The life changing move
Below are some links and thoughts regarding South Bend living. I share my experiences, having lived there for 5 years now, about the many benefits and surprisingly few negatives that South Bend living grants.
South bend surprise!
Amazing cost of living!
Amazing cost of living!
Amazing cost of living!
Perhaps nothing will impact how you are able to live than this single thing. Coming from the Chicago area, I lived in a million dollar home surrounded by many that were considerably more expensive. Today I live in a home that cost a third of that and is nicer, on a beautiful large lot, and in a safe family friendly area. Additionally, I pay roughly 1/5th as much for taxes on my home today than I did on my Illinois house over 5 years ago! This allows me to save, travel, spend on fun or help family. It is a game changer!
Quality of life
Amazing cost of living!
Amazing cost of living!
Midwest nice is alive and well in the greater South Bend area! From the post office to the Bureau or Motor Vehicles, people tend to be friendly and helpful. Refreshing after big city mean. There is a beautiful new public library. High quality medical care and hospitals. Great parks. A beautiful and well designed zoo. Museums of Art, Studebaker cars, History museum, and a children's museum. Notre Dame draws in national acts like Garth Brooks, Billy Joel and more. Obviously high level college sports. There are 5 universities and a community college serving the area. Broadway shows and concerts at the Morris Performing Arts Center.
Rapidly developing city
Amazing cost of living!
Rapidly developing city
Right now there is somewhere in the area of $7B being invested or planned on in the greater South Bend area.
Microsoft just bought a large parcel of land nearby for a new data center. As did Samsung and GM for a $3.5B battery plant.
My wife and I frequently wonder, as we see the many new buildings, homes, and apartments under construction, what those investing in this area know that we haven't heard?
Access to everywhere!
Access to everywhere!
Rapidly developing city
If you enjoy major travel hassles and insanely busy airports where you have to park 5 miles away, you won't appreciate the South Bend airport. Served by Allegiant, American, Delta, United and, most recently, Breeze, the airport can quickly send you on your way to anywhere in the world. Safely park an easy walk to the terminal. Navigate the TSA "lines" of five to ten people. Trains also run direct to and from Chicago from the airport multiple times a day. Sometimes it's cheaper to book international out of South Bend than Chicago!
Shopping
Access to everywhere!
Dining and Social
South Bend won't compete with the high end shops of Oak Brook or Chicago. But you certainly can get the great majority of what you need or want. Here is a sample of the retailers in the South Bend area:
- Apple Store
- Costco
- Sam's Club
- Super Target
- Macy's
- Kohl's
- Best Buy
- Home Depot, Menards, & Lowes
- Old Navy
- Urban Outfitter
- Barnes and Noble
- Dick's
Grocery stores: Whole Foods, Kroger, Trader Joe's, Martin's, Aldi, Meijer, Fresh Thyme
Dining and Social
Access to everywhere!
Dining and Social
I am admittedly not a foodie. That said, the restaurant scene is probably good by most standards. For sheer scope and quality, SB just can't compete with the major metro areas like Chicago. But, remember, Chicago is only a 90 minute drive or train ride away for those really special occasions. Here are some recognizable restaurants near SB:
- Ruth's Chris
- Bone Fish Grill
- Panera
- Portillo's
- Roselily
- Olive Garden
- Five Guys
- Carrabba's Italian Grill
- Woochie's
- Chic-fil-A
This is just a "taste". There are, of course, many more, including local exclusives.