Moving To South Bend Advice Please!! (Elkhart, Portage: crime rate, houses, to buy)

[flaviomisael]

Hi, My Family Is Looking To Buy A Home In South Bend. The Thing Is We Are Not Familiar With The Area At All But A Recent Job Offer To Work Out Of Chicago Is The Main Reason Why I Have To Decide Quick. I Found A Home, It's On Orange St And Obrien. Is Anyone Familiar With That Area? We Have Three Kids And Need To Know About Schools And Safety. I Have Heard A Lot Of Negative Of South Bend. Can Someone Reply To Me In An Honest Way About This Specific Area. I Would Really Appreciate It. Also want to know how accepting South Bend is of hispanics. obviously not looking to take your jobs!!!

[goldpolkadots]

Hello
Although I'm not sure about the exact street you are looking to buy a house, I do know what area you are talking about.
I hate to say it, but that side of town is somewhat run down. Although there is the police station, and IUSB, and Addams nearby, it has become crime ridden. There also was a new factory built in the last year, right off of Walnut rd.

If you head in the direction of Jefferson street, by Dr. Macri's ortho office, you can find some really beautiful houses and some safe streets. & that side of South Bend is always busy.

As far as the acceptance of hispanics, I don't think you'll have a problem in SB.

[Jakehorror]

SB is better than Elkhart, though Elkhart is loaded with Hispanics due to the RV industry. South Bend has it's good and bad as with any city. Are you moving from Chicago? Or working in Chicago and commuting from SB? The Hispanic population here is rising faster than Texas and SoCal (on per capita results). You wont have any problem, Hispanics are everywhere here.

PS- Our weather sucks.

[flaviomisael]

actually we are planning to commute to chicago from south bend. is that a bad idea due to traffic.

[mbuszu]

Originally Posted by flaviomisael

actually we are planning to commute to chicago from south bend. is that a bad idea due to traffic.

Yes. The traffic (and the winter weather) will make it unreasonable in length and duration. This is coming from a guy who did a 1 hour and 15 minute commute to and from Manhattan. You don't want the proposed commute.

[domergurl]

Plus the time change! Chicago is an hour behind South Bend. Please reconsider commuting to Chicago from South Bend. Even by train, it's a hassle and you'll be spending more time commuting than necessary.

[goldpolkadots]

actually we are planning to commute to chicago from south bend. is that a bad idea due to traffic.

Yep, horrible idea.
It will take at least 2-3 hours to get from SB to Chicago.
You're best bet is moving to a closer, MUCH safer area like Portage, Valpo or Merrillville.

[lovelylady_3864]

I moved to South Bend 3 years ago and since then, I constantly talk in my sleep and have night mares.
I moved here from MN. but the crime rate is so bad that I am affraid to go walk or jog, all the time checking the locks on the door, talking about being paranoid!!! There is quite a bit of home invasions here, murders, muggings, etc...
I am moving ASAP.

[schlitz]

hi i am planning a move to south bend for school.are they jobs out that way?

[jodyrose]

Originally Posted by Jakehorror

SB is better than Elkhart, though Elkhart is loaded with Hispanics due to the RV industry. South Bend has it's good and bad as with any city. PS- Our weather sucks.

I dont think that South Bend is better than Elkhart, you can find good and bad in both towns. South Bend is larger for sure. I agree, there are plenty of Hispanics in both towns, that shouldn't be a problem. The weather can be bad, but its also very nice...like towns there are good and bad weather days in every place. Depends on what you like. I lived in FL for over 20 yrs and moved back to Indiana weather and no, I dont miss the constant sun and heat and humidity of Florida at all. To each their own