Meet Monica Gauthier! Monica is the owner of North Star Properties. Monica grew up in the North Suburbs of Detroit until she moved to Chicago in 2003. In 2009, she was over city life and wanted to find a peaceful safe place to start a family. She searched for a little slice of heaven and found Ogden Dunes. It had everything she could imagine and more. Proximity to the city, safe family friendly neighborhood and the beach. Her son was born in the winter of 2011 and she couldn’t imagine raising him anywhere else. What she loves most about the dunes is that everyday she is surrounded by beauty regardless of the season. Life can get so stressful, yet she knows that she can just take a walk in the dunes and be grounded again.
What brought you to the dunes? After living in Chicago for 8 years, I wanted to find a community to raise a family and get away from city life, but still be close enough to get downtown when needed. I didn’t want to live in a cookie cutter neighborhood and be surrounded by strip malls. So, I started my search and the dunes had everything that I was looking for; a solid community, a family friendly safe neighborhood and a beautiful beach.
How long have you lived here? I moved here in November of 2009 and I can honestly say that this area will be my forever home/area.
What is your favorite thing to do in the area? Enjoy the seasons. If it’s Fall, driving down US 12 just as the leaves change colors is breathtaking and enchanting. Winter is just as beautiful here and what’s better than acting like a kid again sledding down the huge sand dunes. Spring- all the greenery it just puts a smile on your face. Summer-The beach, hiking and anything that has to do with outdoors.
Tell us a secret about the dunes. Our beaches are hands down the best secret. It seems like an obvious answer but being in Real Estate, some of the first words out of my clients mouth are…I never knew Indiana had such beautiful beaches. The Indiana Dunes are hands down the best kept secret in the Midwest. Growing up in the Detroit area, I never knew this area existed, much like my clients, I never thought beaches when someone would say Northwest Indiana. I was pleasantly surprised and so proud to call the dunes my home.
Give us your top three “hidden treasures” (restaurant, shop, trail, beach, event…really anything!) a) The Sledding Dune at the Indiana Dunes State Park, unless you live near here, many don’t know about it! b) Rolling Stone Bakery-Their pizza’s are amazing. c) The people- Not being from here, I have never felt more welcomed. As a resident and now business owner., the people of the dunes are talented, amazing and so kind.
What would you like to teach people about the dunes? Be aware of your surroundings in all aspects. As beautiful as this area is, there is also a lot to know and potential dangers. We have Wild fires here, something I probably never would have thought of prior to living here. A few years back I was evacuated from my home, it was really scary. If I recall correctly it started from a spark off of a train. So if you’re in the dunes, it’s dry and you want to have a fire, be careful and mindful!
Anything else? If you’re looking for a home, rental or investment property call North Star Properties. I’ve spent my entire life in Real Estate from Building to Sales. My goal is to be the one stop shop for Real Estate in the Northwest Indiana Area. I strive to be the best and most knowledgeable and constantly keep myself up to date on any changes in the area. Most Real Estate Firms and Agents never talk to their clients after the sale is made other than a computer generated email or card. I’ve created a concierge style of services for my clients; I’ve helped them find homes, guided them with remodeling and been their #1 go to person for future needs when it comes to their homes. You can check out our homes on NorthStarPropertiesofIN.com or Contact us at (219)706-9139, email: monica@northstarpropertiesofin.com
Monica will be listing some rental properties right on Dig the Dunes very soon! Check back for your next visit in the area.
You can learn about more neighbors right here!