$152,440Average Value$149Average Price per Sq Ft2Homes For Sale
America’s Workshop is rich with opportunities
East Chicago forged its character generations ago on the Indiana Harbor. The arrival of Inland Steel in the early 20th century transformed the city into an industrial powerhouse. Nicknamed "America's Workshop,” the city flourished until the steel crisis of the 1970s when mass layoffs led to a decline in population. Though the city’s industrial presence remains strong, its residents are still picking up the pieces. "East Chicago has a bit of grit because of our history, but we're a melting pot of opportunities," says Marino Solorio, a lifetime resident and director of the city's parks and recreation division. "There's still opportunity to grow and have the quality of life you're looking for in a less expensive way."
Indiana Harbor is an industrial powerhouse
Formerly known as Inland Steel, Cleveland-Cliffs’ Indiana Harbor Works is the largest employer in East Chicago. The harbor itself is a hub for energy production, mills and manufacturing, denoted by its heavy railyard and surrounding oil tanks. “We have a lot of high-paying jobs in these industries, so people are coming in from south of the county and Chicago,” Solorio says. On the banks of Lake Michigan, Ameristar Casino East Chicago is a 56,000-square-foot enterprise that plays a major role in the city’s economy. Emergency care is available at St. Catherine Hospital in the Sunnyside neighborhood, and the city's health department is in Southside . “You can get free immunizations and check-ups, so that’s an added benefit for residents,” he says.
There are several different energy companies operating around the indiana Harbor in East Chicago.
Indiana Harbor shipping canal is busy year round with supply for energy companies East Chicago.
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Modern initiatives make homeownership attainable
With a current median home price of around $150,000, East Chicago falls below the national average but remains higher than nearby Gary. Single-family brick bungalows fill western neighborhoods like Calumet and Northside , while east side communities including Indiana Harbor offer a wider selection of multifamily units. This divide dates back to the turn of the century when communities west of the harbor developed residentially, and those east remained industrial. The nickname “Twin Cities” made light of the contrast born from the city’s overarching spatial and class divisions.
Today, East Chicago is working to unify each side through overall walkability and affordability. Initiatives like the 2023 Sidewalk and Alley Plan and East Chicago’s Home Ownership Program have already been implemented throughout the area. “The idea is that we want to increase single-family homeownership,” Solorio says, pointing to the city's relatively low median price. "This program facilitates down payments for the bank and buyer to make qualifying and moving here easier.”
East Chicago is made of mostly small single family homes and multiple story townhomes.
East Chicago homeowners like to decorate for the holidays.
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School City of East Chicago
The School City of East Chicago earns a C-minus on Niche, a district encompassing seven public schools across the city. Alternatively, East Chicago Lighthouse Charter School is a tuition-free campus enrolling kindergarten through eighth-grade students. Located on Pulaski Street, just south of the harbor, the school offers a literacy-focused curriculum for students with diverse educational needs. East Chicago is also home to Ivy Tech Community College’s Lake County Campus. The college offers 18 programs with two-year degrees and certifications in fields like engineering and industrial technology.
East Chicago is home of Lighthouse Charter School.
East Chicago Central High School
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Jeorse Park Beach offers free admission on the Lake Michigan shore
East Chicago is devoted to improving its parks and recreation system. “We’ve invested more than $12 million because we want people to have facilities they can use, including playgrounds and shelters in town,” Solorio says, noting that each neighborhood has its own green space nearby. In the center, Washington Park 's namesake green space offers a community pool, walking paths, and even a greenhouse, often the backdrop of cultural events in the summertime.
On the banks of Lake Michigan, Jeorse Park Beach is one of the only free beaches in Northwest Indiana. “We’ve cleaned the beach and added sculpture pieces, shelters, picnic tables and other components to make it a place where you can enjoy the lake with your family,” Solorio continues. He adds that the East Chicago Marina has become increasingly public after years of exclusivity for boaters.
Nunez Park Has Plenty of Green Space, a Basketball Court and a Playground For the Kids in Indiana Harbor Neighborhood
East Chicago features a number of playgrounds like the one at Nunez Park.
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Past residents return to East Chicago for its cultural markets & eats
East Chicago’s “Twin Cities” offer two unique downtown areas divided by the tracks of the Indiana Harbor Belt. To the west, Chicago Avenue is lined with grocers and restaurants from La Mexicana market to Sin Frontera Bar & Grill. Main Street offers its own selection of shops and bakeries to the east. “If you’re looking for Macy’s, you’ll have to drive out of town for that,” Solorio says. “People who have moved to the Crown Points of the world still come back here to shop for groceries because the meat and produce is cheaper.” Closer to the water, the Barstool Sportsbook at Ameristar is a popular haunt directly affiliated with the Ameristar Casino, one of East Chicago’s largest economic contributors.
East Chicago is known for its small bars.
East Chicago residents can get groceries at Fuerte Meat Market.
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From the South Shore Line to the Marquette Greenway
Those seeking a broader range of amenities head south toward Hammond on Calumet Avenue. The thoroughfare intersects with Interstate 94, a popular commuter route stretching 27 miles north to Chicago. “We also have the South Shore train that connects you from South Bend to Chicago and on to Wisconsin,” Solorio says, referring to the South Shore Line commuter rail. “East Chicago is fairly accessible in terms of pricing and the market. So, people can live in the city and commute by train without needing a car.” He notes that East Chicago’s bus service has remained free for years, while the Marquette Greenway is an up-and-coming trail for cyclists. “It’s a long-term way to connect us to other cities.”
Crime statistics in East Chicago
According to FBI crime data, rates of violent crime and property crime are above average compared to the rest of the state. Property crime has declined significantly. Violent crime declined in 2022 and 2023, but its annual level remains far above its 10-year low in 2018.
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GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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On average, homes in East Chicago, IN sell after 34 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in East Chicago, IN over the last 12 months is $240,000, up 20% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This home can be great for a family as a primary residence or can be an investors cash flowing asset. Estimated rent is between 1500-1600 per month with an estimated cap rate of 10-12 perc. and an estimated after repair value of 180-200k. As you step into this generously sized two-story home offering 5 bedrooms and plenty of room to grow! The main level features a welcoming living room, a
Fully Renovated 3-Bed, 2-Bath Gem in Prime East Chicago Location!Don't miss this beautifully updated two-story home, ideally situated in a sought-after East Chicago neighborhood. Featuring 3 spacious bedrooms and 2 modern bathrooms, this home has been completely renovated from top to bottom including a new roof, electrical, and plumbing systems.Step inside to discover stylish new flooring,
Great opportunity to add this 6 unit to your investment portfolio. Recent updates include siding, roof, and windows. Units are separately metered with their own furnace so owner paid utilities are low. Great unit mix (1 studio, 2 one beds, 2 two beds, and 1 three bed) to meet multiple tenant needs. Extra space in basement for additional storage or laundry or other income producing add-ons.
This home can be great for a family as a primary residence or can be an investors cash flowing asset. Estimated rent is between 1500-1600 per month with an estimated cap rate of 10-12 perc. and an estimated after repair value of 180-200k. As you step into this generously sized two-story home offering 5 bedrooms and plenty of room to grow! The main level features a welcoming living room, a
Fully Renovated 3-Bed, 2-Bath Gem in Prime East Chicago Location!Don't miss this beautifully updated two-story home, ideally situated in a sought-after East Chicago neighborhood. Featuring 3 spacious bedrooms and 2 modern bathrooms, this home has been completely renovated from top to bottom including a new roof, electrical, and plumbing systems.Step inside to discover stylish new flooring,
Great opportunity to add this 6 unit to your investment portfolio. Recent updates include siding, roof, and windows. Units are separately metered with their own furnace so owner paid utilities are low. Great unit mix (1 studio, 2 one beds, 2 two beds, and 1 three bed) to meet multiple tenant needs. Extra space in basement for additional storage or laundry or other income producing add-ons.
Property Id: 1523946Unit located on 2nd floor Whole floor belongs to one unit2 flights of stairs to the second floor.Landlord pays for water billStreet parking, there is a garage that can be used for parking1st months rent + security deposit to move in
Property Id: 1063990Spacious 2 bed, 1 bath 2nd floor unit. All appliances included. Private back door entrance. Large living room with private balcony. Fresh paint and large closets with new closet organizers. Tenant is responsible for utilities. Brand New Central AC unit installed in Dec. 2022. Conveniently located walking distance from Bishop Noll, Close to public schools, South
Beautiful 3 bedroom house with 1 bathroom. House includes an inviting kitchen with side island attached. Nice basement to entertain family and friends and a huge backyard for privacy. This property is located in a nice neighborhood with neighbors who have lived in the area for years.
Indiana Harbor is a neighborhood in East Chicago on the southern shore of Lake Michigan. Located just east of the Indiana Harbor and Ship Canal, the area has a long history as an industrial hub but also has a diverse and rich cultural heritage being home to both large populations of Mexican and Eastern European immigrants.<br><br>“The area is getting better. Home values are rising,” says Miguel Tovar, Managing Broker at Integrity Realty. “Many investors are buying real estate and renovating, flipping or renting the units out. The competition for those deals right now is very high.”<br><br>The median selling price for a home in Indiana Harbor is around $125,000, making it a very affordable neighborhood for those who commute to Chicago for work. You’ll find many brick bungalows in the area as well as brick multi-family homes. There are also new condos that have just been built downtown in the Fitzsimmons Building.<br><br>Residents can walk to and enjoy several parks in the neighborhood. Nunez Park has plenty of green space, a basketball court and a playground for the kids. Callahan Park nearby also features wide-open green spaces ready for a picnic on a sunny day and a playground. In the summer, you can take your family to Jerose Park Beach to get your tan on, take a dip in the lake and let your kids run wild on the splash pad. Don’t forget the sunscreen.<br><br>There are two schools in the neighborhood. Abraham Lincoln Elementary School off Block Avenue has a boys and girls basketball team, cheerleading and a theater program. East Chicago Lighthouse Charter School teaches students from kindergarten through eighth grade and focuses on building students’ social and emotional character in addition to developing their academics. There are also several daycares in the area for parents with toddlers.<br><br>When it’s time to get groceries, neighbors can head to Fuerte Meat Market off Broadway Street or further south to NWI Foods off East Columbus Drive. When you can’t be bothered to cook, there are several restaurants in the neighborhood to choose from. You have your pick of Mexican restaurants, but El Michoacano stands out for their large portions and great prices. Make sure to try the mole sauce and pozole. Genova Pizza has you covered when you’re craving a pie. You can even get a gyro pizza and replace the tomato sauce with tzatziki. In the morning, stroll over to La Rancherita Bakery for affordable, fresh Mexican pastries, and get a Tres Leches cake to bring home to share.<br><br>After a long week of work, wind down with a game of darts or pool with your friends at Euclid’s Tavern. The Ameristar Casino East Chicago is also nearby and features an entire gaming floor and several restaurants. The City of East Chicago also puts on events throughout the year to celebrate the neighborhood and its heritage. In August, you can catch Fusic Fest, a weekend-long music and food festival held at Jerose Park Beach featuring Hip-Hop, R&B, and Latin performers. The neighborhood also celebrates Mexican Independence Day every September with a parade down Columbus Drive and Main Street, ending at Jerose Park Beach with a festival.<br><br>When you’re ready to check out Chicago, head north on Indianapolis Boulevard until you reach Interstate 90 West and you’ll be in the city in just over 30 minutes.
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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