Why Valparaiso Is the Best Place to Live in Indiana

Moving to Valparaiso Indiana is a great idea because it’s one of the best places to live in Northwest Indiana.

Here, I will talk about Valparaiso real estate, features, quality of life, economy, and information about Valparaiso’s crime rate and school opportunities.

6 Reasons Why Valparaiso Is the Best City in Northwest Indiana

1. We’re from here! The Quadwalls Real Estate Team and Quadwalls.com was started in Valparaiso, Indiana.
2. Valparaiso offers a high quality school system with many opportunities for students. Unincorporated areas around Valparaiso offer smaller schools with their own benefits.
3. The city’s stable, diverse economy provides career opportunities and jobs in Valparaiso.
4. Valparaiso offers its residents a high quality of life.
5. Valpo real estate remains affordable relative to regional earning potential.
6. Valparaiso Indiana is a safe place to live with a low crime rate.

Overview About Valparaiso Indiana

Valparaiso, Indiana is a medium-sized city located 55 miles southeast of Chicago. According to the U.S. Census Bureau the population of Valparaiso, Indiana is 34,565 people. Valparaiso is the county seat of Porter County, Indiana. Local residents often shorten the city’s name to Valpo. The zip codes in Valparaiso, IN are 46383 (east side) and 46385 (west side).

The Valparaiso Real Estate Market

Homebuyers will find a wide spectrum of housing options when looking at homes for sale in Valparaiso, Indiana.

• Average Valparaiso Indiana Single Family Home Price: $363,863
• Median Valparaiso Indiana Single Family Home Price: $330,000

Homes in Valparaiso sell quickly. During 2023 the average days on market for houses for sale in Valparaiso, IN was 30 days. About 1,000 homes are sold each year in Valparaiso. This includes condos, duplexes, townhomes, and houses. Houses account for about 88% of annual home sales in Valparaiso, Indiana.

The typical home sold in Valparaiso, Indiana is a house with three or four bedrooms, two bathrooms, has about 2,100 to 2,400 finished square feet, and is on a lot about one-quarter of an acre. There are plenty of homes that are both bigger and smaller.

Valparaiso home values are increasing. The table below illustrates the year-over-year increases in single family home prices in Valparaiso, Indiana. You can see a continuous increase in home values. Due to the city’s growth and continual high quality of life this increase in home value’s is likely to continue.

Homebuyers can find new homes for sale in Valparaiso, IN, too. Homebuyers can find Valparaiso new construction homes for sale in neighborhoods including The Brooks, Hawthorne North, and Magnolia Meadows. New condo and townhomes can be found at Calkin’s Hill.

Popular Valparaiso Subdivisions

Valparaiso features some really fantastic neighborhoods. Here a brief description of some of the most popular Valparaiso neighborhoods where you can find homes for sale.

• Shorewood Forest – Neighborhood of single family homes, loaded with amenities including a private all-sports lake.
• Pepper Creek – Neighborhood featuring luxury homes on large lots between one and three acres.
• Aberdeen – Great neighborhood with condos, smaller, and large single family homes and amenities including a pool and a golf course.
• Heritage Valley – Excellent neighborhood with great overall value for single family homes built in the 1980s and 1990s.
• Hawthorne – Located on the northside of Valparaiso with early 21st Century Midwestern modern homes.
• Manchester Meadows – Neighborhood features luxury homes from the 1990s and early 2000s and plenty of mature trees.
• Beauty Creek – Neighborhood on the westside of Valparaiso with single family homes and just a few townhomes.  High quality Midwestern Modern homes built from the late 2000s through the 2010s.
• Prairie Ridge – Fantastic value for the money with these homes built in the early 2010s.

If you want to learn more about the best Valparaiso subdivisions read my post about the Top 10 Neighborhoods with Homes for Sale in Valparaiso, Indiana.

New Construction Homes for Sale in Valparaiso

Valparaiso is a thriving community with numerous new construction neighborhoods. Many of these are filling up, but you can still find some new homes for sale in Valparaiso. I do expect more developments to be approved soon to meet the demands of this growing city. Here is a list of Valparaiso neighborhoods where you can find new construction homes for sale in Valparaiso:

• The Brooks
• Hawthorne North
• Magnolia Meadows
• Calkin’s Hill
• Timberland Meadows
• Executive Park
• Iron Gate
• Cherry Hill
• Hatch Lake
• Stonebridge

Luxury Homes for Sale in Valparaiso Indiana

In my eyes, a luxury home is priced in the top 10% of the local area market. During 2023, this was any home in Valparaiso selling for $570,000 or more. Neighborhoods including Aberdeen, Sagamore, Shorewood Forest, Manchester Meadows, Beauty Creek, Windsor Park, Harrison West, and Hawthorne each had numerous sales above that price. Many more existed in areas outside of neighborhoods, too.

Super luxury homes, or those priced at the top 3% of the local area market, started at the $800,000 mark during 2023. Neighborhoods with sales that high during 2023 include Manchester Meadows, Shorewood Forest, Calkin’s Hill, Augustine, and Grande Prairie. There are many more neighborhoods featuring future luxury homes, those are just ones where we saw several sales last year.

If you are searching for a luxury home in Valparaiso Indiana take a look at the luxury home section on my website.

Lakefront Homes and Waterfront Home for Sale in Valparaiso

If you are looking for a waterfront home for sale in Valparaiso, well, there just isn’t ever much to choose from. Lakefront homes in Valparaiso, Indiana are pretty limited to the chain of lakes area on the northside of Valparaiso and in Shorewood Forest.

Start Finding Your Valparaiso Homes for Sale

Homebuyers should search for Valparaiso houses for sale with the Quadwalls Real Estate Team. We are Valparaiso real estate agents. On our site you can search all of the listed homes for sale in Valparaiso, Indiana and ask a question or request a showing. Don’t forget to sign up for our rewards program, too!

What Makes Valparaiso a Great Place to Live

Many features have made Valparaiso the best place to live in Northwest Indiana. Here, I will provide information about the features and things to do in Valparaiso, the economy, healthcare, Valparaiso public transportation, weather, and resources you can explore about Valpo schools and Valparaiso, IN crime rates.

Valpo Parks, Valparaiso Restaurants, and Local Entertainment

Valparaiso Parks

The Valparaiso Parks Department maintains a robust park system. Valparaiso has nearly 20 parks for its 35,000 residents to enjoy. Notable parks include Ogden Gardens, a great place for photos and to see gardens. Some people get married here, too. Rogers-Lakewood Park is near the Valparaiso chain of lakes and incorporates two lakes. ValPlaySo is a community favorite for families with small children.

The Valpo parks department also runs Central Park Plaza featuring a performance stage, splash pad, lawn, and amphitheater which becomes an ice rink every winter and is the hub of the Valparaiso park system. This downtown park hosts many city events including the weekly Farmer’s Market.

Valparaiso Dog Parks

ValPAWraiso Park is a Valparaiso dog park operated by the Valparaiso Parks Dept. Residents wanting to use this park just need to get a membership and complete any necessary paperwork with the parks department.

There is a second Valparaiso dog park. Royal Acres Country Club is a privately owned membership required dog park located at 3556 Sturdy Rd. Valparaiso, IN 46383.

Indiana Dunes National Park

Valparaiso is also just 10 minutes from the Indiana Dunes National Park and Indiana Dunes State Park. The Indiana Dunes National Park was created in 2019 and encompasses the former Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. This national park runs 15 miles along the southern coast of Lake Michigan. This area is a true ecological treasure and provides an amazing respite for Valparaiso residents.

Things to do at the Indiana Dunes and the Indiana Dunes National Park including hiking the Indiana dunes or some of the 50 plus miles of trails, camping, enjoy a day at the beach on the lakeshore, or learn about the ecology of the park.

Valparaiso Golf Courses

If you like to golf you will have plenty of options in and around Valparaiso. The city of Valparaiso owns and maintains the Forest Park Golf Course and the Creekside Golf Course. Creekside is set-up for beginners and kids wanting to learn how to golf.

Aberdeen Golf Course, Sand Creek, Whitehawk, Briar Leaf, and the course at the Valparaiso Country Club are additional courses in and around Valparaiso. These are private or semi-private courses.

Valparaiso Restaurants

About 15 years ago, Valparaiso decided to revitalize its downtown area. The primary catalyst for that revitalization was getting more restaurants in the downtown area. And it worked! Today, there are many great places to eat in Valpo.

Today there are many locally owned, successful Valparaiso restaurants. Some of the most popular places to eat in Valparaiso are Pestos, China House, Furin, Kelsey’s, and Parea. A few of my favorites are Tomato Bar, The Abbey, Ricochet, and Blue Point Oyster Bar.

Valparaiso has many great, independently owned restaurants. Just take a stroll down Lincolnway and you will see many. And don’t forget those all around town, too.

Valparaiso Indiana Entertainment

Where to begin with this one. You’ve got the beach. You’ve got the parks. You’ve got the restaurants. Nearby are several casinos with frequent live music and some great dining options. The Valparaiso Festival & Events Committee hosts over 40 events each year. The largest and most historic of them all is the Popcorn Festival where we pay homage to Orville Redenbacher who started his popcorn empire right here in Valparaiso, Indiana.

Valparaiso has everything you would expect in a small to medium sized city. And if that is not enough, just one hour away is all the glamor, glitz, and good times to be had in Chicago.

Valparaiso Jobs and Economy

The Valparaiso local economy and regional economy in Northwest Indiana is diverse, robust, and fosters growth. There are many job and career opportunities in Valparaiso and the surrounding area.

The average median household income in Valparaiso is $56,465. which is about 9% less than the U.S. average.

Major employment fields in the region include healthcare, education, government, and professional services. Logistics related professions are also available in Northwest Indiana. Major manufacturing including steel production occurs nearby along the Indiana lakeshore. Lastly, Valparaiso is within daily commuting distance of Chicago.

Valparaiso Indiana Healthcare

Valparaiso is committed to healthy living. Valparaiso was one of the first cities in the state to pass an indoor smoking ban. Additionally, in the early 2000s Valparaiso invested heavily in improving parks, sidewalks, and creating bicycle paths throughout the city.

Valparaiso is served by Northwest Health – Porter Hospital located just a few miles north of Valparaiso. Northwest Health also has a small 24 hour emergency Valparaiso medical center facility located centrally in the city. Additionally, St. Mary’s Valparaiso Health Center provides many outpatient services.

Veterinarians in Valparaiso And Valparaiso Animal Hospitals

You cannot forget about our four-legged friends and keeping them healthy. If you are moving to Valparaiso and need a Valparaiso veterinarian, we can help you. There are numerous high quality, long standing, and locally owned clinics.

You can find great veterinarians in Valparaiso at McAfee Animal Hospital Valparaiso, Vale Park Animal Hospital, Morthland Animal Clinic, and the Valparaiso Animal Hospital. Additionally, the Purdue University campus in Westville, Indiana, just ten miles away, has a 24/7/365 Northwest Indiana emergency animal hospital.

Transportation In Valparaiso Indiana

Indiana is “The Crossroads Of America,” and Valparaiso helps support this reputation. Major interstates near Valparaiso include I-94, I-80/90, and I-65. US Highways Route 30 and Route 6 cross through Valparaiso. Indiana State Roads 2 and 49 cut through Valparaiso, too.

Valparaiso Public Transportation – South Shore Line Commuter Rail Line, Chicago Dash, and the V-Line

The South Shore Line is a commuter rail line which makes numerous daily trips to Chicago as far north as Millennium Station. The South Shore Line also goes as far east as South Bend.

Valparaiso residents are most likely to use the Dune Park Station located at 1068 W Dunes Hwy, Porter, Indiana 46304. Other stations some Valparaiso residents might use are the Portage station or the Beverly Shores station.

Valparaiso also has the Chicago Dash which offers twice daily service to downtown Chicago.

The V-Line is Valparaiso’s bus service with stops throughout the city.

Climate and Weather Valparaiso IN

Valparaiso has a temperate, midwestern climate. Basically, this means if you are moving to Valparaiso, IN be prepared for four distinct seasons.

The weather in Valparaiso during the summer is hot and sometimes kind of humid. Temperatures in Valparaiso peak in July and August when the average temperature is in the low 80s. Spring and fall are mild with always a few really mixed up days when the weather can’t decide what it wants to do, or what season it wants to be. Average highs in early spring are in the mid-40s and in the mid 60-s in late spring.

An opposite downward trend begins in late September and lasts until November. Then, winter shows up. Valparaiso has a real winter. January and February are the coldest months with average highs in the low 30s and average lows in the teens.

Valparaiso Indiana gets about 35 inches of rain and 38 inches of snow each year.

Is Valparaiso a Safe Place to Live?

Valparaiso, Indiana is a safe place to live. Based on the most recent available information, there were 1.5 violent crimes reported per 1,000 residents. This is less than half of the average in Indiana and well below the national average of 4.0. There were just 9.6 property crime incidents per 1,000 residents below the national average of 4.0. You can learn more about Valparaiso crime rates by viewing crime statistics on the city’s website.

Valparaiso Schools, Colleges, and Universities

Valparaiso covers a large geographic area. The township where your home is located affects where students living with you will attend school. Also, in case you are new to Indiana we call school groups corporations.

Valparaiso Community Schools

Students living in Center Township attend Valparaiso Community Schools. This is where the densest part of the city is located.

6,200 students attend Valpo schools. The district includes eight school districts, two middle schools, and a high school. The school district offers substantial academic assistance, advanced academic, extracurricular, and athletic opportunities for students. You can learn more by reviewing Valparaiso Community Schools’ profile with the Indiana Dept. of Education.

East Porter County School Corporation

Some homes with a Valparaiso address are located in Washington Township or Morgan Township. Students living in those homes attend the East Porter County School Corporation (EPCSC). This is a rural school corporation made up of three school communities: Washington, Morgan, and Kouts. You can learn more about this school district by reviewing their profile with the Indiana Dept. of Education.

Union Township School Corporation

The Union Township School Corporation is a medium sized school group for homes located in Union Township on the west side of Valparaiso. This includes neighborhoods like Arbor Lakes, Shorewood Forest, Sagamore, and Salt Creek Commons. You can learn about Union Township School Corp. at the Indiana Dept. of Education website.

Porter Township School Corporation

Porter Township is located on the southwest end of Valparaiso. Students living here attend the Porter Township School Corporation. This is a medium sized school group serving over 1,400 students. Homebuyers can visit the Indiana Dept. of Education to learn more about Porter Township Schools.

Duneland Community Schools

Jackson Township and Liberty Township on the far north side of Valparaiso contain some homes with Valparaiso addresses. Students living in those townships attend Duneland Community Schools. This is a large school district with many opportunities for students. You can learn more about this robust school district by reviewing the Duneland School Corporation profile at the INDOE

Portage Township School Corporation

Lastly, students living in Portage Township will attend schools within the Portage Township School Corporation. Portage Township is located northwest of Valparaiso and includes the South Haven community and several other neighborhoods. You can learn more about the Portage School Corporation by reviewing its profile with the INDOE.

Private Schools In Valparaiso And Nearby Areas

There are several private schools in Valparaiso. Victory Christian Academy is a private school offering kindergarten through twelfth grade. Immanuel Lutheran School and Saint Paul Catholic School both offer kindergarten through eighth grade education. The Valpo Montessori School offers an education along the lines of the ideals of the Montessori Education Method.

Valparaiso University and Other Nearby Colleges & Universities

Valparaiso, Indiana has higher education opportunities. Valparaiso is home to Valparaiso University, a private university where 3,500 students per year pursue degrees in over 35 majors across five colleges and doctoral programs.

Valparaiso also has a campus of the Ivy Tech Community College located on the city’s east side. Ten more miles east of Valparaiso in Westville, Indiana is a satellite campus of Purdue University. Additionally, both Purdue and Indiana University have campuses in nearby Hammond and Gary, Indiana, respectively.

Is Valparaiso Indiana a Safe Place to Live?

Valparaiso local law enforcement is covered by the Valparaiso Police Department. People thinking about moving to Valparaiso can contact the department. The Valparaiso Police Department has also included some Valparaiso crime statistics on their website.

Wrapping Up What Makes Valparaiso the Best Place to Live in Northwest Indiana

Valparaiso is one of the best places to live in Northwest Indiana. The city offers an outstanding quality of life to its residents. Residents have a wide variety of education experiences, employment opportunities, and many recreational activities. Valparaiso homes are affordable relative to regional income potential.

Homebuyers moving to Valparaiso will find a wide variety of home types, features, and prices when looking at Valpo houses for sale.

About the Quadwalls Real Estate Team

The Quadwalls Real Estate Team is a team of real estate agents in Valparaiso IN led by one of the top real estate agents in Northwest Indiana. We help you save money and make better decisions when buying and selling homes in Northwest Indiana. Homebuyers can save money by signing up for our real estate rewards program which offers a 20% home purchase commission rebate. Home sellers can save money with our low real estate commission fees in Northwest Indiana.

Contact us and we can help you get started buying or selling a home in Valparaiso, Indiana or anywhere else in Northwest Indiana.

Frequently Asked Questions About Valparaiso

How many people live in Valparaiso, Indiana?

According to the U.S. Census Bureau the population of Valparaiso, Indiana is 34,565 people.

Is Valparaiso Indiana a safe place to live?

Valparaiso, Indiana is a safe place to live. The violent crime rate is 50% lower than the state average and 62% lower than the national average. The property crime rate in Valparaiso is 40% less than the state average and 50% less than the national average.

What school system is in Valparaiso, Indiana?

Students living in Center Township attend the Valparaiso Community School Corporation. However, outlying areas of Valparaiso are served by one of five other school corporations.

Are there good jobs in Valparaiso, Indiana?

Valparaiso has a diverse, stable economy and is not reliant on a single industry. Large career fields include healthcare, professional services, education, manufacturing, transportation, and heavy industry, and government.

What is there to do in Valparaiso, Indiana?

There are many things to do in Valparaiso. You can enjoy the parks, impressive restaurants, shopping, the nearby Indiana Dunes National Park, the lakeshore, nearby waterpark, or hop in the car or get on the train to spend some time in Chicago.