Portage, IN Homes for Rent

Portage, Indiana, is a growing suburban city along the shores of Lake Michigan with a population of 38,000. Known for its rich history in transportation and steel mills, Portage now attracts residents from Chicago seeking a quieter lifestyle. The city offers numerous recreational opportunities, including Indiana Dunes National Park, Woodland Park, and Imagination Glen Park, providing a variety of things to do such as hiking, mountain biking, and beach access. The residential landscape features mid-to-late 20th-century homes and newer subdivisions like Dunewood Trails and Brookside, with waterfront communities like Ogden Dunes presenting higher home prices. Annual events such as Bacon Fest Portage and the summer farmers market at Founders Square Park keep the community engaged. Dining options are plentiful along Willow Creek Road, with shopping and major employers located near the Grand Army of the Republic Highway and AmeriPlex at The Port. Portage Township School District serves approximately 7,000 students, with Portage High School offering dual enrollment programs with Indiana University and Purdue Northwest. Commuting is convenient via Interstate 90 and the South Shore Line, with Gary/Chicago International Airport 15 miles away. Crime rates in Portage are below the state average, although pollution from industrial facilities along the East Arm Little Calumet River remains a concern. Nonprofits like Save the Dunes are actively working to address environmental issues.