Moving to Merrillville, Indiana: A Comprehensive Relocation Guide
Considering moving to Merrillville, Indiana? Located in Lake County in Northwest Indiana, Merrillville offers suburban living with easy access to Chicago, affordable housing, and a diverse community. With approximately 36,000 residents in 2025, Merrillville blends retail, healthcare, and light industrial employment opportunities with a suburban lifestyle ideal for families, professionals, and retirees seeking value just outside the big city.
Demographic Profile to Consider If Moving to Merrillville:
Merrillville’s estimated 2025 population is around 36,000, situated in the heart of Lake County. The community is diverse, with a racial composition of approximately 45% White, 40% Black or African American, 10% Hispanic or Latino, and 2% Asian. The median age is around 38 years, and the town attracts a range of residents—from families to commuters working in nearby cities.
The town is centrally located in Northwest Indiana and functions as a retail and business hub for the surrounding region. While not officially a city, Merrillville operates with a town government and provides city-like amenities. The population enjoys suburban comfort while being close to larger cities like Gary, Hammond, and Chicago (just 40 miles away).
Cost of Living to Consider If Moving to Merrillville:
Merrillville provides affordable living in the Chicago metro area. In 2025, median home values range from $190,000 to $260,000, offering good value for first-time homebuyers and families. Rent prices typically range from $1,000 to $1,400 per month for a two-bedroom apartment.
Indiana has no state income tax on Social Security income and offers relatively low property taxes compared to Illinois. With a median household income of approximately $62,000, Merrillville residents enjoy a low cost of living with access to urban amenities and employment hubs.
Affordable housing, combined with Indiana’s favorable tax climate, makes Merrillville particularly attractive to retirees, commuters, and those leaving higher-cost areas of Illinois or Chicago.
Economy and Job Market:
Merrillville’s economy is driven by retail, healthcare, logistics, manufacturing, and professional services. The town is home to major retail centers like Southlake Mall and has a strong presence of medical facilities including Methodist Hospitals and St. Mary Medical Center nearby.
Merrillville also benefits from proximity to large employers in the Hammond-Gary-East Chicago metro area and commuter access to Chicago. Many residents work in education, healthcare, light manufacturing, distribution, or service industries. Small business activity is growing, and the town is known as a commercial center for Lake County.
Its central location near I-65 and U.S. Route 30 makes it a prime area for logistics and regional headquarters. Employment is stable, and job growth remains steady due to ongoing investment in the region and business-friendly state policies.
Education:
Merrillville is served by the Merrillville Community School Corporation, which includes Merrillville High School and several elementary and middle schools. School quality is average to above average, with some variation across neighborhoods.
Nearby higher education options include Purdue University Northwest (Hammond campus), Indiana University Northwest, and Ivy Tech Community College, providing local opportunities for both traditional and adult learners.
The education system in Merrillville supports a family-friendly environment with a focus on preparing students for regional employment or post-secondary success.
Recreation and Lifestyle:
Merrillville offers a variety of parks, local entertainment, and community activities. Nearby attractions include:
Deep River Waterpark – a major summer destination for families
Turkey Creek Golf Course – public golf with scenic views
Lake County Fairgrounds – nearby Crown Point events
Southlake Mall – shopping, dining, and entertainment
Merrillville’s proximity to Lake Michigan and the Indiana Dunes National Park provides outdoor recreation opportunities including beaches, hiking, and boating. The town also hosts events, farmers markets, and community programs throughout the year.
Residents enjoy a four-season climate, with snowy winters and warm summers. The lifestyle blends suburban quiet with access to major sports, culture, and dining in nearby Chicago.
Healthcare and Services:
Merrillville is a regional healthcare center in Lake County. Residents have access to:
Methodist Hospitals – Southlake Campus
St. Mary Medical Center (in Hobart)
Various urgent care centers, primary care clinics, and specialists
The town’s location and infrastructure ensure reliable access to emergency services, long-term care facilities, and health specialists. Healthcare services are robust and supported by regional hospital networks.
Transportation:
Merrillville is strategically located along Interstate 65, just minutes from U.S. Route 30, making it ideal for commuters and commercial travel. Chicago is about 40 miles northwest, accessible via I-65 and I-94, typically within a 1–1.5 hour drive.
While Merrillville lacks a direct Metra rail connection, nearby Gary and Hammond stations offer commuter rail service into Chicago. The South Shore Line is a convenient alternative for train commuters.
Public transit is limited, so most residents rely on personal vehicles. Gary/Chicago International Airport and Chicago Midway are the nearest options for air travel.
Conclusion:
Moving to Merrillville in 2025 offers affordable suburban living with access to Chicago, a stable job market, and a diverse community. The town’s blend of retail, healthcare, and service jobs, paired with low taxes and reasonable housing costs, makes it an ideal destination for families, professionals, and retirees seeking Northwest Indiana convenience and Midwestern value.