South Bend, IN is a vibrant, mid-sized Midwestern city (population 103,200 and a metro footprint of over 324,500) that seamlessly blends a low cost of living with big-city culture, premier higher education, and incredible regional connectivity. Chicago, IL (~90 miles): Just a 90-minute drive, or skip the traffic entirely by hopping on the South Shore Line —a direct commuter train running straight from South Bend to downtown Chicago.