East Chicago forged its character generations ago on the Indiana Harbor. The arrival of Inland Steel in the early 20th century transformed the city into an industrial powerhouse. Nicknamed "America's Workshop,” the city flourished until the steel crisis of the 1970s when mass layoffs led to a decline in population. Though the city’s industrial presence remains strong, its residents are still picking up the pieces. "East Chicago has a bit of grit because of our history, but we're a melting pot of opportunities," says Marino Solorio, a lifetime resident and director of the city's parks and recreation division. "There's still opportunity to grow and have the quality of life you're looking for in a less expensive way."
Indiana Harbor is an industrial powerhouse
Formerly known as Inland Steel, Cleveland-Cliffs’ Indiana Harbor Works is the largest employer in East Chicago. The harbor itself is a hub for energy production, mills and manufacturing, denoted by its heavy railyard and surrounding oil tanks. “We have a lot of high-paying jobs in these industries, so people are coming in from south of the county and Chicago,” Solorio says. On the banks of Lake Michigan, Ameristar Casino East Chicago is a 56,000-square-foot enterprise that plays a major role in the city’s economy. Emergency care is available at St. Catherine Hospital in the Sunnyside neighborhood, and the city's health department is in Southside . “You can get free immunizations and check-ups, so that’s an added benefit for residents,” he says.
There are several different energy companies operating around the indiana Harbor in East Chicago.
Indiana Harbor shipping canal is busy year round with supply for energy companies East Chicago.
1/2
Modern initiatives make homeownership attainable
With a current median home price of around $150,000, East Chicago falls below the national average but remains higher than nearby Gary. Single-family brick bungalows fill western neighborhoods like Calumet and Northside , while east side communities including Indiana Harbor offer a wider selection of multifamily units. This divide dates back to the turn of the century when communities west of the harbor developed residentially, and those east remained industrial. The nickname “Twin Cities” made light of the contrast born from the city’s overarching spatial and class divisions.
Today, East Chicago is working to unify each side through overall walkability and affordability. Initiatives like the 2023 Sidewalk and Alley Plan and East Chicago’s Home Ownership Program have already been implemented throughout the area. “The idea is that we want to increase single-family homeownership,” Solorio says, pointing to the city's relatively low median price. "This program facilitates down payments for the bank and buyer to make qualifying and moving here easier.”
East Chicago is made of mostly small single family homes and multiple story townhomes.
East Chicago homeowners like to decorate for the holidays.
1/2
School City of East Chicago
The School City of East Chicago earns a C-minus on Niche, a district encompassing seven public schools across the city. Alternatively, East Chicago Lighthouse Charter School is a tuition-free campus enrolling kindergarten through eighth-grade students. Located on Pulaski Street, just south of the harbor, the school offers a literacy-focused curriculum for students with diverse educational needs. East Chicago is also home to Ivy Tech Community College’s Lake County Campus. The college offers 18 programs with two-year degrees and certifications in fields like engineering and industrial technology.
East Chicago is home of Lighthouse Charter School.
East Chicago Central High School
1/2
Jeorse Park Beach offers free admission on the Lake Michigan shore
East Chicago is devoted to improving its parks and recreation system. “We’ve invested more than $12 million because we want people to have facilities they can use, including playgrounds and shelters in town,” Solorio says, noting that each neighborhood has its own green space nearby. In the center, Washington Park 's namesake green space offers a community pool, walking paths, and even a greenhouse, often the backdrop of cultural events in the summertime.
On the banks of Lake Michigan, Jeorse Park Beach is one of the only free beaches in Northwest Indiana. “We’ve cleaned the beach and added sculpture pieces, shelters, picnic tables and other components to make it a place where you can enjoy the lake with your family,” Solorio continues. He adds that the East Chicago Marina has become increasingly public after years of exclusivity for boaters.
Nunez Park Has Plenty of Green Space, a Basketball Court and a Playground For the Kids in Indiana Harbor Neighborhood
East Chicago features a number of playgrounds like the one at Nunez Park.
1/2
Past residents return to East Chicago for its cultural markets & eats
East Chicago’s “Twin Cities” offer two unique downtown areas divided by the tracks of the Indiana Harbor Belt. To the west, Chicago Avenue is lined with grocers and restaurants from La Mexicana market to Sin Frontera Bar & Grill. Main Street offers its own selection of shops and bakeries to the east. “If you’re looking for Macy’s, you’ll have to drive out of town for that,” Solorio says. “People who have moved to the Crown Points of the world still come back here to shop for groceries because the meat and produce is cheaper.” Closer to the water, the Barstool Sportsbook at Ameristar is a popular haunt directly affiliated with the Ameristar Casino, one of East Chicago’s largest economic contributors.
East Chicago is known for its small bars.
East Chicago residents can get groceries at Fuerte Meat Market.
1/2
From the South Shore Line to the Marquette Greenway
Those seeking a broader range of amenities head south toward Hammond on Calumet Avenue. The thoroughfare intersects with Interstate 94, a popular commuter route stretching 27 miles north to Chicago. “We also have the South Shore train that connects you from South Bend to Chicago and on to Wisconsin,” Solorio says, referring to the South Shore Line commuter rail. “East Chicago is fairly accessible in terms of pricing and the market. So, people can live in the city and commute by train without needing a car.” He notes that East Chicago’s bus service has remained free for years, while the Marquette Greenway is an up-and-coming trail for cyclists. “It’s a long-term way to connect us to other cities.”
Crime statistics in East Chicago
According to FBI crime data, rates of violent crime and property crime are above average compared to the rest of the state. Property crime has declined significantly. Violent crime declined in 2022 and 2023, but its annual level remains far above its 10-year low in 2018.
I'm an expert real estate agent with McColly Real Estate in Schererville, IN and the nearby area, providing home-buyers and sellers with professional, responsive and attentive real estate services. Want an agent who'll really listen to what you want in a home? Need an agent who knows how to effectively market your home so it sells? Give me a call! I'm eager to help and would love to talk to you.
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.
