Griffith

With a bustling downtown area and a variety of community events, Griffith has emerged as a popular destination for Northwest Indiana homebuyers.

Downtown Griffith features an eclectic mix of independent businesses from local entrepreneurs, ranging from craft breweries and gourmet restaurants to record stores and specialty shops.

Among the community’s annual events and celebrations are a town-wide yard sale and an Independence Day Parade. Central Park is home to other noteworthy happenings including Oktoberfest and the annual Griffith Central Market, which features a beer garden, artisan foods, food trucks, and live performances.

Speaking of music, Griffith’s Rock ‘N’ Rail Music and Street Festival spans several days and offers live entertainment and a vintage car and motorcycle show. Likewise, the three-day Broad Street Blues and BBQ Festival features blues artists, a firework show, and more. Symphony in the Park takes place the first Saturday of August and showcases the Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra for an evening of music under the stars.

Nicknamed “The Town That Came to the Tracks,” Griffith boasts a rich history in the railroad industry. Several unused tracks have been converted for recreational use, including the 17.7-mile Erie Lackawanna Trail.

Amtrak riders will find the closest station in Whiting, while Chicago commuters can pick up the South Shore Line in East Chicago or Gary.