Thinking about crossing the state line for more space and value without losing access to Chicago? Highland, Indiana might be on your shortlist. You get a suburban feel, established neighborhoods, and quick routes to major amenities like Lake Michigan beaches and regional shopping. In this guide, you’ll learn how housing, commuting, schools, parks, shopping, and daily life stack up so you can decide if Highland fits your goals. Let’s dive in.
Where Highland fits in Chicagoland
Highland sits in Lake County, part of Northwest Indiana, just southeast of the Chicago metro. You are close to Hammond, Gary, and Merrillville, with Lake Michigan communities a short drive north. Many buyers look here for relative affordability compared to nearby Cook County suburbs while staying within reach of Chicago jobs and urban amenities. The town offers small-town municipal services, established streets, and access to regional parks and trails.
Housing and cost of living
Highland’s housing stock is mostly single-family homes. You will see a mix of mid‑20th‑century ranches and bungalows, along with some newer subdivisions and a scattering of multifamily options. Lots are often larger than what you find in many close‑in Chicago neighborhoods. Owner-occupancy is common, and the rental market is smaller than in nearby larger cities.
Highland is generally more affordable than many Chicago neighborhoods and nearby Cook County suburbs. Exact numbers change month to month, so check current listings and local MLS reports for the latest median sale prices, time on market, and inventory.
Indiana’s property tax system uses caps and credits that can affect your effective tax bill. Since rates vary by parcel and exemptions, it is smart to review Lake County assessor information for a specific address before you buy. If you are evaluating maintenance and insurance, remember proximity to Lake Michigan can bring stronger wind and winter weather. Review FEMA flood maps for any property in or near a flood zone and discuss coverage with your insurer.
Commuting and getting around
If you drive, the key arteries are I‑80/94, US‑41, and SR‑912. I‑80/94 connects you west to Chicago and east to other Lake County hubs. Commute times to downtown Chicago can vary widely with traffic and weather. Many drives range from about 30 to 75 minutes depending on time of day and route, so it helps to test drive your commute during your typical hours.
For train access, Highland residents often use nearby stations on the South Shore Line in Hammond, East Chicago, or Gary for service to Millennium Station in downtown Chicago. Check current schedules, parking, and ticketing on NICTD’s site as you plan. You can also explore regional bus routes, park‑and‑ride options along the US‑30 and I‑65 corridors, and express buses that connect to Chicago employment centers.
If you travel by air, Chicago’s O’Hare and Midway are your primary airports. The Gary/Chicago International Airport provides regional and general aviation services. Actual drive times depend on traffic, so plan buffer time for peak hours or winter weather.
Schools and childcare
Public schools in Highland are served by the School Town of Highland district. School quality can vary by building and program, and results can change from year to year. To make an informed decision, review the latest Indiana Department of Education accountability reports, graduation rates, and parent feedback sources. Tour schools, ask about programming, and confirm grade spans directly with the district.
Private and parochial schools are available in nearby communities like Hammond, Munster, and Merrillville. Tuition, transportation, and admissions vary by school, so contact each program for current information. For early learners, you will find a mix of licensed daycare centers and Head Start options across Lake County. State licensing records can help you compare capacity, staffing, and compliance.
Higher education is close by. Purdue University Northwest, Indiana University Northwest in Gary, Calumet College of St. Joseph in Whiting, and Ivy Tech Community College provide degree programs and workforce training. If continuing education or proximity to classes matters to your household, map commute times to each campus during your typical travel hours.
Parks, recreation, and weekends
If you love the outdoors, Indiana Dunes National Park and Lake Michigan beaches are a standout weekend option. You can hike, explore dunes and forests, watch migratory birds, and enjoy seasonal programs. Miller Beach on the Gary shoreline is another popular access point to the lake and dunes landscape.
Within town, Highland’s parks and recreation department maintains neighborhood parks, sports fields, playgrounds, and community programs. Wicker Memorial Park is a notable regional green space with pathways and facilities that draw visitors from across the area. You will also find access to regional trails, the Little Calumet River, and bike and pedestrian routes that connect nearby towns.
Youth sports and seasonal activities are part of the community fabric. Local leagues, school athletics, and town events fill the calendar throughout the year. Watch the town website and parks and recreation pages for current schedules and signature events like festivals, parades, and farmers markets.
Shopping, services, and healthcare
Everyday errands are convenient. Kennedy Avenue serves as a local commercial corridor with restaurants, small businesses, and services. For big-box retail and larger shopping centers, the US‑30 corridor in Merrillville is a short drive and offers grocery chains, home improvement stores, and regional malls and centers.
Healthcare is delivered by several regional systems with full-service hospitals and urgent care options within typical 10 to 30 minute drives, depending on your location. Franciscan Health and IU Health are among the providers operating nearby facilities with emergency care and specialty services. When you evaluate a specific address, check provider networks, drive times, and after-hours options.
Highland Public Library offers programming, study spaces, and community resources. New residents can set up library cards, trash and recycling accounts, and utilities through town and county offices. Many municipal services are available online, including permitting and routine payments, which makes it simpler to get settled after closing.
Safety and community character
Like many communities, crime patterns vary across Lake County and even from block to block. Highland is often perceived as quieter than some nearby cities, but it is important to look at current data before forming conclusions. For the clearest picture, review resources such as the Highland Police Department updates and the FBI Crime Data Explorer, and compare 3 to 5 year trends rather than a single year.
Demographically, Lake County is diverse across age, household type, and ethnicity. U.S. Census QuickFacts provides the most current snapshots for population, median age, household size, and income. If these factors are part of your decision-making, confirm the latest figures and consider how they align with your lifestyle.
Weather and day-to-day living
Northwest Indiana has a humid continental climate. Expect warm, humid summers and cold winters with the potential for lake-effect snow. Plan for snow removal and winter driving, and factor heating and cooling costs into your budget. Summer can be fantastic for outdoor time at the lake and on regional trails, so a simple plan for seasonal maintenance lets you enjoy the best months.
Who Highland tends to fit
You might find Highland appealing if you want suburban space and relative affordability with access to Chicago and Lake Michigan. Commuters appreciate the highway network and nearby South Shore Line stations. House-hackers and small-scale investors explore Highland for single-family homes, duplexes, and smaller multifamily options. First-time buyers value a straightforward, budget-aware path to ownership with established neighborhoods and practical amenities.
How we help you move with confidence
Buying or selling in Highland works best with local guidance and a solid plan. The Larita Thomas Group blends neighborhood expertise with professional marketing to help you compare micro-neighborhoods, evaluate commute options, and understand current market dynamics. For sellers, we pair staging and high-quality presentation with a team-based process to maximize reach. For buyers and investors, we focus on education, negotiation, and smooth execution.
Ready to see if Highland is the right fit? Connect with the team at Larita Thomas to get a personalized plan and next steps.
FAQs
What is the cost of living like in Highland, Indiana?
- Highland is generally more affordable than many Chicago neighborhoods and nearby Cook County suburbs, but you should review current listings and local MLS data for up-to-date prices and taxes.
How long is the commute from Highland to downtown Chicago?
- Drive times vary widely with traffic; many commutes range from about 30 to 75 minutes, and nearby South Shore Line stations offer rail service to Millennium Station.
Which public school district serves Highland?
- The School Town of Highland serves local K–12 students; confirm specific school assignments, accountability grades, and programs with the district and the Indiana Department of Education.
What outdoor recreation is near Highland?
- You are a short drive from Indiana Dunes National Park and Lake Michigan beaches, plus local parks, trails, and Wicker Memorial Park for everyday outdoor time.
How do property taxes work in Indiana for Highland homes?
- Indiana uses tax caps and credits that influence effective bills, so check the Lake County assessor’s information for your specific parcel and exemptions.
Are there nearby colleges and training programs?
- Yes, Purdue University Northwest, Indiana University Northwest, Calumet College of St. Joseph, and Ivy Tech Community College offer degree paths and workforce training within a short drive.
Where do residents shop and get medical care?
- Everyday shopping is on Kennedy Avenue and in nearby Merrillville along US‑30, and regional hospital systems like Franciscan Health and IU Health operate facilities within typical 10 to 30 minute drives.
