South Bend, Indiana, a medium-sized city on the southern bend of the St. Joseph River, is home to more than 10 institutions of higher learning and provides seniors with a rare combination of college-town amenities and affordability. Considering the many rich resources and top-ranked Memorial Hospital, the cost of living for seniors in South Bend is remarkably low at 27.2% below the U.S. average.
For active seniors, South Bend offers an abundance of nationally recognized arts and cultural events for all seasons. As the entertainment hub of Northern Indiana and Southern Michigan (known locally as "Michiana"), South Bend hosts big-city productions at the historic Morris Performing Arts Center, sports action at the University of Notre Dame and gaming at the Four Winds Casino. Seniors who enjoy the outdoors will appreciate the 3,800-acre Potato Creek State Park for fishing, biking and bird watching. Though the winters in South Bend are typically cold and snowy, the Potawatomi Conservatories provide a haven of lush tropical plants and warm surroundings any day of the year.
According to the Genworth Cost of Care Survey 2019, the average cost of assisted living is in South Bend is $4,273 per month, which is hundreds less than in the nearby cities of Michigan City and Elkhart.
Check out our list of the top 10 assisted living facilities in South Bend.
St. Paul's
3602 S. Ironwood Dr.
South Bend, IN 46614
(574) 284-9000
St. Paul's is a faith-based assisted living facility in South Bend, Indiana. Residents can enjoy the proximity to local shops and catch classical music performances at the Morris Performing Arts Center. In the facility, residents benefit from seven levels of care to help them age in place as their needs change. The on-site library and fitness center give seniors a chance to exercise their minds and bodies. A full calendar of activities gives everyone a chance to keep up with current hobbies or learn new ones.
Brookdale South Bend
17441 State Rd. 23
South Bend, IN 46635
(574) 213-5644
Brookdale South Bend is located near Juday Lake, which gives seniors and their families a lovely place to drive on day trips. There are plenty of activities for seniors, who can enjoy yoga, gardening or cooking classes or meet friends at the on-site pub for happy hour. Wii sports and book clubs are also ways that residents can socialize and have fun. The staff provides help with activities of daily living, such as assistance with meals, and religious services are available on-site for those of faith.
Wood Ridge Assisted Living Community
17650 Generations Dr.
South Bend, IN 46635
(574) 307-6734
Wood Ridge offers daily activities, healthy meals and exercise programs for its assisted living residents. The nearby Snite Museum of Art is one of many local venues where seniors and family members can enjoy a day out in South Bend. Laundry and housekeeping services are provided so that seniors can concentrate on the many activities offered in the community, such as balance fitness classes. Ridgeline signature programs include from-scratch meals using fresh, local ingredients, hobby groups and other chances to mingle and learn, which is one of the reasons Wood Ridge makes our list of the top assisted living facilities in South Bend.
Grand Emerald Place
4010 S. Ironwood Rd.
South Bend, IN 46614
(574) 216-4510
Grand Emerald Place is decorated in engaging colors and provides seniors — and their pets — with a homey environment with opulent touches, such as a fireplace in one of the many common areas. Dedicated staff members deliver assistance with activities of daily living, and laundry services are also provided. Residents can participate in activities such as movie nights, bingo, tai chi and social gatherings. Outdoor adventures include gardening and walking clubs and outdoor tea parties.
Wellbrooke of South Bend
52565 State Rd. 933
South Bend, IN 46637
(574) 216-4510
Adjacent to the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Wellbrooke might be a great choice for Fighting Irish fans hoping to attend college football games in the fall. Residents can choose to take their meals communally in the dining room or prepare meals in their in-room kitchenette. A garden and patio provide outdoor meeting spaces for activities and coffee with friends, while the beauty shop keeps everyone looking their best.
Tanglewood Trace
530 Tanglewood Lane
Mishawaka, IN 46545
(574) 316-0577
Tanglewood Trace assisted living apartments have kitchenettes and laundry service, and housekeeping is available to keep life simple. Four-legged friends are welcome here, and the beautifully appointed atrium and open grounds make this a lovely place to live or visit. When friends and family come by, the Potawatomi Zoo is a great place to see albino tigers and enjoy time together. Seniors have two dining rooms to choose from, while various lounge areas, a library and movie theater offer options for relaxation and entertainment.
The Hearth at Juday Creek
6330 N. Fir Rd.
Granger, IN 46530
(574) 406-2626
The Hearth at Juday Creek has an ideal location that's close to city attractions but within a peaceful neighborhood. The facility offers assisted living, independent living and memory care so residents can age in place when their needs change. Seniors enjoy maintenance-free lifestyles with provided laundry and housekeeping services, so they can concentrate on enjoying life. Juday Creek has a free Wellness Program that helps residents improve their balance and overall conditioning to prevent falls and promote fitness. This program is one of the reasons the community is one of our top 10 facilities in the city.
The Waterford at Edison Lakes
1025 Park Pl.
Mishawaka, IN 46545
(877) 931-3285
This facility is located in beautiful Mishawaka, within driving distance of the Shiojiri Japanese Garden, which makes a lovely day trip with visiting family members. The many apartment amenities include walk-in closets, individual climate controls and wall-to-wall carpeting. The facility has a beauty salon/barbershop for haircuts and pampering. Assistance with activities of daily living and courtesy transportation for appointments and shopping give residents many options to enjoy life. Parking is available for seniors who still drive.
Brookdale Granger
430 Cleveland Rd. East
Granger, IN 46530
(574) 213-6084
A fireside living room and serene landscaping are two of the many amenities enjoyed by assisted living residents at Brookside Granger. There's also a well-stocked library for reading and a computer room to stay up to date with social media. A beauty parlor lets everyone get a haircut without leaving home, and the arts and crafts studio nurtures creative hobbies and artistic expression for continued cognitive stimulation. Wi-Fi is available throughout the community. Its special events and cultural enrichment programs are just two of the reasons Brookdale Granger made our list of the top 10 assisted living facilities in South Bend.
The Village at Arborwood Senior Community
820 E. Cleveland Rd.
Granger, IN 46530
(574) 247-4680
Seniors aged 62 and above are welcome at the Village at Arborwood. Residents can choose from studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments with emergency call systems and independent climate controls. The lively game room features a pool table and a spot to enjoy a game of cards or visit with friends. An elegant dining hall gives seniors and guests a place to enjoy nutritious meals, and well-trained staff members assist residents with the tasks of daily living while encouraging individual independence when possible.