Granger, IN

St. Joseph County and South Bend have rich histories of industry, primarily regarding the St. Joseph River that runs through the county. In the 1840s, soon after officials created the county, the majority of the several Native American tribes that once called the valley home were forced out of the area and white settlers created industry throughout the region.

While Granger doesn't house museums, residents have a short drive to the many museums and historic sites in South Bend and Elkhart. The South Bend Museum of Art, Children's Museum and Hall of Heroes Museum all lie within a short drive of Granger. Annual events include Holiday Illumination in November.

This moderate suburb of South Bend has a restaurant selection to make every foodie drool as well as some traditional eateries with more subtle menus.

Uptown Kitchen's motto, "Eat Well. Drink Well. Be Happy" comes full circle with the restaurant's menu. The owners proudly boast you can't find a deep fryer, microwave or heat lamp in the kitchen, and for good reason. This locally owned eatery prides itself on making nearly everything from scratch, sourcing from local vendors whenever possible and making delectable, healthy food. The vividly colored menu has plenty of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free items to accommodate every lifestyle and diet. Menu sections include uptown burgers, gourmet pizzas, sandwiches, salads, soups and sides along with house-made desserts. Try one of the crowd favorites from the menu, the lunch burrito. This hearty burrito features grilled chicken, melted pepper jack cheese, avocado, tomato, onion, shredded greens and black bean relish with a side of salsa roja.

Get the authentic Japanese steakhouse experience at Soho Japanese Bistro. A hibachi grill sits at the center of the dining room, and a bar area surrounding the grill lets diners pull up a seat and watch their meals being prepared. If sushi is more your thing, try the volcano rolls and the spicy tuna. Soho Japanese Bistro also serves a wide selection of craft beers, signature cocktails, wines and sakes for you to sip on before or during your meal.

For a contemporary ambiance and tapas, stop in Temper Grille. The menu features tapas from land and sea, starters, salads, sides and "temper tantrums," the restaurant's desserts. As you scroll through the starters, you see quite a few items that don't typically make their ways to menus. Several cheese dishes line the starters menu, including baked brie with berry compote, saganaki and spicy feta. However, the steak bites take diners' taste buds by storm and win rave reviews from anyone who tries them. These tender filets come coated with blackening seasoning and remoulade sauce.

For a night out and a cold one, Granger has more than a few bars to suit every taste. The Pub, for example, has numerous craft beers on tap and in bottles or cans. The Pitt Stop Sports Bar and Grill features weekly events such as karaoke and trivia along with specials throughout the week.

Interstate-80/90 runs through Granger, giving residents easy access to major state and federal highways throughout Indiana and to Chicago. In addition to this interstate, several state highways run through Granger as well.

Cyclists enjoy bike-friendly roads along the west side of Granger and a dedicated trail near the intersection of Elm and Adams Roads. Residential areas have ample sidewalks for walkers as do some key parts of town, but Granger's design veers more towards driving than walking. You don't need public parking in an area like Granger, but some street parking and large parking lots provide great convenience when running errands.

SB Transpo routes come into south Granger, but primarily service Mishawaka and South Bend. Several cab companies serve Granger and Uber, the ride-sharing company, serves the southwest side of Granger.

While Granger doesn't house many parks, St. Joseph County, Mishawaka and South Bend all manage park properties that residents of Granger enjoy. From kid-centric playgrounds to sports fields, the area's parks allow residents to enjoy the outdoors, community and activities.

South Bend Parks feature activities throughout the year, including Daddy/Daughter dances, naturalist programs, day camps and movie nights. O'Brien Fitness Center provides a spot for fitness enthusiasts to get in shape with other members of the community. Mishawaka owns and maintains 26 different parks with various facilities and annual events, including the annual Summerfest. Mishawaka also has an off-leash dog run at Margaret Prickett Marina Park.

Residents of Granger have a cost of living index that comes in approximately 6 percent higher than that of South Bend, but still approximately 8 percent lower than the national average. Housing expenses make up a large part of the difference and stay exceptionally higher in Granger — the average rental rate hits at $909 per month.

Other common costs, like gas and going out, stay on point with South Bend for the most part. Expect to fill up your tank for about 13 percent less than the national average, and enjoy a beer for $2 at a local pub. A single ride on SB Transpo costs $1, but the service provides additional rates and fares for multi-ride passes.

Although the area between SR 23, Adams Rd and Bittersweet Rd holds a large chunk of Granger's retail businesses, this small, census-designated place has charming shops throughout.

Flourish Boutique keeps its customers happy with fun, affordable fashion. Throughout the store, you run into designer jeans, classy accessories and items you don't typically see at run-of-the-mill department stores. Those who have the chance to visit Flourish love the staff as much as the clothes.

Got a sweet tooth? Stop in Wakarusa Dime Store, home of the jumbo jelly bean. A huge, white mansion with large painted building signs stating "Candy" and "Jumbo Jelly Beans" on the side will catch anyone's eye, but the inside holds the goods. Walk up to the welcoming front porch and step inside to what may be Michiana's candy haven. Peruse through throwback candy bars, old-time sodas, jelly beans arranged by flavor, fudges, chocolates and an entire room dedicated to taffy.

For little ones, check out Explorations Toys This curious toy store stocks "toys for curious minds." The owners don't stock too much in the way of video games or digital media as they believe in toys that help development. Types of toys include building sets, science sets, nature-themed toys, trains, musical toys, books, pretend play and crafts. This local favorite keeps customers coming back for thoughtful and engaging gifts for kids of all ages.

Granger residents have superior choice when it comes to groceries and markets. Besides chains, Granger has Nutrition Works and Down to Earth Natural Foods, two stores specializing in healthy and hard-to-find groceries, supplements and ingredients. The Granger Farmer's Market connects residents to local produce, foods and other items.