South Bend, what a hole in the wall (Indianapolis, Mishawaka: for sale, real estate)

[ghill0463]

I've lived in South Bend off and on for the last seven years and it feels like I've been cursed since being here. Most of my medical problems that I have had has been found since being here! I'd never been close to having a stroke or anything like it before coming here. I'd never had a problem being without a decent job until coming here! With over twenty years of experience in the IT industry, how can you not be able to find a job?

Gregory Hill

[artemis]

Have you checked into the Chicago job market? Lots of people from the SB area commute via the South Shore.

[barbershopkerry]

I find it absolutely hilarious what some people (who have apparently only driven through part of our city) have to say about South Bend. Yes, South Bend has a higher crime rate than some places. However, according to the city-data information (on this very website!), we have a lower crime rate than some the places you would consider "desirable." Furthermore, I love how people in Mishawaka and surrounding areas say things like (and I am quoting from a post I read earlier tonight) that "South Bend is a horrible city. Everything is boarded up and deadly shootings happen there every day." Hmmm....while the boarded up thing may be true in some parts of town, I can honestly say that there are many very nice areas of the city as well. As far as the deadly shooting thing, get real. If we had "deadly shootings every day" as the poster claims, we would average 365 murders per year. Last year, I believe we had 14. Quite a difference, don't you think? It seems to me like there are a lot of people in St. Joseph county that haven't been west of Ironwood or Logan for quite a while, if ever. It also occurs to me that you could say the same thing about ANY city over 100,000 in this country (barring suburban areas-I mean cities.) I've been to places like Battle Creek-half the size of South Bend but with a higher crime rate (again, found on this very website) that seem to be a lot more run down and dowtrodden. Heck, I've live in areas that some of these same people would consider "more desirable" and can honestly tell you that South Bend is better.

Personally, I have found South Bend to be relatively safe. Like all cities over 100,000, you do have to watch yourself. However, I feel that the average person is no more vulnerable in South Bend than they are anywhere else. I have lived in other metro areas that made me feel MUCH less safe than I do here.

As far as those who say there is nothing to do here, I'm afraid you just aren't looking very hard. I have found this area to have good libraries, parks, arts and cultural events, the Farmer's Market, and quite adequate shopping. To suggest to someone moving to the area that they need to "Stay away from South Bend-go to Valpo or Granger instead" is absurd. I would only say to move to Granger if you want to live in a big, taupe McMansion that looks just like everybody else's. (Not that we don't also have that in South Bend:Granger just has the "Stepford" thing down to an art. I'm not a big subdivision fan. Just my opinion.)

If you are moving to South Bend, I would STRONGLY suggest staying in the South or Eastern parts of town. There are some really nice areas on the west side as well, but that is also the part of town with the higher crime areas. Much of the crime in South Bend seems to be related-the victim knew the offender. To me, that kind of changes the crime outlook for me. Like another poster said, I'd stay out of Mishawak South of the River or Osceola, especially if you are a minority. While I, as a white male, would be readily accepted there, a minority may not receive the same kind of welcome.

As far as finding a job here, it really depends on what you are looking for. If you are looking for a job in the healthcare, finance, or educational field, this is a good place to be. Other industries not so much. I think this is changing and will improve over the next few years, but the transition from a predominately blue-collar town to a white collar town takes time. Give South Bend a chance. It would also help if the leadership of the City of South Bend had a clue as to what it takes to attract TOP companies to the city. The area has a lot going for it (good transportation, easy access to larger cities such as Chicago, Indy, Cincy, Detroit, etc.), but our mayor seems to be a little lax in the business recruitment area.

Overall, I think South Bend is a pretty good place to live. Maybe not as exciting as Chicago or any of those other "cool cities," (I move here from the Chicago area-nice but largely unaffordabe to the average Joe) but all the same, not too bad. It seems like a lot of the people slamming the city are from Mishawaka, Granger or downstate. It has also been my experience that these same folks are not exactly used to diversity (which we have a lot of in South Bend) and let the news tell them what to think about our city rather than experience it for themselves. Unfortunately, there are still some redneck folks (in South Bend as well) tht equate different with bad and refuse to accept the fact that maybe different is just that and nothing else.

[brickpond]

I live in PA, but was noticing homes for sale, really cheap, in the 1500-2000 area of Leer Street. I guess there must be a reason why they're so cheap-- a couple of them look decent. Can you tell me anything about that area? After reading here and there, I'm wondering if there's a crime problem, water/sewage problem, or tax increase problem.

[barbershopkerry]

Houses are cheap in that area, although I would try to stay in the 2000-2700 blocks of Leer. The 1500-1900 blocks have many rental properties, some of which aren't very well taken care of. The neighborhood in those blocks also has more going on as far as crime goes, due to absentee landlords. I would be very happy to help you find a place if you could tell me what price range you need, fixer-upper, etc. I can let you know if the home is a good buy or not, based on condition or area. The average median home price in South Bend/Mishawaka is only $85,000, so low prices don't necessarily mean bad neighborhood. In some instances, the house could be a repo (bank-owned). I do have to admit that it would be a good idea to contact me about what neighborhoods to look at if you are below a certain price point-could be high crime or redneck and that could be why the houses are cheap. Please let me know if I can help. I am NOT a realtor, but know the area incredibly well and have an interest in real estate and architecture.

[bo1516]

Sounds like this person may not be so happy wherever they live. South Bend definitely has some great points. Housing is affordable (taxes are a problem though) Lots of cultural events. South Bend Symphony is a big draw. They are just incredible. DeBartolo center at Notre Dame brings in some great music, movies, ballets etc. Lots of fun music. People are generally helpful and nice. Ethnic Diversity. IUSB is a great school for the money. Lots of individualized help for students. 2 hours from Chicago and Indianapolis. Some really good restaurants. Ciao's Genuine Italian, Carriage House, Roccos Pizza!! Farmer's market is great!! Locally grown produce, handmade jewelry, antiques (my favorite booth is the one with the linens and sterling silver) Parks are good. St. Pat's Park, Bertrand Park. Silverhawks, Meet me on the Island in the summer-music in the parks on sunday evenings...I could go on and on. I would suggest that if someone is unhappy they should go elsewhere. Sometimes it is just a case of the grass is always greener!!

[bekitts]

I have lived in South Bend for 40 years and it has declined drasically in the last 8 years. Be warned that the property tax rate is dangerously out of control here. The subject is in the news every week. The State legislature is working to try to fix the problem but nothing has been done. This problem has sent hundreds of landlords and homeowners into bankruptsy. There are a couple hundred abandoned homes in the city limits. Housing prices have dropped by 50% on the west side and up to 25% in other parts of town. Nearly 60% of South Bend Proper is bad or declining neighborhoods. The job market is terrible due to the obvious absense of a healthy manufacturing sector. White flight was up to 10% last census and I can tell you that it will be much higher in the census that is coming up. The infrastructure of the city is crumbling. We are planning to move out of the area next year.

[lovelylady_3864]

Ok, you obviously have never left South Bend and never seen other states. Because you do not have a clue!!! South Bend Is boarded up!!! Yes, the crime here is unreal!!!! and L.O.L. the West side is the worst!!!
South Bend has no oow ahhs like other states. Yes, there is some nice areas of South Bend also but those areas make you a target for robbery.
Unless you are a drunk and like night clubs that is the only thing here.
But you can find that anywhere.

[moved east]

Originally Posted by ghill0463

I've lived in South Bend off and on for the last seven years and it feels like I've been cursed since being here. Most of my medical problems that I have had has been found since being here! I'd never been close to having a stroke or anything like it before coming here. I'd never had a problem being without a decent job until coming here! With over twenty years of experience in the IT industry, how can you not be able to find a job?

Gregory Hill

I agree, my health decline once I moved into the city of SB. The water is bad, the air is fawl, the city utilities are falling apart and the mayor will never allow the police chief to do his job the right way. (RON M. and Larry B. x-chiefs for example.) I am so glad I moved. So RUN, don't walk, far away for such a small town with small minded people. It is apart of the good good boy and KKK club there.

[bekitts]

Not sure if you are replying to my post (bekitts). Not sure what you were trying to say but....I am in the military and have been all over the world and most States. I simply LIVE in South Bend.