Moving to Lake County, Indiana
The complete relocation guide — neighborhoods, schools, costs, commutes, and everything a lifelong local wants you to know.
By Liz Rytel June 19, 2026 15 min read
The complete relocation guide — neighborhoods, schools, costs, commutes, and everything a lifelong local wants you to know.
Lake County, Indiana is one of the Midwest's best-kept relocation secrets. Situated just 35 to 60 minutes southeast of downtown Chicago along the southern shore of Lake Michigan, it offers affordable housing, top-rated schools, a thriving food and brewery scene, and a genuine sense of community that's hard to find this close to a major metro. Whether you're leaving the Chicago suburbs, relocating from out of state, or simply exploring your options, this guide covers everything you need to know about making Lake County home.
Over the past decade, Lake County has quietly become one of the most popular relocation destinations in Northwest Indiana. The reasons are straightforward: housing costs that are 30–50% lower than comparable Chicago suburbs, no state tax on retirement income, and a quality of life that punches well above its weight. Whether you're a first-time buyer or a seasoned homeowner, it's worth checking out my relocating to Northwest Indiana guide for the full picture.
Towns like Crown Point, Munster, Dyer, and St. John consistently rank among the best places to live in Indiana, with school districts that rival anything in the collar counties. Meanwhile, Cedar Lake and Hammond offer more affordable entry points with rapidly improving amenities.
The South Shore Line commuter rail connects several Lake County stations directly to downtown Chicago, making daily commuting practical. And for remote workers, the lower cost of living means your dollar goes dramatically further — a $350,000 budget in Lake County buys a 4-bedroom home on a generous lot that would cost $600,000+ in Naperville or Schaumburg. If you're just starting out, my first-time homebuyer tips cover everything you need to know about navigating the Lake County market.
Every Lake County town has its own personality. Here's a quick comparison to help you figure out which one fits your lifestyle:
Population: 35,000+. Median home price: $280K–$450K. The county seat with a walkable historic downtown square, the Lake County Courthouse, and one of the best food scenes in the 219. Home to Bulldog Park, Crown Brewing, and the Saturday Farmers Market. Commute to Chicago: ~50 minutes via I-65.
Population: 23,000+. Median home price: $250K–$400K. Tree-lined streets, Centennial Village shopping district, and one of the top-rated school districts in Indiana. Home to Three Floyds Brewing and just minutes from the Illinois border. Commute to Chicago: ~40 minutes via I-90/Indiana Toll Road.
Population: 17,000+. Median home price: $300K–$500K+. Manicured neighborhoods, excellent schools, and quiet sophistication. St. John the Evangelist Parish is a landmark. Close to the Illinois border with easy access to shopping and dining in both states. Commute to Chicago: ~55 minutes.
Population: 20,000+. Median home price: $300K–$475K. One of the fastest-growing communities in Indiana with new construction in NW Indiana, strong schools, and genuine community pride. Wiggley Field dog park, Creekside Community Park, and a small-town feel that belies its rapid growth. Commute to Chicago: ~55 minutes.
Population: 29,000+. Median home price: $220K–$380K. Centrally located with diverse dining (Teibel's has been a family tradition since 1929), family-friendly neighborhoods, and easy access to everything in Lake County. Perry Ferrini Dog Park and the Hoosier Prairie State Nature Preserve are local highlights.
Population: 23,000+. Median home price: $200K–$350K. Beautiful parks, a thriving downtown, free outdoor concert series at Main Square Park, and genuine community feel. Wicker Memorial Park is a Highland anchor. Great value relative to neighboring towns. Commute to Chicago: ~40 minutes.
Population: 78,000+. Median home price: $150K–$280K. Lake County's largest city is in the midst of a genuine revitalization, especially around Wolf Lake. Festival of the Lakes is a signature summer event. The most affordable entry point in Lake County with improving amenities and proximity to Chicago. Commute: ~35 minutes.
Population: 12,000+. Median home price: $250K–$425K. A lakefront community with a vacation-town vibe — boating, the Lighthouse Restaurant, and Summer Fest. Smaller and more relaxed, with Cedar Creek Family Golf Center and easy access to Crown Point and Schererville.
Education is one of the top reasons families relocate to Lake County, and for good reason. Several school corporations in the area consistently outperform state averages:
Commute times depend on your starting point and mode of transportation. Here's what to expect:
The South Shore Line commuter rail is a major advantage for daily commuters. Trains run from Hammond and East Chicago directly into Millennium Station in downtown Chicago, with the trip taking approximately 45 minutes. This makes Lake County one of the few affordable communities outside Illinois with practical public transit access to the Chicago Loop.
This is where Lake County really shines. The area offers a surprisingly rich lifestyle that combines small-town warmth with metro-area convenience.
The food scene is genuinely excellent — Lucrezia Italian in Crown Point, Rosebud Steakhouse in Munster, Bombers BBQ, Crown Brewing, and waterfront dining at the Lighthouse on Cedar Lake. The downtown Crown Point square alone has a dozen quality restaurants within walking distance.
Outdoor recreation is abundant — the Erie-Lackawanna Trail spans 14+ miles for biking and running, Oak Ridge Prairie in Griffith offers rare savanna habitat, and Cedar Lake provides beach days, boating, and fishing. Wicker Memorial Park in Highland and Bulldog Park in Crown Point anchor the community outdoor scene.
Events and festivals run year-round — the Crown Point Independence Day Celebration, Cedar Lake Summer Fest, Schererville Corn Festival, Crown Point Fall Festival, and the beloved Christmas Walk on the square. Highland's free outdoor concert series runs all summer. There's always something happening in the 219.
Here are the insider tips I share with every client who's considering a move to the area:
Lake County looks completely different in July than it does in January. Come in summer for the festivals and lake life, then come back in fall for the trail colors and harvest events. Winter is quieter but the holiday events — especially the Crown Point Christmas Walk — are magical.
School district boundaries don't always match town borders. A home in one part of Schererville might be in Crown Point schools while another is in Lake Central. Always verify which district serves your specific address before making an offer.
Indiana property taxes vary by township and school district. For a detailed breakdown, check out my guide on understanding property taxes in Northwest Indiana. Higher-performing school districts generally mean higher taxes, but they remain competitive compared to Illinois suburbs at similar income levels. Your real estate agent should pull a tax estimate for any property you're considering.
One of the first things new residents mention is how good the food is. Take a Saturday to walk the Crown Point square, grab lunch at one of the top restaurants, and try a flight at Crown Brewing or Off Square Brewing. It'll feel like home fast.
If you'll be commuting to Chicago, test the South Shore Line before you commit. It's a genuine option that many residents rely on daily, and it can influence which town makes the most sense for your commute.
I've created detailed neighborhood guides for every Lake County community, covering home prices, schools, things to do, local restaurants, and the overall vibe of each town. Here are the links:
Thinking about making the move? Check out my complete relocation guide for more details on neighborhoods, schools, and everything you need to know before you arrive.
Common questions from people considering a move to Lake County, Indiana.
Lake County Indiana is approximately 35 to 60 minutes from downtown Chicago depending on which town you're in and traffic conditions. Hammond and East Chicago are closest at about 35–40 minutes, while Crown Point and St. John are closer to 50–60 minutes via I-65. Many residents commute daily via the South Shore Line commuter rail, which runs from several Lake County stations directly into Millennium Station in downtown Chicago.
Lake County offers a significantly lower cost of living compared to the Chicago suburbs. Median home prices range from about $180,000 in Hammond to $400,000+ in Dyer and St. John. Indiana has no state income tax on retirement income, property taxes are generally lower than Illinois, and daily expenses like groceries, dining out, and gas tend to be 10–20% less than comparable Chicago-area suburbs.
It depends on your priorities. Crown Point is ideal for those who want a walkable downtown and community events. Munster and Dyer offer top-rated schools and a short commute to Chicago. St. John provides newer construction and rapid growth. Cedar Lake is perfect for lakefront living, and Highland balances affordability with parks and free concerts. Schererville sits at the crossroads of everything.
Yes — Lake County is widely considered one of the best family-friendly areas in Northwest Indiana. Towns like Crown Point, Munster, Dyer, and St. John have top-rated school corporations, low crime rates relative to the region, excellent parks systems, youth sports leagues, and a calendar full of family-oriented community events throughout the year.
Indiana property taxes are generally lower than Illinois, but they vary by township and school district within Lake County. Expect annual property taxes of roughly $1,500 to $4,500 depending on your home's assessed value and location. Crown Point, Munster, and Dyer tend to have slightly higher taxes due to school district ratings, but they remain competitive compared to comparable Illinois suburbs.
Yes — the South Shore Line commuter rail provides direct service from several Lake County stations (Hammond, East Chicago, Merrillville, and others) to downtown Chicago's Millennium Station. The trip from Hammond takes about 45 minutes, making it a practical option for daily commuters. Many residents also drive I-65 or I-80/94 into the city.
I've bought and sold 6 properties personally, and I know every neighborhood in Lake County. Let's find the right fit for you.