Why South Bend?
“Why South Bend?” is more than just a question. It’s a powerful movement for spreading the word far and wide about this All-America City, especially why South Bend’s recognized stature as an emerging center of research and innovation make it a smart choice for businesses to invest, grow and flourish in the technology-driven, knowledge economy of our 21st century.
As a question, it prompts people to think about the many good reasons people choose to live and work in South Bend. The answers give voice to an appreciation for the city as a great place to live, while also sharing a sense of optimism about its future.
As a movement anchored in this web site, “Why South Bend?” is a powerful testimony from local business owners and professionals themselves. It speaks to the valuable presence of the University of Notre Dame, Innovation Park, Ignition Park and South Bend’s many other resources and assets that make this a very smart place for businesses build their future and professionals to launch or advance their careers.
The movement began with asking “Why South Bend?” Respondents have begun to share their answers here as you can see in the center of this page. More people are adding their voices to our Facebook page . We are confident there are plenty more voices like these just waiting to be heard, so we’ll keep asking the question, collecting the answers and posting them right here … for all the world to see.

"I have had the fortune of living in all different parts of the country. There is a reason, however, that I keep gravitating back to South Bend. It is a great place to live in that it has elements of a small town as well as a big city. My wife and I have found it to be a great place to raise children with everything within a few minutes’ drive without the hassle of traffic. For a city this size boasting five prominent universities, there is a vibrant arts community that attracts major national and international performers. In the work I do with local nonprofits at the Community Foundation, no problem is too big. Given the size of the city, coupled with the generosity and sense of community, it is possible to make a real difference in people’s lives."