OnGary.com
Explore Gary, IN: From Steel City's History to Natural Beauty.
About Gary, IN
Culturally, Gary is known as the hometown of the Jackson family, most notably the birthplace of pop icon Michael Jackson. The community celebrates this legacy with events and attractions that draw visitors. Beyond its cultural contributions, Gary boasts proximity to natural beauty with the Indiana Dunes National Park nearby, offering opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, bird-watching, and beach activities. The city also serves as a quieter but historically rich counterpart to the bustling metropolis of Chicago, which lies just 30 minutes away.
Today, Gary is focusing on revitalization and redevelopment while embracing its diverse community. Its strategic location near Lake Michigan and multiple transport routes makes it an attractive spot for logistics and distribution companies. Gary is poised for growth with efforts to revitalize its downtown and foster a diverse economy driven by new industries and local entrepreneurship.
Quality of Life Scores
Data-driven insights into what makes Gary special
Quality of life scores are aggregated from publicly available data sources including the U.S. Census Bureau, FBI Crime Statistics, EPA Air Quality Index, walkability studies, and local municipal data. Scores are calculated on a 0-100 scale and updated periodically to reflect current conditions.
Demographics & Economy
Understanding the community and economic landscape
Demographics
Gary exhibits a diverse community known for its industrial past, cultural heritage, and historical resilience.
Economy
Strong economic foundation driven by diverse industries including manufacturing, transportation, logistics, warehousing.
Housing
Real estate market offers opportunities for residents and investors with balanced housing options across neighborhoods.
Education Excellence
World-class learning opportunities and achievements
Education Levels
Institutions
- Schools: 26
- Libraries: 2
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 16.4:1
Sports & Entertainment
Home to professional and collegiate athletics
College & Development
Major Venues
U.S. Steel Yard: 6,500
Transportation & Infrastructure
Getting around Gary
Roads & Highways
Major Highways: I-90, I-80, I-94, US-12, US-20
Average Commute: 26 minutes
Public Transit
Gary Public Transportation Corporation (GPTC)
Airports
GYY - Gary/Chicago International Airport
Places & Attractions
Discover what makes Gary unique
Landmarks
- The Jackson Family House
- Union Station
- City Methodist Church
- Gary Works
Attractions
- Indiana Dunes National Park
- Marquette Park Pavilion
- Lake Street Beach
- Miller Beach Arts & Creative District
Museums
- Gary SouthShore RailCats Baseball Museum
- Michael Jackson Tribute Exhibit
Parks
- Marquette Park
- Brunswick Park
- Gleason Park
- Seberger Park
Healthcare
- Methodist Hospitals Northlake Campus
Key Industries
Economic drivers powering Gary
Living Here
Essential information about life in Gary
Climate & Geography
Climate: Humid Continental
Elevation: 610 feet
Time Zone: America/Chicago
County: Lake County
Metro Area: Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI Metro Area
Contact Information
Area Code: 219
ZIP Codes: 46402, 46403, 46404, 46406, 46407, 46408, 46409
Location
Find Gary on the map
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