$107,852Average Value$89Average Price per Sq Ft5Homes For Sale
Gary’s most recently-added neighborhood
The Little Calumet River runs through Black Oak, Gary’s most recently-added community on the southwest corner of the city. Annexed by the city in 1976, the neighborhood was previously an unincorporated area associated with nearby Hammond. As a result, parks are run by Lake County instead of the city and homeowners have Hammond phone numbers. The neighborhood’s newest addition is Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana, bringing with it the potential for economic growth.
Getting to Chicagoland and the South Shore
Interstate 94 West takes Black Oak residents on a straight shot to downtown Chicago in about 34 miles. They head in the opposite direction for quick medical care at Methodist Hospitals Midlake Campus, as well as the campus for Indiana University Northwest, which sits about 5 miles from the community. Methodist Hospitals is a four-mile drive away, down the street from the Gary stop on the South Shore Line into Chicagoland, which takes about an hour. For commercial flights, Chicago-Midway International Airport is about 30 miles away.
New renovations and fixer uppers in Black Oak
“The community itself is on the rise with the Hard Rock Casino and is a very big flip community,” says Jennifer Parham, Managing Broker and Owner of Lighthouse Realty. “House prices have gone up quite a bit.” Ranch-style homes, Cape Cods and mobile homes—some with up to four bedrooms—are the predominant styles available in Black Oak. They’re surrounded by foliage cover and plenty of space on all sides. The most recently renovated options are priced as high as $225,000, with fixer-uppers available as low as $33,000.
Shopping and dining near Black Oak
For groceries, locals can head to Fresh County Market on the northeast side of the neighborhood. There is also an Aldi on the east end of the neighborhood and the southwest corner. They can find fast-food favorites southeast of the neighborhood on West Ridge Road or stop in at Phillys Steak & Lemonade while headed down Interstate 94.
Afternoons at Lake Etta County Park
Late Etta County Park sits off West 29th Avenue as the only park located fully within Gary and a tranquil spot for families and friends. The park features 112 acres of hiking trails, a fishing pier and a canoe launch on the Little Calumet River, as well as a banquet hall and wedding pergola. Spring Park located on Chase Street is a small park featuring an artesian well where neighbors can come and fill up their jugs with fresh spring water. Kids run off steam on the playground at Seberger Park.
Schools for Black Oak Students
Some students in Black Oak are zoned for Steel City Academy, a public charter school for students in grades K-12 that earns a C-plus from Niche. The school is hailed for its small class sizes and strong student-teacher bonds, as well as its college visit opportunities and college readiness focus. Others start at Aspire Charter Academy before moving on to Calumet High School; these options receive a C-minus and a C-plus, respectively. For parents looking to enroll their kids in private school, Ambassador Christian Academy is just to the east of the neighborhood and provides a faith-based private education for K-8 students. Indiana University Northwest is also just to the east of Black Oak and boasts a strong dental program.
The arrival of Hard Rock Casino
Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana also has five restaurants and is conveniently located in the northwest corner of the neighborhood near Interstate 94. Opened in May of 2021, the casino features a large gaming floor and concert venue where visitors catch national comedy and music acts. The casino also features Joe Jackson’s original guitar, Michael’s famous glove, the red leather jacket from the “Beat It” music video and other memorabilia from Gary’s most famous family.
Environmental remediation in Black Oak
Because the Little Calumet River contains hazardous contaminants like PCBs from illegal waste dumping, residents should have caution when using the waters for recreational purposes, such as fishing and swimming. Black Oak is also the site of Lake Sandy Jo, a now-closed landfill located at 3615 West 25th Avenue. This site is under the Environmental Protection Agency’s Superfund National Priority List, and the agency continues to monitor the site’s groundwater and other factors after remediations completed in 1994.
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
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
LaDonna Davidson,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Lake Etta County Park
Fishing
Lake
Picnic Area
Tolleston Park
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Picnic Area
Patcher Park
Basketball
Pool
Parking Lot
Indiana Dunes National Park
Bike Trails
Camping
Fishing
Seberger Park
Basketball
Grills
Picnic Area
Spring Park
Parking Lot
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Black Oak
US
Homicide
7
4
Sexual Assault
5
4
Assault with Weapon
6
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
5
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
5
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Black Oak, Gary sell after 68 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Black Oak, Gary over the last 12 months is $83,350, down 21% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Looking for your first or next residential income property? This charming and totally updated 3-bedroom, 1-bath ranch -- it's got everything you need! Tenant occupied. Inside, you'll find fresh updates throughout, including new flooring, a modern kitchen, and a stylish bathroom. The layout is simple and functional, with a cozy vibe that feels just like home. Out back, there's a fully fenced yard
Welcome to this stunning, fully remodeled 3-bedroom ranch home, perfectly located just steps away from the new Hard Rock Casino -- you can walk there! Whether you're an investor looking for a turn-key rental opportunity or seeking a property ideal for Airbnb, this home has everything you need. The spacious, open floor plan is beautifully updated with modern finishes throughout, offering both
Opportunity awaits with this ideally located lot in Gary, Indiana! Situated less than a mile from the Hard Rock Casino and just minutes from the I-94 expressway, this property offers exceptional accessibility and potential. Whether you're looking to build or invest, this lot provides a strategic location in a growing area. Don't miss out on this chance to secure a valuable piece of real estate
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
LaDonna Davidson,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
3,263
Median Age
39
Population Density
1 person/acre
Population under 18
25.4%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
16.5%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$32,628
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$41,593
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
87.3%
College Graduates
4.6%
Significantly below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
2%
% Population in Labor Force
48.9%
Below the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
41''
Average Winter Low Temperature
16°F
Average Summer High Temperature
83°F
Annual Snowfall
42''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
48/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
4/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
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.
