10 Things We Love About Living in Highland, Indiana

Those hunting for the area’s newest real estate hot spot might be surprised to discover it in a tiny town in Northwest Indiana.

But that’s exactly where the buzz is, with Realtor recently giving Highland, Indiana, a spot on their list of America’s 10 hottest ZIP codes. Located about 5 miles east of the Illinois-Indiana state line, Highland, which came in ninth in the ranking, offers convenient access to the big city and all its world-class amenities, but also boasts an abundance of small-town charm.

Here are 10 things we love about living in Highland, Indiana.

1. Location, location, location

When you’re in Highland, you’re close enough to find the action – or avoid it – whenever you’d like. Highland is just 25 miles southeast of downtown Chicago, about the same distance from the city as Lake Forest, Arlington Heights or Wheaton, making it ideal for commuters or those who want easy access to the city while enjoying a quieter, suburban lifestyle. It’s a 20-minute drive to Lake Michigan, 40 minutes to Valparaiso and 45 minutes to New Buffalo, Michigan. Highland is close to I-80, I-94 and US-41, making it easy to travel throughout the area or hop in the car for longer road trips.

2. The Indiana Dunes

About 20 miles from Highland in Porter, the spectacular Indiana Dunes National Park offers swimming on 15 miles of Indiana beaches, hiking on beautiful winding trails, birdwatching and camping along the southern shore of Lake Michigan. In the nearby Hoosier Prairie State Nature Preserve , which is part of the Dunes, the savanna and prairie marsh trails let visitors get a glimpse at rare and diverse wildlife, plant species and habitats.

3. A dollar goes further

If you’re looking to stretch a buck, look no further than Highland, where the cost of living is quite a bit more affordable than Chicago. According to livingcost, Highland residents will save about 24% compared to their neighbors in the Windy City. Recent data from BrokerMetrics pegs the median home price in Highland at around $250,000. Property taxes are also lower compared to those in Illinois. A search of available homes for sale shows that taxes can often work out to less than 1% of a home’s market value. And sales taxes are lower too: 7% in Highland vs. 10.25% in Chicago. So, furnishing a home in Highland, buying a car to put in the garage and gassing up that car will all cost less.

4. Wicker Memorial Park

While it’s mostly known as a spot for recreational amenities like its golf course, splash pad and dog park, Wicker Memorial Park also has historical significance. The park, established in 1927, commemorates local veterans and has several historical markers and monuments, including a Veterans Memorial that honors those who served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Every year, there’s a Victory for Veterans Memorial Ride from the park featuring motorcyclists escorted by police.

5. The golfing

If you’re a fan of hitting the links, Highland has you covered.

In Highland itself, Wicker Memorial Park Golf Course offers a mix of flat and rolling terrain, mature trees and water hazards, perfect for both beginners and experienced golfers. Just 7 miles away, Lost Marsh Golf Course in Hammond is built around several lakes, providing challenging water hazards and beautiful views. And White Hawk Country Club in Crown Point, about 14 miles from Highland, offers a premier golf destination with four distinct 9-hole courses, allowing for various 18-hole combinations. It’s a challenging layout with water features, rolling fairways and meticulously maintained greens. Finally, making the short drive into Illinois opens yet another world of possibilities, as Chicago’s south suburbs also feature an abundance of great golf.

6. The Crosstown Trail

The Erie Lackawanna Trail runs from Hammond to Crown Point for 17.6 miles, diagonally bisecting Highland on its way in a section typically called The Crosstown Trail. Popular both with those on two wheels and on foot, the trail goes along the former lines of the Erie-Lackawanna and B&O railroads, connecting Highland to other nearby biking trails in Porter County on the east. Plans are that the Erie Lackawanna eventually will go all the way to Chicago and beyond Crown Point.

7. Festivals, events and outdoor fun

Highland hosts several community events throughout the year, such as the Highland Arts Walk, restaurant crawls, a Maker’s Market, and the annual Backyard BBQ end-of-summer fest, keeping the community spirit strong. The big, annual Fourth of July Festival features parades, live music, food vendors and fireworks, and every winter, Highland is home to a Santa parade, a tree-lighting, the Winter Wonderland event and a New Year’s Eve fireworks celebration.

8. Casual and family dining galore

Highland features a small but thriving dining scene with dozens more options just a short drive away. There are a bevy of family-friendly and casual restaurants in town. You can take a dozen homemade pork tamales to go from Maria’s Buena Cocina or eat banana Nutella French toast in the middle of the night at the appropriately named 24-hour eatery Round the Clock. Whether you’re in the mood for deep-fried cheesecake at R-Bar and Grill, fresh Lake Superior Canadian bluegill from mainstay Town Club on 45th, a crabmeat-topped prime filet at Theo’s Steaks and Seafood, or the Peruvian dish “papa a la Huancayna” at Jose’s Family Restaurant, Highland has you covered.

9. America’s Antique Mall

America’s Antique Mall in Highland features 600 vendors selling collectibles, antiques, and vintage goods – as well as handmade and upcycled items. Among the more than 55,000 square feet of space, you’ll find furniture, gifts, home décor, toys, holiday decorations, memorabilia, and more. The mall also hosts events like car shows, vintage markets, workshops, and photos with Santa Claus. Anyone who gets tired of treasure-hunting can always head to Eatery 41 in the mall for café-style sandwiches, snacks, coffee creations, beer, and wine.

10. The Highland Heron Rookery

The Highland Heron Rookery is a serene wetland area along the Little Calumet River, offering a habitat for various bird species like great blue herons, snowy egrets and owls. It gives residents and visitors year-round opportunities for bird-watching and nature appreciation, complete with trails, benches and stationary binoculars. The Rookery is supported by multiple local organizations, enhancing the community’s connection to nature through conservation and education efforts.