South Bend, IN is a city with a predominantly suburban feel, lots of parks, friendly people, and a reasonable cost of living, about 24% lower than the national average.  Its proximity to the world class University of Notre Dame will appeal to seniors and retirees looking for an area with academic focus. With a variety of residential neighborhoods, there is sure to be something to appeal to everyone.

Granger, IN has a decidedly rural feel, but is just a short 15 minute drive from downtown South Bend.  There are many parks, grocery stores, and restaurants, like Bin 23 Winebar, Bistro and Marketplace, and Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse.  Most residents own their homes. Cobblestone Square is a recently developed community of luxury villas that appeal to many retirees.  

For those empty nesters and retirees looking for an area with a less rural feel, Mishawaka may be just the ticket.  There are plenty of restaurants, like the popular  Hacienda Mexican Restaurant, whose location in an old mansion complete with catacombs is rumored to be haunted.  With plenty of parks and a public skating rink in winter and public pool in summer (Merrifield Ice Rink and Merrifield Pool), it is also home to Bethel University. Overall, Mishawaka is a pleasant area that offers many different styles of housing. The Villas at Reverwood offer craftsman style homes in a safe and family oriented neighborhood.  Other top rated communities include Primerose Retirement Community of Mishawaka and The Waterford at Edison Lakes.

The city of Elkhart is known for two industries:  recreational vehicles (be sure to check out the RV/MH Hall of Fame and Museum and Library), and band instruments.  If you are interested in taking classes, it is also home to Goshen College, which offers continuing education for adults.  For retirees looking to spend time outdoors, there is the 36-acre Wellfield Botanic Garden, a working source of drinking water, that is home to a variety of different style gardens.  It’s open year round and offers concerts in the summer.  For golfers, there is the Bent Oak Golf Course, a par 72, 18 hole course. There is also the Riverwalk, just short of a mile long, with a footbridge that leads to the Nibco Water and Ice Park, which offers a splash park in the summer, and an ice rink in the winter that retirees with grandchildren may enjoy.  Across the river, there are many shops and restaurants.  Popular spots include Colombo’s Italian Restaurant, Flippin Cow Restaurant, and Artisan Restaurant. Elkhart General Hospital is located in town, for nearby medical care.

With its many lakes, the suburban community of Warsaw, IN may be another desirable option for those looking to downsize or retire.  It offers unique attractions, such as the Warsaw Biblical Gardens, which showcases over 100 plants that are named in the bible.  The Village at Winona, listed on the national Register of Historic Places, is a former summer retreat on the shore of Winona Lake that offers many shops and eateries to explore, such as Noa Noa Wood Grill and Sushi Bar.  Ceruleans and The Boathouse are other popular options.  Be sure to stop in and see the Barbee Hotel Bar and Grill, which was visited by Al Capone and John Dillinger over the years.  If you’re in the mood for some theatre, you can enjoy a show at the Wagon Wheel Theatre, a theatre-in-the-round with only a dozen rows, and affords everyone in attendance a great seat. There is a variety of housing options, including Millers Senior Community and Grace Village Retirement Community, both well known in the area for their excellent care and friendly staff.