$190,401Average Value$138Average Price per Sq Ft70Homes For Sale
On the Illinois-Indiana border
Thirty miles southeast of Chicago in Indiana, near the shores of Lake Michigan and the Illinois state line, Hammond is a city of adapting to modern times. After the decline of an old shopping mall, the city partnered with the YMCA to build a new recreational center that opened in 2024. The new Hammond Family YMCA -- complete with family pool, fitness center and outdoor water park -- was built over the old mall, next to the Hammond Sportsplex & Community Center, another recent economic development project that created space for more public recreation and sports tourism. “These are some of the major projects that have happened under the current mayor of Hammond, who cares and listens to city residents,” says Jessica Lee, a Realtor with Keller Williams Preferred Realty and a Hammond native. “He holds periodic Mayor’s Night Out events where he listens to concerns, and it’s a good way to know what’s going on.” Those meetings are also broadcast live on social media and archived for those who miss it.
Hammon sits on Lake Michigan with Chicago just 25 miles away.
Hammon's beaches are neaw the casino with views of Chicago, 25 miles away.
1/2
Outdoor parks in Hammond
Lee says Mayor Michael McDermott Jr., elected to a sixth four-year term in 2023, has focused his administration on improving the city’s parks and recreational amenities in recent years. Pulaski Park is in the western part of the city near the border, and some of the recent improvements include lighted tennis courts and a place for ice skating. Hessville Park has an interactive spray park near the playground, a skate park and a quarter-mile walking path. Edison Park has a playground with an agility course, a place to play cornhole, and dozens of new trees were planted when the park renovations were complete in 2018. “This was all done to keep kids busy and occupied,” she adds. In the northern end of Hammond, Wolf Lake stretches over 800 acres and is a popular place to fish, boat and birdwatch in the neighboring wetlands. The pavilion at the lake is known as "The PAV" by locals and is where occasional free summer concerts happen, and kids enjoy the fun at the Wolf Lake Aquatic Play Center. Whihala Beach is crowded during the summer to enjoy the 20 acres of sandy shoreline along Lake Michigan.
Hessville Park, located at 173rd St. and Kennedy Ave. has a skate park and other amenities.
Explore fishing at the Dowling Park Lake in Hessville, IN.
1/2
Addressing crime in Hammond
The push to improve the parks has also been part of the city’s efforts to reduce crime. According to data compiled by Niche, the rates of theft and some violent crimes are above the national average. In 2023, Mayor McDermott ordered all gas stations in the city to close between midnight and 5 a.m. to deter crime. “A gas station can be open after midnight only if it’s well-lit,” Lee says. “It’s made me feel safer as a woman, and I think it’s worked.” Every August, the Hammond Police Department holds a National Night Out gathering for the community at the Pavilion at Wolf Lake. For the past couple of years, the department has also organized a Trunk or Treat event for the kids at the police station on Douglas Avenue.
Horseshoe Casino, the largest employer in Hammond
The Horseshoe Casino on Lake Michigan is the largest employer in the region, with about 2,200 employees, according to the city. Restaurants, an entertainment venue and over 3,000 slot machines make up the amenities. The Venue, a concert hall with a capacity for 3,300 people, attracts performers such as Johnny Mathis, Patti LaBelle, Reba McEntire and Nelly. Other significant employers include the Hammond City Schools and Lear Corporation, an automotive seat manufacturer. Industrial plants in the city include Cargill, a food manufacturer and Unilever, a consumer goods company. Both have between 200 and 300 workers. The Environmental Protection Agency has identified the site of a former metals plant in the north part of Hammond near Lake George as a Superfund cleanup site. The issue was that some surrounding houses had lead-contaminated soil.
Horseshoe Casino is Hammon's largest employer and largest entertainment draw in the area.
Horseshoe Casino in Hammon is next to a marina and beaches of Lake Michigan.
1/2
Tax advantage on the Indiana side
The median single-family home price in Hammond is $180,000. Housing costs in Hammond are generally lower than in other parts of the Chicagoland metro area, especially because of “huge tax advantages” associated with living in Indiana, Lee says. “The annual taxes on the Illinois side could be twice as much." There’s also a price advantage compared to nearby communities in East Chicago and Gary. “I can sell a house in Gary for $340,000, and that same house in Hammond is $230,000,” she says. Most of Hammond's homes were built between the 1940s and ‘70s. The First Street website, which tracks various environmental factors, indicates that the air quality in Hammond sometimes reaches the moderate stage, which may pose problems for those with respiratory issues. Houses near the Grand Calumet River are in a moderate flood zone.
There are rows of Bungalow Homes in Hammond Indiana with large front and back yards.
This is a beautiful four square house in the Harrison Park Historic District of Hammond.
1/2
Grocery store options in Hammond
Aldi and Food4Less are two grocery chains with locations in Hammond. Walmart Supercenter is south on Indianapolis Boulevard, just off Interstate 94, along with a Cabela’s sporting goods store. Chain restaurants and Greek, Italian, Mexican and American diners line Calumet Avenue and Indianapolis Boulevard, both major north/south roads.
First choice market off Sohl Avenue In The Harrison Park Historic District of Hammond.
Check out Carniceria El Tapatio, A Mexican Grocery Store in Hammond.
1/2
Hammond public schools
The School City of Hammond district is rated a C-minus by Niche and serves over 11,000 students. The city is served by two high schools: Morton Senior High School, rated a C, and Hammond Central High School, rated a C-minus. Hammond Central students can earn 30 general education credits as part of the Indiana College Core program, which can be transferred to any public college or university in Indiana. Hammond Academy of Science and Technology is a public charter school for grades six through 12. It’s rated a B. The campus of Purdue University Northwest has an enrollment of just over 9,000, with about 1,000 postgraduate students.
Hammond Central High school just finished a complete renovation and is now home to 900 students.
Morton Senior High School is located conveniently in a residential area.
1/2
Hammond is between two highways
Hammond is located between Interstate 90, or the Indiana Toll Road, to the north and Interstate 94, or the Frank Borman Expressway to the south. While the Gary/Chicago International Airport is not far to the east, it’s a facility that attracts mainly corporate and cargo flights. Midway International Airport is 30 miles away, while O’Hare International Airport is 20 miles north of Midway. The South Shore Line is the commuter rail service into downtown Chicago, and the Northwest Indiana Regional Bus Authority operates public buses.
Written By
Jeff Stapleton
Photography Contributed By
Justin Schmidt
Video By
Francisco de la Vera
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Jeff Fryzel,
an experienced agent in this area.
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
On average, homes in Hammond, IN sell after 37 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Hammond, IN over the last 12 months is $195,000, up 8% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Up-Dated, CHARMING CAPE COD ON PARKWAY NORTH! This well-maintained 3-bedroom, 1.25-bath home offers incredible peace of mind thanks to significant recent updates. The current owners have completed the major projects for the new owner, including a BRAND NEW CENTRAL AC UNIT and NEW WINDOWS throughout! The interior shines with new floors in the kitchen and a recently remodeled bathroom on the main
Entering in this beautifully updated 3 bedroom Cape Cod, you will experience where classic charm blends seamlessly with modern comfort. Situated on a quiet street, this brick and vinyl sided home offers inviting curb appeal and long lasting durability. Freshly painted throughout, the interior features gleaming hardwood floors in the main living room and all three bedrooms. The renovated bathroom
Two Homes on One Property - A Rare Find! Perfect for related living or as an investment opportunity, this unique property offers the versatility you've been looking for. The front home boasts 5 bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms, fully remodeled with brand-new windows and a new roof. The back home features 1 bedroom, 1 full bathroom, and 2 bonus rooms--ideal for a home office, guest space, or hobby
Welcome to this fully updated 4-bedroom, 2-bath home located in the heart of Hammond, Indiana! Step inside to find a spacious living room and dining room, perfect for gatherings. The kitchen and bathrooms have been tastefully remodeled, while refurbished hardwood floors add warmth and charm throughout. Fresh paint and new light fixtures give the home a modern, move-in-ready feel. Enjoy peace of
Completely remodeled ranch with full basement and 2-car garage. Landscaped exterior with covered front porch welcomes you into a bright living room featuring wide-plank flooring, recessed lighting, and fresh neutral paint throughout. Updated eat-in kitchen offers brand-new stainless steel appliances, white cabinetry with crown molding, quartz countertops, and glass tile backsplash. Two main-floor
Situated in the desirable Hessville neighborhood, this vacant lot at 7627 Walnut Avenue offers a rare opportunity to build in one of Hammond's most convenient and wellconnected locations. The property provides a versatile footprint ideal for a new singlefamily home, investment property, or future development project, with utilities available nearby and a residential setting that supports strong
Charming 3-Bedroom Brick Home in a Prime Hammond Location Welcome to this spacious 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom brick home situated in a desirable Hammond neighborhood. This well-maintained property features a full walkout basement with a partially finished area and a dedicated laundry space, ideal for additional living or recreational use. Enjoy outdoor living with a large, newly fenced-in yard that
Commercial lot at the corner of Calumet and Hoffman in North Hammond, C4 zoned general commercial district with 8,441.25 sqft. Available for your business amplification or new project in mind, located in a very busy area nearby chain restaurants, dealerships, mechanic shops, gas stations, beauty shops and more! 5 minutes driving distance to the Indiana Toll Road 90. Close to the Hammond train
Move-in ready 3-bedroom, 2-bath mobile home in a quiet community. Ideal for an investor or owner-occupant. Bright, functional floor plan with comfortable living space and three well sized bedrooms. The primary bathroom has a jacuzzi tub to relax in after a long day. The kitchen includes refrigerator, stove, & dishwasher. The laundry room has the washer and dryer installed as well. Central A/C for
Several vacant lots along with one existing home are available, offering endless potential for redevelopment or expansion. Situated in a highly visible and heavily trafficked commercial zone, these parcels are ideal for a wide variety of uses - retail, office space, mixed-use development, or long-term investment. With strong surrounding businesses, excellent accessibility, and steady growth in
Welcome to 6637 McCook Ave in Hammond's Midway Gardens / Hessville neighborhood, a fully remodeled single story residence offering 3 bedrooms and 1 full bathroom within approximately 1,020 sq ft of open concept living space. The living room flows seamlessly into the updated kitchen, creating a connected entertaining and everyday living footprint. All three bedrooms feature fresh carpeting, with
ATTENTION INVESTORS!! Close proximity to the Illinois/Indiana Border, the Hammond Academy of Science & Technology, dining, and shopping. The future expansion of the South Shore Line's West Lake Corridor Line coming through the area makes this an amazing opportunity to generate income! Hammond's rejuvenation makes this a desirable investment. 3 BR, 1 BA house 840 ft 2 with 2 car garage. Covered
This beautifully updated home offers quality finishes and major improvements throughout. Originally renovated with thoughtful upgrades, the property combines modern style with solid mechanical updates for today's buyer. The kitchen features granite countertops, ceramic and glass tile accents, and stainless steel appliances. The full bathroom reflects contemporary design and quality craftsmanship.
Rear upper unit 1 bedroom plus den, kitchen, living room and 1 bath for rent monthly. This newly renovated home is ready for you the new tenant. Appliances are included in the rent!No vouchers considered, prefer no pets. Application required, copies of last 2 check stubs, w2's, DL, last 2 months bank statements. A rental, criminal, credit background check will also need to be completed if
Set back in a secluded wooded meadow, Tanglewood Apartments offers a peaceful living experience with a serene pond. Featuring white brick walls and cedar shake-style mansard roofs, Tanglewood Apartments is reminiscent of Old World country estates, close to area amenities. From shopping centers and schools to churches and restaurants, we have it all. We have been a fixture in this community for
Pathway to homeownership! Seller is offering a 3 year lease with option to purchase. Purchase price will be 350,000, 10,500 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. Welcome home to this stunning, move-in
Well-maintained and spacious 3-bedroom, 1-bath apartment located in the heart of Whiting, Indiana. This inviting unit offers a functional layout with generously sized bedrooms, a comfortable living area, and a bright kitchen with ample cabinet space. Enjoy abundant natural light throughout and a clean, move-in-ready interior. All utilities are included, providing convenient and predictable
Renovated townhomes with over-sized basements. Washer/Dryer connections in unit. 2 Minutes to South Shore/ 4 minutes to I94. Design plan features front and back entrances. Fitness center open daily for lease signers. Smoke free community.
Charming Cape Cod rental in Calumet City featuring 3 bedrooms and 1 bathroom! Step into the spacious living room with beautiful hardwood floors. The dining area flows seamlessly into the kitchen, making everyday living and entertaining easy. The main level offers one bedroom and a full bathroom for added convenience. Upstairs, you'll find two additional bedrooms. The basement provides great
Welcome to Orchard Park Apartments! Our 1 & 2 Bedroom apartments are spacious and available for move-in. We offer laundry in building, online rent payments, and professional property management to provide the best experience for your new home. We're a pet friendly community but do have breed and weight restrictions so please do check in with our management team. We look forward to helping you
Discover a harmonious blend of historic charm and modern living at The Banc, nestled in the heart of downtown Hammond, Indiana. Housed within the meticulously renovated former Bank Calumet headquarters, this nine-story landmark offers a unique living experience that caters to contemporary lifestyles.Exceptional Amenity SpacesAt The Banc, residents enjoy a suite of thoughtfully
Douglas Pointe Apartments is a beautiful gated community conveniently located in Historic Downtown Hammond, directly across the sreet from Hammond Police Department. Our Clubhouse offers a newly constructed 24 hours fitness center for our residents use as well as a patio with fire pit and grilling section provided for nice relaxation after a workout.
Property Id: 2412017IMPORTANT - PRE-SCREEN REQUIRED: Please TEXT or EMAIL with your Move-in Date, Number of Occupants, Employer/Income, Pets, and Bedrooms Needed, and include the word “ARIZONA.”Messages sent through other platforms may not be monitored regularly, so please text or email directly for a response.This pristine 2-bedroom, 1-bath single-family home features a full
Hessville brings many words to mind, but the most prominent is “classic,” owing to its important history. Hammond, the city where the community is located, was integral to the rise of Chicago’s meatpacking industry and quintessential retailers like Sears. In 2022, Hessville’s mayor announced an initiative to reconstruct sidewalks and pathways downtown, which can help recreate the bustling atmosphere of its glory days. Residents appreciate the neighborhood’s convenient location, with access to Interstate 90 to the north and interstates 80 and 94 to the south. “Here, we have a bird watching sanctuary, a sandy beach on Lake Michigan next to the Horseshoe Casino, all a stone's throw from Chicago,” says Tom Novak, President of the Hammond Historical Society.
When it comes to housing stock, construction peaked in this older neighborhood before the 1970s. The most common types of housing are ranch-style and Cape Cod, listing between $91,000 and $287,000. The median single-family home price is $185,000, which is what a three-bedroom home costs. Houses feature flat lots with street parking and the occasional driveway or single-car garage. The neighborhood is laid out like a grid, bordered by green space and commercial corridors. This community design promotes Hessville’s vision of being a place where locals can walk everywhere and enjoy convenient access to amenities.
The community is filled with local gems, such as family-owned Zantes Restaurant, where locals grab fast food, including their renowned gyros. Over at Chuck and Irene’s, the community sips brews under Tiffany lamps in a space that has been open since 1959. While there are a few pubs and restaurants locals can walk to along the main streets, most people hop in their cars to pick up groceries from Aldi or shop the shelves at Menards home improvement store.
While the area boasts its own everyday entertainment, from the parks to the lake, Hammond is home to special events that garner large turnouts. “We have the Festival of the Lakes, which is always the third week in July; that is a seven-day festival featuring five nights of music from some pretty big names, all completely free,” Novak says. “We’ll have 10,000 to 20,000 people on the busiest nights.”
Within the School City of Hammond, students may attend Morton Elementary School and Charles N. Scott Middle School; each school earns a Grade of C-minus from Niche. Starting in ninth grade, students may attend Morton High School, which Niche gives a C grade. To graduate, students may complete classes within an assortment of pathways: honors, Career Technical Education (CTE), Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB) and Dual Credit. After high school graduation, students may choose to continue their education close to home at Purdue University Northwest (PNW). PNW is a public university that offers more than 70 areas of study spread across six colleges.
One of the latest amenities open to Hessville residents is a new $70 million YMCA facility in the former Woodmar Mall site near the eastern border of Kennedy Avenue. The facility features an indoor track, a gym to host basketball games and youth sports, and three pools for locals wanting to splash around for fun or swim laps. Residents find outdoor entertainment by hiking the 179 acres filled with endangered flora at Gibson Woods Nature Preserve. Meanwhile, Hessville Park boasts 14 acres of recreation, from the skate park to the splash pad and playground, where kids lose track of time running around.
Hessville borders the Chicago metro area, with East Chicago Station to the north. When traveling north and south, Indiana State Road 912 provides a path of travel to desired locations such as Gary International Airport, less than nine miles north. Interstates 80, 94 and 90 make long-distance travel by road convenient. Hessville not only centers residents in history while surrounding them with green spaces and local businesses but also connects them to the wider region.
Property Mix - Square Feet
Hammond Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
72,364
Median Age
37
Population under 18
26.2%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
15.5%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$49,726
Significantly below the national average
$79,601
Average Household Income
$62,859
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
82.9%
College Graduates
13.9%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
4.1%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
61.8%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
37''
Average Winter Low Temperature
15°F
Average Summer High Temperature
84°F
Annual Snowfall
10''
Area Factors
Fairly friendly
Bike Score®®
50/ 100
Fairly friendly
Walk Score®®
40/ 100
Not friendly
Transit Score®®
0/ 100
Source: Local Logic
Sources: Local Logic
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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.
