#testimonial in The South Bend-Elkhart Region, Indiana

In the summer of 2024, my wife and I made the big move to South Bend, Indiana, and we’ve been pleasantly surprised by how much we’ve enjoyed living here. The welcoming community, the charming small-town feel mixed with big-city amenities, and the proximity to Michigan for outdoor activities like hiking have all been highlights. We’ve loved being part of the Notre Dame community, attending the local farmers market, and connecting with a great church. Another unexpected delight has been the cost of living—housing is significantly more affordable than before, making it easier for us to settle in and enjoy life here. If you’re considering a move, we highly recommend visiting South Bend to get a feel for the area. We’ve found that it offers a wonderful balance of affordability, community, and natural beauty, and we’re so happy to call it home.

📍 My husband and I moved from Dallas, Texas to Elkhart, Indiana a couple years ago for his job and we went through MakeMyMove! We found the organization to be so welcoming and resourceful to new residents.

⏱️ We lived in Elkhart for about a year and a half before relocating again for work. While any move has its adjustments, Elkhart Indiana brought a slower pace lifestyle to us and reminded us of Home as we both grew up in the midwest (0hio).

💚 What we loved most about our new community was the slower pace and genuine neighborly connection. We enjoyed building close relationships with our neighbors and being able to explore local coffee shops, hike nearby trails, hit the golf course on the weekend, shop at the local amish country stores, and enjoy quiet evenings in our serene nature looking backyard.

🏡 Housing-wise, I’d recommend getting connected with a local realtor who knows the area well — it helped us get familar with the different communities within the area and determine which would be a good fit for us. And don’t hesitate to ask locals for neighborhood tips — they’re full of insight! Ultimately, we found a rental house provide by Copper Bay Properties.

🚚 If you’re thinking of making the move, our advice is: lean into the adventure. It can feel like a big leap, but MakeMyMove truly sets you up for success through monthly events and get togethers. Say yes to community events, introduce yourself, and give it time — you'll be surprised how quickly your roots grow!

2 years ago I walked away from my 28 year marriage with nothing except what I could take from my 3000 sq ft house that would fit in a 700 sq ft apartment, my car and my next paycheck.

I weighed 350 pounds, had diabetes, high blood pressure and was in so much pain walking that I had to use the motorized cart to grocery shop.

When I left, I decided to focus on myself. I lost 150 pounds, cured my diabetes and high blood pressure and now live in a 2nd floor apartment in South Bend because I can move so well! I got healthy in Aurora.

My goal for South Bend is to get strong! I love to tell people that the only thing better than having your health, is having your health BACK. Strength and agility are like a drug to me now and I’m joining a gym soon to focus on strength training and toning after losing all that weight.

I have achieved a lot in the last 2 years and I’m excited to see how South Bend will help me “level up”.

The financial freedom this move provides with such a drastically lower cost of living here is what will allow me to have the time and money I need to accomplish my goal of strength.

I have daydreams of Makemymove just moving me all around the country every couple years to keep leveling up 😁

Seriously, this has been AMAZING!!!

Relocating from Chicago was a big transition for us, but Make My Move helped ease the process in so many ways. The perks they offered added real value, and helped us get more comfortable in our new community. We love our neighborhood of Sunnymede — it’s charming, walkable, and close to so many great restaurants and things to do. South Bend has a lot to offer, and Make My Move does a wonderful job of helping new residents feel welcomed and supported.

I was grateful to find out about MakeMyMove.com. Since I was currently living in St. Joesph, MI (on the beach of Lake Michigan), and currently wanting to relocate to a new city that had more things to do (St. Joseph is quaint but certain times of the year can get quite quiet there).

I had originally thought about Mishawaka, IN because of all the big box stores, chain restaurants, and other things to do. When I learned that South Bend was offering $5,000 to move to their city, I jumped at the chance.

The cost of living seemed reasonable in South Bend. I found a great apartment. The move was very easy and Make My Move invited me to their offices in a converted warehouse building in downtown to receive a nice welcome basket (filled with chocolate covered carmel corn, complimentary tickets to the South Bend Cubs (minor league but major league fun!) gift certificates to several great restaurants that I probably would never have tried otherwise, and even discounts to The Morris Theatre and many more things. Very shortly after our meeting, the first payment of $2500 was direct deposited into my checking account. I will get the other $2500 when I have lived here a year.

I am very happy with my new town, apartment, neighborhood, and community. I don't think I would feel so "settled" or connected if it was not for Make My Move and all the great people that work there.

Sincerely,

David Lammon