$278,013Average Value$188Average Price per Sq Ft12Homes For Sale
A growing suburban city along the shores of Lake Michigan
Indigenous peoples first settled Portage the area and utilized its surrounding rivers to transport goods. When the French arrived, they renamed the area Portage, which translates as “to carry” in French. The arrival of the railway in 1852 continued its transportation history, as farms and steel mills sent agricultural goods and building materials to Chicago. Today, the city flows in the opposite direction, with people coming in from the Windy City to escape its hustle and bustle, totaling Portage’s current population to 38,000. Situated along Lake Michigan, residents value proximity to its sandy shorelines and other recreational opportunities throughout the city. “The steel mill history is not all there is to Portage,” says Sam Geraci, a Realtor with INcoast Homes. “It’s also a city built around parks.”
Portage is situated on the sandy shores of Lake Michigan.
Train Museums in Portage pay homage to the locomotive past at the Duneland Garden Club.
Portage is a great place to raise a family with many amenities in the area.
Portage Indiana is an ideal area to escape the hustle and bustle of neighboring Chicago.
1/4
Indiana Dunes National Park's trails and beach access
Greenspaces throughout the city offer abundant ways to spend time outdoors. Woodland Park caters to an all-around experience, from its large playground and dog park to a sledding hill that becomes a hot spot on snowy days. Imagination Glen Park is the city’s largest, combining busy youth athletics facilities with natural immersion along its hiking and mountain biking trails. Similarly, Indiana Dunes National Park offers miles of trails and parking for access to Lake Michigan. “The lake is an important aspect of the city, and a lot of people frequent the beaches there,” says Kelly White, a local Realtor with McColly Real Estate. Throughout summer, the parking lots of West Beach and Portage Lakefront & Riverwalk fill with locals toting umbrellas and towels to lay out on the lake’s sandy shorelines, which offer distant views of the Chicago skyline.
Residents of Portage enjoy the distant view of the Chicago Skyline from their private beach.
Sledding at Devil's slide is great for speed at Indiana Dunes National Park.
Indiana Dunes State Park is just north of West Chesterton, and gives residents access to acres of sandy beaches.
Portage residents enjoy plenty of green in the city's robust park district.
1/4
Mid-century suburbs and waterfront subdivisions
The median home price in Portage is $295,000. Much of its residential landscape features mid-to-late 20th-century suburbs with homes showcasing architectural styles of the era. Prospective buyers will also find New Traditional-style homes in newly built subdivisions like Dunewood Trails and Brookside, typically selling around and above $400,000. “Many of the newer homes are different styles from the norm back in the day and are more energy efficient, with updated technology,” White says. Waterfront communities like Ogden Dunes typically present higher home prices, with some reaching just under $1 million. “It’s a highly sought-after community, and there’s no more room to expand there,” White says. “However, in Marina Shores, they are building condos and homes along the marina and water. The city is growing, but slow enough to where it’s not getting out of control.”
Waterfront homes in Ogden Dunes can see home prices near 1 million.
Mid-century sub divisions give way to the classic charm of Portage's historic roots.
A row of newer built homes that tend to be a bit larger than the classic home of North Portage.
New Traditional-style homes in newly built subdivisions sell around $400,000.
1/4
From Bacon Fest Portage to the city's summer farmers market
Annual city-wide events also keep residents busy throughout the year. “They always have the big Christmas parade in winter and the farmers market every weekend during summer,” White says. She also notes Bacon Fest Portage at Founders Square Park as an anticipated event. Northwest Indiana restaurants create unique menu items centered around bacon for the late-September event. Attendees also look forward to live music and dance performances.
Portage's south side restaurants and north side developments
No-frill comfort food is easy to come by in Portage, with many local and chain spots situated along Willow Creek Road. The corridor intersects with the big-box retailers and grocers of Grand Army of the Republic Highway on the city’s southern side. “That’s where most people in the city do their shopping,” White says. “There are also a handful of restaurants and stores next just south of AmeriPlex at The Port on the city’s northside.” This light industrial and business park houses several of the area’s major employers, including the U.S. Steel Midwest Plant. The city continues to promote the industrial park to companies like World's Finest Chocolate and Amazon, which plans to open a $87 million data center soon.
Schoop's brings the old school Burger and shakes to Portage.
Schoops is the local burger favorite for casual dining in Portage.
U.S Steel is a major employer and part of Portage's history.
There are a handful of restaurants at the AmeriPlex at The Port on Portages North side.
1/4
Portage High School’s dual enrollment offerings
Portage Township School serves approximately 7,000 students across the city. Niche gives the district a B-minus and ranks it the 11th most diverse school district in the state. Eight elementary schools, two middle schools and Portage High School comprise the district. The high school offers many programs, including over 180 course offerings and dual enrollment partnerships with Indiana University and Purdue Northwest, the area’s main higher education institutions. Those seeking private options can enroll their students at Portage Christian School or Nativity of Our Savior School.
Portage High School is highly rated by Niche and offers great after school programs.
Higher education is not far from Portage with Purdue University Northwest campus nearby.
Indiana University Northwest brings higher education to the area on its sprawling campus.
Nativity of Our Savior School in Portage provides a faith based approach to education.
1/4
Commuting along Interstate 90 and the South Shore Line
Interstate 90 cuts through Portage, linking residents to neighboring cities and Chicago 41 miles northwest. Daily commuters can also reach the Windy City along the South Shore Line, part of the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District. Those traveling out of the area can catch flights at Gary/Chicago International Airport 15 miles northwest or Chicago Midwest Airport, which sits 40 miles out in the same direction and offers a wider selection of destinations. Medical care is easily accessible at Northwest Health hospitals — a Porter and a Portage location are both located off Highway 6.
Portage's crime statistics and pollution concerns
FBI statistics show that violent and property crime rates in Portage fall below the state average. More specifically, these statistics show violent crimes fluctuating over the last 4 years while property crimes continue on a six-year downward trend. One of the few environmental concerns is pollution along the East Arm Little Calumet River caused by discharge from neighboring industrial facilities on Burns Waterway Harbor. However, nonprofits like Save the Dunes are actively working to preserve and protect the river and its surrounding wildlife.
Written By
Matthew Simmons
Photography Contributed By
Brett Bulthuis
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Susan Mender,
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 Portage, IN sell after 58 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Portage, IN over the last 12 months is $364,990, down 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Why wait or pay more for new construction? This nearly new home--just 8 months old--is move-in ready and priced BELOW comparable new builds! Enjoy an open-concept main level with vaulted ceilings, a spacious kitchen island, and breakfast bar--perfect for both daily living and entertaining. The kitchen includes quality appliances: gas range, double dishwasher, and a new refrigerator. The smart
Back on the Market -- No Fault of the Seller! Buyer's financing unexpectedly fell through.MOTIVATED SELLER!! That's right -- an incredible opportunity awaits! The sellers have found their dream home and are eager to help you make this beautiful property your dream home. Don't miss out!From its exceptional curb appeal to the top-to-bottom updates, this home offers both style and peace of mind for
Attention Investors and Handy Homeowners! Come make this 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home in Portage, Indiana your next project today! Walking in the door, you are greeted to a spacious living room. Further through the living room is access to your kitchen. Make your way down the hall to your 3 bedrooms and a full bathroom. Attached to the living room is your laundry room, access to your attached 2-car
Why wait or pay more for new construction? This nearly new home--just 8 months old--is move-in ready and priced BELOW comparable new builds! Enjoy an open-concept main level with vaulted ceilings, a spacious kitchen island, and breakfast bar--perfect for both daily living and entertaining. The kitchen includes quality appliances: gas range, double dishwasher, and a new refrigerator. The smart
Back on the Market -- No Fault of the Seller! Buyer's financing unexpectedly fell through.MOTIVATED SELLER!! That's right -- an incredible opportunity awaits! The sellers have found their dream home and are eager to help you make this beautiful property your dream home. Don't miss out!From its exceptional curb appeal to the top-to-bottom updates, this home offers both style and peace of mind for
Attention Investors and Handy Homeowners! Come make this 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home in Portage, Indiana your next project today! Walking in the door, you are greeted to a spacious living room. Further through the living room is access to your kitchen. Make your way down the hall to your 3 bedrooms and a full bathroom. Attached to the living room is your laundry room, access to your attached 2-car
SHORT-TERM RENTAL OPPORTUNITY! Spend your summer escaping to Marina Shores, where summer adventures await in this custom luxurious FURNISHED walkout ranch! This 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath, 3000 sq. ft. haven is perfectly equipped for endless summer fun. The SUMMER rental term is 3 months with an option to add additional months on at a discounted price. Dock your boat at the nearby marina and dive into
Discover The Promenade at Founders Square Apartments in Portage, IndianaExperience upscale living at The Promenade at Founders Square, where refined living blends seamlessly with a welcoming community. Our luxury apartments in Portage, Indiana are thoughtfully designed with spacious floor plans, premium amenities, and a vibrant atmosphere that feels like home.
Your 2 bed/2 Full bath home is ready! Amazing home for purchase or a (2) year lease! 55 Plus community located in Portage! Come see what Ingram Manor is all about!
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.
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.
