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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
Video By
Patrick Johnson
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Susan Mender,
an experienced agent in this area.
On average, homes in Portage, IN sell after 44 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Portage, IN over the last 12 months is $314,723, up 10% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Stunning Ranch just steps away from the Marina in the Gated Lakefront Community of Marina Shores. Come and see this 4 Bedroom, 3 bathroom home with a 2 Car Garage, Finished Basement & over 3,000 sq ft of Generous Space & Storage. Relax in the Community Pool or Dine Waterfront at the Yacht Club! The Living Room has a Gorgeous Gas FP that opens to the Impressive Kitchen w/ Beautiful Granite
Live where nature meets the lake in beautiful Ogden Dunes. Step out your back door and into the Indiana Dunes National Park--just steps from the sandy shoreline of Lake Michigan. Tucked away on a quiet cul-de-sac, this thoughtfully updated 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home blends comfort, character, and easy access to the outdoors. The kitchen offers granite counters, stainless appliances, and sliding
SPACIOUS Move-In Ready Bi-Level in a FANTASTIC LOCATION in Portage, IN. This BEAUTIFUL home features over 2500 Sq/ft of living space with 4 Bedrooms, 3 UPDATED BATHS, a 2.5 Car Garage and a PRIVACY-FENCED BACKYARD. Upstairs you'll love the VAULTED CEILING that showcases a Big Living Room, Dining Room and Kitchen with brand new LVT flooring and APPLIANCES that stay. The sliding glass door takes
High above it all with views of Lake Michigan in your own Private Wooded Retreat. 1.5 Acres of natural Paradise abutting the Indiana Dunes, this is a once in a lifetime setting. Experience this Mid-Century modern home offering panoramic views, 5 tiered decks, guest home, walking trails, fire pit & just 3 min walk to the Beach. Located just outside Chicago take advantage of the beauty of Ogden
Home Sweet Home! This Spacious 4 (Possibly 5) Bed 2 Bath Ranch Home on Almost a Half Acre with a 4 Car Heated Garage with a Large Additional Storage Space is a MUST SEE! From the moment you walk into the home you will love the beautiful hardwood floors throughout most of the main floor! The living room is spacious, and you will love the natural lighting. The Eat-In kitchen offers a lot of cabinet
MOTIVATED SELLER!! Welcome home to this beautiful 4 bedroom ranch, perfectly positioned on a tranquil pond. Enjoy the ease of single-level living with a layout that offers picturesque water views from a rear sunroom. The kitchen features modern appliances and flowing seamless into the dining area. Inside you will find original hardwood floors that have been professionally refinished with a dark
Discover your ideal short-term retreat or fully furnished corporate rental! This exquisite modern home is conveniently located just a short stroll from the pristine beach of Lake Michigan in the charming community of Ogden Dunes! This peaceful and quiet sanctuary is nestled among trees, offering abundant natural light and picturesque views that create a serene and calming atmosphere. The home
Available for rent at 2,600 per month, this newly updated home at 5423 Stone Avenue in Portage, Indiana offers spacious living with four bedrooms and one bathroom. The property features both a one-car attached garage and a 1.5-car detached garage, providing ample parking and storage. Inside, you'll find all-new appliances and fresh updates throughout, creating a modern and comfortable atmosphere.
Indiana's premiere luxury community built with you in mind... Lake Pointe Apartments is located in Portage. We are conveniently located on Highway 6, less than a mile from the IMAX Theater & Portage High School, and only 35 miles from downtown Chicago! You will find our community resting on beautifully landscaped grounds, surrounding a peaceful lake, and within minutes of Indiana Dunes National
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