OT: Munster/Region questions

[02Hoosier]

For those "in the know" on all things Region...

We may be looking at a move that way from the north side of Indy over the next year or so. Right now we live in a very family friendly/safe neighborhood with tons of kids/families (we're in our 30s with young kids). We'd be looking for the same if we move, it's priority #1.

I've heard plenty about Munster, etc, but really don't know much outside of housing prices, bedroom community, etc. Same goes for St. John, Dyer, etc...I get there isn't as much going on as Carmel, etc, but guessing if you go amongst Munster/Dyer/Schererville there's enough to do.

Thanks in advance for any help you can lend and apologies if this ended up on the wrong forum.

 

[skfboiler]

I can tell you if you have young kids, then Munster is the place to be. Munster High as well as the middle school and the three elementary schools are periodically 4 Star Schools. I believe the high school is ranked one of the highest in the state. Similarly with Schererville, Dyer, and St. John that feed into the Lake Central school system. Lake Central High School was just renovated the school and the new sports facilities are second to none. Both of these communities have nice subdivisions to raise a family in. Being just 30-40 minutes from downtown Chicago you can enjoy everything that city has to offer. Chicago has so much family friendly stuff to do with the beaches along Lake Michigan, Navy Pier and the museums.

 

[FiveWeight]

I've spent some time in and around Munster - have some friends from Munster. I've often heard it described as the "Carmel of the region" but get the feeling that was more appropriate 30 years ago. If you're used to the low cost of living per square foot, big backyards in quiet cul de sacs, the elbow room and serenity you can get in a neighborhood in southern Hamilton County, you might be disappointed. It's much more crowded and noisy and from what I've seen doesn't seem to look much different than the typical aging area up there. Having said that, as the other poster said they still get good ratings in their schools but I'd be more concerned about the direction that's headed as the area ages and continues to get choked in from all sides. I don't know about safety but it doesn't have the same safe feel to me - could be wrong. I wouldn't make the move, but that's just because I get chlosterphobic about living in dense areas. They do have the best Gyros in Indiana - Munster Gyros. If your priority is easy access to all that is Chicago, it's probably a good choice.

 

[Bigohh]

I've spent some time in and around Munster - have some friends from Munster. I've often heard it described as the "Carmel of the region" but get the feeling that was more appropriate 30 years ago. If you're used to the low cost of living per square foot, big backyards in quiet cul de sacs, the elbow room and serenity you can get in a neighborhood in southern Hamilton County, you might be disappointed. It's much more crowded and noisy and from what I've seen doesn't seem to look much different than the typical aging area up there. Having said that, as the other poster said they still get good ratings in their schools but I'd be more concerned about the direction that's headed as the area ages and continues to get choked in from all sides. I don't know about safety but it doesn't have the same safe feel to me - could be wrong. I wouldn't make the move, but that's just because I get chlosterphobic about living in dense areas. They do have the best Gyros in Indiana - Munster Gyros. If your priority is easy access to all that is Chicago, it's probably a good choice.

I would suggest either Dyer, Schererville, St. John which is the Lake Central School District or Crown Point which has a top notch school system and is more "roomy" IMHO. If you really like rural, Lowell has good schools and is really open with a lot of nice sub divisions.
If you are a Purdue sports fan, the trip to WL from Crown Point or Lowell is pretty easy and no more than an hour.

 

[bled1720]

I realize I am biased, but I loved Lowell. It was a lot smaller when I was there, but it is a really nice town today (and of course being from Lowell I can't say anything good about Crown Point!!). But in all honesty CP is fine.

02 Hoosier, I also gave an opinion on your thread that I mistakenly posted as a new thread. If you are interested, it is under I agree.

 

[4IUSox2]

Munster has some very serious school funding issues you should read up on. The district had to lay off a bunch of people last year. Seems the board, long time superintendent and his next in command all have some major questions to answer in the months to come. I like Munster, but schools are kind of a question mark right now. Will be interesting to see what happens. I believe MHS is around 1700 students now. Still good sports and academic programs.

Lake Central (Dyer, St John, Schererville and the NW end of CP) passed a bond issue about 5 years ago that really has spruced up an eyesore of a school and provided much needed space for a school of 3300. The new gym and football field look great.

The new Crown Point High School was just built 10 years ago. It's beautiful. Lots of space. Great academics. Great facilities. Quaint downtown, by where the old HS was. Current CPHS enrollment is around 2800.

 

[DrEss]

Agree with most comments above that Munster best days are behind them. Choosing a residence within either the Crown Point or Lowell school systems would provide the most amount of checked boxes for most these days.

 

[ghostoffatjack]

Munster Schools are still top notch, despite the funding issue and the community is as described diverse, close knit and very friendly! If your work is in Chicago or their burbs, forget almost all that have been mentioned above, due to the traffic and commute time! You also might consider the Chesterton/Valparaiso schools and area as both have academics, athletics and extra curricular's on par with Carmel, and you have the train access to Downtown Chicago if that is where your work takes you! Lived in both Munster and Valpo for about the same amount of time and both were great places for our children!