On the Indiana side of the Chicago metro area, East Chicago has a reputation for its industrial feel. But its Northside neighborhood subverts expectations with a higher concentration of parks. While other neighborhoods in the city might have one neighborhood park, Northside has four. Residents also have schools and restaurants just around the corner.
“We’ve renovated all of our parks,” says Steven Segura, director of the ECTV Multimedia Division with the City of East Chicago. “There are walk paths in all of our parks and new swings and exercise equipment.” An iron arch greets visitors to Tod Park, the largest of Northside’s four green spaces, with basketball courts, volleyball courts and baseball diamonds. Right across Indianapolis Boulevard, MacArthur Golf Course offers mini-golf and regular greens, although the course closes for winter. Edward Valve Park, the smallest of the parks, features a playground and basketball courts, while Veterans Park’s Heritage Hall Recreation Center has an indoor gym.
Northside’s frame bungalows and raised ranches sit alongside Nationals and American Foursquares, most on streets lined with young trees. Streetlights line the sidewalks, adding to neighborhood walkability. Homes typically have a small square of grass in front, and some residents add a splash of personality with small gardens or décor. Homes typically sell for $100,000 to $250,000, while a selection of homes between $60,000 and $70,000 need extra care and repairs. East Chicago is working to increase homeownership throughout the city. “If you work for the city, they’ll give you $30,000 for a down payment. If you don’t work for the city, they give you $25,000 for a new home,” Segura says. “It’s a great incentive. You just attend one class, and you can qualify. You just have to live in the home for so many years, and you don’t have to pay it off.”
Benjamin Harrison Elementary School, located in the neighborhood, and Joseph L. Block Middle School both receive C-minus ratings from Niche. East Chicago Central High School has a C rating, and its John A. Baratto Athletic Center — one of the largest in the country — seats 8,000. “We’re a sports town," Segura says. "East Chicago is kind of known for its baseball, and they’ve won state championships.”
While Northside residents can walk to its parks and schools, they’ll need a car to get around the rest of the city. Columbus Drive heads into the rest of East Chicago, including Saint Catherine Hospital, about 2 miles away, and Gary/Chicago International Airport, 5 miles away. Much larger Chicago O'Hare International Airport is about 50 miles away. The East Chicago Metra line is 2 miles south, connecting commuters with downtown Chicago, about 20 miles away.
Most of East Chicago’s restaurants are next door in neighboring Southside, but Northside does have a collection of eateries within walking distance. Saul’s Chicago Style Grill is a casual counter-service hot dog stand. El Paso Grill serves Mexican fare on blue clay plates. While functioning mainly as a corner store, La Chiquita attracts customers for its fresh tamales. Grocery shoppers can also head half a mile down Indianapolis Boulevard to Strack and Van Til, and Aldi is 1.5 miles away.
Fusic Festival is East Chicago’s main event. Happening at Jeorse Park Beach along the water, the summer event features concerts and a collection of food vendors. For Junetheeth, Washington Park hosts Rhythm and Soul Fest with even more concerts.
Nancy Esqueda
McColly Real Estate
(219) 800-2490
88 Total Sales
2 in Northside
$70K - $145K Price Range
Jeff McCormick
McCormick Real Estate, Inc.
(219) 491-2854
699 Total Sales
2 in Northside
$1K - $2K Price Range
RH
Randy Hoyle
Randall Hoyle
(219) 244-5445
65 Total Sales
1 in Northside
$159,900 Price
Melissa Yanez
Favela Real Estate, LLC
(219) 240-0461
76 Total Sales
1 in Northside
$319,000 Price
Anthony Gutierrez
(708) 455-6533
90 Total Sales
1 in Northside
$67,000 Price
CF
Cirilo Favela
Favela Real Estate, LLC
(708) 323-2597
71 Total Sales
2 in Northside
$195K - $319K Price Range
| 1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime | Northside | US |
|---|---|---|
| Homicide | 5 | 4 |
| Sexual Assault | 4 | 4 |
| Assault with Weapon | 5 | 4 |
| Robbery | 5 | 4 |
| Burglary | 4 | 4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 4 | 4 |
| Larceny | 4 | 4 |
| Crime Score | 5 | 4 |
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
On average, homes in Northside, East Chicago sell after 26 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Northside, East Chicago over the last 12 months is $170,000, up 15% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Bike Score®
Walk Score®
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Living within walking distance of East Chicago's dining scene
Modest residential community on the south end of East Chicago
An East Chicago neighborhood that is still in a thriving industrial area
East Chicago neighborhood flanked by a vibrant park and a massive railyard
