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Miller

Miller

Suburban Neighborhood in Gary, Indiana

Lake County 46402, 46403

$273,165 Average Value
$146 Average Price per Sq Ft
22 Homes For Sale

Lakeside living in Miller

Miller is all about the great outdoors. The neighborhood, situated at the southernmost tip of Lake Michigan, is surrounded by the unique beauty of the Indiana Dunes ecosystem, most of which is now legally protected land. “There are 6.1 miles of beach here that are either part of a national or municipal park. One of our mottos is come for the beach, stay for the people, because it’s an eclectic, diverse community,” says Gene Ayers, the owner of Ayers Realtors, a family business dating back 102 years in the area. “You’ve also got older houses, newer houses and a new commuter train station, which gets people to Chicago in around 40 minutes.”

Rows of lakefront homes sit together with unique styles throughout.
Rows of lakefront homes sit together with unique styles throughout.
Homes in Miller are walking distance to beautiful beaches along Lake Michigan.
Homes in Miller are walking distance to beautiful beaches along Lake Michigan.
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Exploring Indiana Dunes National Park

True to its easygoing lifestyle, Miller features more than 20 miles of hiking and biking trails that connect locals to Lake Michigan and surrounding parks. Wander through the Indiana Dunes National Park’s forested trails that meander through beaches, swamps and marshes. It’s a favorite escape among birdwatchers because of the more than 350 species living in the trees. Patterson Island is a manmade retreat for locals wanting to hop in a kayak or canoe. It sits within Marquette Park, which is fronted by a bronze statue of the namesake French missionary who explored the area. Outside the park’s Aquatorium, which has been converted into a flight museum, is another bronze statue – this time for Octave Chanute, who performed some of the country’s earliest aviation tests nearby. Along with lakefront beach access and scenic trails, the park has a playground perched on sandy grounds and a disc golf course. “The park pavilion underwent a major restoration project about 10 years ago,” Ayers says. “It dates back to the 1920s and was due for help, and it got it. Now, there are some events, and live bands will perform there.”

Residents of Miller spend the summer days boating on Lake Michigan.
Residents of Miller spend the summer days boating on Lake Michigan.
Residents of Miller love wakeboarding on Lake Michigan in the summer.
Residents of Miller love wakeboarding on Lake Michigan in the summer.
Enjoy a relaxing day on Marquette Park Beach in Miller.
Enjoy a relaxing day on Marquette Park Beach in Miller.
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A mix of midcentury homes

Miller’s housing development grew post-World War II in the 1950s and ‘60s, so homes trended toward split-level and ranch styles. “The biggest growth spurt in the area led to a lot of midcentury modern styling,” adds Ayers. There are also bungalows and Tudor homes scattered throughout the area. Prices for these houses range from $250,000 to $418,000. “We also have million-dollar lakefront homes, so the price ranges are widely diverse.” Mature trees set the scene for the residential streets, often traced by sidewalks, giving homeowners room to roam the area by bike or foot. Those living in homes along Lake Michigan’s shores will likely have to drive along narrow back streets and pull into two- to three-car garages.

Rows of homes in unique styles and colors are common throughout Miller.
Rows of homes in unique styles and colors are common throughout Miller.
Lakefront homes can often be found with big windows and beautiful landscaping.
Lakefront homes can often be found with big windows and beautiful landscaping.
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First Fridays on South Lake Street

While the winters are frigid, Miller comes alive in summertime. Lake Street transforms on the first Friday of each month, starting in May and running through October. “Shops are open later, and a number of venues have live bands,” Ayers says. Due to the area’s history in aviation, it’s fitting that the South Shore Air Show is held in Marquette Park in July. That same month, the park plays host to the Miller Garden Club’s Annual Garden Walk, now going on its 24th year. The organization is one of many volunteer opportunities in the area, according to Ayers. “We have the Miller Citizens Corporation, the Miller Beach Business Association, a very active Humane Society and the Rotary Club meets here.”

The burgers look amazing at the Food Truck Festival in Miller.
The burgers look amazing at the Food Truck Festival in Miller.
Island Ice has great shaved ice at the Food Truck Festival in Miller.
Island Ice has great shaved ice at the Food Truck Festival in Miller.
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Longtime local eateries and more to come

Fan-favorite restaurants have planted roots on South Lake Street. “Miller Pizza has been there for more than 35 years,” Ayers says. The staple eatery serving deep-dish pies is housed in a former train station with an outdoor patio that fills up quickly on warm nights. Caribbean Roots serves up Dominican specialties, while Beach Buds is a prime spot for people with a sweet tooth. The area is also starting to see new restaurants, including Tiny’s Coffee Bar, which serves much more than the hot beverage. Locals stop by during the day for cinnamon rolls and bagels; at night, it becomes a go-to for craft cocktails. “Another new place that’s about to open is Brass Idol, and they’re billing themselves as an Americana diner,” Ayers says. “The chef comes from Chicago with some experience.” Miller K Mart has some produce and grocery staples on its shelves, but people can also drive 9 miles along Interstate 80 to find an ALDI. From May through September, there’s a Sunday farmers market south of Route 12.

Grab an iced coffee and walk to the beach from Tiny's Coffee.
Grab an iced coffee and walk to the beach from Tiny's Coffee.
Sit outside and play backyard games at The Brass Idol.
Sit outside and play backyard games at The Brass Idol.
The Brass Idol is a locally owned American diner in Miller.
The Brass Idol is a locally owned American diner in Miller.
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Arts-centered curriculum at Gary Middle School

Students living in Miller are zoned for the Gary Community School Corporation. They will attend Banneker Elementary at Marquette, which gets a D rating from Niche. The same grade is given to Gary Middle School for the Visual and Performing Arts. The school has a feeder program to the West Side Theatre Guild at West Side Leadership Academy, which earns a C-minus from Niche.

Banneker Elementary at Marquette is home to 321 students and has a D rating on Niche.
Banneker Elementary at Marquette is home to 321 students and has a D rating on Niche.
Gary Middle School is home to 355 students and has a D rating on Niche.
Gary Middle School is home to 355 students and has a D rating on Niche.
West Side Leadership Academy is home to over one thousand students with a C rating on Niche.
West Side Leadership Academy is home to over one thousand students with a C rating on Niche.
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Dunes Highway runs through Miller and allows residents access from Chicago to Portage.
Dunes Highway runs through Miller and allows residents access from Chicago to Portage.

Public transit links locals to Chicago

While the area is walkable and bikeable, Miller Beach is a car-dependent community due to the commute to larger towns and cities. Along the neighborhood’s southern border, residents have access to Interstate 90, which links them to downtown Chicago, nearly 36 miles away. Locals can take Interstates 294 and 80 for 62 miles to reach Chicago O’Hare International Airport. There is access to other forms of transportation, including the South Shore Line commuter rail system, with a stop off East Dunes Highway. The Gary Public Transportation Corporation also has bus stops dotted along South Lake Street and 4th and 7th Avenues.

Sara Ferguson
Written By
Sara Ferguson
Jace Hirosky
Photography Contributed By
Jace Hirosky
Matthew Link
Video By
Matthew Link

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
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 Estela Lopez, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Chicago Midway International

55 min drive

Bus

Maple & County Line Rd

Bus

Lakewood & Rush

Bus

5th & Vermillion Pl

Bus

Lake & Hemlock

Bus

Hemlock & Montgomery

Bus

4th & Lake

Bus

Lakewood & Vanderburg

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Miller US
Homicide 6 4
Sexual Assault 4 4
Assault with Weapon 5 4
Robbery 4 4
Burglary 5 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 4 4
Larceny 3 4
Crime Score 4 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$275,000
Median Single Family Price
$282,500
Median Townhouse Price
$355,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$146
Number of Homes for Sale
22
Last 12 months Home Sales
70
Months of Supply
3.80
Median List Price
$299,900
Median Discount From 1st List Price
3%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
53%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
2,637
Median Year Built
1955
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,732
Below the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,873
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,115
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
7,405

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Apr 26
    1 - 3pm

    6550 Miller Ave, Gary, IN 46403

    $179,900

    • 2 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,392 Sq Ft
    • 6550 Miller Ave
    • New 7 days ago

    2 Bed | 2 Bath | Detached Garage | Spacious DeckWelcome to this beautifully updated 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom home nestled on a quiet street in Gary's Miller area. Freshly renovated inside and out, this home offers a modern black exterior with sleek curb appeal and a newly built rear deck perfect for outdoor entertaining.Step inside to find a bright and clean interior with luxury vinyl plank

    Jennifer Parham Lighthouse Realty, LLC

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  • Saturday, Apr 26
    12:30 - 1:30pm

    6917 E 1st Ave, Gary, IN 46403

    $300,000

    • 5 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 2,842 Sq Ft
    • 6917 E 1st Ave

    This spacious five-bedroom, two-bath home has been fully updated and is ready to impress. The brand-new kitchen features granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and an open floor plan with an eat-in island. A brand-new roof and updated mechanicals, including a new furnace, water heater, and AC (to be installed before closing), ensure peace of mind. Luxury vinyl flooring runs throughout,

    Vanessa Daley Ellsbury Commercial Group LLC

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Estela Lopez, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has Equal Renters and Owners

Demographics

Total Population
8,911
Median Age
42
Population Density
3 ppl/acre
Population under 18
25.2%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
23.8%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$43,008
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$64,317

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
90%
College Graduates
29.1%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
13.8%
% Population in Labor Force
51.5%
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®

45 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

20 / 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.

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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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Miller