Porter

Named the “Prettiest Town” in Indiana by Architectural Digest, Porter certainly lives up to its reputation.

Known for its beautiful landscape, the town is surrounded by the Indiana Dunes National Park and the Indiana Dunes State Park, offering residents many opportunities to explore their natural surroundings. Hikers will find nearly 50 miles of trails around Porter, while bikers can peacefully ride along interconnected trails that weave through some of region’s best natural attractions.

Porter is also home to Hawthorne Park, which boasts sports fields, a 9-hole disc golf course and spots for bird watching and fishing on the Little Calumet River. Meanwhile, Porter Beach is a popular spot for residents to relax, picnic, and swim. On occasion, beach-goers can see the Chicago skyline from the shore overlooking Lake Michigan.

The quaint town offers an authentic, close-knit vibe with its local shops and restaurants and live entertainment. When it comes to real estate, homebuyers have choices ranging from small lakefront cottages to large residences.

For those looking for a retreat to the urban jungle, Porter is less than 50 miles from downtown Chicago via I-90 or I-94.