$275,918Average Value$155Average Price per Sq Ft26Homes For Sale
Lakeside living in Miller
Miller is all about the great outdoors. The neighborhood, situated at the southernmost tip of Lake Michigan, is surrounded by the unique beauty of the Indiana Dunes ecosystem, most of which is now legally protected land. “There are 6.1 miles of beach here that are either part of a national or municipal park. One of our mottos is come for the beach, stay for the people, because it’s an eclectic, diverse community,” says Gene Ayers, the owner of Ayers Realtors, a family business dating back 102 years in the area. “You’ve also got older houses, newer houses and a new commuter train station, which gets people to Chicago in around 40 minutes.”
Rows of lakefront homes sit together with unique styles throughout.
Homes in Miller are walking distance to beautiful beaches along Lake Michigan.
1/2
A mix of midcentury homes
Miller’s housing development grew post-World War II in the 1950s and ‘60s, so homes trended toward split-level and ranch styles. “The biggest growth spurt in the area led to a lot of midcentury modern styling,” adds Ayers. There are also bungalows and Tudor homes scattered throughout the area. Prices for these houses range from $250,000 to $418,000. “We also have million-dollar lakefront homes, so the price ranges are widely diverse.” Mature trees set the scene for the residential streets, often traced by sidewalks, giving homeowners room to roam the area by bike or foot. Those living in homes along Lake Michigan’s shores will likely have to drive along narrow back streets and pull into two- to three-car garages.
Rows of homes in unique styles and colors are common throughout Miller.
Lakefront homes can often be found with big windows and beautiful landscaping.
1/2
Exploring Indiana Dunes National Park
True to its easygoing lifestyle, Miller features more than 20 miles of hiking and biking trails that connect locals to Lake Michigan and surrounding parks. Wander through the Indiana Dunes National Park’s forested trails that meander through beaches, swamps and marshes. It’s a favorite escape among birdwatchers because of the more than 350 species living in the trees. Patterson Island is a manmade retreat for locals wanting to hop in a kayak or canoe. It sits within Marquette Park, which is fronted by a bronze statue of the namesake French missionary who explored the area. Outside the park’s Aquatorium, which has been converted into a flight museum, is another bronze statue – this time for Octave Chanute, who performed some of the country’s earliest aviation tests nearby. Along with lakefront beach access and scenic trails, the park has a playground perched on sandy grounds and a disc golf course. “The park pavilion underwent a major restoration project about 10 years ago,” Ayers says. “It dates back to the 1920s and was due for help, and it got it. Now, there are some events, and live bands will perform there.”
Residents of Miller spend the summer days boating on Lake Michigan.
Residents of Miller love wakeboarding on Lake Michigan in the summer.
Enjoy a relaxing day on Marquette Park Beach in Miller.
1/3
Arts-centered curriculum at Gary Middle School
Students living in Miller are zoned for the Gary Community School Corporation. They will attend Banneker Elementary at Marquette, which gets a D rating from Niche. The same grade is given to Gary Middle School for the Visual and Performing Arts. The school has a feeder program to the West Side Theatre Guild at West Side Leadership Academy, which earns a C-minus from Niche.
Banneker Elementary at Marquette is home to 321 students and has a D rating on Niche.
Gary Middle School is home to 355 students and has a D rating on Niche.
West Side Leadership Academy is home to over one thousand students with a C rating on Niche.
1/3
First Fridays on South Lake Street
While the winters are frigid, Miller comes alive in summertime. Lake Street transforms on the first Friday of each month, starting in May and running through October. “Shops are open later, and a number of venues have live bands,” Ayers says. Due to the area’s history in aviation, it’s fitting that the South Shore Air Show is held in Marquette Park in July. That same month, the park plays host to the Miller Garden Club’s Annual Garden Walk, now going on its 24th year. The organization is one of many volunteer opportunities in the area, according to Ayers. “We have the Miller Citizens Corporation, the Miller Beach Business Association, a very active Humane Society and the Rotary Club meets here.”
The burgers look amazing at the Food Truck Festival in Miller.
Island Ice has great shaved ice at the Food Truck Festival in Miller.
1/2
Dunes Highway runs through Miller and allows residents access from Chicago to Portage.
Public transit links locals to Chicago
While the area is walkable and bikeable, Miller Beach is a car-dependent community due to the commute to larger towns and cities. Along the neighborhood’s southern border, residents have access to Interstate 90, which links them to downtown Chicago, nearly 36 miles away. Locals can take Interstates 294 and 80 for 62 miles to reach Chicago O’Hare International Airport. There is access to other forms of transportation, including the South Shore Line commuter rail system, with a stop off East Dunes Highway. The Gary Public Transportation Corporation also has bus stops dotted along South Lake Street and 4th and 7th Avenues.
Longtime local eateries and more to come
Fan-favorite restaurants have planted roots on South Lake Street. “Miller Pizza has been there for more than 35 years,” Ayers says. The staple eatery serving deep-dish pies is housed in a former train station with an outdoor patio that fills up quickly on warm nights. Caribbean Roots serves up Dominican specialties, while Beach Buds is a prime spot for people with a sweet tooth. The area is also starting to see new restaurants, including Tiny’s Coffee Bar, which serves much more than the hot beverage. Locals stop by during the day for cinnamon rolls and bagels; at night, it becomes a go-to for craft cocktails. “Another new place that’s about to open is Brass Idol, and they’re billing themselves as an Americana diner,” Ayers says. “The chef comes from Chicago with some experience.” Miller K Mart has some produce and grocery staples on its shelves, but people can also drive 9 miles along Interstate 80 to find an ALDI. From May through September, there’s a Sunday farmers market south of Route 12.
Grab an iced coffee and walk to the beach from Tiny's Coffee.
Sit outside and play backyard games at The Brass Idol.
The Brass Idol is a locally owned American diner in Miller.
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.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Jeff McCormick,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Marquette Park
Bike Trails
Boating
Picnic Area
Glen Ryan Park
Basketball
Grills
Picnic Area
Four Winds Park
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Skateboard
Veterans Park
Boating
Trails
Kayak/Canoe
Nelson Park
Basketball
Tennis
Parking Lot
Indiana Dunes National Park
Bike Trails
Camping
Fishing
Marquette Disc Golf Course
Marquette Park Playground
Marquette Park Beach
Transit
Airport
Chicago Midway International
55 min drive
Bus
Maple & County Line Rd
Bus
Lakewood & Rush
Bus
5th & Vermillion Pl
Bus
Lake & Hemlock
Bus
Hemlock & Montgomery
Bus
4th & Lake
Bus
Lakewood & Vanderburg
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Miller
US
Homicide
6
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
5
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
5
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
3
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Miller Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Miller, Gary sell after 42 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Miller, Gary over the last 12 months is $285,500, up 21% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This fully renovated five-bedroom beach cottage is located in the historic and charming Miller Beach area - just 45 minutes from downtown Chicago and five minutes from the new Miller South Shore Train Station and a bike path between West Beach and The Paul H. Douglas National Park Educational Center. The cottage, with 1500 square feet on each level gives you 3000 square feet of living space. It
Nestled in the heart of Miller Beach on a beautifully landscaped corner lot, this partially brick 2-story gem perfectly blends timeless character with modern updates. Less than one mile from Lake Street Beach, it is just a short walk to the shimmering shoreline of Lake Michigan, this home offers convenience, charm, and comfort.Step inside to find a warm and inviting living room centered around a
Wow! Check out this Charming 3 Bedroom, Updated Home with Modern Bathroom, Fenced in Rear Yard , and Side Drive. This Charming Home Includes Newer Roof (2025), Water Heater (2024), Furnace (2024), Windows (2024), Central Air (2024), Newer Plumbing (2024), Electric (2024),Vinyl Waterproof Plank Flooring (2025) and more.. Located Just a Short Distance From The Shores of Lake Michigan, South Shore
Pathway to homeownership! Seller is offering a 3 year lease with option to purchase. Purchase price will be $395,000, $11,850 non-refundable option fee due at move in. Up front fee is credited to the price at the time of purchase, $50 per on time payment during lease period will be credited toward the buyer's closing costs on the purchase. NOT FOR RENT ONLY.Beautifully remodeled home located in
Miller Beach Apartments is a community designed with your convenience in mind. The beautifully landscaped grounds are a relaxing oasis of comfort, where nature's wonders provide a breathtaking backdrop to your lakeside lifestyle. Miller Beach, the newly renovated Marquette Park and our own on-site mini mart are just steps away from your door. Gracious lakeshore living is more than a slogan at
With a name like Duneland Village, you know you'll be at the center of someplace beautiful!Our apartment homes come with upscale amenities you'd expect! Spacious interiors, monitored alarms, a full-sized washer/dryer in every home, central heating and cooling, a fully equipped kitchen with appliances, and a relaxing patio. Our community features a refreshing swimming pool, a play area, and a
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Jeff McCormick,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has Equal Renters and Owners
Demographics
Total Population
8,911
Median Age
42
Population Density
3 ppl/acre
Population under 18
25.2%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
23.8%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$43,008
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$64,317
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
90%
College Graduates
29.1%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
13.8%
% Population in Labor Force
51.5%
Below the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
41''
Average Winter Low Temperature
16°F
Average Summer High Temperature
83°F
Annual Snowfall
42''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
45/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
20/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: 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.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
