From Long Island, NY to Elkhart/Michiana (Indianapolis, Fort Wayne: transplants, real estate)

[fozra]

My husband and I are looking into moving to the area by next year. Cost of living here on LI is out of control. So is the traffic. Other things here make me weary, but I won't go into it just now.

So, how realistic are these job/career aspirations? Him: Has his eye on landing a job at Jake's Fireworks. Fireworks are his passion and he's enthusiastic to make a career out of it.
Myself: Associates degree in Musical Instrument Technology plus years of experience with all families of instruments except for pianos. I'm thinking Conn-Selmer, Bach, Gemienhardt.

Neighborhoods.
Since the job search would be in Elkhart, I would consider living there as well, providing there are some decent areas there. Suggestions? I've also looked into housing in Mishawaka or any place reasonable and decent in between. I've seen good things posted here about Granger, but I don't want to price myself too deep.

We are both also very much into music - metal, hard rock, alternative, etc. Is there a scene in that area? How far is the trek into Chicago to see a show, and are there any other cities within a practical driving distance where major and minor bands tour through? I'm used to a 1-1hr 20min trip into NYC by commuter train, so I would check that option out for big city trips there as well, unless driving/parking is better in Chicago than in Manhattan.

24hr convenience: 7 Eleven? Circle K? Something Else?

And anything else anyone can think of about life in Michiana. Any NY Metro area transplants there who can provide feedback? Any enlightenment is appreciated. I'll try to keep this topic going as I think of more questions.

[uggabugga]

I moved away from Elkhart in April, and every time I check the local newspaper online, there's more bad news. Much of the area economy is dependent on manufacturing, especially RVs and trailers, and those industries have experienced shutdown after shutdown in the last 2-3 months. Elkhart county's unemployment rate just hit 9.3%, and Conn-Selmer has been facing a strike for the past 2 1/2 years.
Now then, I still have a house in Elkhart that I would dearly love to sell- interested?

[domergurl]

I'd try to get as close to work and pleasure as possible, i.e. get as close to Chicago as possible. Not sure what to tell you about the fireworks, but I think it's cool! There are huge fireworks places in NW Indiana (I'm thinking Shelton's). It's about a 2+ hour train trip into Chicago from South Bend about 2.5 by car .. you'd probably have to do an overnight. As for your area of expertise, uggabugga is right, there's not much going well in the Elkhart area, but that's mainly in the RV industry. There are over 1400 people looking for work in the area. Here's my suggestion ... look at living in NW Indiana. I honestly don't know what the industry for you is like in the Chicago area, but there should be something right? I wish I could be more specific, but at least living in the region, you have Chicago at your doorstep, unlike Elkhart, which you would have more limited options. Living in NW Indiana wouldn't be as expensive as LI, not sure what your pricerange is ...

I hope that's a little helpful.

[fozra]

Thanks to both for your info.
Yeah, I've been reading about the economy there. Sorry to hear so many people are struggling. I don't have many doubts that the rest of the country fill follow soon enough. I'm a low-medium income earner in a high cost of living area (one of the highest in the country), so I'm used to scraping and scrapping for my dailies. But LI is too ridiculous, so we're seeking a more comfortable existence elsewhere.
I don't mind being a little further from a large city: it's just concert and airport journeys that'll get me going in mostly (once I've gotten past the "discovery" phase). I live 40 miles from NYC and only nowadays get in to see bands play - can't remember the last time I went in merely for a day out. Too crowded in there for me - I like open space to breathe and move. Example: I've got the yen lately to go into the city just for the helluvit, but I'm waiting 'till early fall when it isn't too hot any more.
If we do move to that area, whether it be Michiana or the Northwest, it will be entirely contigent upon landing a decent job for at least one of us. We're also considering other areas, mostly in the midwest - still scouting and researching. This site and this forum is a great resource.

Thanks again. I'll be sure it stick my head up with more questions down the line.

[tat2kelly]

You Should check out Hammond, IN. We have tons of firework stands, have him try Krazy Kaplins, they sell other stuff too so they are open year round (like halloween costumes). We are a short drive, 30 mins, from chicago or have plenty of public transportation to get you to downtown chicago. there are alot of jobs around here, although many do commute to chicago for better pay. You can rent a house around here for $600-$800 a month, my dad has a rental thats 2 bedrms 2 bath, for $900 a month including all utilities, its currently rented, but just trying to give you an idea. If you check Hammond out look in south hammond, or hessville (i guess it would be the east side) or the robertsdale- whiting area, (way north side). You can buy a house out here starting in the $60's. We also have 3 casinos in the area, a good source of fun and jobs.

[flyingwriter]

Michiana is a great place to live. Beautiful lakes, rolling hills, four seasons, quaint small towns, farmland, the only downside is the lack of jobs. You should take a look at Three Rivers, MI. It's located in the northeast part of Michiana, only about 30 minutes from Elkhart and 2 hrs. from Chicago. Good, safe, down-to-earth small town, but far from boring. There is definitely a music/arts scene here, and many new businesses, bars, and studios are opening up along Main St. downtown. Very low cost of living, with many homes under 50k and beautiful restored apts. and condos along Main St. downtown.

I would definitely stay away from the Hammond/Gary area. The place is a ghetto.

[3rivers]

Angola Indiana seems to thrive on fireworks! Around the lakes, they are really popular. Angola also has a nice little music scene and it's close enough to Ft. Wayne, which has lots of music venues. Also, Sweetwater Sound is located in Ft. Wayne and it's a hugely successful music industry and seems to hire all the time. Good luck in your decision!

[jodyrose]

Yes, the RV/Auto industry is experiencing a slow down, but still in a county population of 200,000, our total job loss this year is going to be in the 4000 range?? The Elkhart/Michiana area is still a very affordable place to live. Chicago is only 120mi away and you can take the South Shore train into the city from South Bend for all kinds of music. You can find allot of affordable housing here, I work in the real estate biz, so if you need any info on neighborhoods, etc, I would be glad to help.
I also lived in Fort Wayne for 5 yrs when I first moved back to IN from FL and I loved as well. Why dont you come for a visit and check it out? The trees will be turning soon,the fall festivals will be starting up and the apples are coming in...PERFECT!

Jody

[Alt Dach]

Originally Posted by kazoopilot

Michiana is a great place to live. Beautiful lakes, rolling hills, four seasons, quaint small towns, farmland, the only downside is the lack of jobs. You should take a look at Three Rivers, MI. It's located in the northeast part of Michiana, only about 30 minutes from Elkhart and 2 hrs. from Chicago. Good, safe, down-to-earth small town, but far from boring. There is definitely a music/arts scene here, and many new businesses, bars, and studios are opening up along Main St. downtown. Very low cost of living, with many homes under 50k and beautiful restored apts. and condos along Main St. downtown.

I would definitely stay away from the Hammond/Gary area. The place is a ghetto.

If you look at the crime stats on this site for Three Rivers it seems to
be catching up to Gary. Whats Up?

[mas48312]

I hate to burst your bubble, but I strongly suggest looking elsewhere. I left as soon as I completed my engineering degree at Purdue and haven't looked back. One of the ironic aspects of Indiana as a whole is that the state has world class universities but few opportunities for employment in the state. Elkhart is especially bad as other have pointed out how dependent the economy is on recreational vehicles. And look at the average income!

Every time I've gone back to visit (about once a year), I have found the town a little worse off than the last time. Sorry, but as someone who now lives on the East Coast as well, I'd suggest moving farther down the coast. Or if you really want to move to the Midwest, I would definitely suggest Indianapolis. It's a very nice city and very affordable with more employment options than up north.