Duneland Communities
Nestled along Lake Michigan's southern shore...
Duneland offers a rich variety of communities, each with its own distinct character. From the peaceful beach towns to charming neighborhoods in Chesterton, Valparaiso and beyond, the region blends natural beauty with small-town warmth.
Preserving nature and community for more than 100 years.
Dune Acres
The smallest of the shoreline communities, Dune Acres is home to just 160 residences, offering a rare combination of privacy, seclusion, and natural beauty. With a single road in and out, non-resident traffic is rare. The town's staffed security cabin stands watch 24/7, setting the tone for the peaceful pace and close-knit feel that lies beyond.
Homes here are set among rolling dunes — some perched along the shoreline, others tucked into wooded hillside lots. The historic Dune Acres clubhouse, perched atop the town's tallest dune, has been a hub for civic and social life since 1923. Lighted tennis courts, a playground, and a popular ice-skating rink provide year-round recreation for residents of all ages.
Dune Acres boasts a mile and a half of pristine sandy beach, with convenient resident-only parking at several access points. From the lively East Beach to the quieter sands on the west end, you’ll find the perfect spot for swimming, kayaking, or simply unwinding by the water.
For those seeking a home surrounded by nature with unmatched security and a strong sense of community, Dune Acres offers something truly special.
Where wooded trails meet sandy beaches.
Ogden Dunes
Nestled along the southern shore of Lake Michigan, Ogden Dunes is a serene residential community known for its coastal ambiance within the Indiana Dunes National Park. Established in 1925 and named after Francis A. Ogden, the town encompasses approximately 600 homes with a population of around 1,200 residents.
Residents and visitors alike are drawn to its pristine beaches, rolling dunes, and lush woodlands, offering ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and water sports. The community boasts a strong sense of camaraderie, with local events and gatherings fostering a close-knit atmosphere. Its proximity to major urban centers provides a perfect blend of tranquil living and accessibility to city amenities.
An artistic enclave nestled in the dunes.
Beverly Shores
Beverly Shores is a picturesque town celebrated for its rich artistic heritage and welcoming community spirit. With a population of approximately 597 residents, it offers a peaceful retreat amidst natural beauty.
The town is renowned for its commitment to preserving the environment, being recognized as an International Dark Sky Community and a Bird Town Indiana Community.
Visitors and residents enjoy its pristine beaches, diverse wildlife, and cultural events that reflect its artistic legacy. The community's dedication to conservation and the arts creates a unique and enriching living experience.
Celebrating the Art of Living
Chesterton
The charm of Chesterton lies in its balance — where a rich sense of tradition meets modern-day livability. The town has taken care to preserve its small-town character while still offering the essentials for today’s families: excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, and a robust parks system that spans everything from sports facilities to scenic trails.
Downtown Chesterton is the heart of the community, with historic homes, local shops, and the beloved European Market, a Saturday institution known for its mix of fresh produce, handmade goods, and neighborhood energy. Nearby, Thomas Centennial Park and its iconic gazebo set the stage for community events and casual gatherings year-round.
Chesterton real estate reflects its diversity — from classic homes near the town center to thoughtfully planned newer neighborhoods offering something for every stage of life. Whether you're a first-time buyer, need some more elbow room, or seeking luxury within the private gates of Sand Creek Golf Community, Chesterton delivers exceptional options at a compelling value.
Gateway to Indiana Dunes National Park
Porter
Porter blends small-town charm with unbeatable proximity to nature. When locals talk about "Porter" they’re usually referring to the original village center—home to historic neighborhoods, walkable streets, and a strong sense of community. Just beyond that core, newer residential areas offer space and comfort in a laid-back setting.
Porter also incorporates Porter Beach, the classic beach enclave that feels worlds away but is officially part of the town itself. Once known as Waverly Beach, this scenic extension offers direct access to the Indiana Dunes National Park, making it a coveted spot for those who want to live at the edge of the lake. While not an incorporated municipality like neighboring Dune Acres, Porter Beach retains a distinct identity rooted in sand, sky, and shoreline.
Whether you're hiking wooded trails, paddling along calm waterways, or enjoying one of the town’s many community events, Porter invites you to slow down and savor life at the edge of the dunes.
Preserving nature and community for more than 100 years.
Burns Harbor
Burns Harbor is a town on the rise — one of the fastest-growing municipalities in Indiana, where new neighborhoods, smart planning, and an unbeatable location are drawing attention. While long integral to the region’s steel-making legacy, the town is charting a dynamic future rooted in community, nature, and opportunity.
The Little Calumet River and nearby Indiana Dunes National Park weave natural beauty throughout the landscape, and Burns Harbor plays a key role in the Marquette Greenway — a visionary trail project that will eventually connect lakefront communities across Northwest Indiana. Despite its rapid growth, Burns Harbor remains quiet, safe, and surprisingly affordable, offering a range of housing options in a setting that blends suburban ease with a rural sense of space.
With top-rated Duneland Schools and easy access to major highways, Burns Harbor is a smart choice for families, professionals, and anyone seeking more elbow room without giving up connectivity.
BONNIE HAWKSWORTH
REALTOR®
Bonnie brings uncommon perspective and polish to every real estate transaction.
Her career began in Chicago’s business and media world, where she managed a bustling Michigan Avenue TV production company and served as Executive Producer of HGTV’s New Spaces. That experience sharpened her eye for design, construction, and what turns a house into a standout home.
After successfully renovating and selling her own Lincoln Park condo, Bonnie returned to Dune Acres—where her family has lived since the 1940s—and built a custom home of her own. Her deep local roots, paired with years of professional leadership and creative problem solving, give her clients a rare edge in today’s market.
Whether you’re selling a beloved property or looking to Find Your Place in the Dunes, Bonnie brings clarity, strategy, and calm confidence to every step of the process.
WHAT CLIENTS SAY?
KIND WORDS FROM MY LOVELY CLIENTS
"In our dealings with Bonnie, she has been such a pleasure to work with! She is consistently reliable and timely in providing information and in her communications with us. We feel Bonnie has our best interest at heart, we can trust her to do her very best for us."
"Bonnie’s quality of work is exceptional. She is thorough, well-organized, precise, thoughtful and versatile in every aspect of her work. There isn’t a project she doesn’t take on with confidence or complete without the highest level of quality and professionalism."
"Bonnie is extremely organized and [is adept at] multitasking. She oversees the big picture while ensuring the smallest details are covered."
Let’s connect. On your terms.
Are you interested in buying or selling a home — or perhaps just learning more about the Indiana Dunes Real Estate market? I can help.
Bonnie Hawksworth
Real Estate Advisor | Dunelife Team
Mobile: 219-309-7638
bonniehawksworth@atproperties.com
All information provided on this website is believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified. Nothing on this site constitutes legal, financial, or tax advice—visitors should consult the appropriate professionals for guidance specific to their situation. Bonnie Hawksworth, the Dunelife Team, @properties | Christie's International Real Estate and their affiliates, and website owner make no representations or warranties, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of any content for any purpose and shall not be liable for any loss arising from reliance on the information provided. This website and its owners comply with all Fair Housing Act and Equal Opportunity provisions. Equal Housing Opportunity.