Overall, a pretty good place
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9/17/2007
I recently read Matt's comment that the crime rate was high in South Bend, Indiana. I have to agree to a point, although crime statistics show that many of the crimes are isolated into certain sections of town (as in most large cities) and it seemas as if (according to local media) that most of our violent crimes seem to be related-that is, the victim knew the offender. I honestly don't feel any less safe living here than in any of the other cities I have lived in during my life. Like any mid or larger sized city, you just have to be aware of your surroundings and get on with your life. I think most upstanding people can live here and have just as good a life as they would anywhere else in the United States.
As for entertainment, cultural and dining opportunities, South Bend fares well with other cities in the 100,000-250,000 demographic. For those who like to moan that there is "nothing to do in the Greater Michiana area," they are OBVIOUSLY not lloking hard enough. We have a number of museums, five universities and colleges (Sorry Notre Dame-you're not the only game in town, so quit acting like you own the city.), many cultural opportunities such as local bands in bars on up to Broadway shows and national acts who frequently stop in our city on their way to Chicago. There are many city, county and state parks within a 30 minute drive of downtown offering many outdoor activities from hiking in the woods to skiing to kayaking on the East Race. Our library system is one of the top 3 librairies in the nation in cities of our size, and only continues to get better. Downtown is beginning to go through a re-birth of sorts, but more as an entertainment district than a shopping district. (Although there are many uniquestores downtown as well.) As far as shopping, I feel we have more than adequate resources on Grape Rd. an N. Main in Mishawaka, as well as the growth explosion on the far South Side of South Bend (Erskine Village, Erskine Commons, etc.)
The cost of living in the South Bend-Elkhart area is great. It is very possible to get a nice house in a good area for well under $100,000. Job growth could be better, but a lot of the problem lies with a current city administration that hasn't had a new idea since the Reagan administration. New leadership is sorley needed across the board in our city and county. The schools could be better, but I know people who have been transferred here who have siad that their concerns with the South Bend schools eroded onc
KERRY | Galien, MI