Like many towns in the 1800s, Chesterton developed, grew and thrived simply by being on the railroad line. The train brought European immigrants to work on the railroad and in various factories. Today, that railroad history is depicted in some buildings downtown. “The Chamber of Commerce building is the ticket house for the old train station,” says Paul Boyter, managing broker with McColly Real Estate. “Next door is a bed and breakfast, which used to be the main station, where you can spend the night in a caboose.” The quaint town of just over 14,000 benefits from the proximity to Lake Michigan and Indiana Dunes National and State Park. It’s also about 50 miles from downtown Chicago.
Historic clock and Main Street in Burdick, Indiana.
Enjoy walking around and shopping in historic downtown Chesterton.
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Millions visit Duneland area's parks
The town of Chesterton and the nearby communities of Burns Harbor and Porter are collectively known as the Duneland area because they surround the Indiana Dunes National and State Park. “The park gets about 2 or 3 million visitors yearly,” Boyter says. “There’s a pavilion where you can sit on the top, have some drinks and watch the sunset. It’s a small town, but the lake is visited often.” While the activity slows in winter, trails can be navigated on cross-country skis. Just over 2,000 acres of the park are part of the state park system, while 15,000 acres plus are federally protected. “It equates to about a quarter of a mile of beach that’s the state park portion,” says Rachel Campbell, events manager at the Duneland Chamber of Commerce. Thomas Centennial Park is downtown and hosts the European Market in warm weather. “The park has two rail cars used as public restrooms,” Boyter adds.
Nature lovers of West Chesterton can hike to the Marquette trail, with its miles of well kept pathways.
Members at Sand Creek CC enjoy playing a round of golf at their 27 hole course.
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Downtown Chesterton hosts a variety of events
The Duneland Chamber of Commerce has offices next to Thomas Centennial Park, the site for the European Market, which runs on Saturdays from May through October. “Many locals come to the market, but we also get people from all over the region,” Campbell says. “It’s about 75,000 unique visitors a year.” In addition to produce, vendors sell breads, pastries and jewelry. Also, from May through October, Chesterton puts on Third Fridays, which caters to the burgeoning art scene in town. Stores and art galleries stay open late, and dining and drink specials are offered at participating downtown restaurants. Grocery stores, big box stores and chain restaurants are north of downtown near the intersection of Indian Boundary Road and State Route 49.
Lucrezia Cafe in Chesterton Indiana brings Italian flaire to the American farmland.
Pick from the best variety of candy at Tethans Candy and Confections.
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Chesterton house prices exhibit a wide range
Chesterton offers a wide range of home prices and styles. The median house price is about $372,000, compared to $390,000 in nearby Valparaiso. Old designs like ranch-style and Cape Cod are mixed with 21st-century Colonial Revivals and modern contemporary houses. Large homes on spacious lots are near the Sand Creek Country Club. There are also a few small condo developments southwest and east of downtown and townhouses near Coffee Creek Watershed Preserve on the south part of town.
The Chesterton Police Department says that in 2023, the latest numbers available, violent and property crimes decreased from 2022.
Cape cod style home in Chesterton, Indiana.
Colonial Revival home in downtown Burdick.
Unique homes with sunrooms can be found throughout Chesterton.
Rows of affluent homes sit in the premier gated neighborhood of Sand Creek.
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Some Chesterton residents work in Chicago
The South Shore commuter rail line is nearby for those who need to get to downtown Chicago. The Dune Park station is about 3 miles to the north. Chesterton is between two major highways that allow getting around by car. The Indiana Toll Road is about 3 miles to the south, while Interstate 94 is 3 miles north. The nearest major commercial airport is Chicago Midway International Airport, about 45 miles to the northwest. Gary/Chicago International Airport is 20 miles away - it attracts cargo and corporate flights. The nearest hospital is Northwest Health-Porter in nearby Valparaiso.
Interstate 94 is the main travel vein running through West Chesterton.
Hop on the South Shore Line and beat the traffic to Chicago.
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School system gets an A
The Duneland School Corporation gets an A rating on Niche. Five elementary schools go through fourth grade, two intermediate schools teach fifth and sixth grade and two middle schools are for seventh and eighth graders. Chesterton Senior High School is the town’s only high school. “About 200 of the 500 kids in the senior class are interning at local businesses, including one who is interning with me now,” Boyter says.
Brummitt Elementary School is a highly rated school in Chesterton.
Westchester Intermediate School is home to 462 students grades 5-6 and has an A rating on Niche.
Chesterton Middle School is a top rated school in the area with 908 students.
Chesterton High School has many after school sports and activities with an A rating on Niche.
I was born and raised in NW Indiana. I am a "Region Rat.” Since I grew up there, I know the ins and outs, the good & bad, and the history of NW Indiana. I earned his Real Estate License in 2018. I increase the number of clients I help each year. I have over thirty years of experience in the building industry, so I understand what a good vs. bad house is. Listings are GREAT, but I will gladly take everyone that comes his way, but I especially love helping people find their new homes. With the background that I have, besides being helpful to families, I have discovered that I have a great deal of knowledge to share with investors. One of the things that I am most proud of since becoming a Real Estate Agent is his partnership with “Homes for Heroes.” This allows me to give back to the LOCAL COMMUNITY! Heroes that qualify are Active or Retired Military, Law Enforcement, 1st Responders [Firemen & EMTs], Educators, and Healthcare Workers. I consider it an Honor to provide a benefit to these Heroes! I have provided a link for you to check to see if you qualify to be a Hero. http://www.homesforheroes.com/affiliate/mark-keene I have a strong Faith in God, I love my wife, kids, and grandkids. I am an Old School, Blue-Collar, Hard-Working, Harley-Riding Dude who has FUN every day taking care of people.
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