[kapper]

We have just accepted a position in Benton Harbor. The sense we are getting is that we should live in St. Joseph. Having only relocated once in my life, I don't just want to do that without considering the options. My understanding is that some live in Chicago and commute as well as South Bend. I guess I'm wondering what my options really are and what others feel is the best place to raise a family. We are coming from a GREAT community outside of Rochester, NY.

Thanks in advance for your opinions!

[cardwellave]

South Bend to Benton Harbor is only about an hour but Chicago is double that. Whatever you do, don't live on the Benton Harbor side of the river!

(I'm actually shocked there are open jobs in Benton Harbor. I'm assuming this is for Whirpool or Maytag.)

[Cato the Elder]

Originally Posted by cardwellave

(I'm actually shocked there are open jobs in Benton Harbor. I'm assuming this is for Whirpool or Maytag.)

If you're shocked, it might be that you're getting too used to the "reality" portrayed on here by a vocal minority. Yes, the US and MI have seen better days, but armageddon is not upon us. We have work cut out for us, but people aren't eating dog food and blowing crap up trying to survive. It's all part of same cycle that's been going on for years. Each time we go through this, we lose more manufacturing jobs, but it's the direction the country is heading for better or worse. There are plenty of people coming to MI for jobs, just not in manufacturing. Look at alll the posts on here that talk about people moving here for jobs. There are people leaving as usual, and more than usual from manufacturing jobs, but all this talk of turning off the lights and MI sinking like the Titanic are laughable. If one thinks their life will be better elsewhere, they should move. Judging by some of the perceptions on here about how bad MI is, they should move to Baghdad as life would improve in their eyes.

[cardwellave]

Well I know that, I live in Michigan, but Benton Harbor has been the worst spot in the state for some time in terms of poverty.

[lyndilou]

hi there I am not a 'local' but my son and d-i-l are , they live in St Jospeh on a new 'estate' near the lake called edgewater dunes and it is lovely a beautiful clean place as is the rest of St Joe and grom what I can gather (they dont have kids yet but their friends do) the schools are good. Theres plenty to see and od and of course the Lake is a plus with beaitiful beaches and loads of place to eat out that are so close by. Benton harbour isnt the best placein teh world but the big companies there ar putting alot of financial resources into the area including the new golf course to mention just one thing. A place is only as good as you willing to make it, and I think its lovely (I live in ENgland in the SHerwood Forest area and would swap it for St Joe anyday!)

[lyndilou]

by the way forgot to add there are some awful places around here you wouldnt go in the dark so everywhere has its ups and downs

[Softballfan]

St. Joseph, and a little further south, Stevensville are nice areas. A lot of developments. Both good school districts too.

Check out South Haven. It 10-15 miles north of Benton Harbor. There are all price ranges of homes to choose from, plus you get the beach in the summer.

Are you serious about commuting from Chicaogo to Benton Harbor or was that a joke? That isn't even an option. 2 hours each way.