Chesterton Duneland
Chesterton – Beverly Shores – Burns Harbor – Dune Acres – Porter
Chamber Welcome
Welcome to the Duneland area, located in the heart of the Indiana Dunes on the southern shores of Lake Michigan. Encompassing the towns of Beverly Shores, Burns Harbor, Chesterton, Dune Acres and Porter, we are âhome of the world renowned Indiana Dunes and National Lakeshore.â We are less than one hour from downtown Chicago and 30 minutes from southern Michigan. Whether you are searching for a special place to relocate your family or business or looking for a great weekend getaway, we invite you to come and see who we are and why Duneland has an unsurpassed quality of life.
Community Info
The Duneland communities are located in northwest Indiana on the southern shores of Lake Michigan, with a combined population of approximately 20,500. Chesterton offers a charming downtown with restaurants, boutiques, art galleries, golf courses and the flourishing European Market every Saturday in May-October from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. Porter is a town rich in natural resources, with visitors who flock to Porter Beach and the adjacent Indiana Dunes. Its welcoming atmosphere truly makes it the âFront Porch to the Dunes.â Burns Harbor is a lakefront town that focuses on sustainable environmental living with the National Home Builders Associationâs first âCertified Green Subdivisionâ and boasts the lowest taxes in Lake and Porter counties. Beverly Shores and Dune Acres are upscale beach communities with relaxed atmospheres located on the southern shores of Lake Michigan.
History
Since our earliest European settler, Joseph Bailly, presided over commerce between diverse cultures from his strategic trading post along the Little Calumet River on the historic Native American route traversing Lake Michiganâs south shore, our communities have truly become a meeting ground for manufacturing and service industries, active recreation and passive enjoyment of rare ecosystems like no other in Porter County.
Tourism & Lodging
More than three million visitors come to the Duneland area each year to enjoy a vast variety of activities that include bird watching, fishing, hiking and bicycling trails, golfing, swimming, sailing, canoeing, camping and cross-country skiing. You canât explore Duneland in just one day, so rest assured there is a wonderful place to stay that fits your style and budget. From charming bed and breakfasts to luxury accommodations, our innkeepers have a bed and a smile waiting for you.
Homes & Real Estate
The Duneland area continues to expand and diversify the landscape of real estate to meet the growth rate of nearly 18 percent compared to surrounding communities at an average rate of 5-7 percent. Residential choices include estate-sized homes in private neighborhoods, and condominium and apartment living, which meet the needs of families, couples and individuals. According to the Greater Northwest Association of Realtors MLS statistics, the 2014 average sale price for a single-family home in the Duneland area was $227,819. According to the National Association of Realtors, the average sale price for a single-family home is currently $224,300.
Arts & Entertainment
Cultural opportunities are provided by several community theater groups, as well as award-winning art galleries, concerts and a nostalgic outdoor theater. During the summer months the Westchester Public Library hosts free concerts in the gazebo at Thomas Centennial Park along with free movies. Bring your chair or blanket, sit back and enjoy the entertainment.
Education
Each year many Duneland School Corporation students qualify for merit scholarships and compete for state and academic honors. The Chesterton High School Speech and Debate team, as well as the CHS and Duneland Swim Club, and the Wrestling team have won many national championships and a record number or state championships. Chesterton Middle School has been nationally recognized for its safe and drug-free schools program. In addition, Chesterton Middle School and Chesterton High School have received Excellence Awards from the U.S. Department of Education. The entire Duneland School Corporation has received NCAâaccreditation. State-licensed preschools are readily available in the community as well.
Shopping & Dining
Whether youâre a browser or a power shopper, we have what youâre looking for. Choose from one-of-a-kind local retail shops and boutiques where you can find gifts, collectibles and antiques all housed in century old buildings. Youâre sure to be greeted with a smile and offered first-class customer service. When youâre ready to take a break from shopping, whether you crave a candlelit feast or a burger with everything, ethnic or All-American, or a cool beverage while relaxing at one of the many restaurants which offer outdoor seating, it will be tempting, delicious and served with a generous helping of Hoosier hospitality.
Health Care
There are four hospital/medical centers in the Duneland community. In addition there is a specialized bone and joint clinic with an extended care/rehab unit, an outpatient surgical center and two kidney dialysis facilities. The community also supports many businesses who promote healthy lifestyles including health coaching, performance training and alternative medicines. The Duneland area also has quality assisted living, memory care and independent living delivered in a beautiful secure environment.
Worship Services
Porter Countyâs religious and faith-based organizations are as diverse as the individuals within our county. Per capita, the number of churches in the Duneland community is higher than the national average, with most religions offering houses of worship.
Government
The towns of Chesterton, Porter, Burns Harbor, Beverly Shores and Dune Acres are governed by town councils, elected every four years. Each community has various boards and officials, such as plan commission, board of zoning appeals, park board, street commissioner, etc.
Transportation
Convenient access to and from the Duneland area is available through the east/west corridor of Interstate 94, Indiana Toll Road (Interstate 80/90), U.S. 12 and U.S. 20 connecting north/south Interstate 65 and State Road 49. Commuter rail service is available to Chicago, Illinois and to South Bend, Indiana with stops in between. Chicagoâs Midway and OâHare International airports are 50 and 65 miles to the west. Porter County Regional Airport is just 10 miles to the south boasting runways of 7,000 feet. Greyhound, limousine and taxi services are available as well. Indianaâs International Port is served by 12 modern ship berths and is home to more than 21 maritime/industrial tenants. The port services barges and ships from around the world. Cargos crossing the docks average 2-3 million tons annually.
Industry
Currently the largest growing industries are healthcare and social assistance, and construction, followed by manufacturing. Historically, Dunelandâs economy has been shaped by the steel industry, recreation and education. The steel industry underwent a major change in the 1980s. More output from state-of-the-art facilities resulted in a stronger production in the 1990s than ever before. During the changes in steel, other components of the economy, including recreation and service, underwent major expansion. The diversity within the economy has kept Dunelandâs unemployment rate among the lowest in Indiana.
Business
The Duneland community is a prime location for retail and corporate development. The demand for retail and service businesses has increased. The area has grown at the rate of 24% since 2000 census. Business growth is supported by the Duneland Chamber of Commerce, The Northwest Indiana Forum, Duneland Economic Development Company, and Porter County Economic Development Alliance. For more information call (219) 926-5513.