Lake County is a county located in the United States. It is situated in Northwest Indiana and is part of the Chicago metropolitan area. The county seat is Crown Point and it is home to a mix of urban, suburban and rural areas. Oak Park, where renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright began his original studio, is a museum of residential architecture.
It is an attractive Midwestern enclave with square streets, stately homes with shaded streets, and a shopping area next to the train station which still functions as a major commuter terminal. Riverside to the south is similar but with flowing curved streets and a park-like setting designed by Frederick Law Olmstead, famous for Central Park. Chicago's weather can be pleasant but sometimes downright miserable. The lakeside location, facing the teeth of the storm path, and the northwest continental climate produce cold, snow, wind, storms, humid heat and climate changes that can be invigorating for some but intolerable for others.
The cost of living varies by neighborhood and lifestyle but it has been increasing after years as a relative bargain for a big city. Violent crime continues to be an issue in some neighborhoods. There are still some dirty and deteriorated areas that would make some people think twice. These facts undermine Chicago's statistical assessment.
However, we believe that the area offers a wide variety of lifestyles, amenities and opportunities for most people willing to make some concessions; most should not be discouraged by the low ranking. Members receive 10 FREE city profile downloads per month, unlimited access to our calculator and detailed cost-of-living analysis, unlimited access to our DataEngine and more.Highland, Indiana is located in Lake County and is part of Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore which is managed by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.
