Why Portage Is One Of The Best Places To Live In Indiana

Portage is one of the best cities in Indiana.  If you are thinking about moving to Northwest Indiana consider moving to Portage.  On the other hand, if you already live in Northwest Indiana and are thinking about making a move check out Portage.  This article will help you better understand the facts making Portage one of Indiana’s best places to live.

Table Of Contents

• 5 Reasons Portage Is The Best Place To Live In Northwest Indiana
• Overview Of Portage Indiana
• Portage Indiana Schools & Other Nearby Educational Opportunities
• Portage Indiana Hospitals And Healthcare Options
• Portage Indiana Public Transportation
• Portage Indiana Weather
• Portage Indiana Parks, Recreation, And Things To Do
• About Portage Indiana Real Estate
• Conclusion
• FAQ
• The Quadwalls Team Of Realtors® In Portage, Indiana

5 Reasons Portage Is The Best Place To Live In Northwest Indiana

• Large schools with many opportunities for students
• Close proximity to robust job markets
• Outstanding nearby recreational opportunities
• Affordable home prices
• Low property taxes compared to other nearby cities and towns

Overview Of Portage Indiana

Your first question is probably where is Portage Indiana. Portage is a city of 37,000 people located in Northwest Indiana. More specifically, the city is located in the northwest area of Porter County. Portage is southeast of Chicago and only 35 miles from downtown Chicago.

Knowing the answer to is Portage Indiana a good place to live just takes getting familiar with the city. In my opinion, Portage is a good place to live. The city’s location and affordable home prices make it one of the best cities in Indiana and one of the best places to live in Northwest Indiana. The school district is large meaning it offers students many opportunities. Most of all there are many good jobs in and near Portage.

Portage Indiana Schools And Other Educational Opportunities Near Portage

Students living in Portage Indiana attend Portage Township Schools.  Over 7,000 students attend Portage Township Schools.  Portage Township School athletics compete against other large schools districts.  Additionally, the school’s large size provides its students with more academic opportunities.

You can learn more about Portage Township Schools’ performance here at the Indiana Dept. of Education.

Portage Indiana Private Schools

Portage Christian School located at 3040 Arlene St. Portage, Indiana 46368.  This private school has been open for over 40 years.

Nativity of Our Savior Catholic School located at 2929 Willowcreek Rd. Portage, Indiana 46368 is a private school offering kindergarten though eighth grade education.

Colleges And Universities Near Portage Indiana

Adults wanting to further their education have several options near Portage Indiana.  For example, Valparaiso University is located just 12 miles south-southeast of Portage.  This university offers over 30 degree programs to its undergraduate students.  Valparaiso University offers Master’s and Doctoral degree programs, too.

Purdue University operates two satellite campuses in Northwest Indiana.  These campuses collectively known as Purdue University Northwest are located in Hammond and Westville Indiana.  Each is about 25 minutes from Portage Indiana.  Both are excellent campuses to begin or complete college courses.

Additionally, Indiana University has a satellite campus located in Gary, Indiana.  This campus is about 20 minutes from Portage Indiana.  Ivy Tech Community College also has campuses in Northwest Indiana.  Their Michigan City campus is about 25 minutes from Portage and their Valparaiso campus is about 15 minutes from Portage.

Portage Indiana Economy, Jobs, And Career Opportunities

Adding to what makes Portage one of the best places to live in Indiana is its local economy and job opportunities.

Portage Indiana has a diverse economy with a meaningful degree of manufacturing and logistics. Portage residents are earning a good living.  Portage Indiana has a median household income of $54,245.  This is on par with other nearby cities and towns and nearly mirrors the Indiana statewide average of $54,325.

Portage is located along the Lake Michigan lakeshore.  Part of its boundaries include some of the major manufacturing and steel production which occurs in Northwest Indiana.  Therefore, Portage’s closeness to manufacturing and proximity to interstates means there are many manufacturing, industrial management, production, and logistics job opportunities in the area.

The diversity of Portage’s job market comes from the fact that it is in a relatively dense populated area.  Portage is a city of 37,000 residents.  It is located in the Northwest Indiana region which has over 800,000 residents.  On top of that, the city is less than a 40 mile drive from downtown Chicago.  Jobs are located where people live.  In conclusion, the location of Portage makes for many career opportunities for its residents.

Portage Indiana Hospitals And Healthcare Options

The best cities in Indiana should have the best healthcare options.  Portage has great healthcare providers in Portage with more in other nearby towns including leading hospitals in Chicago.

Regency Hospitals maintains a hospital in Portage located at 3630 Willowcreek Rd. Portage, Indiana 46368.  This full-service hospital can treat both health emergencies and on-going healthcare needs.

Other nearby hospitals include Northwest Health located in nearby Chesterton, Indiana just 10 minutes east on U.S. Highway 6.  St. Mary’s hospital is located in Hobart which is 10 to 20 minutes from Portage Indiana.

Most of all, throughout Northwest Indiana there are numerous healthcare facilities to meet your healthcare needs.  Additionally, Portage residents are within driving distance of the teaching hospitals located in Chicago.

Where To Find A Portage Veterinarian

When moving to a new city it is important to find healthcare options for your furry and feathered family members, too.  There are several veterinary clinics in Portage Indiana.

Coyne Veterinary clinic is located at 3411 Airport Rd. Portage, Indiana 46368.  This is a full-service veterinarian clinic with outstanding reviews.

Hobart Animal Clinic located at 2650 IN-130 Hobart, Indiana 46342 is another great option.  This clinic advertises walk-ins are welcome with no appointment needed.  They also provide grooming and boarding services, too.

Arbor View Animal Hospital located at 244 W U.S. Hwy 6 Valparaiso, Indiana can take care of your pets, too.  This clinic has been a part of the Northwest Indiana veterinary community for decades.

Portage Indiana Public Transportation

If you are thinking about moving to Portage Indiana you are going to want to have a car.  Portage Indiana does not have an intra-city public transportation system.  However, Uber and Lyft do operate in Portage.  Also, there are some public options to get Portage residents to Chicago.

The South Shore Line is a commuter rail line in Northwest Indiana.  This train runs from South Bend to Millennium Station in downtown Chicago.  The train makes several stops each day at the Portage train station.  The Portage Indiana South Shore Line train station is located at Hillcrest Rd. and U.S. 12.

The Airport SuperSaver bus line has a stop in Portage, Indiana.  This bus service can take you to Midway or O’Hare Airport in Chicago.

Portage Indiana Weather

If you are moving to Portage Indiana from a different area you might want to know what to expect regarding the weather.  Well, we can tell you, don’t throw your coat away at the airport!

People living in Portage Indiana need to be prepared for all four seasons.  Winters in Portage Indiana are cold with low temperatures often in the teens and highs only in the 20s or 30s.  Single digit and below zero temperatures during the day can occur.

Spring and fall in Portage or similar to one another.  Early spring and late fall temperature lows are in the low 30s and low 40s.  High temperatures at these times are in the upper 40s to upper 50s.  In early fall and late spring we can see lows in the 50s and highs in the 60s or even the low 70s.

Portage Indiana weather does get hot during the summers.  High temperatures in June through early September are often in the upper 70s to the low 80s.  However, 90+ degree days are not too uncommon.  Low temperatures at these times of year are commonly in the upper low 60s.  We covered the temperatures.  Now, let’s take a look at the precipitation.

If you are thinking about moving to Portage consider what precipitation you will see.  Portage receives 30 to 35 inches or rain annually.  In addition, Portage gets about 25 to 30 inches of snow each year.  Most snowfall occurs in late December through February.

Portage Indiana Parks, Recreation, And Things To Do

Portage is one of the best cities in Indiana because of all the recreational activities available to its residents.  Local parks, great restaurants, an active community, and direct access to one of the greatest cities in the world, Chicago, make Portage Indiana one of the best places to live in Indiana.

Portage Indiana Parks & Recreation Dept.

The Portage Parks & Recreation Department is one of the best in all of Northwest Indiana.  The dedicated staff at the department oversee over a dozen parks.  Portage also has some of the most interesting city parks in all of Northwest Indiana.

The Portage parks system offers something for everyone.  Here are a few examples.  Founder’s Square has a splashpad and and stage for concerts.  The Portage Lakefront & Riverwalk is a 57 acre park located along the shores of Lake Michigan.  Imagination Glen is the largest park.  This park covers over 275 acres.  Portage’s public sports fields can be found at Imagination Glen.

The Portage Parks & Recreation Dept. also maintains a network of trails for running, walking, or biking.  These trails cut throughout and around the city and cover over 10 miles.

Portage Indiana Dog Park

We love to see cities and towns who think about their residents’ pets.  The best places to live in Northwest Indiana including Portage, Valparaiso, and St. John have thought to include dog parks.  The Portage dog park is located within Woodlawn Park at 2100 Willowcreek Rd. Portage Indiana 46368.

Portage Indiana Restaurants

Locally owned restaurants also make Portage one of the best places to live in Indiana.  We’d like to mention a few of our favorites to help be your guide.  Cappo’s located at 6656 W U.S. Highway 6 is a casual restaurant with Italian staples, pizza, burgers, and some seafood.  We recommend their chicken dinner because it is fantastic.

Bit Time Burgers + Brew pretty well sums up what they are all about.  If you are looking for a burger and a beer give this great place a try.  Tate’s Place is another great local favorite restaurant in Portage Indiana.  This is a great spot for breakfast or lunch.

Lastly, try out Shenanigan’s located at 6121 U.S. 20 Portage, Indiana.  This is a bar & grill style restaurant with a sports bar feeling but is 100% family friendly.

Indiana Dunes National Park

In 2019 Northwest Indiana became home to America’s 61st national park.  Part of the Indiana-Lake Michigan lakeshore and its surrounding area received national park status.  The Indiana Dunes National Park is less than 15 minutes from Portage, Indiana.

There are many things to do at the Indiana Dunes National Park.  You can hike miles of trails or camp overnight in their campground.  Beachgoers will enjoy sitting on the sandy shores of Lake Michigan.  You can swim in the lake, too!  Challenge yourself to climbing one of the many sand dunes.  It’s tougher than it looks!

Portage Indiana Marina

Another highlight making Portage one of the best places to live in Northwest Indiana is the Portage Marina.  Portage is one of only two cities in Northwest Indiana with a marina to provide you direct boating access to Lake Michigan.  If you own a boat and want to go out on Big Blue (Lake Michigan) regularly you should consider moving to Portage.  This feature alone is  a huge feature making Portage one of the best places to live in Indiana.

Portage Indiana Is Less Than One Hour From Chicago

Portage is located less than 40 miles from downtown Chicago.  There are countless things to do in Chicago.  For instance, you can attend a game with one of the six professional sports teams.  There are world class restaurants in Chicago.  Broadway in Chicago is a great place to see a play or musical.  There are countless entertainment venues hosting world renowned entertainers.  Or, you could go to one of Chicago’s has amazing museums like the Chicago Art Institute, The Field Museum, and the Shedd Aquarium.  And if animals are your thing check out either the free Lincoln Park Zoo or head into the western suburbs to the Brookfield Zoo.

Houses For Sale In Portage Indiana

Portage Indiana has a strong real estate market.  Each year about 550 homes are sold in Portage Indiana.  98% of these homes for sale in Portage Indiana are single-family homes.  This is not surprising because most Portage Indiana homes are houses.

Portage Real Estate Highlights

Average Home Price In Portage Indiana:  $229,458

Median Home Price In Portage Indiana:  $215,000

Annual Number Of Homes Sold In Portage Indiana:  500 to 550

Average Portage Indiana Home Size:  Three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and 1,885 finished square feet

Portage Indiana Real Estate Appreciation Rate:  +11.3% (2022 compared to 2021)

A Review Of Homes For Sale In Portage Indiana

Homes for sale in Portage IN are in high demand.  Portage Indiana homes are appreciating faster and selling faster than homes for sale in other areas of Northwest Indiana.  The typical home for sale in Portage is a single-family home with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and about 1,885 finished square feet.  The average lot size for is 0.45 acres.

Homes For Sale In Portage IN Remain Affordable Despite Strong Demand

Portage homes offer fantastic value to home buyers.  Home buyers can get more for their money in Portage.  One-third of the homes for sale in Portage cost sell for less than $175,000.  Less than 20% of the homes for sale in Portage cost more than $300,000.  This is quite a bit different than what is often found in other cities and towns in Porter County.  Portage homes are affordable for many buyers.  Most importantly, there is great demand for homes for sale in Portage, IN.

Homes For Sale In Portage Indiana Appreciate Faster Than Homes In Other Areas

Portage Indiana is one of the highest appreciating areas in all of Northwest Indiana.  Houses for sale in Portage Indiana have appreciated more each of the last four years compared to homes sold throughout the entirety of the Northwest Indiana region.  Demand for Portage homes is strong.

Additionally, more about 20% more Portage homes sold in 2020 compared to 2016.  Despite this, these homes are still appreciating faster than other areas of Northwest Indiana.   Knowing this will help you feel confident when buying a home in Portage Indiana.  In conclusion, your Portage home is likely to not only retain its value but gain in value at a rate faster than many other areas of Northwest Indiana.

Houses For Sale In Portage IN Sell Quicker Than Other Areas Of Northwest Indiana

Houses for sale in Portage Indiana sell quickly.  The average days on market for a home for sale in Portage IN is 48 days.  The median days on market is just 26 days during 2020.  Regarding both the average and median these factors are 14% and 20% less days, respectively compared to all residential property on the market during 2020.  In conclusion, there is strong demand for houses for sale in Portage Indiana.

Condos For Sale In Portage, Indiana

Condo sales only make about 1% of all annual home sales in Portage Indiana.  Recently, the average sale price for a Portage Indiana condo is $209,000.  The median sale price is $180,000.  Portage Indiana condos for sale typically have two bedrooms, one and three-quarters bathrooms, and just over 1,300 finished square feet.

Townhomes For Sale In Portage, Indiana

Only about 0.5% of all real estate sales in Portage Indiana are for townhomes.  Availability of townhomes is limited because there are not very many of them.  The typical Portage Indiana townhome for sale has recently had an average sale price of $161,500.  The typical Portage townhome has three bedrooms, one and three-quarters bathrooms, and between 1,900 and 2,000 finished square feet.

Popular Subdivisions With Houses For Sale In Portage, Indiana

Austin Hills Portage, Indiana

Homes for sale in Austin Hills were built in the early 2000s through about 2010.  Home models here include two-stories, ranches, and bi-level or split level homes.  Home sale price range from $275,000 to $355,000.  Most homes sell for between $300,000 and $350,000.  Homes are placed on generous lot size many of which are about one-third of an acre.  Most homes have four or more bedrooms and more than 2 bathrooms.  Homes for sale in Austin Hills are connected to municipal sewers and water.

Bel Air Portage, Indiana

Homes in Bel Air were built in the very late 1970s through the early 1990s.  Home prices over the last 12 months have ranged from as low as $149,000 to a maximum sale price of $257,500.  Most homes in Bel Air sell for between $160,000 and $220,000.  Home designs in this area are include ranches, tri-levels, and bi-levels.  Lot size are frequently 0.2 to 0.25 acres in size.  Most homes have a garage and all homes in Bel Air are connected to city sewers and water.

Brookview Portage, Indiana

Brookview was developed in the early 1990s, but most homes in Brookview were built during the very early 2000s.  In the last year home prices in Brookview have ranged from $160,000 to $240,000.  Most homes are selling between $200,000 and $225,000, though.  Tri-levels and bi-levels make up the majority homes in Brookview.

Cedar Creek Portage, Indiana

Cedar Creek homes were nearly all built from 2018 through 2020.  Homes in Cedar Creek recently had a price range of $254,500 to $320,000.  All homes here have a garage and most have a three car garage.  All homes in Cedar Creek are connected to city water and sewer services.

Marina Shores Portage, Indiana

Marina Shores is a community of homes built at the Portage Marina.  There are two coves and the homes are along those.  Homeowners do not have much of a backyard.  Instead, they have boat slips with direct access to Lake Michigan.  These homes are newer with most being built during the 2010s.  Prices for these homes is in the middle $300s.

Ogden Dunes Portage, Indiana

Ogden Dunes is a remarkably unique community located in Portage, Indiana.  The subdivision and its homes are built amongst the sand dunes along Lake Michigan.  Many homes in Ogden Dunes have views of Lake Michigan.  Ogden Dunes residents have direct access to the beach.  Also, at the entrance of Ogden Dunes is the Portage South Shore Line train station.

Homes for sale in Ogden Dunes have a wide range of prices.  Prices range from the middles $200s to over $900s.  Click here to learn more specifically about Ogden Dunes.

Conclusion

Portage really is one of the best places to live in Indiana.  This amazing Northwest Indiana community is the product of its residents.  The robust school community, great local economy, and affordable home prices all signal this is one of the best places to live in Indiana and one of the best places to live in Northwest Indiana.

Frequently Asked Questions About Portage, Indiana

How many people live in Portage, Indiana?  Portage has a population of about 37,000 residents.

What school system is in Portage, Indiana?  Students living in Portage attend the Portage Township School.

Are there good jobs in Portage, Indiana?  There are many good jobs in and near Portage Indiana.  Portage is located less than 40 miles from downtown Chicago and less than five miles from the major manufacturing and steel production facilities located in Northwest Indiana.  There are significant job opportunities in Portage Indiana related to logistics, manufacturing, industrial production, and plant management as well as a high need for many professional services.

Search For Houses For Sale In Portage Indiana

Quadwalls.com knows Portage real estate because we were founded in Portage!  Our website features all of the homes for sale in Portage.  Click here to view homes for sale in Portage, Indiana.

The Quadwalls Team Of Realtors® In Portage, Indiana

About Quadwalls.com

Quadwalls.com is a real estate website founded in Valparaiso, IN dedicated to helping home buyers and sellers make better decisions when buying and selling real estate. We do this by giving clear, honest information to our clients based on what we have learned by completing hundreds of home purchases and sales.
Our team of Northwest Indiana real estate agents can help you sell a buy a home for sale in Portage or elsewhere in the region including anywhere in Lake, Porter, LaPorte, Newton, Jasper, Starke, and Pulaski Counties.

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