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Hammond, IN

Frequently asked questions

Hammond, IN

Hammond is a city in Lake County, Indiana, United States. Located along Lake Michigan, it is part of the Chicago metropolitan area and the only city in Indiana to border Chicago. As of the 2020 census, it is the eighth-most populous city in Indiana, with 77,879 residents. It was first settled in the mid-19th century and it is one of the oldest cities of northern Lake County.

From north to south, Hammond runs from Lake Michigan down to the Little Calumet River; from east to west along its southern border, it runs from the Illinois state line to Cline Avenue. The city is traversed by numerous railroads and expressways, including the South Shore Line, Borman Expressway, and Indiana Toll Road. Notable local landmarks include the parkland around Wolf Lake and the Horseshoe Hammond riverboat casino. Part of the Rust Belt, Hammond has been industrial almost from its inception but is also home to a campus of Purdue University and numerous historic districts.

The city sits within the boundaries of the former Lake Chicago, and much of its land area consists of former dune and swale terrain that was subsequently leveled. Most of the city is on sandy soil with a layer of black topsoil that varies from non-existent to several feet (a meter or more) thick. Much of the exposed sand was removed for purposes such as industrial use to make concrete and glass. According to the 2010 census, Hammond has a total area of 24.886 square miles (64.45 km²), of which 22.78 square miles (59.00 km²) (or 91.54%) is land and 2.106 square miles (5.45 km²) (or 8.46%) is water.

The first European-descended residents arrived around 1847 to settle on land between the Grand and Little Calumet Rivers, on the south end of Lake Michigan. Those first residents of European descent were German immigrant farmers looking for land and opportunity. Before that time, the area was a crossroad for Indian tribes, explorers, stagecoach lines and supply lines to the West. The convenient location and abundant fresh water from Lake Michigan led to the beginning of Hammond's industrialization in 1869 with the George H. Hammond Company meat-packing plant following merchants and farmers to the area. Hammond was incorporated on April 21, 1884, and was named after the Detroit butcher.

The city places a strong emphasis on the health and well-being of its residents. Hammond is equipped with a robust healthcare infrastructure, including the Franciscan Health Hammond Hospital. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the Hammond Parks and Recreation Department offers. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include Planet Fitness, Hammond Group Classes, and Hammond Fitness Center. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Hammond, such as the Erie Lackawanna Trail and George Lake Trail. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Hammond, IN include the Mascot Hall of Fame, Whihala Beach, and Hammond Sportsplex.

Population: 78,853 (2021). Elevation: 594 feet (181 m). Area: 23.81 sq mi (61.68 km²). ZIP Code: 46320. Area code(s): 219.

FAQs

What is Hammond, IN famous for?

Hammond is home to great entertainment options such as live performances at Towle Theater, as well as gaming and dining at the Horseshoe Casino. Shopping is also a treat in Hammond, with unique antique and furnishing stores, as well as an 185,000 square foot Cabela's retail showroom for the outdoorsman in the family. Speaking of the great outdoors, the Lost Marsh Environmental Recreation area includes a 330-acre championship golf course, a youth golf academy, and an idyllic nature preserve. 

How safe is Hammond, IN?

With a crime rate of 40 per one thousand residents, Hammond has one of the highest crime rates in America compared to all communities of all sizes - from the smallest towns to the very largest cities. One's chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime here is one in 25. Within Indiana, more than 98% of the communities have a lower crime rate than Hammond.

Is Hammond, IN a nice place to live?

Living in Hammond offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Hammond, there are a lot of bars and parks. Many families live in Hammond and residents tend to lean liberal.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Hammond

Franciscan Health Hammond 

Hammond Parks and Recreation Department 

Planet Fitness

Hammond Group Classes 

Hammond Fitness Center

Erie Lackawanna Trail 

George Lake Trail

Mascot Hall of Fame

Whihala Beach

Hammond Sportsplex

South Shore CVA

Neighborhoodscout

Niche

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