For Elio, a Seattle native, the idea of moving to the Midwest was an intriguing prospect. As the owner of URL, a network of Black and Brown-owned community media companies, many of his clients were based in the region, and he felt it could provide a fresh perspective on sharing stories from a diverse point of view. "I think with me being a person of color moving to South Bend, a lot of people really didn't know, or they're not educated on how great the Midwest is and how accepting it is towards people of color," he explains.

So, when he found an ad about moving to the Midwest in his Instagram feed, his interest was piqued. “When I saw that MakeMyMove was partnering with communities in the Midwest that were offering incentives to move there, I did some research and South Bend had a lot of the attributes I was looking for.” Elio spent January and February seriously considering his options. "Literally, from the application process to me moving was maybe like a month," he says of his whirlwind decision. In early March, the longtime West Coast resident found himself putting down roots in northern Indiana.

Despite having never visited the area, South Bend immediately felt like home for Elio. "When I got here, I loved how green it was. It reminded me so much of home," he says. The abundant parks and green spaces along the St. Joseph River captured the natural beauty he grew up with in the Pacific Northwest. At the same time, he appreciated South Bend's blend of urban amenities with a tight-knit, welcoming community – a stark contrast from Seattle's corporate-driven atmosphere.

"Everyone knows everyone," Elio observes. "If you're going shopping, it is a mom-and-pop shop. So, it's so easy for you to get integrated into the community.” Within days of arriving, he struck up a friendship with a fellow Seattle transplant at the local grocery store. She promptly invited him for Sunday dinner and introduced him to her social circle.

This warm reception is exactly what Elio had been craving after years of feeling disconnected in major cities. "You don't need to know anyone before moving here. You will meet people who are from South Bend," he says. "Something that MakeMyMove is doing through their relocation program is allowing Black and brown individuals to relocate to communities where they can find a sense of belonging.”

Elio has wasted no time immersing himself in South Bend's diversity, from connecting with organizers at local LGBTQ establishments to volunteering with Latino youth nonprofits. At the same time, he's experienced the region's quintessential Midwestern charm through simple outings like the farmers market, library events and chance encounters with friendly locals.

"It's really pushed me to get out of the house and explore," Elio says of his new daily routine. "This is a whole new city for me." His whirlwind first month was made easier thanks to his dedicated local guide, Lauren Thomas who serves as the Talent Initiatives Manager for the South Bend – Elkhart Regional Partnership and decided to hire MakeMyMove to help with population growth in the area. "She made it feel like she wasn’t just trying to get me to move here but more let me be that helping hand."

That supportive mentorship – combined with the warmth of strangers-turned-friends – exemplifies the welcoming spirit Elio has come to admire about his adopted city. While apprehensive at first about the transition, he now struggles to envision himself anywhere else. "When people get to these small communities, I think your mind changes forever on how you view the people there."

More than just a temporary resident, Elio is committed to becoming an active part of the fabric of his new community – building the types of genuine connections and communal pride he struggled to find amidst the hustle of West Coast city life. For those seeking a change of pace and a chance to put down roots, South Bend is emerging as an unlikely haven where you can show up as you are and be embraced with open arms.