Not every town in Northwest Indiana makes equal sense for a Chicago commuter. The closer you live to the Illinois border, the shorter your drive — but the smaller your home and the higher your price per square foot. The further south you go, the more home you get and the more you're committing to on your drive time. Here's exactly how each town stacks up.
I work with Chicago commuters every week. The first question is always about the commute, which is fair — but the answer is more nuanced than just picking the closest town to the border. Let me walk you through the real trade-offs.
Quick Comparison: All Towns at a Glance
| Town | Drive to Loop | South Shore Access | Median Home Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Munster | 30–40 min | Drive to Hammond | ~$340,000 | Shortest commute |
| Dyer | 30–45 min | Drive to Dyer station | ~$310,000 | Best value near border |
| Schererville | 35–50 min | Drive to Hammond | ~$330,000 | All-around balance |
| Highland | 35–50 min | Drive to Hammond | ~$295,000 | Affordability |
| St. John | 40–55 min | Drive 15 min to station | ~$410,000 | Schools + space |
| Crown Point | 45–65 min | Drive 20 min to station | ~$365,000 | Best overall lifestyle |
| Valparaiso | 55–75 min | Limited access | ~$355,000 | College town feel |
Munster — Shortest Drive, Premium Price
Munster, IN
Munster is the closest NWI community to Chicago and it shows in the price. You won't find the same square footage or lot size here as you will further south, but the commute is genuinely short and the town is well-established with good schools and walkable amenities. Best for commuters who are in the office 4–5 days a week and want to minimize drive time above everything else.
Dyer — Best Value Right on the Border
Dyer, IN
Dyer sits right on the Illinois border and consistently has some of the lowest property taxes in Lake County. The South Shore Line's West Lake Corridor extension includes a Dyer station, which will make this town even more attractive for train commuters. A strong option for buyers who want short commute times without paying Munster prices.
Schererville — The All-Around Winner
Schererville, IN
Schererville is where I send a lot of families who want the best overall package — reasonable commute, strong schools, good home values, and a central location that puts most of NWI's amenities within easy reach. It's not the absolute cheapest or closest, but it consistently performs well on every metric that matters to Chicago relocators.
St. John — Best Schools and Space
St. John, IN
St. John runs a bit higher in price because families actively seek it out for its school district and the quality of its newer construction neighborhoods. The lots are larger, the homes are newer, and the community has a strong sense of place. Worth the slightly longer commute and higher price if schools and space are your top priorities.
"I'm in the office three days a week. Crown Point was worth every extra minute of the drive."
— Homes219 client, Chicago Loop professional, relocated to Crown Point
The South Shore Line: Your Secret Weapon
If you're going into Chicago regularly, the South Shore Line commuter rail changes the math significantly. Rather than driving the whole way, you can drive 10–20 minutes to a station, park, and take the train directly to Millennium Station in the Loop. The ride from the closest Indiana stations is 45–60 minutes — and you can work, read, or decompress the whole time.
The West Lake Corridor extension is adding new stations in Munster, Dyer, and Hammond, which will give even more NWI communities direct rail access to Chicago. If you're buying now with a 5–10 year view, towns along the extension corridor are worth watching closely.
Not Sure Which Town Is Right for You?
Tell me where you work, what your family needs, and your budget — I'll tell you exactly where to look. No guessing, no wasted weekends.
Talk to Nicole's TeamFrequently Asked Questions
What is the best city in Northwest Indiana to live in?
For Chicago commuters, Munster and Dyer offer the shortest drive times. For families prioritizing schools and home size, Crown Point and St. John are consistently top choices. Schererville is the best all-around middle ground.
How long is the commute from Northwest Indiana to Chicago?
It varies by town: Munster and Dyer are 30–45 minutes. Schererville and Highland are 35–50 minutes. Crown Point and St. John are 45–65 minutes depending on traffic and destination in Chicago.
Can you commute from Northwest Indiana to Chicago by train?
Yes — the South Shore Line connects NWI to Millennium Station in downtown Chicago. The West Lake Corridor extension is adding new stations in Munster, Dyer, and Hammond, expanding rail access significantly.
Is Schererville Indiana a good place to live?
Yes — Schererville is one of the most popular NWI towns for Chicago relocators. It offers a central location, strong schools, newer housing inventory, and reasonable commute times — a strong all-around choice.
Nicole Hanson
Nicole is the team lead at Homes219 | Nicole Hanson Realty LLC — a top-5 Northwest Indiana real estate team with 16+ years helping buyers and sellers across Lake and Porter Counties.
Meet the full team →