People always say that they hate living in the 574, but always seem to enjoy coming back here from college or coming home to visit family. South Bend, Indiana has many unique things to it that make it home to many people. Here are my top 5 reasons that make South Bend unique:

1. Martin’s Supermarkets

It's everyone’s beloved grocery store, whether for general groceries or for the awesome donuts and muffins (which is probably why everyone really goes there if they are being honest!)

2. Hacienda

Chips and salsa/ranch…need I say more? No restaurant can top the famous endless chips that everyone craves when they are out of town and cannot have a weekly fix of Hacienda chips. When coming home from college or visiting family, a Hacienda trip is almost guaranteed.

3. Notre Dame

It's automatic response to tell people when they ask exactly where South Bend is (or the location of fun tailgating during football season). South Bend residents (well, the majority) are proud fans and you know this when you see at least one car a day with a shamrock or ND logo on their car and during football season you will even see ND flags flying proudly on cars.

4. Pizza

We are lucky enough to have several home-bred pizza places here in town. Barnaby’s and Bruno’s would be at the top of that list.

5. Family

Every city has family roots, but more chances than not (especially if you went to a catholic grade school/high school), you will have gone to school with the same family for years and your parents will have gone to school with their parents and many more generations. But, many people have family that live in South Bend, and they always enjoy a visit to good ol’ South Bend, even if they won’t admit it.

6. A different kind of college town

South Bend isn't like the typical “college town” that people would think about but it is a “college town” in the sense that there are four different colleges that call South Bend home. When picking a college close to home you have the choice of either Indiana University South Bend, St. Mary’s, Holy Cross, Bethel College or Notre Dame!

7. Chicago

Lucky for us living in South Bend is relatively close to the big city of Chicago. It is perfect for a day trip or to spend the weekend for a quick get away!

8. East Race

A hidden gem that probably most people do not know about! Fortunately for people that live in South Bend and want to experience White River Rafting they are able to right in the backyard with easy access to the East Race during the summer months.

9. History

Just this past summer South Bend celebrated 150 years of being around. Thats an incredible milestone that our beautiful city we call home was able to accomplish. Over the past 150 years lots of things have occurred to make South Bend what it is today.

10. Rivalries

There are several rivalries in South Bend among high schools but the one that I care most about is the Marian vs. St. Joe rivalry. Even while out of high school people still get excited about the “Holy War” each season! Once a Knight, Always a Knight!

11. Lake Michigan

During the summer, or really anytime you want, you can just take a short drive up to Lake Michigan to enjoy the beautiful scenery and either chose to play in the water or lay in the sand!

There you have it, 11 reasons why South Bend is unique. Make sure to brag about our town when someone tells you South Bend is “boring!”