In the late 19th century, a small area in northwest Indiana started to gain attention from Chicagoans. When the railroad was built, many people came to Cedar Lake and its namesake waterway to escape the bustling city about 45 miles away. By the early 1900s, 50 hotels were around the water and big musical acts performed in dance halls and ballrooms. One of the hotels is now a history museum, and one of the dance pavilions is on the National Register of Historic Places. Today, the resort aspect is gone, but the lake still spans 800 acres, making it one of the largest in the state, says Dave Harkabus, a local associate broker at Berkshire Hathaway Homeservices Realty who grew up in the area. “It’s big enough to do whatever you want on a lake. And something is going on even in the winter.”
Homes on Cedar Lake provide easy access to the water.
The Museum at Lassen's Resort is an homage to the regions century-old history,.
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Lemon Lake County Park is another attraction
"I think one of the most overlooked things about Cedar Lake is Lemon Lake County Park,” Harkabus says. “They’ve put in a world-class disc golf course that people come from all over to play.” There are also walking paths, pavilions, a bird sanctuary, fishing and two dog parks. “To buy a house across the street from there, your backyard is 400 acres,” he adds. The Cedar Lake Yacht Club puts on sailboat races, and during the winter, when the lake freezes over, there are motorcycle races on the ice.
Many residents of Cedar Lake enjoy outdoor activities such as disc golf.
Kids will enjoy playing for hours outdoors at the Lemon Lake County Park in Cedar Lake.
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From the lakefront to the outer reaches of Cedar Lake
In Cedar Lake’s tourist heyday, cottages lined the lakefront. In some cases, cottages are at the foundation of a much larger house, but some are in their original form. Further from the lake are some newly constructed homes and more townhouses and condos. Although the median house price in Cedar Lake is below the national average at about $315,000, some houses surrounding the lake are priced in the millions. The median is slightly lower than the nearby communities of St. John, at about $365,000 and Crown Point, at nearly $455,000. The tax advantage is another benefit to living in Cedar Lake because it’s in Indiana rather than Illinois. “The difference is insane. I have a $500,000 house in nearby Schererville, and the annual taxes are around $2,900,” Harkabus says. “You put my house in Illinois - the taxes are $14,000.” The Illinois state line is only 7 miles west.
Cedar Lake is a neighborhood that features a mix of both modern and traditional houses.
Boating enthusiasts will enjoy Cedar Lake's large stock of lakefront homes.
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Things to know
Violent crime reached a 10-year peak in 2020 but has steadily declined since then, according to FBI data. Overall crime rates are low for the area, particularly as property crime has also steadily declined by 76% since 2015.
Restaurants with views of Cedar Lake
Some popular waterfront restaurants and bars offer scenic views of the water. “The Lighthouse Restaurant is the most popular. They serve 1,500 people on Mother’s Day alone,” Harkabus says. More restaurant and retail options exist away from the lake on Brunswick Road and Parrish Avenue. Nearby St. John or Crown Point, less than 10 miles away, have even more choices.
Dividing line between Crown Point and Hanover Schools
Cline Avenue is the dividing line between the two school districts serving the town. Children east of that line go to Crown Point Community School Corporation, rated an A on Niche, while the rest attend Hanover Community School Corporation, which gets an A-minus. The Crown Point Corporation has a little over 9,000 students in the district, while Hanover is much smaller at just 2,700.
Hanover Central Middle School is a highly rated, public school in Cedar Lake.
Hanover Central High School serves students from all nearby towns, including Cedar Lake.
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The closest hospital is near I-65
Interstate 65 is about 13 miles east of the community, helping connect the area to Gary and Chicago to the north. Franciscan Health Crown Point is the closest major hospital off the interstate. There’s no local bus service in Cedar Lake, but commuters can take a Gary Public Transportation express bus route from Crown Point to Gary. Around Gary and nearby East Chicago, commuters can also board South Shore Line commuter trains to reach other job centers in the region.
Written By
Jeff Stapleton
Photography Contributed By
Nadia George
Video By
Patrick Johnson
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Steve Monsma,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Cedar Lake, IN sell after 47 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Cedar Lake, IN over the last 12 months is $315,000, down 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Low-Maintenance Ranch with Fully Finished Basement. A Rare Opportunity!! Enjoy the ease of low-maintenance living with lawn care and snow removal included, paired with the space and functionality so many ranch homes are missing...a fully finished basement. This better-than-new home offers the perfect balance of convenience, space, and value in one exceptional property. Built in 2023 and
This beautifully designed new-construction ranch offers effortless single-level living with elevated finishes throughout 1,890 sq. ft. of thoughtfully planned space. Highlights include engineered hardwood floors, a striking two-story foyer with chandelier, and a bright great room with cathedral ceiling and an electric fireplace with wood mantle. Large Andersen windows with black exterior trim
Welcome to this well-maintained, move-in ready townhouse just blocks from the lake, located in the desirable Woods of Cedar Creek. This 3-bedroom, 2 full bath home offers a bright two-story foyer and a comfortable, open layout designed for both everyday living and easy entertaining. Luxury vinyl plank flooring runs through the main living areas, complemented by newer carpet in the living room and
Incredible Craftsman Home Set on a Perimeter Lot overlooking a Pond. Check out this 5 bedroom 2 story with over 3600 sq ft. Recently built with quality features including whole house water filtration, water softener, high efficiency furnace A/C, LoE Windows, finished garage, Engineered Wood floors & custom trim. Room for expansion with an unfinished basement just waiting for your ideas. Highly
Need space? This beautifully maintained 4 bedroom home in Cedar Lake offers nearly 3,000 sq ft of comfortable living space with an open concept layout and stylish decor. The main level features vaulted ceilings and engineered hardwood flooring throughout the living room, dining room, and bedrooms, with ceramic tile in the kitchen. The kitchen includes stainless steel appliances and a center
Searching for a modern, maintenance-free ranch home in Cedar Lake that's close to highways, dining, and shopping? Welcome to 12302 Ontario Place in Birchwood Farms, a move in ready 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom single level home offering 1,604 square feet of open concept living just minutes from the Illinois state line. Built in 2022, this energy efficient Milan floor plan sits on a landscaped corner lot
Low-Maintenance Ranch with Fully Finished Basement. A Rare Opportunity!! Enjoy the ease of low-maintenance living with lawn care and snow removal included, paired with the space and functionality so many ranch homes are missing...a fully finished basement. This better-than-new home offers the perfect balance of convenience, space, and value in one exceptional property. Built in 2023 and
Country Living with Income Potential in Lowell, Indiana. Nestled on 10 sprawling acres, this 1,320 sq. ft. all-brick 3 bedroom, 1 bath, ranch is the perfect canvas for your rural dreams. Offering the sturdy bones of a classic brick build and the rare advantage of established agricultural land, this property is as much an investment as it is a home. Property Highlights: Income-Generating Land:
Model Home - Not Available for Occupancy Until 2027 Showcasing the craftsmanship and design standards of Lakeside Subdivision, this impressive 4-bedroom model home blends refined modern finishes with warm rustic character. Designed to inspire, the two-story great room features a striking gas fireplace with custom wood trim, creating a dramatic yet inviting focal point ideal for everyday living
Imagine your dream home on nearly a half-acre of prime land VERY near the tranquil shores of Cedar Lake. This spacious lot offers endless possibilities--whether you envision a custom home, a private retreat, or a weekend getaway. With easy access to the lake, parks, and local amenities, this is your chance to create a haven in a truly sought-after location. Don't miss out--Build your dream home
Welcome Home! This charming ranch-style cottage in the desirable Beacon Pointe subdivision offers comfort, convenience, and easy living! Impeccably maintained with wonderful curb appeal, this home is ready for you to move right in. Inside, you'll find a spacious open-concept layout with vaulted ceilings that enhance the flow between the living, dining, and kitchen areas -- perfect for
Lake living at it's finest! Here is your opportunity to own a maintenance free third floor luxury unit in the very sought after Sunset Harbor Community. This unit has stunning unobstructed western views of Cedar Lake. This lakeside community also provides a private beach, in-ground heated pool and a private boat dock. This building is an elevator building which is conveniently located right
Prime Lot Steps from Cedar Lake - Build Your Dream Retreat! Discover the perfect opportunity to create your own lakeside getaway! This wonderful lot sits just steps from beautiful Cedar Lake and offers the potential for lake rights. Located in the highly sought-after Crown Point School District, this property combines natural charm with an unbeatable location. The land is raw and will need
Investor's Dream in Cedar Lake, Indiana - A True Blank Canvas with Major Upgrades Already Done! Welcome to this fantastic opportunity in the heart of Cedar Lake! Whether you're an investor, looking for a cozy weekend retreat, a potential Airbnb rental, or even a future permanent residence, this home offers incredible flexibility and value. This property is a genuine blank canvas -- the interior
Property Id: 2384831Welcome to your dream home at 7405 Lake Shore Drive in Cedar Lake! This charming single-family property features 2 bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms, and a spacious deck for outdoor enjoyment. With amenities like a dishwasher, washer/dryer, and security cameras, this pet-friendly rental won't last long. Don't miss out on the opportunity to call this beautiful house your home!
Experience lakefront living at its finest on beautiful Cedar Lake. This gated 3-bedroom, 4-bath residence offers breathtaking panoramic water views and a seamless open-concept layout designed for both everyday comfort and effortless entertaining. Walls of windows frame the lake from the main living spaces, filling the home with natural light and capturing stunning sunrise and sunset vistas. The
Welcome to your dream home in Cedar Lake! This charming 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom house is perfect for those looking for comfort and convenience. With a spacious layout and modern amenities, you'll feel right at home from the moment you step inside.Key features include:- Generous 2,000 square feet of living space- Fully equipped kitchen with gas range, dishwasher, and microwave-
PRIME OPPORTUNITY TO LEASE A LAKE-FRONT HOME!!! Welcome to this completely remodeled 2 bedroom 1 bathroom home nestled on beautiful Cedar Lake. Morning coffee will never be the same again, and let's not forget the absolutely stunning sunsets from your balcony. ONE GARAGE available for an additional cost - first come, first serve so act quick. Seller will entertain short term lease options at an
Beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 2-bath home located in the highly sought-after Crown Point school district! This home offers a flexible layout with a fully finished basement that can function as a private in-law suite.The main level features an updated kitchen with stainless steel appliances, modern cabinetry, and durable flooring throughout. Bright living areas and well-sized bedrooms
What a great location and setting to escape to your own peaceful country retreat! 3bedrooms, Wood floors, new granite tops and LOADS of cabinetry and pull out pantry. This beautifully remodeled ranch sits on a sprawling one-acre lot, offering the perfect blend of serene rural living and modern comfort. The home features a full basement for extra space and storage, and a stunning wraparound front
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