Southwest side

 On the edge of a large urban forest southwest of downtown, Rum Village is a modest neighborhood, which lies just south of South Bend’s emerging technology park, Ignition Park. Once considered the suburbs, this neighborhood was home to a large Hungarian population, and the Our Lady of Hungary Catholic Church and School is testament to that. The church, built in 1949, is Christian Revival style with a Rose window and arcade entry. Another architectural gem is the Immanuel United Methodist Church, built in 1952, with its late Gothic Revival style.

 At the heart of this warm, friendly neighborhood is the Rum Village Park and Nature Center. Just minutes to the heart of downtown this 160-acre park is a wildlife oasis, offering hiking trails, biking trails, picnic areas and well-used walking trails. The Nature Center has exhibit areas, a wonderful bird-viewing window and many programs. Across the street is the eight-acre Walker Field Park. The shelter house was a WPA project built in 1938 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Also, at this park are tennis courts, basketball courts, softball fields, restrooms and a playground with ADA-accessible equipment. 

On any warm, spring day you may run into neighbors hunting for the rare morel mushrooms or taking their daily walk. Birders abound at the nature center. The active neighborhood association is a catalyst for neighborhood projects. 

“I know more of my neighbors now than in any neighborhood I’ve ever lived,” said one young man. “They are friendly and all look out for each other. It is a nice mix of young, first-time home owners and people who have lived here their whole life” 

“We love that the parks and nature center are so close,” another couple said. “The kids love participating. It is also close to downtown and great south-side shopping” 

A man walking his dog said, “I think that once Ignition Park takes off, we will see more people buying here to be close to work, just like the days of Studebaker. It certainly is within biking distance.”

“I’ve lived here my whole life; first with my parents and then in a rental after I married,” said a neighborhood leader. “We eventually bought my parent’s home. It is a great place to live with affordable homes of all sizes. The amenities like Rum Village, Walker Field and the Southside Little League are a plus. The active neighborhood association shows that folks are proud of the neighborhood and want to keep it nice. 

Prices range from low-end fixer-uppers to $70,000 range for well-kept homes.

 www.rumvillageneighborhood.org

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Department of Community & Economic Development
Division of Community Development
227 W. Jefferson Boulevard • Suite 1200 S
South Bend, IN  46601
574.235.9660 • Fax: 574.235.9469