Not a First Choice
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12/21/2012
I was born and raised in South Bend. A good place for kids coming up or retirees who don't mind cold weather. In between, you have a city about 50 years past it's prime. Yes, home of Notre Dame--lucky for that, as this place is totally screwed without. Also has nice library system, and local attractions good for one visit. However; they won't hold most outsiders attention very long. Community has a "Friends and Family" approach to decent jobs and politics. Result is good chunk of South Bend's best and brightest young people repeating that "Get outta South Bend" mantra after high school or college.
The most obvious result is a place with low wages, personal expectations and standards. Scary thing is many locals think this place is center of the world. Half of the city has the same tired, rundown appearance with bumpy and patched streets. Some areas have rental housing accounting for at least 7 out of 10 dwellings. All the while, city leaders keep touting one scheme or initiative after another, knowing only persons lucky enough who know someone will benefit. One also hears the same lost industrial base excuse which wore thin years ago. Other cities has turned the corner, yet SB still struggles.
So, yes. South Bend is that pot bellied guy at the bar still telling all who'll listen about how he was a star in the 1960's!
Abhd | South Bend, IN