Valparaiso, IN


11 Reviews



BestPlaces offers the best, most comprehensive city reports,
with insight into cost of living, crime, climate, and more.
Valparaiso, IN

About Valparaiso, IN

Valparaiso IN is situated in Porter County right along Lake Michigan and offers plenty of outdoor fun from beach-combing to sailing while still having convenient access to Purdue University’s campus nearby. Mega metro area set in the Lake Michigan coast and plains of the Great Lakes region. Primary industries include diverse economy and tourism. Noteworthy features include shoreline. - Located in northeast Illinois, along Lake Michigan, 90 miles northwest of South Bend, Indiana, and 80 miles southeast of Milwaukee, Wisconsin..

Location Details

State: Indiana
County: Porter County
Metro Area: Chicago-Naperville-Elgin Metro Area
City: Valparaiso
Zip Codes: No Zip Codes Here.
Cost of Living: 0.1% higher
Time zone: Central Standard Time (CST)
Elevation: 587 ft above sea level
Buying or selling a home?
Find top real estate agents in Valparaiso.
Find A Top Agent

Dig Deeper on Valparaiso

The Chicago, IL metro area is a big and interesting place with lots of history and things to do. It's in the northeastern part of Illinois, right by Lake Michigan. This city started as a small trading post in the early 1800s and quickly grew because it was a good spot for transport and trade. Over the years, it became known for big buildings, busy ports, and lots of factories making all kinds of goods.

Geographically, Chicago is mostly flat, with the big, beautiful Lake Michigan on one side. The Chicago River runs through the city, and there are lots of parks and green spaces around. The weather here has all four seasons, with really hot summers and very cold winters that can have a lot of snow.

The economy in Chicago is mixed and strong, with big companies in finance, manufacturing, technology, and healthcare. There are also many small businesses and startups. The city is a big center for trade and transport, with lots of trains, big highways, and one of the busiest airports in the world.

When it comes to politics, Chicago itself usually supports the Democratic Party, but the areas around the city might lean more towards the Republican side. This makes elections interesting because there are many different opinions.

Living in Chicago means you'll never run out of things to do. There are world-class museums, theaters, music venues, and sports teams like the Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bulls. The city is also famous for its food, with everything from fancy restaurants to local spots selling deep-dish pizza and hot dogs. For those who love the outdoors, there's Lake Michigan for boating and beaches, plus many parks and trails.

New residents should know that Chicago is a big, bustling city, so it can be pretty fast-paced. Traffic can get heavy, and finding a place to live that's affordable can take some searching. Public transport is good, though, with buses and trains (the "L") that can help you get around. The weather is something to prepare for, with very hot summers and cold, snowy winters. But if you like having lots of options for things to do, places to eat, and ways to explore, Chicago could be a great place to live.

Valparaiso Cost of Living
$$$$

Shoreline, arts & culture, and pleasant summers make Valparaiso a great place to live.

$301,200
-12.3% lower than avg
$56,465
-22.2% lower than avg
$1,090 /mo
Monthly rent (2br)
-31.2% lower than avg
Valparaiso Crime
28 / 100
Crime is ranked on a scale of 1 (low) to 100 (high). US average: 35.4
Minimum annual income
To live comfortably in Valparaiso, Indiana
$57,600
for a family
$35,600
for a single person
Pros & Cons of Valparaiso
   Shoreline
Gets muggy and sticky
   Arts & culture
Harsh winters
   Pleasant summers
High taxes
Reviews for Valparaiso
    See all (11)

Over 9 years ago

I moved to Valparaiso, IN about 1 year ago. I moved here because I was attending the law school located here. At a glance, it appears to be a small town, with many new  More

   |    Reply

Over 10 years ago

My favorite restaurants in Valparaiso are: Panera Bread--The lines sometimes get long, but, the service is decent and the food is great. Red Robin--Bottomless fries  More

   |    Reply

I loved driving anywhere, down any road because of the trees, fields and green, green grass that is all over. Cost of living is outrageous! But lil towns close by make  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Valparaiso

Cost of Living
Compare Valparaiso, IN
cost of living
Compare food, housing, utilities, and more in Valparaiso, Indiana to any other city in the US.


The premier source for comprehensive city data for over 30 years.

© Best Places. All rights reserved.