I've just done the opposite of you - moved from Granger to the Chicago area. I suffered from sticker shock, but you should be pleasantly surprised by the lower prices in Granger.
As a recent former resident who taught at Notre Dame, my ND colleagues and I agreed with the others that have posted that the PHM school district was best, especially at the elementary school level. My children went to Prairie Vista and got a great education. Of course, that puts you east of South Bend in developments with no sidewalks and uninspiring architecture, but the prices are very reasonable, taxes are low and schools are great. And commutes aren't long, since it's just not a very big place. We lived in Knollwood, at the end of a cul-de-sac on a golf course, and it was very family-friendly (also great if you like golf).
As a recent former resident who taught at Notre Dame, my ND colleagues and I felt that the PHM school district was best, especially at the elementary school level. My children went to Prairie Vista and got a great education. Of course, that puts you in Granger, east of South Bend in developments with no sidewalks and uninspiring architecture, but the prices are very reasonable (even lower now), taxes are low and schools are great. And commutes aren't long, since it's just not a very big place. We lived in Knollwood, at the end of a cul-de-sac on a golf course, and it was very family-friendly (also great if you like golf).
If you're planning to send your children to private school, then there are many great choices in South Bend itself with older houses, more interesting architecture and sidewalks. - Mon Aug 4 2008, 20:26
MVPs or 'Most Valuable Players' are key Trulia Voices members who have been contributing high-quality content throughout 2008 and providing valuable advice to consumers and real estate professionals.