Highland, IN

Highland is one of Northwest Indiana’s most underrated communities. Situated just 35 minutes from downtown Chicago, this walkable town offers a genuine neighborhood feel that’s increasingly rare this close to a major metro. With a population of roughly 23,000, Highland strikes a balance between small-town warmth and suburban convenience that attracts everyone from young professionals to empty-nesters.

The town’s crown jewel is Wicker Park, a 198-acre green space with walking trails, sports facilities, a community pool, and year-round programming that serves as the social heart of the community. Highland’s Ridge Road corridor provides a walkable main street lined with local restaurants, cafés, and small businesses that give the town its distinctive character.

What draws many buyers to Highland is the value. Homes here typically range from $250K to $400K, significantly below comparable properties in the Chicago suburbs. You get mature neighborhoods, established trees, and a sense of community that new developments can’t replicate, all at a price point that makes homeownership accessible.

Highland’s housing stock is diverse and charming. You’ll find classic brick bungalows from the 1940s and ’50s, spacious ranches on tree-lined lots, Colonials in established subdivisions, and split-levels that offer great square footage for growing families. The sweet spot for most buyers lands in the $275K-$375K range.

Well-priced homes in desirable locations tend to move within two to three weeks. Proximity to Wicker Park, updated kitchens, and move-in-ready condition are the features that generate the most interest. The market is competitive but less frenzied than Munster or Dyer, making Highland an excellent choice for buyers who want quality without the pressure of multiple-offer bidding wars.

Wicker Park is the centerpiece of Highland life, a sprawling 198-acre park with athletic fields, playgrounds, walking trails, a community pool, and an ice rink in winter. The park hosts community events throughout the year, from summer concert series to seasonal festivals.

The Ridge Road corridor is Highland’s dining and shopping hub. Local favorites include Arazu for Afghan cuisine, Beer Geeks for craft beer and pub fare, and a growing number of cafés and specialty shops like The Annex boutique at 8808 Kennedy Avenue. The area has seen revitalization in recent years, with new businesses joining long-standing favorites. Nando Wood Fired Steak & Seafood and Rockin' Chicken have added fresh dining options. The new Cardinal Campus, a 9-acre LEED-certified professional office park on Main Street near Indianapolis Boulevard, opened with nearly 100,000 square feet of Class-A office space and plans for a boutique hotel addition.

Schools are solid, with Highland High School earning an 8/10 rating on GreatSchools. The Highland School Corporation serves the community with a focus on academics and extracurricular programs, and parent involvement throughout the district is strong.

For commuters, Highland offers easy access to I-80/94 for a roughly 35-minute drive to downtown Chicago. The South Shore Line is accessible via Hammond’s station, just minutes away, providing a stress-free rail commute option.