Pottawattamie Park, IN

Pottawattamie Park is a tiny, peaceful enclave tucked completely within Michigan City. Though it has its own town government and an identity dating back to 1936, day to day it feels like a quiet, tree-lined neighborhood. The area was originally home to the Potawatomi people, and today you will find a charming mix of older revival cottages and mid-century homes along its shaded lanes. Because it is surrounded on all sides by Michigan City, residents get the privacy of a close-knit community while staying minutes from shops, dining, and the lakefront.

The setting is a huge draw for people looking for a relaxed place to settle down. With no through streets cutting across town, traffic stays minimal and the streets remain easygoing for walking dogs or riding bikes. Greenery buffers the town on nearly every side, with the lush Friendship Botanic Gardens, Krueger Memorial Park, and the local country club right next door. Plus, having the South Shore Line train station just down the road makes trips or commutes into Chicago remarkably simple.