South Bend Apartments and Rentals

South Bend is famous for the legendary University of Notre Dame, although the educational institution is technically located slightly north in unincorporated Notre Dame, but there's a lot more to the city than that. The fourth largest city in Indiana, South Bend also offers history, arts and entertainment, not to mention a wide array of attractions and activities that include the National College Football Museum and the 12,000-square-foot Healthworks! Kids' Museum.

Those looking for South Bend apartments for rent are likely to be charmed by the city named for its location at the south bend of the St. Joseph River.

South Bend was inhabited by Native Americans long before an American Fur Company agent named Pierre Navarre became the area's first settler in 1820. Its notoriety stemmed from a very practical reason - it was the shortest portage point between the St. Joseph River and the Kankakee River. In 1842, the University of Notre Dame opened its doors, cementing South Bend's position as an important Indiana municipality.

As the century wore on, South Bend grew, and soon became renowned as the headquarters of corporations including the Studebaker Automobile Company, the South Bend Bait Company and the Singer Sewing Machine Company. James Oliver's Chilled Plow, which became the most popular plow in the world, was developed in South Bend, and city resident Frank Herring was the man who came up with the concept of Mother's Day in 1904.

Today, more than 101,000 people call South Bend home.

The University of Notre Dame is based in South Bend, but the 1,250-acre establishment is by no means the city's only renowned institute of further education. Bethel College has won more than 20 national championships since 1990 and St. Mary's College was named one of the 100 Best National Liberal Arts Colleges in the U.S. News & World Report 2011 College Guide. Additionally, Indiana University South Bend puts on more than 100 theater and musical productions annually.

The University of Notre Dame is St. Joseph County's top employer, with more than 4,700 people on its payroll. Two healthcare organizations (Memorial Health System and Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center), the South Bend Community School Corporation and manufacturing company AM General round out the top five.

According to U.S. Census Bureau data, the median gross rent for apartments in South Bend is $675. City-Data.com's March 2012 cost of living index places the city below the national average of 100, at 86.6. Be aware of the city's collegiate population when hunting for apartments, because there'll likely be slim pickings in some areas at certain times of year.

South Bend is veritably packed with attractions, and there's enough of a variety that something is bound to appeal to everyone. Sports fans should make a point of heading to the National College Football Museum, while nature buffs can explore the 160 acres of natural woodland in Rum Village Park, a designated nature area. For history enthusiasts, the Northern Indiana Center for History in the West Washington Historic District is a must-see, and the Ella Morris and Muessel-Ellison Botanical Conservatories and Potawatomi Greenhouse is sure to awaken the senses of wannabe botanists and seasoned green thumbs alike.

Fans of the arts can take in touring Broadway shows, musical concerts, symphonies and dance performances at the Morris Performing Arts Center, while the Healthworks! Kids' Museum should be top of the list for every family with young children. The facility is aimed at teaching children in the K-6 grade range about the importance of making healthy choices today to see the benefit tomorrow.

If you are looking for an apartment for rent or a house rental in South Bend, Ind., search for rental properties at Rent.com®.