A New Chapter in the Heartland: How Colleen Found Her Home in South Bend with MakeMyMove

Colleen and her husband, hailing from Spokane, Washington, were yearning for a change. "We were thinking about relocating closer back to where I'm from," Colleen recalls. "I grew up in Ontario, and I still have family there." With Colleen's remote work in higher education software development as the foundation, they began exploring opportunities in the Midwest.

Discovering MakeMyMove

Since Colleen was already looking into employment opportunities at the University of Notre Dame, her husband Jim started watching local news stations in the area when he came across a story about MakeMyMove, a program designed to attract remote workers and other professionals to vibrant communities like South Bend. Curious and intrigued, Colleen applied. “The application process was super-fast and seamless. I also knew I could reach out for support if I needed it but applying to the program was so easy, I didn’t need to,” she recalls. Within no time, they were accepted, setting the stage for their big move.

The MakeMyMove program offered a variety of incentives for people like Colleen using the program to move to South Bend, including relocation assistance and community connections, making the transition smoother. “Getting into the program was really a bonus. The incentives such as tickets to see local events and experience restaurants, the arts, and sports activities helped us feel engaged and have given us opportunities to explore," Colleen notes.

A Leap of Faith

While they’d never been to South Bend before, Colleen and her husband made a visit in February—"We thought the town was really cute and could see the economic development happening.” The decision was made, they would embrace this new adventure.

Finding a home in a new city can be daunting, but Colleen and her husband found a way to make it work. "We had a local agent who was pretty good at giving us FaceTime tours of different places," she explains. Despite not seeing their new home in person until the inspection, they purchased it. "It was a little nerve-wracking but everything fell into place like it was meant to be.”

Settling In and Building Connections

Since arriving in June, Colleen and her husband have been settling into their new community. Colleen’s new job at Notre Dame—initially remote—offered her the flexibility to engage both on-campus and at home. “It’s the best of both worlds,” she says.

They’ve also made strides in becoming part of the local scene. “There’s a great community neighborhood group here,” Colleen shares, mentioning street parties and friendly neighbors. Her husband, an avid golfer and cigar enthusiast, has already found his circle through local clubs.

Colleen has also found a welcoming community at Notre Dame. "I'm still kind of finding my tribe, figuring out who I can go out for a glass of wine with after work. But having the tickets to go to things as part of the incentives through the MakeMyMove program makes us feel even more part of the community."

The couple has also taken advantage of the city's cultural offerings. "We love Howard Park and the free events. We've been to sports events on campus," Colleen says. " and we plan on attending something over the holidays at the Morris Performing Arts Center."

Even their dogs are adjusting well, exploring the town’s many parks and unique amenities like “sniff spots,” which Colleen describes as “Airbnb for dogs.” "We also have a fenced yard here. That was one on my list of must-haves."

One of the biggest benefits of moving to South Bend has been the couple's improved quality of life. "Everything is within two miles of our home," Colleen says. “I love being in the middle of it all."

Encouraging Others to Take the Plunge

For those considering a move, Colleen can’t recommend the MakeMyMove program enough. “I’ve been telling everyone about it,” she says, noting how supportive the program was during their transition. She also highlights how other people who’ve used the program to relocate to the area have a WhatsApp group just for ‘MakeMyMovers.’

With lower living costs, a walkable community and endless opportunities to explore, Colleen and her husband are already planning to make South Bend their forever home. “We're here for the long term," she shares. “This is our retirement landing spot. We’re excited to experience everything the community has to offer and find meaningful ways to give back.”

Colleen's experience with the MakeMyMove program highlights the power of community initiatives in attracting talented individuals to specific regions. By offering support, incentives and a warm welcome, MakeMyMove can help individuals and families make smooth transitions and contribute to the growth and vitality of their new home.

Colleen's experience with the MakeMyMove program highlights the power of community initiatives in attracting talented individuals to specific regions. By offering support, incentives and a warm welcome, MakeMyMove can help individuals and families make smooth transitions and contribute to the growth and vitality of their new home.