South Bend : Indiana

South Bend, Indiana, home to the world renowned University of Notre Dame and several other institutions of higher learning, is the county seat of St. Joseph County, with a population of 101,168 (2010 census).  The name is derived from the town’s location on the St. Joseph River as it sits on the southernmost bend.  This river has played an important part in the development of South Bend during the 20^th century, as its access brought in heavy industrial development such as the Studebaker Corporation, the Chilled Plow Company, and the Singer Sewing Company.  Today, with these industries long gone, health care, and education have become the largest employers, although there are still big corporations headquartered here. South Bend is also home to the Silver Hawks, a minor league baseball team affiliated with the Arizona Diamond Backs.  Photos of St. Joseph River and University of Notre Dame courtesy of Wikipedia.  Photo of Coveleski Stadium ("The Cove"), home of the Silver Hawks, courtesy of Wikipedia and Tysto.

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 South Bend-Mishawaka to be $132,900 in the second quarter of 2018.  See link at top left for communities in 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.

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.

Those who want to retire in a college town and cultural center that also offers parks and recreation, along with experiencing all four seasons, may enjoy it here.

Large corporations including AM General Corporation and Honeywell Aerospace are both located in South Bend, but the economy is driven today by health care and education as Notre Dame and Memorial Health System are the largest employers.

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.

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.