Merrillville City Guide

Food options include American chains and local spots with Mexican, Italian, and some Asian food. Vegetarian and vegan choices are limited but better at bigger chains. Late-night eats mainly fast-food drive-thrus.

Nightlife is low-key with casual bars and sports pubs. No clubs or large venues.

Standard U.S. chain coffee shops like Starbucks dominate. Few local specialty cafes.

Tipping is standard: 15-20% in restaurants, rideshares, and services.

SIM cards are available at AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile stores, and electronics retailers. Prepaid plans require basic ID and address. Coverage and speed are good with all major carriers.

Clean suburban streets with regular waste pickup and recycling.

Some 24-hour pharmacies and convenience stores available but limited late-night services.

Supermarkets like Strack & Van Til, Meijer, Walmart, and Target offer most daily needs with moderate international products. Stores open early and close between 10 PM and midnight, including Sundays.

Most businesses accept major credit and debit cards. Cash isn't usually needed for daily purchases.

ATMs are common at banks like Chase, Centier, and Horizon, as well as major retail spots. Out-of-network ATM fees often range from $2.50 to $5.00.

Schools are part of Merrillville Community School Corporation with English instruction. No major international schools in town, but options exist nearby.

There is no strong digital nomad presence or meetups in Merrillville.

Major parks like Hidden Lake Park offer walking and running paths with good green spaces.

Running routes include paved park trails and quiet suburban streets with generally good safety during the day.

Several gyms provide standard fitness options ranging from budget to full-service centers.

Public tennis courts at parks like Hidden Lake Park are available; mostly first-come, first-served.

Padel courts are not common here.

Yoga studios exist with English-speaking instructors; drop-in classes are common.

Several dojos offer karate, taekwondo, and MMA with English-speaking instructors.

Limited local ski hills. Serious skiing requires travel to neighboring states.

Kayaking and paddleboarding available on Lake Michigan and local lakes in warmer months.

Some niche wind-driven surfing on Lake Michigan happens but is uncommon due to cold water and conditions.

Lake Michigan has some wreck diving but is cold with poor visibility. Not a usual dive spot.

Healthcare is good, with English-speaking staff standard. Methodist Hospitals Southlake Campus is a main facility. Pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens are open regular hours and stock common meds.

Tap water is safe and meets federal and state quality standards.

Several parks and playgrounds like Hidden Lake Park are good for families. Chain restaurants cater to kids. Baby supplies are easy to find in major stores.

Moderate acceptance with no prominent LGBTQ+ venues or events.

Pet-friendly with dog parks and veterinary services. Policies vary by venue.