Hello Mamas,
My husband just received a transfer and we need to be in the Gary Indiana area by the 1st of September. We already have heard that you don't actually live in Gary. We will be moving from the KC area. This will be our 5th state in 7 years. We will be in the area 8-12 to 8-15 any information on rentals, schools, and preschools in the Portage area would be fantastic. We have 2 boys 11 and 3. Our eldest plays football and is heartbroken that he won't be playing here. Our youngest will turn 4 at the end of August and has so been looking forward to going back to school. He went to private pre-school last year because of his late b-day. I'm looking forward to hearing from you. There is no network like the Mama network.
My husband is a fireman near Gary and is advising not to move there. The neighborhood of Gary is not safe anymore. I am not sure about portage. I know some parts are ok and some are not. Sorry for the info.
There is a lot of new construction going up in the Portage area, but I am not aware of exact names of subdivisions. I think I responded to you before, but I can't help but echo the sentiments about Valparaiso. It's a great town with great schools, parks, theater, etc. Portage is only a few minutes away from Valpo. You'll kick yourself if you don't check it out.
Hi L.,
I moved to Portage 3 years ago when I got married. My husband is a life-long resident and his family has been here since the early 1900's. We have a 16 month old daughter. I really like Portage. It's a nice town with good schools. They just added on to the high school because the population is growing so much here. We have a Wal-Mart, KMart,Kohl's and several grocery stores and restaurants. Portage just opened an IMAX theater last year as well. There is also a great park: Woodland Park.
We've started looking in to day cares and pre-schools and the YMCA in Portage and Portage Child Care seem to be good places. My only gripe with Portage is that there is too much development going on. Just in the short time I have lived here so many open fields have been turned into subdivision. Valparaiso is just minutes away (I think they may have better schools to be honest)and it offers lots of parks, one of the last drive-in theaters in the country, Target, BestBuy, Michael's, etc. Valparaiso is also home to the Porter county fair grounds. I don't think you'd regret moving to either Portage or Valpo. If I had a choice though I think I might choose Valpo. I don't know if this helps or not. If you have any specific questions please feel free to ask.
-K.
My family and I have been in the Portage area for about a year now. My oldest daughter is getting ready for 1st grade at Kyle and my youngest is starting pre-school at the YMCA. I have nothing but positive things to say about Kyle-it is a great school. There are a lot of programs at the Y for the kids. We really never have to leave Portage, we have everything right here. Valpo is a great area too, just be careful if you want your kids in that school system, some areas of Valparaiso are Portage, Wheeler or Boone Grove Schools. Hope that helps.
Hi! I am a mom of 4 living in Valparaiso. I think you would really like this town - - the schools are excellent, great daycares, and a real hometown feel but close to the major expressways to get to Gary, Chicago, Indianapolis. I think Valparaiso is the nicest town in the Gary area but I am sure others would have the same feeling about their hometowns too!! So I am biased. As for Portage, I don't know its pluses and minuses really well. It has really been growing fast lately and I am not sure how well ranked the school system is in Portage. The other nice thing about Valpariaso is there are lots of athletic youth programs even outside of the school programs. So there is a lot to keep the kids busy. Great down town with lots of shops and restaurants. Hope that gives you some helpful info.
