Ultimate Guide To Lakefront Property Northwest Indiana Edition

As a kid growing up in Northwest Indiana I spent a lot of time at the beach along the sandy shores of Lake Michigan. I have always enjoyed being near water. Today, I get to help people find, buy, and sell lakefront real estate, and I love it. I’d like to share information about the lakefront home options in Northwest Indiana.

Northwest Indiana has some of the best lakefront property in the Chicagoland area. This guide will help hopeful lake house homebuyers understand lakefront real estate in Northwest Indiana. Also, I will point you to where you can find some of the best waterfront homes for sale in Northwest Indiana.

What’s Your Lake Life Look Like?

The first question I ask every homebuyer wanting to buy a waterfront home is “What do you want to do on the lake?” Some homebuyers want to listen to the waves and lay in the sun. Other buyers look forward to dipping their pole in the water at 5:00 AM as a rising sun and silence over washes them.

The type of lake life you want to live should guide which lake homes for sale in Northwest Indiana you should consider. To help with this, I have broken this post down into three sections by focusing on the three types of lakes in Northwest Indiana: Big Blue, a.k.a. Lake Michigan, all-sports recreational lakes, and no wake lakes.

Communities With Lake Michigan Waterfront Homes For Sale In Northwest Indiana

Living On Lake Michigan In Northwest Indiana

Buying a home on Lake Michigan has benefits, but might not be what you think either. There are risks to living on such a large lake and getting on the water might be harder than you think.

Pros

• Amazing views of the water
• Close proximity to nature preserves, state park, and national park
• Beaches
• Lake life vibe
• Deep water fishing
• Close proximity to Harbor Country and other beach-vibe towns

Cons

• Boating on the water requires accessing a nearby marina and a larger boat capable of handling the waves and current of a large lake. Marinas are located in Michigan City, Portage, and Hammond, Indiana.
• Roads can become very congested during peak summer weekends and holidays
• Erosion of lakefront lots and beaches is a real concern especially when lake levels are high

Northwest Indiana Communities With Lakefront Homes For Sale On Lake Michigan

There are five Northwest Indiana communities where homebuyers can find homes for sale on Lake Michigan in Indiana. Each of these communities offers something different to homebuyers.

Michigan City

Michigan City is a city of 32,000 people 60 miles east-southeast of downtown Chicago. Here, waterfront homebuyers can find lakefront Michigan City houses for sale along Lake Shore Dr.

Since 2021, just seven Lake Michigan lakefront home sales have been reported to the GNIAR MLS. These homes had a price range of $725,000 to $3,000,000.

Waterfront homes for sale in Michigan City, Indiana are located in one of three areas from west to east: Sheridan Beach, Shoreland Hills, or Duneland Beach.

Sheridan Beach is closest to Washington Park and the Michigan City Marina. Here, homebuyers can expect a 100% beach feeling but with a walkable distance to the marina, parks, Michigan City Zoo, and some nearby restaurants.

Shoreland Hills is farther east not within a walkable distance to amenities. However, there really are only a couple homes which are both lakefront and described as being in Shoreland Hills.

Lastly, homebuyers can find a Michigan City lake house for sale in Duneland Beach. Lakefront homes in Duneland Beach are lakefront with an exception. Yes, they are lakefront, but they are on the south side of Lake Shore Dr. This is due to the fact that the neighborhood association owns the beach and have decreed nothing can be built upon. So, lakefront homes in Duneland Beach are lakefront, but you have to cross the street. Lake views from the homes along Lake Shore Dr. are unobstructed because you are looking across the bare beach which you and about 150 other homeowners collectively own.

Long Beach

Long Beach is a bedroom community where homebuyers can find houses for sale on Lake Michigan in Indiana. 2.3 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline run along this town, too. This includes Lake Shore Dr. from just west of Blanchard Ct. to Moore Rd. Necessary amenities can be found in Michigan City which surrounds Long Beach to the west, south, and east. Anyone looking for a lakefront home for sale in Michigan City should be looking at Long Beach, too.

Since 2021, six Lake Michigan lakefront Long Beach homes have sold in the GNIAR MLS. These homes ranged in price from $1,225,000 to $2,290,000. Lakefront homes for sale in Long Beach typically have three or more bedrooms, two or more bathrooms, and 2,300 to 5,000 finished square feet. Lot sizes range from 7,000 to 25,000 square feet.

Beverly Shores

Beverly Shores is a community in northeast Porter County where homebuyers can find lakefront homes for sale on Lake Michigan. Beverly Shores is a bedroom community of about 600 people. The South Shore Commuter Rail Line has a stop at Beverly Shores, so the town is connected to downtown Chicago. Though there are few other amenities in Beverly Shores, the nearby cities of Michigan City and Chesterton have everything to meet your needs.

Lakefront homes for sale Beverly Shores, Indiana are more affordable compared to Michigan City and Long Beach. Recently, I observed lakefront Beverly Shores homes for sale selling between $522,000 and $875,000. Lakefront real estate here is not true lakefront, though.

The road running along the lakeshore in Beverly Shores is Lake Front Dr. All of the homes in Beverly Shores next to the lake are on the south side of this road. Therefore, to reach the water you must cross the street and walk across the beach. Essentially, lakefront homes do not truly own the lakefront.

Beverly Shores does not have a marina. Instead, residents can launch a boat from the marina in Michigan City about four miles away. However, Beverly Shores is adjacent to many of the protected lands including the Indiana Dunes National Park. This is a huge plus for nature lovers and the lasting value of houses for sale in Beverly Shores Indiana.

Ogden Dunes

Ogden Dunes is a town of about 1,200 residents located in Northwest Porter County about 40 miles from downtown Chicago. This bedroom community borders the Lake Michigan shore.

Amenities in Ogden Dunes include trails, parks, and protected lands adjacent to the community. The protected lands include the Indiana Dunes State Park and the Indiana Dunes National Park. A stop for the South Shore Commuter Rail Line is also located at Ogden Dunes. Additional amenities can be found in nearby Chesterton or Portage, Indiana.

Homebuyers can purchase true Lake Michigan lakefront houses for sale in Ogden Dunes, Indiana. Recently, lakefront Ogden Dunes homes for sale were selling for between $860,000 and $1,250,000.

The road parallel to the shore is Shore Dr. There are lakefront homes on the northside of Shore Dr. In recent years, the beach has been minimal in Ogden Dunes due to erosion, though.

There is no marina in Ogden Dunes for launching a boat onto Lake Michigan.

Miller Beach

Miller Beach is a neighborhood on the northeast side of Gary, Indiana. Here, homebuyers can find Miller beach houses for sale.

Miller Beach has a population of about 9,000 to 10,000 people. Gary and Portage, Indiana provide support for the area due to the limited amount of amenities actually included in Miller Beach. Miller Beach does have a stop along the South Shore Rail Line connecting this burg to downtown Chicago. Miller Beach is 35 miles south-southeast of The Loop. There is no marina in Miller Beach.

Lakefront Miller Beach homes for sale typically sell for between $600,000 and $1,400,000 depending on the size and amenities featured in the home.

All-Sports Lakes In Northwest Indiana

All-sports lakes like Pine Lake in LaPorte County, Indiana are typically a boater’s paradise. But, it can be a nightmare for those seeking only quiet and tranquility.

Pros Of Living On An All-Sports Lake

• Best lake option for a wide range of water sports including motorboating, jet skis, pontooning, and small bass boats for fishing
• Opportunity for fishing
• Less erosion issues

Cons Of Living On An All-Sports Lake

• Congestion at high traffic summer weekends and holidays
• Some people’s use of lake may interrupt or interfere with your use of the lake
• Noise from boats and people
• Popular All-Sports Lakes With Lakefront Homes For Sale In Northwest Indiana

Pine Lake, LaPorte, Indiana

Pine Lake is a remarkably clean, public lake allowing boating and has diverse waterfront real estate options.

• Location: LaPorte, Indiana 70 miles east-southeast of The Loop and 27 miles west of South Bend, Indiana
• About The Lake: 540 acre spring-fed lake is located centrally in LaPorte County and is adjacent to the city of Laporte. Pine Lake is a public lake making it accessible to all people for boating, non-motorized watercraft, and fishing. Pine Lake is an all-sports, recreational lake, and faster motorboats are allowed on this lake. The lake’s maximum depth is 71 feet. When including Stone Lake, the overall surface area is 710 acres.
• Amenities:  Nearby are parks, parking, and the lake is adjacent to the city of LaPorte, Indiana which is a thriving town of about 22,000 people. Amenities you could need while enjoying your lake house are available in LaPorte.
• Public Boat Launch: Yes

Pine Lake Real Estate, LaPorte, Indiana

Lakefront Pine Lake houses for sale can cost as low as low as in the mid-$400s to over $800,000. There are even a few select homes that due to their size and lot would likely sell for over $1,000,000 if listed for sale.

Lakefront homes on Pine Lake typically have enough lake depth for a boat dock in the back. Additionally, there is a small marina on the east side of the lake where boaters can rent dock space. Lastly, there is a public boat launch on the south end of the lake.

When searching Pine Lake homes for sale consider condos, too. There are two condominium complexes on Pine Lake, too. Outlook Cove is a condominium complex at the east end of Pine Lake. Each of the condominium homes comes with a boat slip. These homes typically have two to three bedrooms and two bathrooms. North Shore Condos is a condo complex with Pine Lake waterfront homes for sale, too. Like Outlook Cove, these homes come with a boat slip. These lakefront condos for sale in LaPorte, Indiana were recently selling from $254,000 to $555,000.

Hudson Lake, Hudson Lake-New Carlisle, Indiana

Hudson Lake is an all-sports lake likely to not be as congested as others due to its location farther east than Pine Lake.

• Location: Hudson Lake is 78 miles east-southeast of The Loop in Hudson Lake, Indiana near New Carlisle, Indiana.
• About The Lake: The lake has 423 acres of water with a maximum depth of 39 feet. Boaters can use motor boats, bass boats, and pontoons on the water at this lake. Activities on the lake include fishing, water skiing and tubing, and kayaking. No motorized watercraft are allowed, too.
• Amenities: Hudson Lake is its own town with about 1,200 residents. Very nearby is New Carlisle which is a town of about 1,800 residents. The South Shore Commuter Rail Line has a stop at Hudson Lake. This connects this hamlet to downtown Chicago and South Bend, IN.
• Public Boat Launch: Yes

Hudson Lake Lakefront Real Estate In Hudson Lake, Indiana

There are lakefront homes on Hudson Lake. The size and features in these homes varies widely from small two bedroom, one bathroom homes, to large homes with five or more bedrooms and over 5,000 finished square feet. Due to this, Hudson Lake homes for sale on the waterfront range from the $200,000s to the $700,000s.

Lake Louise, Shorewood Forest, Valparaiso, Indiana

Lake Louise is a private lake in a neighborhood of above average to luxury homes named Shorewood Forest in Valparaiso, Indiana. Shorewood Forest offers the best balance to live the boating recreational life on a daily basis.

• Location: Lake Louise is in the Shorewood Forest neighborhood located on the west side of Valparaiso, Indiana 58 miles south-southeast of The Loop.
• About The Lake: Lake Louise is a private lake. Residents and their guests in the company of a resident can enjoy the lake. Lake Louise covers 230 acres. Through careful control, this is an all-sports lake. Motor boats, bass boats, jet skis, and pontoons are all allowed on the water. However, non-motorized boats like kayaks are allowed, too. The lake also has a small beach area, too.
• Amenities: The neighborhood is adjacent to Valparaiso, Indiana, a thriving city of 35,000 residents. Shorewood Forests can find every amenity needed in that city. Additionally, the neighborhood has many amenities including a splash pad, pool, numerous sport courts, walking trails, beach, and a dog park.
• Public Boat Launch: No. There is a boat launch, but it is for resident use only. Lake Louise is a private lake.

Shorewood Forest Homes For Sale

Shorewood Forest Valpo is a community of about 800 single family homes. Most of these homes were built between the 1980s and early 2000s. Despite the lake being the centerpiece of the neighborhood, Shorewood Forest has a home feeling, not a lake life feeling. Most of the residents are year-round residents. Homes in this neighborhood are large, too. The typical home has four bedrooms, three bathrooms, and over 3,700 finished square feet.

Lakefront Shorewood Forest homes for sale have recently sold in the range of $447,500 to $1,285,000. Most homes sell for under $1,000,000 though. Looking back at the period from 2020 through 2021 the median sale price for a waterfront home sold in Shorewood Forest was $795,000 and the average sale price was $788,751.

Cedar Lake, Cedar Lake, Indiana

Cedar Lake is an all-sport, public lake located in central Lake County, Indiana. The lake is surrounded by homes and a few businesses including several popular restaurants.

• Location: 46 miles south of The Loop in Cedar Lake, Indiana. Other nearby towns with more amenities include Crown Point, Indiana 9 miles to the northeast with about 34,000 residents.
• About The Lake: Public lake with 781 acres with a median depth of 8 feet and a maximum depth of 16 feet. Cedar Lake is an all-sports recreational lake. Permitted boating activities include motor boats, bass boats, jet skis, and pontoons. Non-motorized boating is allowed on the lake, too. Fishing is allowed, too.
• Amenities: Some restaurants and small stores. Other medium sized cities nearby have more shopping and other related amenities. These cities would include Crown Point, St. John, and Lowell.
• Public Boat Launch: Yes

Cedar Lake Real Estate

Cedar Lake waterfront homes for sale have recently been selling in the range of $260,000 to $1,200,000. About 75% of the lakefront homes on Cedar Lake are single family homes, and the remainder are townhomes and condos.

The size, features, and price of Cedar Lake homes for sale can vary widely. Throughout the year, the spectrum of homes sold on the shores of Cedar Lake homes from small two bedroom, one bathroom homes on a 1/10 acre lot to luxury homes with over five bedrooms and over 5,000 finished square feet.

Houses for sale in Cedar Lake, IN typically have three bedrooms and three bathrooms. The home was most likely built in the 1970s through the 1990s. A recent average sale price for Cedar Lake lakefront homes for sale was $542,918, or about $242.00 per square foot. A recent median sale price was $450,000. Cedar Lake townhomes and Cedar Lake condos typically sell for less than houses. Recent sales of homes of these types ranged from $260,000 to $370,000.

Lake Dalecarlia, Lake Dalecarlia, Indiana

Lake Dalecarlia is a private, all-sports reservoir lake maintained and managed by the Lake Dalecarlia Property Owners Association.

• Location: Lake Dalecarlia is located 51 miles south of Downtown Chicago and 5 miles north of Lowell, Indiana.
• About The Lake: Lake Dalecarlia is 180 acres with an average depth of four feet. Lake Dalecarlia is an all-sports lake allowing motor boats, pontoons, and bass boats. All boaters must follow the boating rules provided by the property owners association.
• Amenities: None. Residents can find what they need in the nearby town of Lowell. Also, Crown Point 7 miles to the north is a medium sized city with all amenities you could need.
• Public Boat Launch: No. Non-residents are not allowed to place a boat on Lake Dalecarlia. All watercraft must be registered with the Lake Dalecarlia Property Owners Association.

Lake Dalecarlia Real Estate

Homebuyers will only see houses when searching for waterfront houses for sale on Lake Dalecarlia Indiana. Recently, lakefront homes for sale on Lake Dalecarlia were selling for $224,000 to $570,000. Home sizes ranged from two bedroom, one bathroom homes with 1,000 square feet to six bedrooms, four bathrooms and 3,440 finished square feet. Lot sizes are typically between 6,000 and 12,000 square feet.

Over a recent 12-month period reviewing lakefront home sales in Lake Dalecarlia revealed the average home sale price was $359,473. The median sale price for a lakefront home in Lake Dalecarlia was $337,500. The median price per finished square foot was $172.88.

Bass Lake, Knox, Indiana

Bass Lake is an all-sports lake open to the public.

• Location: Knox, Indiana 93 miles southeast of The Loop and 40 miles southeast of Valparaiso, Indiana.
• About The Lake: Bass Lake is a public lake with 1,345 acres of open water. Bass Lake is a public lake. Motor boats, pontoons, jet skis, and non-motorized watercraft are allowed on the water. Fishing is allowed, too.
• Amenities: Bass Lake is in a rural area, so access to amenities such as shopping and amenities is limited. Knox, Indiana, a town with a population of about 4,000 people, is located about 4 miles north of Bass Lake.
• Public Boat Launch: Yes

Bass Lake Real Estate

There are Bass Lake waterfront homes for sale in Knox, Indiana. The typical waterfront home for sale on Bass Lake has three or four bedrooms and two to three bathrooms. Homes typically have 2,100 to 2,400 finished square feet. However, there are numerous smaller and larger homes, too. Lots are often larger than many other lakeside communities, too.

Over a recent twelve month period Bass Lake homes for sale on the water have sold from between $225,000 to $840,000. There is a definite correlation among Bass Lake homes for sale to the size, number of bedrooms, and features in the home compared to price; more space and bedrooms equals a higher price.

Lake Maxinkuckee, Culver, Indiana

Lake Maxinkuckee is the second largest lake by area in Indiana. This is a public, all-sports recreational in Northwest Indiana with homes for sale.

• Location: Culver, Indiana about 102 miles east-southeast of The Loop, 72 miles west of Fort Wayne, and 120 miles north of Indianapolis.
• About The Lake: Lake Maxinkuckee covers 1,864 acres and has an average depth of 22 feet. Lake Maxinkuckee is an all-sports lake allowing motor boats, pontoons, jet skis, and non-motorized watercraft, too.
• Amenities: Culver, Indiana is a town of 1,353 residents. In the town you will find several restaurants, parks, and a marina. The town is also home to the internationally renowned Culver Military Academy. The nearest city with more amenities would be Plymouth, Indiana 13 miles north of Culver.
• Public Boat Launch: Yes

Lake Maxinkuckee Real Estate

Lake Maxinkuckee waterfront homes for sale are among the most expensive waterfront homes in Northwest Indiana. Many of the largest homes sell for more than the largest waterfront homes on Lake Michigan. Lakefront homes for sale on Lake Maxinkuckee were recently selling in the range of $550,000 to $2,100,000.

Home sizes and features vary widely across the lake. Many of the most expensive houses for sale on Lake Maxinkuckee are on the east shore of the lake.

A more affordable option when searching for Lake Maxinkuckee homes for sale is to consider a condo for sale on Lake Maxinkuckee. Recently, we observed these condos selling for between $200,000 and $750,000. Many of the home sales were in the $200s and $300s. Therefore, there are affordable home and second home options for many buyers on Lake Maxinkuckee.

No-Wake Lakes In Northwest Indiana

No-wake lakes like Fish Lake in Walkerton, Indiana offer homebuyers the opportunity to be close to water and enjoy the quiet peacefulness of nature.

Pros

• Best for people wanting to kayak, row boat, or pontoon
• Peaceful, quiet, serene
• Better options for people simply wanting to fish on a lake

Cons

• Boating limited to non-motorized boats, trolling motor, or slow pontoon boats
• Generally in more rural locations
• Popular No-Wake Lakes With Lakefront Homes For Sale In Northwest Indiana

Fish Lake, Walkerton, Indiana

Fish Lake is actually two lakes named Upper and Lower Fish Lake. These are no wake lakes.

• Location: Upper and Lower Fish Lake are located just west of Walkerton, 10 miles southeast of LaPorte, Indiana and 77 miles east-southeast of The Loop.
• About The Lake: Upper and Lower Fish Lake have a combined surface area of 273 acres. The lake is a no-wake lake meaning motor boats are not allowed. Small bass boats with trolling motors or low horsepower outboard motors and pontoons. Jet skis are not allowed. Fishing is allowed on the lake, too. Fish Lake is a public lake.
• Amenities: There are few amenities at Fish Lake. This is due to the fact the lake is located in a rural area. Laporte 9 miles to the northwest or Walkerton 7 miles to the southeast of Fish Lake will have many of the amenities you could need.
• Public Boat Launch: Yes

Fish Lake Real Estate

Recently, lakefront Fish Lake homes for sale in Walkerton, Indiana were selling for between $180,000 and $255,000. Though these prices are low, there are some larger homes on the lake that would sell for more if they came on the market.

However, Fish Lake has many small, two bedroom, one bathroom homes with about 1,200 square feet. It is those homes which can provide an exceptional value to acquire a waterfront home in Northwest Indiana.

Valparaiso Chain of Lakes – Flint, Loomis, and Long Lake

The Valparaiso Chain of Lakes consists of three lakes on the northside of Valparaiso, Indiana.

• Location: Valparaiso, Indiana, 57 miles southeast of The Loop
• About the Lakes: Each of these lakes are no-wake lakes. Pontoons, bass boats with low horsepower motors, and non-motorized watercraft are allowed on the lake. Fishing is allowed on the lakes. The three lakes are not connected but are near one another.
  • Long Lake – 84 acres of water surface with average depth of six feet
  • Loomis Lake – 55 acres of water surface, 10 foot average depth with the deepest section being 55 feet deep.
  • Flint Lake – 89 acres of water surface, much of the lake is deeper than 20 feet and some areas 60 feet deep.
• Amenities: The Valparaiso Chain of Lakes is just two miles north of Valparaiso. Valparaiso is a bustling city of about 35,000 residents where you can find every amenity you could need while enjoying your lake house.
• Public Boat Launch: Yes

Flint, Loomis, and Long Lake Lakefront Real Estate In Valparaiso, Indiana

Waterfront homes for sale in Valparaiso at the Chain of Lakes carry a very wide range in values. Over a recent 12-month period home prices ranged from as low as $70,000 for a one bedroom, one bathroom 750 square foot home to $1,040,000 for a three bedroom, five bathroom home with over 6,000 finished square feet.

Walden is a well-known luxury neighborhood on the lakefront in Valparaiso. Here, homebuyers will find larger, luxury homes loaded with numerous bedrooms, bathrooms, and features. Essentially, homebuyers can find a home to meet a specific budget on the Valparaiso Chain of Lakes.

Best Value Lake Homes In Northwest Indiana

Based on the usefulness of the property, strength of the community, and overall active homebuyer audience, the best places to buy a waterfront home in Northwest Indiana are Pine Lake in LaPorte or on Shorewood Forest’s Lake Louise in Valparaiso.

Lake Dalecarlia offers pretty good overall value balancing close proximity to Chicago, amenities, usefulness of the lake, and the cost of homes.

If you just want to see water and have the quiet tranquility of being near a lake, look seriously at Fish Lake in Walkerton southeast of LaPorte.

Best Places To Buy Lakefront Property In Northwest Indiana

So, what’s the best place to buy a lake house in Northwest Indiana? Well, just like this article started with, you need to ask yourself what kind of a lake life do you want to live. A property should be bought because it suits your desires and use. Buy the home that you will get the best use of. Here is my opinion based on the most common desired lake life.

• For living the lake life on the daily – Shorewood Forest in Valparaiso
• For boating – Pine Lake in LaPorte, Indiana or Lake Maxinkuckee in Culver, Indiana
• To be close to nature – Beverly Shores or Long Beach
• For the beach – Duneland Beach
• For peace, quiet, and a rural setting – Fish Lake, Walkerton, Indiana
• A desire for super luxury lake houses – Lake Maxinkuckee or Lake Michigan

Conclusion

There are lakefront homes for sale in Northwest Indiana to match your desired lake life experience. There is a wide range of prices and lake life lifestyles. I would be thrilled to speak with you more to help you zero in on the best options for you. I am a real estate agent with significant lake house selling and buying experience.

Contact me. I will gladly answer more of your questions about the specific lakes and start a home search for you. And, thank you for reading the Ultimate Guide To Lakefront Property Northwest Indiana Edition!

On the other hand, if you read this to get more information as you prepare to sell your Northwest Indiana lake house or an NW Indiana home, check out the low real estate commission fees on my full-feature home selling service for Northwest Indiana home sellers.