5 Things We Love About South Bend

There are many reasons to love South Bend. We have a great community here with history, activities, culture, and local small businesses. Here are five reasons our real estate agents rank among the highest on the list.

1. Studebaker History
   The history of South Bend is rooted in the history of American manufacturing, especially in the history of the Studebaker car company. In the early days of South Bend history, the Studebaker brothers launched a blacksmith shop that would eventually see the beginning of the horseless carriage movement. Studebaker remained an important part of South Bend's economy until the 1960s, when the plant closed. Decades later, there are many signs of how irrevocably intertwined South Bend and Studebaker history are. Visit the Studebaker Museum to learn about the history, or dine at the Studebaker family mansion, Tippecanoe Place.
   
   
2. Notre Dame
   South Bend is proud of its manufacturing roots, but we're also proud to be a college town. Notre Dame was founded in the 1840s, just a few short years before the Studebaker family set up shop. The well-known university isn't quite within South Bend city limits, but as we're right next door to one another, there's plenty of crossover. Many of South Bend's bars and restaurants are popular student haunts, for instance, and many South Bend residents take an interest in college football thanks to Notre Dame. You'll find plenty of South Bend homes for sale close to Notre Dame, as well as students living and working in South Bend.
   
   
3. Basilica of the Sacred Heart
   South Bend isn't just a university town; it's a Catholic university town. Notre Dame, as you might guess from the name, was founded by a French Catholic priest. It probably won't come as a surprise then that Notre Dame is home to many beautiful Catholic sites, such as the Basilica of the Sacred Heart. This church is well known for its beauty, as well as for its large collection of 19th-century stained glass. In addition to being the university's church, the Basilica of the Sacred Heart serves as the mother church for the Congregation of Holy Cross in the United States.
   
   
4. Restaurants and Night Life
   In addition to its rich history and roots in both education and manufacturing, South Bend has a thriving culture of indie restaurants and night life. Enjoy a wide range of cuisines from local eateries, watch a college game at one of our many sports bars, or sample something a little bit unique, such as the atmosphere of Fiddler's Hearth. This traditional Irish pub offers a selection of pints and scotches, a full menu of traditional pub food (both Irish and otherwise), and, of course, live Irish music.
   
   
5. Potawatomi Zoo
   South Bend is proud to be home to Indiana's second-oldest zoo. Originally called South Bend Zoo, Potawatomi Zoo started out as a duck pond in 1902 and eventually moved to Potawatomi Park. The zoo is situated on 23 acres of land, and around 500 animals call it home. The zoo offers a variety of ways to support and learn, including memberships, summer camps, and educational events, as well as seasonal fun such as Brew at the Zoo, Zoo Boo, and Gift of Lights.

One of the best things about living in an area with such a rich history is being able to have pride in your town's roots. Ready to look for a new home in South Bend? Contact us today to get your housing search started.