Odd that the author does not mention the lake. Hugely important reason why industry located there. It’s also the reason why it is a massive regional vacation destination (right next to the indiana dunes national park) and selling summer houses and condos is probably the reason that real estate agent mentioned out-earned everyone else in the state.

Walking is a great way to experience a place properly. I only discovered how much I enjoy walking during the lockdowns a few years ago when taking long walks was the only entertainment. I mostly walk around Berlin where I live. Exploring the areas in between the destinations where I normally by simply walking through them (as opposed to taking public transport and not seeing or noticing these areas), shows you a lot about a city.

Michigan City looks like a friendly enough place. Not that dissimilar from the working class areas here in Berlin. Lots of Berliners that live a bit further from the center.

One note, spectacular as that coal plant might look; living that close to one is not that great for your health. Coal plant pollution tends to affect health statistics (average age, incidence of lung related problems, etc.).