La Porte- Northwest Indiana or Michiana? (South Bend, Michigan City: to buy, school, live)

[laportefordayz]

Just a thought that has been bugging me lately: Is La Porte more a part of Northwest Indiana or Michiana? Growing up here, I can definitely see arguments for both. For instance, we have the 219 area code and are on central time, which are both Northwest Indiana features. However, we also have port-a-pit chicken (which I am convinced is only a Michiana thing) and an obnoxious amount of Notre Dame fans. Just wondering if I could some opinions from others!

I also have always felt like we are kind of the "unwanted stepchild" of both regions and wonder if it's because we are somewhat a part of both of them.

[iidreamtheaterii]

Originally Posted by laportefordayz

Is La Porte more a part of Northwest Indiana or Michiana?

I also have always felt like we are kind of the "unwanted stepchild" of both regions and wonder if it's because we are somewhat a part of both of them.

I remember visiting LaPorte in my younger years since a friend of mine had a boat they always slipped there. It's a fantastic spot to boat in my opinion - but I always felt like I was going to Michigan. I personally would consider it a Michiana based thing for the reasons you presented and also because I think of it more as a mini vacation (or daycation) spot, which is what a lot of Michiana locations draw for as well.

Every town on the outskirts of regions are bound to feel like the 'unwanted stepchild' just because they're too far from the hub of the region. If they were the hub, they'd end up redrawing the region to make sure they were in the spotlight. NWI's hub seems to be everywhere from Valpo to right outside of Chicago.

Just my 2 cents.

[svillechris]

I'd say LaPorte is more Northwest Indiana than Michiana, although its location may lead you to believe otherwise. The central time zone, 219 area code, school affiliation with Lake and Porter Counties, and still many LaPorte residents working in the mills or elsewhere in northern Lake/Porter Counties, I think there is more of an affiliation with NWI. However, I'd say LaPorte is the fart eastern border of Northwest Indiana.

[artemis]

My daughter lives in LaPorte.

I think its more Michiana, and def. not NW Indiana.

[rrah]

As someone with lifelong ties to NWI, I never consider LaPorte part of NWI--yes it's north and west, but it always felt more Michigan-like. Another Michiana vote.

[Chuckity]

I will straddle the fence and say both.

NWI because of the time zone & area code.

And Michiana because it really doesn't identify w/ the Chgoland area like the bulk of NWI does.

[negativenancy]

Born and raised in LaPorte. If the two options are NWI and Michiana, I feel like I can relate more to NWI. The time zone alone makes me feel like we aren't part of Michiana, and then Valpo compared to Notre Dame. NWI feels like it includes more country life, which is what a large part of LaPorte County is.

[Bluefox]

You should have put in a poll!

I have to say Michiana.

I grew up in Valpo and worked in LaPorte for about a year back in 2008-2009. It's an odd area. One the one hand, like you said, it is on the central time zone and in the 219 area code. Edited to add: I'm actually not sure what the media market is - maybe someone who lives there can elaborate?

On the other hand, it's isolated - it doesn't really have that growth factor that Porter County or southern Lake County has - it's just too far even from most places in Porter County, which has many remote places of its own. There's a much larger degree of disconnect from Chicago than there is in points west. I mean, it's just as close to drive from LaPorte to South Bend as it is to drive from LaPorte to Hobart. Overall, I think the pull from Michiana is just a bit stronger than that of the Region, but not by much.

And by the way port-a-pit is (or was up until recently - I have to ask my family or maybe a Valparaisan can chime in) going on frequently in the K-Mart parking lot in Valpo, and I've seen it in Chesterton too, so it isn't just a Michiana thing. My mom used to buy it occasionally for dinner growing up. It's pretty awesome.

[Chuckity]

Originally Posted by Bluefox

And by the way port-a-pit is (or was up until recently - I have to ask my family or maybe a Valparaisan can chime in) going on frequently in the K-Mart parking lot in Valpo, and I've seen it in Chesterton too, so it isn't just a Michiana thing. My mom used to buy it occasionally for dinner growing up. It's pretty awesome.

Yep! Kmart parking lot ... and they were just at the Walgreens on 30 & 2 a few weeks ago.

[Nikko12]

I would also say more Michiana but on the fence. I lived in LaPorte and Michigan City, and I think MC was definitely NW Indiana while LaPorte was more Michiana.