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 came to South Bend because of the professional opportunity that the University of Notre Dame offered me. I came here after living in New York City for 16 years. Clearly the change could not have been more dramatic. But if the reputation of Notre Dame was the reason for me to come here, the warmth and civility of the South Bend community made me stay here and call it home. There is a sense of civic engagement and neighborliness here that makes South Bend a truly welcoming community for people with different cultural backgrounds like me. I also feel that the city as a whole is constantly looking for new and innovative ways to invigorate itself – be it a new high-tech school, a cultural activity or a citizen forum. I also see a great deal of attention towards the welfare of the vulnerable and less privileged. As a naturalized American citizen, this is where I find the true spirit of America.”