South Bend info...

[cyberbackpacker]

Mods I apologize if this is in the wrong forum.

I am looking for people's input on the city of South Bend. Looking to relocate after the first of the year, and South Bend is at the top of our list. However looking for some insider (read- someone who has spent extensive time there) information on the place.

I would appreciate current (last 3-4 years) type of information. Good place for a family? Overall vibe of city? Crime, unemployment? What is the city like when the universities are out for summer?

Any info is appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

-Kevin

 

[Ramsey]

My uncle lived there for a quite a few years, then moved to goshen, or maybe it was the other way around. He lived at one moved then moved back, because of his job. I know this does not help you at all but just throwing it out there.

 

[xj4life]

my wife and I are looking to relocate to the La Porte/South Bend area, more towards the country side of things. she spent quite a few summers working in La Porte and absolutely loves it. i've never been into South Bend but i know in the surrounding areas there isnt much in the way of civilization, but that's the way we like it.

 

[cyberbackpacker]

That is something to consider. I would like a nice spread in the country, but I think my wife would appreciate being closer in town (a 3 year old and a newborn might have something to do with that).

 

[xj4life]

That is something to consider. I would like a nice spread in the country, but I think my wife would appreciate being closer in town (a 3 year old and a newborn might have something to do with that).

I could be wrong but from what i've seen Indiana doesnt have the urban sprawl issues that a lot of places have. so you might be able to live in the country but not be to far from the city.

 

[jcroffroad]

It really depends on where in South bend you move. It has downtown, the sticks and the ghetto. Southern south bend is pretty nice, but it is growing alot because of Pen High school. Alot of the rougher parts of South bend are near downtown and close/off of Highway 2/123.

If you are looking for a nice area (but it is growing alot and cost of houses is up) check out Grainger Indiana. It is not that far from South bend. I spend alot of time around this area when I met my wife. She lived very close by grainger. Nice, kind of out of the way of mishawaka. But it wont be long before mishawaka gets closer.

You can also look at Mishawaka, But it has really become HUGE. You will notice a little less traffic when school is out in the summer but nothing rediculous. Notre dame is located just out of the way of most of south bend, and is very close to 131 and 80/90.

One thing, if you do end up checking out grainger/mishawaka area and are looking for a church, check out Grainger Community Church. That place is UNBELIEVABLE!

later,brian

 

[jcroffroad]

I could be wrong but from what i've seen Indiana doesnt have the urban sprawl issues that a lot of places have. so you might be able to live in the country but not be to far from the city.

You can check out niles Mi as well. It is not that far from down town and there are walmarts and miejers all over.

 

[cyberbackpacker]

Thanks for that info Brian. It looks like when we are in Chicago for Thanksgiving we are going to head over towards South Bend for part of the day... drive around and try to get a feel for a few places. I will keep your ideas in mind.

-Kevin

 

[PhunkXJ]

My family has had a cottage in New Carlisle for the past 40 years, we are always in South Bend and LaPorte, I think both towns are great. South Bend is a fairly busy, but you can be away from it all in a 10 minute drive.

It very much reminds me of the south suburbs of Chicago where I live.
They even have a decent mall in South Bend, University Mall to be exact.
It's pretty quiet in the summer when school is out, which is when we are there the most, during game weekends it's really busy but they have traffic control mastered.

When you go to South Bend at Thanksgiving get on the road by noon, it should only be a 1 1/2 hour drive max, drive around go to a local restaurant eat and talk to people, the sun is setting by 5 so you will be able to see what it's like at night time.

good luck!

 

[cyberbackpacker]

Thanks PhunxXJ... I am looking for as many points of view as possible, so it is greatly appreciated.

When we visit we have to be back to chicago by 4-5pm because of family reunion activities, but we had planned to leave first thing in the morning to maximize our time there (the Hertz near our hotel opens at 7am).

We definitely plan on experiencing local restaurants, etc. and trying to talk to whomever we can find out and about that is "local".

 

[PhunkXJ]

right on, well enjoy your visit!

 

[jcroffroad]

Be sure to eat lunch here

Hacienda Mexican Restaurant
Grape Road
5836 Grape Road
Mishawaka, Indiana 46545
(574) 277-1318
fax (574) 273-2086

That is what I miss most about living in kzoo, no hacienda

 

[xj4life]

Be sure to eat lunch here

Hacienda Mexican Restaurant
Grape Road
5836 Grape Road
Mishawaka, Indiana 46545
(574) 277-1318
fax (574) 273-2086

That is what I miss most about living in kzoo, no hacienda

Ohhhhhh I love Hacienda!!!!!

 

[jcroffroad]

There is nothing like it around here in kalamazoo, but they were part of my life for 8 years

 

[cyberbackpacker]

If I end up moving to that area I will keep it in mind, but coming from southern california, I can say with certainty that I will not be looking to sample Mexican food on this trip! Thanks for the tip though!

-Kevin

 

[GusDaDog]

South Bend has a good variety of darn good food. And what I can tell from passing through quite often, good atmosphere too. I'm highly considering moving from Michigan City to South Bend.

Oh, and up there in Kalamazoo where I went to College, I always liked Burdick's Bar and Grille....

 

[downshift1]

I spent a week there for AM General Hummer training, it was a very nice town and the people we very friendly too

 

[xjjeepthing]

I live 20 miles south of South Bend in Plymouth. South Bend has alot of things to do. But is like all bigger Cities has good and bad. Plymouth is a smaller town and tends to be alot more quiet.

 

[Dirk Pitt]

There is nothing like it around here in kalamazoo, but they were part of my life for 8 years

If I were anywhere near Kalamazoo, there would only be one establishment to frequent...

Bells microbrewery.

 

[JS4309]

If you want a small town thats quiet and yet not far from everything (18 miles to Elkhart 30 to S Bend) and has GREAT schools check out the Nappanee/Wakarusa area.
It's a small town area, but has lots to do, especially if you have kids, and the schools can't be beat. I know your kids are young yet, but if they will be athletic at all the schools have a history of top basketball and football teams as well with one state championship in each. The football program has had two head coaches since the present system was made back in the late 60's. Teachers who taught there when I was a freshman in 74/75 are still teaching. They do not have the turnover, and keep the good teachers They also produce very good teachers, as many of their grads go on to teach. And they have produced a lot of coaches (who are also teachers). Two former grads are teaching and coaching in my area at (Shelbyville and Greenfield).

The only downside is having to dodge the Amish buggies! They have a large Amish community. The main industry is: Mobile homes & RV construction and Amish Acres.

JS