Niles vs. Granger/South Bend (Mishawaka, La Porte: high crime, houses, safe area)

[claremarie]

We are relocating to the South Bend area next summer. My husband will be teaching at Notre Dame. Our initial housing search focused on South Bend and Granger, but several folks have suggested looking at neighborhoods in Niles, Michigan (one of them is called the Reserve at Knollwood) just over the state line from Granger. We won't have children in public school, so the relative school quality is not an issue. Are there any "Michiania" residents who can comment on the advantages/disadvantages of living in Niles versus Granger (or South Bend)?

[domergurl]

I grew up in the area. Granger is very nice and there are a lot of Domer profs who live there. When we were looking to move to the area (hubby was working for ND at the time), our realtor (if you need one, let me know), told us that Michigan schools were better. At least now that they are on the same time at Michigan, you wouldn't have to worry about the hour time change half the year.

My suggestion is to look in all 3 places, since schools aren't an issue, find a nice spot that you feel comfy in. We were looking in Granger primarily because of the school system and it's proximity to ND. There are Knollwood neighborhoods all over Granger too. It also may be a tad bit cheaper to live on the Indiana side.

Welcome.

[Angelala]

Granger is nice, I would never live in South Bend there is too much crime. It seems like every other night I hear on the news that someone has gotten shot.

[Elkman]

My advice is to stay away from South Bend. It's not safe. I would definitely advise looking into Granger. Most of the football coaches we've had lived there. And you are close to shopping also. You won't go wrong in Granger. Although I'm guessing Niles housing maybe a tad cheaper.

[claremarie]

What we're trying to figure out is why the homes in Niles seem to be cheaper. Is it the schools? Or differences between Indiana/Michigan in state taxes? Some of the neighborhoods are right on the state line, and the people living there are most likely working and shopping in the South Bend area.

[domergurl]

I could be wrong, but I think that Michigan taxes are higher. When we were looking in Granger a few years back, our realtor was telling us that Edwardsburg had good schools ...

[goldpolkadots]

Originally Posted by claremarie

We are relocating to the South Bend area next summer. My husband will be teaching at Notre Dame. Our initial housing search focused on South Bend and Granger, but several folks have suggested looking at neighborhoods in Niles, Michigan (one of them is called the Reserve at Knollwood) just over the state line from Granger. We won't have children in public school, so the relative school quality is not an issue. Are there any "Michiania" residents who can comment on the advantages/disadvantages of living in Niles versus Granger (or South Bend)?

Hello
I have lived in/near South Bend for over 18 years and I definately recommend moving away from SB. Honestly, there really is nothing nice about it. There are WAY too many people in Mishawaka, closer to IUSB and ND, causing there to be tons of traffic on on too little of roads. Let's not forget about the high crime. Like some have said, it seems that at least everyday there is a deadly shooting, or burglary taking place on the streets. And, SB is starting to really look run down. There are way too many boarded up houses, businesses, and restraunts.

Although I've only driven through Granger, it looks like a pretty well kept, safe area. I've heard, though, that the prices of houses are pretty expensive in Michigan.

I'm not sure how far you would want to drive to get to Notre Dame, but I love the little town of New Carlisle. It's about 40 minutes or so away from ND, and has a safe, friendly feel about it. Currently, there are 4 diners, a bank, two gift shops, a dollar store, hardware store, 2 auto shops, 2 gas stations, a cvs, a doctor's office, a vets office, and 2 grocery stores all located in town. This might seem like much but about 20 miles away from New Carlisle, there is a Wal Mart, Kmart, etc. in La Porte. There is also the well known private school, LaLumiere, about 15 minutes away. I would shy away from looking at the Hudson Lake area, though. Best of luck!