South Bend/Granger Residents: Sell me on moving my family there

[NDohio]

Thanks, everyone. To answer the questions posed, we would have other options to teach elsewhere - probably easier for me. I was kind of hoping someone would say "Yes, winters are brutal but we love South Bend/Granger!"

My sense is that the community there would be excellent (and I'd try to get season tickets!) but the city itself really leaves something to be desired. My family is in Chicago, so close by.

Are any of you who live there enthusiastic about it? If so, how do you make it work (head south for trips in the winter, etc)?

I don’t live in the South Bend area, but I am in the Midwest (Cincinnati). Originally from the Midwest and spent the last eleven years in the South (Columbia, SC and Charlotte, NC). We moved back to the Midwest in April. Now, I grew up in this part of the country so that may make a difference, but we really missed the winter months. Sure it’s grey, but we plan on taking little trips south to get some sun throughout those months. Fall is absolutely a million times better in the Midwest compared to the South and winter activities are really great. I’ll never leave this part of the country again.

 

[stlnd01]

Winters in the midwest are great, just get yourself the right gear and the right toys and you'll always be busy. My family here took up cross country skiing here and we love going out and doing it. We had a downhill skiing place nearby also and we have our kids in that also. If you have the coin then get a snowmobile and head up north. Its really what you make of the winters here.

This right here. I live in New England, not South Bend (though I used to) and winters are entirely what you make of them. Personally I could never live in the south, because the summers. But buy a good coat and find yourself some outdoor hobbies and winter's just fine.

 

[Blazers46]

Thanks, everyone. To answer the questions posed, we would have other options to teach elsewhere - probably easier for me. I was kind of hoping someone would say "Yes, winters are brutal but we love South Bend/Granger!"

My sense is that the community there would be excellent (and I'd try to get season tickets!) but the city itself really leaves something to be desired. My family is in Chicago, so close by.

Are any of you who live there enthusiastic about it? If so, how do you make it work (head south for trips in the winter, etc)?

I hated winter because I grew up poor and without heat and hot water in Elkhart, IN. Since then I have learned to embrace and enjoy winters. Like someone stated, it’s what you make of it. Get the right toys and the right routine and make sure you winterize your house.

I will admit that I am only back home in Granger because my family is here. I might leave again but for now I am here and I’ll probably keep the place I have forever, I might just “retire” somewhere else or get a place to go to or whatever.

 

[BabyIrish]

Thanks, everyone. To answer the questions posed, we would have other options to teach elsewhere - probably easier for me. I was kind of hoping someone would say "Yes, winters are brutal but we love South Bend/Granger!"

My sense is that the community there would be excellent (and I'd try to get season tickets!) but the city itself really leaves something to be desired. My family is in Chicago, so close by.

Are any of you who live there enthusiastic about it? If so, how do you make it work (head south for trips in the winter, etc)?

South Bend is home for me so I'm pretty enthusiastic about living here. I'm sure there are other places that many would consider a better or more entertaining place to live. I certainly won't argue. But I love it. There are certainly plenty of things to do with the family. South Bend Cubs games are great. Plenty of summer and fall festivals. Lots of public parks. The East Race River offers adventure. Any number of the lakes in Indiana or Michigan are a great time. Plenty of beaches on Lake Michigan. Fishing and Hunting if that's your thing. Chicago and Indy aren't far for day trips.
Winters are a lot milder from when I was a kid. Not as much snow as in the past. You'll get your occasional arctic blasts. They usually last a couple of days, you just got to grit through them. Most people are fine with the winter up until February. Then everyone's ready for spring. March and April are up and down temperature wise but by May, weather is enjoyable I enjoy the snow, so sledding, skiing, and snowboarding are fun events. Some good ice skate parks as well. Hope that helps!

 

[Junkhead]

Ive lived in SB or nearby (Osceola, which is between SB and Elkhart) for most of my 49 years. Spring, summer, and fall are fine, but the longer I'm here, I dread the cold, grey, and dark winters. It literally sometimes seems like you don't see the sun for weeks on end. Snow hasn't been as bad as the past, though sometimes we will get dumped on. Wife and I have considered moving to TN or NC, though its more of a pipe dream. Anyway, it is nice being close to Lake Michigan, and the small-ish wine area nearby is nice to visit. Depending on budget, I'd look to Granger, parts of Mishawaka or Elkhart.

 

[BobbyMac]

I grew up in the townships in between MC, LP and Rolling Prairie, out by La Lumiere School. The best part about winter there was lake effect snow. We'd get a foot or two and MC would just get a dusting. When I was in Valpo, they got nothing unless the wind was right out of the north and the wind doesn't stay that way for long like it does from the NW providing snow to LaPorte, Rolling Prairie, New Carlisle, South Bend and further east.

When I moved to Chicago... it only snows when a larger system rolls in, sometimes not for weeks but it's still just as cold, even more gray.

If I'm living back there, I want lots of snow. I enjoy snowmobiling and more importantly, the visual of fresh snow on the ground touches your heart if you grew up in Michiana.

 

[forkbeard3777]

This right here. I live in New England, not South Bend (though I used to) and winters are entirely what you make of them. Personally I could never live in the south, because the summers. But buy a good coat and find yourself some outdoor hobbies and winter's just fine.

Grew up in NOLA, went to undergraduate school in Baton Rouge, graduate school in Nashville, and now live and work in Houston. Summers can be brutal*. Obviously, Nashville was the exception (decent 4-seasons for the most part), but I think what really sucks the most in the South is fall. Many times, it won’t really cool off until mid to late October.

* We have a family home/cabin in Highlands, NC, and that’s the exception. Temps are routinely in the 60s and low 70s in the summertime.