South Bend info...

[cyberbackpacker]

Mods I apologize if this is in the wrong forum.

I am looking for people's input on the city of South Bend. Looking to relocate after the first of the year, and South Bend is at the top of our list. However looking for some insider (read- someone who has spent extensive time there) information on the place.

I would appreciate current (last 3-4 years) type of information. Good place for a family? Overall vibe of city? Crime, unemployment? What is the city like when the universities are out for summer?

Any info is appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

-Kevin

[Ramsey]

My uncle lived there for a quite a few years, then moved to goshen, or maybe it was the other way around. He lived at one moved then moved back, because of his job. I know this does not help you at all but just throwing it out there.

:D

[xj4life]

my wife and I are looking to relocate to the La Porte/South Bend area, more towards the country side of things. she spent quite a few summers working in La Porte and absolutely loves it. i've never been into South Bend but i know in the surrounding areas there isnt much in the way of civilization, but that's the way we like it.

[cyberbackpacker]

That is something to consider. I would like a nice spread in the country, but I think my wife would appreciate being closer in town (a 3 year old and a newborn might have something to do with that).

[xj4life]

That is something to consider. I would like a nice spread in the country, but I think my wife would appreciate being closer in town (a 3 year old and a newborn might have something to do with that).

I could be wrong but from what i've seen Indiana doesnt have the urban sprawl issues that a lot of places have. so you might be able to live in the country but not be to far from the city.

[jcroffroad]

It really depends on where in South bend you move. It has downtown, the sticks and the ghetto. Southern south bend is pretty nice, but it is growing alot because of Pen High school. Alot of the rougher parts of South bend are near downtown and close/off of Highway 2/123.

If you are looking for a nice area (but it is growing alot and cost of houses is up) check out Grainger Indiana. It is not that far from South bend. I spend alot of time around this area when I met my wife. She lived very close by grainger. Nice, kind of out of the way of mishawaka. But it wont be long before mishawaka gets closer.

You can also look at Mishawaka, But it has really become HUGE. You will notice a little less traffic when school is out in the summer but nothing rediculous. Notre dame is located just out of the way of most of south bend, and is very close to 131 and 80/90.

One thing, if you do end up checking out grainger/mishawaka area and are looking for a church, check out Grainger Community Church. That place is UNBELIEVABLE!

later,brian

[jcroffroad]

I could be wrong but from what i've seen Indiana doesnt have the urban sprawl issues that a lot of places have. so you might be able to live in the country but not be to far from the city.

You can check out niles Mi as well. It is not that far from down town and there are walmarts and miejers all over.

[cyberbackpacker]

Thanks for that info Brian. It looks like when we are in Chicago for Thanksgiving we are going to head over towards South Bend for part of the day... drive around and try to get a feel for a few places. I will keep your ideas in mind.

-Kevin

[PhunkXJ]

My family has had a cottage in New Carlisle for the past 40 years, we are always in South Bend and LaPorte, I think both towns are great. South Bend is a fairly busy, but you can be away from it all in a 10 minute drive.

It very much reminds me of the south suburbs of Chicago where I live.
They even have a decent mall in South Bend, University Mall to be exact.
It's pretty quiet in the summer when school is out, which is when we are there the most, during game weekends it's really busy but they have traffic control mastered.

When you go to South Bend at Thanksgiving get on the road by noon, it should only be a 1 1/2 hour drive max, drive around go to a local restaurant eat and talk to people, the sun is setting by 5 so you will be able to see what it's like at night time.

good luck!

[cyberbackpacker]

Thanks PhunxXJ... I am looking for as many points of view as possible, so it is greatly appreciated.

When we visit we have to be back to chicago by 4-5pm because of family reunion activities, but we had planned to leave first thing in the morning to maximize our time there (the Hertz near our hotel opens at 7am).

We definitely plan on experiencing local restaurants, etc. and trying to talk to whomever we can find out and about that is "local".

[PhunkXJ]

right on, well enjoy your visit!

[jcroffroad]

Be sure to eat lunch here :)

Hacienda Mexican Restaurant
Grape Road
5836 Grape Road
Mishawaka, Indiana 46545
(574) 277-1318
fax (574) 273-2086

That is what I miss most about living in kzoo, no hacienda :(

[xj4life]

Be sure to eat lunch here :)

Hacienda Mexican Restaurant
Grape Road
5836 Grape Road
Mishawaka, Indiana 46545
(574) 277-1318
fax (574) 273-2086

That is what I miss most about living in kzoo, no hacienda :(

Ohhhhhh I love Hacienda!!!!!

[jcroffroad]

There is nothing like it around here in kalamazoo, but they were part of my life for 8 years :(

[cyberbackpacker]

If I end up moving to that area I will keep it in mind, but coming from southern california, I can say with certainty that I will not be looking to sample Mexican food on this trip! Thanks for the tip though!

-Kevin

[GusDaDog]

South Bend has a good variety of darn good food. And what I can tell from passing through quite often, good atmosphere too. I'm highly considering moving from Michigan City to South Bend.

Oh, and up there in Kalamazoo where I went to College, I always liked Burdick's Bar and Grille....

[downshift1]

I spent a week there for AM General Hummer training, it was a very nice town and the people we very friendly too :)

[xjjeepthing]

I live 20 miles south of South Bend in Plymouth. South Bend has alot of things to do. But is like all bigger Cities has good and bad. Plymouth is a smaller town and tends to be alot more quiet.

[Dirk Pitt]

There is nothing like it around here in kalamazoo, but they were part of my life for 8 years :(

If I were anywhere near Kalamazoo, there would only be one establishment to frequent...

Bells microbrewery.

[JS4309]

If you want a small town thats quiet and yet not far from everything (18 miles to Elkhart 30 to S Bend) and has GREAT schools check out the Nappanee/Wakarusa area.
It's a small town area, but has lots to do, especially if you have kids, and the schools can't be beat. I know your kids are young yet, but if they will be athletic at all the schools have a history of top basketball and football teams as well with one state championship in each. The football program has had two head coaches since the present system was made back in the late 60's. Teachers who taught there when I was a freshman in 74/75 are still teaching. They do not have the turnover, and keep the good teachers :) They also produce very good teachers, as many of their grads go on to teach. And they have produced a lot of coaches (who are also teachers). Two former grads are teaching and coaching in my area at (Shelbyville and Greenfield).

The only downside is having to dodge the Amish buggies! They have a large Amish community. The main industry is: Mobile homes & RV construction and Amish Acres.

JS

[stupidweirdo]

Looks like we could've had a thanksgiving meet in Southbend.

If you end up in southern Mi (Niles,Buchanan,Edwardsburg), at least you can buy beer on Sunday.

[cyberbackpacker]

JS4309 thanks for that info... too bad I didn't have it Friday morning! :0 After some Hertz snafu's the wife and I got on the road and got to Mishawaka from State and Grand in under 90 minutes... with a stop. Zero traffic.

Nevertheless, we got to spend a few hours driving through neighborhoods, checking out homes, locations to schools, etc.

Mishawaka left us unimpressed, except near Walt Disney elementary. South Bend however appealed to us, and there were a couple areas that we would seriously look at-- North Shore Triangle area!?! i think was one.

Nevertheless, after taking it in come January 1, I will begin in earnest in trying to find a job in the area. Then if a serious offer comes about, we will make a trip out there for a serious real estate process.

Thanks for the tips and insights.

If anyone knows of openings for an English Teacher, Catholic Youth Minister, work with YMCA or Boys & Girls Clubs... basically anything working with you (my educational and career background to date) let me know :)

Thanks again.

-Kevin

[moparmatt]

I have lived in South Bend all my life. It's cool I like the experence of all the seasons.

I am a active catholic youth, I attend youth groups, retreats, and other get togethers around town. I think from reading your recent post you are a catholic and there are about 15 in the "Michiana" area. I know of a few that run a youth group and most of the catholic church have schools they may need a english teacher oh yeah matter of fact in granger St. Pius X church is going to build a school. Also I would check out a radio station in the area it is Pulse 96.9 or 92.1 FM it is a christan station in the area they could give a start about a job you are looking for.

GOOD LUCK

[moparmatt]

OOPS BTW while on the topic of South Bend anyone in S B know of any good spots or active clubs in the area for wheelin'. I read in the paper a while back that there was a club that held a off road scavenger hunt
I can't remember South Bend Sod or Dirt.?.?.?.?

[jcroffroad]

sod busters
http://www.sodbustersoffroad.com/

another notable club, It use to run out of northwestern In/southwestern Mi. But not so much anymore is www.4given4x4.com

[jcroffroad]

Also,

Hardcore offroaders in Laporte, In (not sure if they are still active) They use to run an event every year called halloween havoc. It was pretty large.
http://www.hardcoreoffroaders.worldbreak.com/

Ruffriders (Northern Central Indiana Area) These guys are a bunch of Old dudes that have really nice scouts and EB's. Not sure if they are very relivant to 21st century :)
Goshen, IN 46526
President: Curt Haberstich
Phone: 574-534-2841

Michiana Jeepers, not sure how active these guys are anymore either.
Michigan City,
Indiana 46361
President: Mike Fogarty
email: madman_yj@yahoo.com

and here is the Indiana 4wheel as. http://www.ifwda.org/

[xjjeepthing]

I was a memeber of the Hardcore Offroaders and unfornutley we lost the property and the club is no longer. Theres also this group.
http://www.gljt.org/ I really don't much about them though. Sounds we need to get a Jeep get together at Hooters or BW3 in Mishawaka.

[moparmatt]

Sounds we need to get a Jeep get together at Hooters or BW3 in Mishawaka.

:shocked: HELL YES WE DO:exclamati

COUNT ME IN

[xjjeepthing]

Im game if anybody else is

[SwissArmyJeep]

:wave1:
Count me in!

[xjjeepthing]

Hey swiss ,long time no see

[SwissArmyJeep]

Been busy moving walls arounnd the house to make room for a woodstove - not a minute to play.
From the responses on this forum, sounds like we all need a local meet-n-greet?
Mabie if Kevin is going to be back in the area soon.

[cyberbackpacker]

Well come January 1 I am going to begin in earnest to look for a job. We want to relocate come June. So... once I get a solid offer for a job the missus and I will head out to try and find a house.

Sounds as though there is a good size group of you guys in the area though, and that is a good thing.

Thanks again guys.

-Kevin

[xjjeepthing]

Hey anyone interested in a meet and greet after Christmas in the South Bend area.

[moparmatt]

Hey anyone interested in a meet and greet after Christmas in the South Bend area.

YEP!!!:wave:
COUNT ME IN!!!:yelclap:

[sw_mi_xj]

that sounds like a great idea . :idea:

[SwissArmyJeep]

Sounds like a good idea!
I would do my best to make it down.

[Randy Curran]

I'm brand new to the forums but I live in South Bend, near Clay High and would love to meet with other XJ people!

I guess this is my introduction, My name Randy Curran and I'm a stay at home dad with my 3 year old son Ed. I build old cars('39 Chevy sedan), do hot rod art and play music(I have one cd out on @ntidote Records). My current ride is a '91 XJ with a 3" lift, 31" Kumho's(want to go bigger), 5-speed, 4.0 HO. I love it but haven't had a chance to go wheeling with it yet.

Again I'm up for a meeting! Email me at randy931@comcast.net

Thanks and hello!

[moparmatt]

I'm brand new to the forums but I live in South Bend, near Clay High and would love to meet with other XJ people!

I guess this is my introduction, My name Randy Curran and I'm a stay at home dad with my 3 year old son Ed. I build old cars('39 Chevy sedan), do hot rod art and play music(I have one cd out on @ntidote Records). My current ride is a '91 XJ with a 3" lift, 31" Kumho's(want to go bigger), 5-speed, 4.0 HO. I love it but haven't had a chance to go wheeling with it yet.

Again I'm up for a meeting! Email me at randy931@comcast.net

Thanks and hello!

Hey, Welcome to the best fourm page in the world NAXJA. I think it is worth buying a memebership after the year i am going to get one. Alright you too are from Da' Bend too. I live near the airport. We are going to have to go foadin' sometime.

BTW what brand lift are you runnin' ?

[Randy Curran]

Don't know what brand. It was on it when I bought it. I'm up for wheelin'!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[moparmatt]

Don't know what brand. It was on it when I bought it. I'm up for wheelin'!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Alright I think it is going down (The meeting after christmas) we are going to have to go.

[xjjeepthing]

Sweet guys, lets try to work out a date and place. Im only 20 miles south of South Bend.

[moparmatt]

Sweet guys, lets try to work out a date and place. Im only 20 miles south of South Bend.

Ok, I remember you were talking about metting at BW3 or Hooters in Mishawaka. There is a King Gyro's on Linconway East by the airport which is located off the bypass and close to US31, St Road 2 and US20(Linconway is US20). The reason I suggested King Gyro's is because I knew of Amature Radio Club that meet there every first thursday of every month and the location because I noticed a few of use are comming from Michigan and just south of South Bend. I'm just throwin' out ideas

Friday and Sunday Nights and Saturday all day,are good for me. I do not know do you want to try after x-mas (like 12-29 or whatever).

[Randy Curran]

Fridays or Saturdays are better for me but I'm open! I'll have pics of my truck up soon.

[Blaine B.]

Live in Gary, it's the cleanest and classiest around. Besides that there's plenty of abandoned properties to choose from. Complete with bullet holes!

[moparmatt]

Live in Gary, it's the cleanest and classiest around. Besides that there's plenty of abandoned properties to choose from. Complete with bullet holes!

LOL :laugh:. Is that could cover or is that smog from the steel foundries.

On the good side I think the movie "A Christmas Story" was filmed in Gary.
"You'll shoot your eye out"

[Blaine B.]

I thought it was Hammond.....

Dunno.

Or I heard.......it took place in East Chicago but was filmed in Ohio actually.

[moparmatt]

I thought it was Hammond.....

Dunno.

Or I heard.......it took place in East Chicago but was filmed in Ohio actually.

:doh: You are right. I justed looked it up I also found out that parts of the movie were filmed in Toronto, Ontario the shopping mall :canada:

[Blaine B.]

Was it Hammond or East Chicago?


where it took place......since you're reading up :)

[moparmatt]

Was it Hammond or East Chicago?


where it took place......since you're reading up :)

The movie was based on Hammond filmed in Ohio

This is the link where I read it at
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0085334/

[moparmatt]

Anyway back on the topic are we still meeting?

[xjjeepthing]

Hopefully after Xmas sometime

[moparmatt]

Hey anyone interested in a meet and greet after Christmas in the South Bend area.

Lets do it. (I mean have the meet :D )

[Blaine B.]

Bring hot women, then I'll do it with you guys. (hahah this is my post # 869)

[moparmatt]

Bring hot women, then I'll do it with you guys. (hahah this is my post # 869)

What!?!?!? LOL :roflmao:

I dunno yet but we might meet at Hooters if that helps. The Hooters girls here in Mishawaka could be better looking than what I have seen at other Hooters around. It is all good :D

[Randy Curran]

Tell me when and where and I'm there.

[92XJT]

I might be able to make it - only about 40 minutes away. I will be XJless though since mine is plated :looney: . Work schedule is a bit odd so I am hit or miss on a date. Too bad there weren't any close wheeling spots for us to hit up.

[xjjeepthing]

Im ready when you guys are.maybe a Sunday afternoon would be good.

[moparmatt]

Im ready when you guys are.maybe a Sunday afternoon would be good.

bowhunter = hey, thanks for the PM.

I dunno how does this Sunday work (it is New Years Eve). I free Sunday. so...?

Because of the holiday if you all are busy that afternoon how about the next Sunday 1-7-07 work.

[xjjeepthing]

I'm game, anybody else up for a meet and greet 1/07/2007.

[stupidweirdo]

I'm game, anybody else up for a meet and greet 1/07/2007.

I'll probably make it out. Hooters gets my vote over King Gyros.

[Randy Curran]

Somebody else mentioned is there anyplace we can go to wheel? Even if it's just a little mudhole and hill?

[xjjeepthing]

Lets plan on Sunday Jan 7th what time is good for everyone. I say like 3pm. Either Hooters or BW3 works for me. I'll definetly will bring my camara. LOL

[Randy Curran]

HOOTERS! Since my wife isn't coming. Just kidding honey.

[sw_mi_xj]

sunday the 7th works for me , where is the hooter's in south bend ?

[Blaine B.]

Someone take me from northwest Indiana? Dunno if I wanna drive the XJ that far....never have, although it traveled from New York to Illinois for 9 years of its life!:shocked:

[Randy Curran]

It's on Day rd just off Grape road or Main depending where your coming from.

[moparmatt]

It's on Day rd just off Grape road or Main depending where your coming from.

I am game too for Hooters! I go there all the time for WWE pay per views with my wrestling buddies. 3 o'clock sound good to me. I will get there early to save the large table in the back. I only live 15mins away.

By the way if any still is not sure on how to get there give me a PM and I give you my cell and I will help out. Try mapquest first.

See you all there. :peace:

[xjjeepthing]

I will be there myself, coming from south of South Bend. Like Matt said need any directions PM glad to help. See ya all then. Matt by the way whats your XJ look like?

[moparmatt]

I will be there myself, coming from south of South Bend. Like Matt said need any directions PM glad to help. See ya all then. Matt by the way whats your XJ look like?

95 stock :( green with mud on it :), if I do not wash it. If is a little dark outside you should see my flashing blue led alarm indicator. Oh yeah I have a John Deere front license plate

If possible I will try to park on the curb
http://www.jeepinoutfitters.com/images/thumbs/decal_mallrated.jpg (http://www.jeepinoutfitters.com/scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=338) LOL :laugh: Last time I did with my buddies in the car a freakin mishahonkie popo :pig: pulled up while I was setting the parking brake and "IT" told to get down or he would write me a sitation.

Bowhunter, From reading past posts in other threads
is you XJ yellow with a surco rack, lifted.

[xjjeepthing]

Yep the yellow is mine. Anybody is welcome to join us bring the XJ if you can if not come anyway.

[SwissArmyJeep]

Well count me in!
Look forward to meeting up with you all.
I'll be in the red and black 2 door.

[xjjeepthing]

Swweeeeetttttttttt , Swiss I was hoping you would make it.

[xjjeepthing]

OK guys this is going to happen this Sunday,Hooters in Mishawaka IN. 1/07/07 at 3 pm

[Blaine B.]

Come get me somebody.

[moparmatt]

Come get me somebody.

Were you located

[moparmatt]

OK guys this is going to happen this Sunday,Hooters in Mishawaka IN. 1/07/07 at 3 pm

Ok can't wait!!!

Funny that there is going to be a WWE payperview that night as well. Me and my buddies from High School go to every single one of those at Hooters at 6 o'clock.

[moparmatt]

Are we still up for Hooters Tommorow at 3 o'clock? 1-7-07

I don't want to the loser that shows up by himself.

[Blaine B.]

I won't be able to make it anyway tho regardless tomorrow (bah) but I'm in Munster/Dyer. Have fun chaps.

[xjjeepthing]

Ill be there regardless. Dads day out no kid no wife.

[92XJT]

well I am out for sure - bought me a new rear alxe with 4.56 gears and a locker, and when I got home the furnace don't work. Gonna be a cold night - repairman coming tomorrow

[Randy Curran]

I should be there as long as my cold doesn't come back. I've had it for 2 weeks!

[moparmatt]

I should be there as long as my cold doesn't come back. I've had it for 2 weeks!

I hear you, I have had it too, It does not help when you work out side. Although it has been kinda nice the past few days except for the rain.

[sw_mi_xj]

i will be there , putting off everything else including working on the xj .
screw it , it will wait .

[SwissArmyJeep]

I'll see you all there!

:wave1:

[xjjeepthing]

Looking forward to meeting you guys

[stupidweirdo]

I'll be there. Looks like 7 total? Not to bad.

[moparmatt]

I'll be there. Looks like 7 total? Not to bad.

H:owl: :owl:TERS:exclamati :D Will not be on the computer any more this morning. SO....I will see you all there.

I will get there early and save the big table in the back.
I will be wearing a brown Jeep shirt :peace:

[Randy Curran]

It was nice meeting everybody. We'll have to do it again!

So were are the pictures everyone took??????????????

[92XJT]

Yeah pics please for us less fortunate people that couldn't attend

[moparmatt]

It was nice meeting everybody. We'll have to do it again!

So were are the pictures everyone took??????????????

Go to the picture showcase thread under South Bend Meet and Greet

or go here

http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=903023

[xjjeepthing]

Thats where I put them, LOL