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.

“If you’re passionate and have the perseverance to start your own business, South Bend represents a great opportunity. The South Bend community represents a cross-section of people who have lived and dined in great places, and are looking to support quality restaurants. As we celebrate our first anniversary at our restaurant at Eddy Street Commons, we can say with confidence that it’s a great location.”
“The Stanley Clark School had a strong positive impact on my wife’s childhood and life, and we knew that wanted to raise our kids in South Bend and have them attend Stanley Clark as she had. South Bend is a great community to raise a family and is infinitely more affordable than a larger city. We love the DeBartolo Performing Arts Center and we also take advantage of having such easy access to Chicago and the beaches. My wife and kids spend a lot of time in New Buffalo.”