NC to NorthWest Indiana (South Bend, Michigan City: apartments, rent, chapel)

[kapsabhi]

Hi,

I am a student and will be shortly beginning my career with a company in Michigan City, IN. I am looking for a good place to stay. I need something like a studio or 1 br apt. Also something that would also keep me connected to the university life since I am single. I am totally ignorant about any city or town around Michigan City where people prefer to stay.

Please help me to get some knowledge about the area.

Thanks.

[WildWestDude]

Does it have to be Michigan City or can you be flexible and be mobile?

[domergurl]

I'm sure you could find something in Michigan City proper, but if you want to stay connected to a university life ... hmmmmm .... South Bend has Notre Dame and a campus of Indiana University, but domers tend to keep to themselves in south bend. There's a unversity in Valparaiso, you could try that. It's not that far away from MC. Not sure what University in NC you are coming from, but there really isn't anything that would compare to R-D-CH, Winston Salem ...

[LIS123]

I agree with the previous post. There are Universities in the area, but many are oriented towards commuters or locals, so there's very little campus life. Unfortunately, NWI is not a very good place for young singles. It's a FAR cry from what you would expect in any reasonable urban environment.

[WildWestDude]

Yes, also agree with above.
Valparaiso Univ is too small. Head east to South Bend for Notre Dame & St Mary's.
I don't know the apartment scene in Michigan City.

[kapsabhi]

I am okay if I find something good around michigan city. It doesnt necessarily be Michigan City. Which one turns out to be better Valparaiso or South bend?

What would be approximate rent (range) for decent 1 br apt or a studio in both of the above places??

I am sure univ wont be as good as NC State but I am sure they must be having some kind of recreation centre or place to interact with others...I am guessing....

[domergurl]

I loved visiting NC State's campus (I did the triangle when scoping out grad schools). I remember haunting a great coffee shop called Cup of Joe.

Unfortunately, none of the areas are like Raleigh ... or Durham ... or Chapel Hill. You should be able to find reasonable rents in Valpo. Rents near ND can get kind of high, but it's worth checking it out. You'd be more apt to be able to blend in with the Valpo students moreso than the ND students as they tend to insulate themselves from South Bend proper.

Some of the nicest apartments in Valpo are at the Hills of Aberdeen. You could check them out. There's a lot of student housing near Valparaiso University too.

Too bad Chicago is too far for your work commute.

[ecudave198]

I just move to South bend area from Raleigh (east carolina grad) and its a night and day differance...i hope your new job pays well cause its expensive to fly back for games!