

The homes in Valpo that fit are mainly on well and septic, I would say that most over 1/2 acre are on a well. I'm also seeing that Valpo home and lot price is more reasonable that in Lake County, we'll probably end up there. My wife has a comfort level that pretty much is CL, CP and Valpo. Since she's a stay at home mom, location and comfort/familiarity with the area is very important.

I do know that if I set my limit up to $260, things look better. Tough to realize that I might not be able to get what I want for what I want to spend. Are you familiar with any subdivisions that would be similar to Sylvan Manor? The wooded area and nice quiet streets is very appealing. We looked at Sagamore but the lot size is too small for me. Any direction on areas is appreciated.

Heritage Valley comes to mind, though I do not know you'll get what you want there either. If at all it'd be a steal. Maybe look into Shamrock? Aberdeen is likely out of the question. If schools aren't an issue you may look into Washington or Morgan townships. The schools there are not bad by any means, but it's not as desirable as the western townships for the most part.