Hammond

About Hammond

Hammond is a midsize city in Indiana's Lake County, one of the oldest and largest cities in the area. Although it's located within Indiana state borders, it's actually considered part of the Chicago metropolitan area. Hammond is a Rust Belt city, tracing its industrial roots back many generations.

The History of Hammond

Hammond started out as a small settlement of German farmers who arrived in the area as early as 1847. In 1869, George Hammond, a butcher from Detroit established the town's first slaughterhouse, which was also the first industrial establishment in the area. Since part of Hammond is located along the shores of Lake Michigan, the area experienced great industrial growth over the following years.

The town grew and was officially incorporated as a city on April 21, 1884, named after the butcher who had started the community. In the decades that followed, Hammond experienced tremendous growth, especially as its industrial developments flourished. The city reached a record-high population of more than 100,000 people in 1960.

Living in Hammond

Hammond is the most populous city in Lake County, and as a result, it hosts a number of fun events for residents to enjoy, including the Festival of the Lakes. This free event takes place over five days in the middle of July and includes musical acts, fair rides, games and more. Other local events include community yard sales, charity boxing matches hosted by the local police department and holiday celebrations.

While the Hammond area is industrial by nature, you'll still be able to enjoy plenty of green space, including the 129-acre Gibson Woods Nature Preserve, a marina on Lake Michigan and approximately 950 acres of city parks. Local community centers offer sports courts, fitness rooms and swimming pools, and there are several bike and walking trails throughout the city as well.

Hammond Schools

The School City of Hammond oversees the public elementary, middle and high schools in the city. The school district also has an Area Career Center, which prepares students entering the workforce or a higher education institution with career and college readiness skills.

Along with the public school district, Hammond is also home to Purdue University Calumet, which offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in business, education, engineering, liberal arts, nursing and technology, and Brightwood College, offering academic programs in allied health, business, criminal justice, information technology, nursing, photography, design and continuing education.

Resources for Moving to Hammond

Here's some helpful information for planning your move to Hammond:

• Utilities: NIPSCO is the primary electricity provider for Hammond homes and businesses. Hammond Water Works supervises and bills for water services.
• Garbage and Recycling: Trash and recyclables are collected on a regular schedule in all residential areas of Hammond.
• Transportation: Pace Bus, East Chicago Transit and Gary Public Transportation serve Hammond and many surrounding communities.

Hammond Housing

Homeownership is typically an attractive option for residents in Hammond because while home values are affordable, they're also increasing, which can result in a good investment. Home prices are extremely budget-friendly, about half the national average, and an excellent alternative to the high prices of nearby Chicago. Rent is fairly affordable as well, and rental options are plentiful.