Our Region & Communities


In this section

Michiana is made up of seven counties, including St. Joseph, Marshall, Elkhart, La Porte and Starke in Indiana, and Berrien and Cass in Michigan, with a population of more than 815,000 people. In the center is South Bend, the fourth largest city in Indiana. Located within St. Joseph and Marshall counties are the cities of South Bend, Mishawaka and Plymouth, which encompass the majority of our SJHS facilities. The entire region offers diversity, a strong economy and a family-friendly environment with plenty to see and do.

St. Joseph County

Seated on the "south bend" of the St. Joseph River in St. Joseph County, South Bend is a college town known for the legendary University of Notre Dame. The region, which includes the City of Mishawaka, boasts a variety of other colleges and universities for those interested in furthering their education. The close proximity to Chicago is another benefit of living here Getting there is easy thanks to the South Shore Line, a train that makes daily runs to the city for less than the cost of parking. The shores of Lake Michigan, just a short drive away, offer plenty of recreational opportunities. Our unique climate offers a wide variety of activities - from boating and swimming in the summer to skiing in the winter.

Marshall County

Plymouth, located in Marshall County, offers a unique experience of its own. With a population of 11,000, this close-knit community has a lot to offer. Find top notch golf courses, fish-filled lakes, fine dining, antique shops and a revitalized downtown. Centennial Park in Plymouth boasts the famous Marshall County Blueberry Festival, held every Labor Day weekend.

Living in Michiana

Our region includes a variety of quality education opportunities, including both public and private schools from preschool through high school. Those pursuing a higher level of education have several options, including the University of Notre Dame, Indiana University at South Bend, St. Mary's College, Holy Cross College, Ancilla College, Bethel College Indiana Tech and Ivy Tech State College.

Other area features & attractions include:

  • State, county and city parks with walking and biking trails
  • Full-service airport
  • Coveleski Regional Stadium, home to the minor league baseball team the South Bend Silverhawks
  • Morris Performing Arts Center
  • South Bend Civic Theater
  • College Football Hall of Fame
  • East Race Waterway, the first and only man-made white water rapids facility in North America
  • South Bend Regional Museum of Art
  • Studebaker National Museum, Inc.
  • Potawatomi Zoo
  • Farmer's Market
  • Amish Acres
  • Shipshewanna Flea Market
  • Round Barn Theatre
  • A philanthropic community with copious volunteer opportunities

With all of this and more, find a great place to live and work within the communities that make up Michiana. And with a SJHS location around every corner, you can feel safe knowing that medical attention is always just a step away.