If you’re considering moving to Chesterton, Indiana, you should know a few things. Chesterton is one of Indiana’s best towns to live in for a variety of reasons. Chesterton benefits everyone from the real estate and schools to the jobs and local community.
Families interested in moving to Northwest Indiana can look forward to easy access to Chicago, a low cost of living, and plenty of amenities, not to mention the well-performing schools and safe neighborhoods this region provides. Chesterton is a top destination if you’re looking for a place to settle down and start a family. Here at Steiner Homes, we know what makes towns in Northwest Indiana ideal. Let us show you why Chesterton is one of our favorite places — and why it’s bound to become yours, too.
What To Know About Chesterton, Indiana
Chesterton also sets itself apart as a prime economic location in Northwest Indiana. A robust job market means the household income in Chesterton is above the state average. With proximity to beaches, Lake Michigan, and the state and national parks, Chesterton makes enjoying the great outdoors with family and friends a breeze.
You’ll also easily commute to Chicago using either the commuter rail line or the interstate. An affordable real estate market with quality housing options means Chesterton is ready to deliver your dream home. Let’s dive deeper into the advantages of moving to Chesterton.
Population, Median Household Income, and Tax Rate
Chesterton has a population of around 14,000, recording 13,884 in 2020, up from 13,068 in 2010. Chesterton residents have a household income of about $86,000, 37% higher than the average Indiana household income. So why does Chesterton offer such great socioeconomic benefits for its residents? It’s all because of its ideal location.
Residents of Chesterton can take advantage of many job opportunities. Besides government and education, Porter Regional Hospital at Chesterton’s southern edge is the town’s largest employer. There’s a wide range of employment options just outside the town since Chesterton is near the major manufacturing and industrial facilities along Lake Michigan’s shore, consisting of oil refining, steel production, and more. Major corporations based in Northwest Indiana, such as Horizon Bank, Family Express, and Methodist Hospitals, also offer work opportunities.
Chesterton offers an easy daily commute to Chicago. Because the town is situated along I-94 and I-80/90, residents can typically drive to downtown Chicago in about 40 to 50 minutes. You can also get to the city via the South Shore Line. This commuter rail line makes multiple stops at the Dune Park station in Chesterton daily.
Of course, if you’re looking to move to Chesterton, you’re likely wondering about the property tax rate. In 2022, the Chesterton-Liberty Township tax rate was 2.3818.
Local Community
What do you get for the taxes you pay in Chesterton? A wide range of amenities and a vibrant local community.
The Chesterton Street Department provides snow removal for the town streets and alleys. The department plows the emergency snow routes first, and then they clear the secondary streets, subdivisions, and alleys. Chesterton is divided into 12 sections, and the department dispatches plow trucks into the sections on a rotating basis to keep services equitable to all.
Chesterton and the area around it deliver a high quality of life at all times of the year, and it’s a great place to make your home if you love outdoor activities. The Chesterton Parks Department maintains the town’s parks, including:
- Chesterton Park.
- Friendship Land Park.
- Kipper Park.
- Thomas Centennial Park.
- Westwood Park.
That’s only a few of the parks you can enjoy in Chesterton. In the center of town, for example, Dogwood Park is the place to go to enjoy a playground, basketball and volleyball courts, and softball and soccer fields. If you’re looking for skateboarding, head to the Prairie Duneland Trail skate park. In the mood for a day out in nature? You’ll want to check out Coffee Creek Park, a huge outdoor space with a big pond, marshes, water features, and trails.
The area just beyond Chesterton provides even more ways to have fun outdoors. You’ll live just minutes from Indiana Dunes National Park, a national treasure boasting miles of trails, a lakefront, and sandy beaches.
Education
Chesterton is a great place to live if you’re looking for top-quality education. Primary school students in Chesterton receive their education through the Duneland School Corporation, which serves almost 6,000 students in its elementary, intermediate, middle, and high schools. The area also delivers access to many notable collegiate institutions, so you don’t have to travel far from home to further your education. Valparaiso University is located just seven miles south of Chesterton in Valparaiso and features over 30 bachelor’s degree programs plus master’s and doctoral degree programs.
You can also find two satellite campuses of Purdue University near Chesterton — Purdue Northwest in Westville, just 15 minutes from Chesterton, and a campus in Hammond, about 35 minutes from Chesterton. Nearby Gary, Indiana, also features a satellite campus of Indiana University, which you can commute to in about 25 to 30 minutes. Finally, Ivy Tech Community College has campuses in Valparaiso and Michigan City.
Are You Ready To See the Benefits of Living in Chesterton for Yourself?
Chesterton is one of Northwest Indiana’s best places to live, thanks to its high standard of living, robust job opportunities, and excellent educational institutions. If you’re in the market for a new home, you can’t go wrong with Chesterton. Browse our new homes or reach out to our team today and find out why moving to Chesterton will change your life for the better.
Photo Credit: girl in yellow shirt and black and white skirt standing on brown wooden bridge during daytime by Gigin Krishnan is licensed with Unsplash License
