Living a College Town Lifestyle in South Bend, Indiana

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Where to Retire in South Bend and Home Prices

As a college town, South Bend is comprised of numerous and diverse neighborhoods, including a historic section along with newer developments. The National Association of Realtors reported the median sale price of a home in the South Bend-Mishawaka area to be $168,400 in the 1st quarter of 2022.  See link at top left for communities in South Bend.

What Is Special about South Bend

South Bend offers events and activities for all seasons.  The town is home to several museums, art galleries, sporting events, and schools.  It has all types of transportation, is a biking community, and has a low cost of living.

What Is Not Special about South Bend

South Bend has a high crime rate, long winters with lots of snow, and in 2014 was named as one of America's "unhappiest" cities, according to a study out of the National Bureau of Economic Research.

Climate and Physical Environment

South Bend’s average January temperature is 24 degrees and the average July temperature is 73 degrees. Lake Michigan influences the weather with lake effect snow each winter, and the town receives an average of 81 inches.

Restaurants & Cultural Scene

There is no lack of the arts and cultural events in South Bend.  The city boasts several art galleries, and museums including The South Bend Museum of Art which offers classes and workshops along with housing over 850 works of art in their permanent collection;  The Studebaker National Museum holds a large collection of cars from the 150-year history of the Studebaker Corporation, which was started by the Studebaker family of South Bend; The Morris Performing Arts Center is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a 2,500 seat theater that hosts a variety of events including concerts and Broadway performances;  The campus of Notre Dame, South Bend’s biggest tourist draw, offers several historic buildings along with Snite Museum of Art and The Basilica of the Sacred Heart;  As a college town, with over 10 colleges and institutions of higher learning, South Bend has many dining choices including Irish pubs, and a chocolate café.  And then there is the football.  Autumn football in South Bend is legendary with many celebrations and much cheering for the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame.

Crime

South Bend's crime rate is well above the national average.

Medical Facilities

Memorial Health System and several other hospitals and medical facilities service South Bend.

Transportation

South Bend International Airport is the only one in the country that also offers train service and bus service;  South Shore is an electric train line that connects to the airport and also services cities throughout northwest Indiana and Chicago; Amtrak, Greyhound and Coach USA also provide service;  South Bend has been recognized as a Bicycle Friendly Community with over 60 miles of bicycle routes and more in the making; South Bend is about average in walkability when compared to other towns.

Valuable Links

City of South Bend

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