St. John, Indiana Neighborhood Guide

๐ŸŒฟ St. John, Indiana Neighborhood Guide

Your Local REALTORยฎ Guide to Living in St. John

My unparalleled customer service and over 30 years of experience in business management create lasting friendships with my clients and fellow colleagues. As a lifelong resident of Northwest Indiana

By Holly Brumm Furdo, Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate Connections


๐Ÿก Is St. John, Indiana a Good Place to Live?

St. John or Saint John[3] is a town in Lake County, Indiana, United States. The town of St. John has homes in St. John Township, Hanover Township, and Center Township. It is a southeastern suburb of Chicago. St. John was founded in 1837. The population was 20,303 at the 2020 census. In 2009, St. John ranked 48th among CNN's top 100 places to live in the United States.[6] In 2014, St. John was ranked as the 4th safest place in Indiana by Movoto Real Estate.[7]

Yes โ€” St. John is consistently ranked one of the top places to live in Indiana and is known for its beautiful subdivisions, luxury homes, Lake Central School District, and peaceful suburban feel. Itโ€™s ideal for buyers who want safety, space, and a higher-end lifestyle while remaining close to Illinois for commuting.

St. John is clean, quiet, upscale, and family-oriented โ€” one of the best choices in all of Northwest Indiana for long-term living.


โค๏ธ Who St. John Is Perfect For

โœ” Families looking for top-rated schools
โœ” Buyers who want large lots, upscale homes, and quiet streets
โœ” Professionals commuting to Illinois or Chicago
โœ” Luxury homebuyers seeking custom builds
โœ” People wanting newer construction or executive communities
โœ” Anyone looking for a calm, safe, upscale environment


โญ Best Neighborhoods in St. John

Below are the communities buyers ask me about the most โ€” including lifestyle details, pricing, and who each area is best for.


1. The Gates of St. John

Best for: Families, new construction buyers, commuters
Vibe: Large, modern subdivision with many micro-neighborhoods

The Gates is one of the largest and most well-known communities in St. John. It features both established homes and active new construction by multiple builders. The area is full of walking paths, ponds, parks, and a variety of home styles.

Why buyers love it:

  • Many options for size, budget, and layout

  • Great resale value

  • Lots of sidewalks and ponds

  • Perfect for families needing space


2. Lake Hills

Best for: Families, lake lovers, commuters
Vibe: Scenic, peaceful, beautifully landscaped with lakes and trails

Lake Hills is known for its stunning views, walking trails, fishing lakes, and strong sense of community. Seasonal events give it a small-town-but-upscale feel.

Why buyers love it:

  • Gorgeous lake and trail system

  • Family-friendly & very walkable

  • Newer construction + modern layouts

  • Quick access to 41 and main roads


3. Hanover Estates

Best for: Buyers wanting newer homes, affordability within St. John, and space
Vibe: Quiet, clean, open-concept subdivision

Hanover Estates attracts buyers who want that โ€œSt. John feelโ€ without the luxury price tag. Homes are newer, well-kept, and offer nice lot sizes.

Why buyers love it:

  • Good value compared to other St. John areas

  • Modern floor plans

  • Close to schools and parks


4. Cardinal Creek

Best for: Families & commuters
Vibe: Charming, established, convenient

Cardinal Creek offers a strong community feel, with mature streets and quality homes. Itโ€™s known for being extremely convenient to stores, dining, and Route 41.

Why buyers love it:

  • Established community charm

  • Excellent location

  • Solid long-term resale value


5. Kensington Estates

Best for: Luxury buyers, large homes, executive living
Vibe: Upscale, manicured, custom homes

Kensington is one of the premiere high-end communities in St. John, known for spacious properties, beautiful architectural styles, and impeccable landscaping.

Why buyers love it:

  • Custom luxury builds

  • Quiet, prestigious feel

  • Excellent curb appeal


6. Renaissance

Best for: Those wanting an affordable entry into St. John with modern homes
Vibe: Clean, updated, charming homes with great layouts

Renaissance offers a more modest price point while still giving buyers access to the St. John lifestyle and highly rated schools.

Why buyers love it:

  • Affordable compared to luxury subdivisions

  • Updated interiors

  • Close to everything


๐Ÿงญ What It’s Like to Live in St. John

โœจ Lifestyle & Vibe

St. John is known for being:

  • Safe

  • Quiet

  • Beautifully maintained

  • Family-focused

  • Relaxed yet upscale

Itโ€™s a peaceful community where people walk dogs in the evening, kids play outside, and neighbors know each other.


๐Ÿซ Schools: Lake Central School District

St. John is served primarily by Lake Central Schools, one of the most sought-after districts in Northwest Indiana.

Schools include:

  • Kolling Elementary

  • Clark Middle School

  • Lake Central High School

Parents consistently choose St. John specifically for this district.


๐Ÿ› Shopping & Dining

St. John is close to:

  • Target

  • Strack & Van Til

  • Boutique shops

  • Local restaurants

  • Fitness centers

  • Coffee shops

  • Dining on U.S. 41

It has a more โ€œpremium suburbโ€ feel โ€” clean, modern, and convenient.


๐Ÿš— Commute

St. John is excellent for Illinois commuters.

  • 10โ€“15 minutes to the state line

  • Fast access to Route 41 and Route 30

  • Easy routes to Chicago, Munster, Dyer, and Crown Point


๐ŸŒณ Parks & Recreation

St. John offers beautiful natural areas, including:

  • Prairie West Park

  • St. John Township Community Center

  • Trails at Lake Hills

  • Proximity to Cedar Lake recreation

The town hosts:

  • Farmers markets

  • Seasonal events

  • Outdoor concerts

  • Sports leagues


๐Ÿ‘ Pros and Cons of Living in St. John

PROS

  • Top-rated schools

  • Safe, quiet, clean neighborhoods

  • Many luxury & new construction options

  • Strong resale value

  • Great for Illinois commuters

  • Scenic parks & lakes

CONS

  • Higher home prices

  • Limited nightlife

  • Route 41 can get busy

  • Fewer starter homes available


๐Ÿ’ฌ Real Talk from Holly

My buyers love St. John for the same reasons I do:

  • It feels calm and peaceful

  • Schools are outstanding

  • Neighborhoods are gorgeous

  • It’s ideal for commuting without sacrificing lifestyle

If you want beautiful neighborhoods, space to grow, and a truly safe community โ€” St. John is one of the best choices in all of Northwest Indiana.


โ“ Frequently Asked Questions

Is St. John good for families?

Absolutely โ€” itโ€™s one of the top family towns in the region.

What are home prices like?

Most range from $350,000โ€“$750,000, with luxury areas going to $1M+.

Is St. John good for Illinois commuters?

Yes โ€” one of the best in Northwest Indiana.

Does St. John have new construction?

Yes โ€” especially in the Gates of St. John and Lake Hills.

Is it walkable?

Some neighborhoods are highly walkable, especially Lake Hills and parts of the Gates.


๐Ÿ“ฒ Thinking About St. John? Iโ€™d Love to Help.

If you’re exploring St. John or comparing it to other NWI towns, Iโ€™d love to guide you through your options.

Call or text me anytime at 219-313-0692
or explore more at https://hollybrummfurdo.com