Valparaiso, Indiana is both a vibrant college town and family-oriented residential community situated in Porter County. While Valparaiso maintains a charming, small-town feel, it boasts an incredible variety of amenities. Residents here are well-educated and very involved in the direction of their community. And their diverse array of interests mandates an equal variety of recreational and entertainment options. The town is at once safe and peaceful, making it an equally ideal place for singles, seniors and families alike.

As the County Seat of the fastest-growing county in the region, Valparaiso has seen quite an influx of newcomers over the past several years. There are currently around 28,365 residents living in the town today, with a median age of thirty eight years old. Of the town's working-age population, over thirty eight percent of residents here are employed in a professional or managerial capacity. An additional twenty six percent work in the service industry, while around fourteen percent work in an administrative capacity. The median household income in Valparaiso is above the national average, coming in at around $45,799 per year.

Newcomers to Valparaiso will find a stellar array of housing from which to choose. About half of the homes here are single-family detached style. The other half are a pleasing mix of multi-family housing, including condominiums, town houses and duplexes. Home ownership has proven to be a solid investment in Valparaiso, and owners here have experienced steady appreciation of their homes' values. Recent real estate reports indicate that the average purchase price of a home in Valparaiso is currently $264,500.

The city is home to Valparaiso University, which has been continually named by U.S. News and World Reports as the "Best Regional University in the Midwest". This liberal arts school educates nearly a thousand undergraduates each year. Additionally, the university acts as an artistic and cultural hub for the community. A point of pride for both the city and the university is the campus Arts Center, presenting residents with an array of concerts, exhibits, plays and performances each year.

Valparaiso hosts a number of exciting fairs, festivals and events for the benefit of its residents. One of the most highly anticipated is the annual Popcorn Festival. Drawing visitors from throughout the region, this festival pays homage to the city's most famous business name, Orville Redenbacher Popcorn. Other annual festivities include the Vale Fine Arts Festival, the Summer in the City concert program, and Trick or Treat Nites.

In their free time, residents here have dozens of destinations and attractions to take in. The city's sports and recreation department organizes numerous sports leagues for residents of all ages. Spectators turn out in droves to cheer on the Valparaiso University basketball and football teams, and the local Valparaiso High School teams enjoy an equally strong town support. Additionally, there are over fifty public parks located throughout town, many of which are within walking distance of residential neighborhoods.

There is also no shortage of shopping and dining options to be found within the town. From unique art galleries and chic boutiques to everything in between, the city is a shopper's haven. Its restaurants offer locals cuisine from around the globe as well as classic American comfort foods, and plenty of sidewalk cafes to stop and sip a cup of coffee.

Valparaiso is a college town with a small-town feel. Life here is rich...with opportunity, with color and with flavor. It is the kind of tapestry that is unique to American college towns, creating a truly enviable quality of life. If you are thinking about moving, consider the many benefits of life in Valparaiso, Indiana! To learn more about this spectacular community, simply request our free relocation packet today.