Bend Toward South Bend, Indiana, for Retirement Prospects

They call this state the "Crossroads of America," and for good reason. Indiana's a hometown, a go-to, a throwback, a place where time seems to stand still. Urban legends exist there; folk tales reside within the cities of this state, but here's the big question -- is it necessarily a great place to retire in? Try South Bend for starters.

Why South Bend, Indiana, Ranks Up There for Retirement

Bear in mind this important fact -- it's not just about the small-town feel when it comes to retirement cities. Think about fixed incomes, for instance -- or maybe even limited resources to explore and redefine yourself. After all, if you're looking to retire, you're not looking to do a whole lot of moving around and spending cash.

Aside from the lack of a state tax on social security -- which automatically makes it a benefit to you as a retiree -- South Bend is all about university life and entertainment at minimal cost and maximum convenience. It's generally fun living in this town!

Think football, for instance -- as in the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame. Loving the football makes for a great day of the season, not to mention you get free campus tours of the legendary university, if that's your deal. I'd say it's legendary specifically because the campus does draw quite a few prestigious entertainment acts, so you most likely will be on the lookout for those events as you enjoy your retirement.

You could be fortunate to land a rent-to-own, or maybe a zero-down mortgage, and if that's the case, jump on it. Why?

South Bend Brings It for Retirees

It's a total touchdown for retirement. Sure, the population's up there, but that's what retirement should be all about: fellowship, fun and friends all around you. When you're retired, you're not just relaxing; you're living. And you're living proud.

The Double-Edge Sword of Real Estate: Future Property Developments

Real estate's like gambling when you think about it. You're basically betting on a property hitting it big. You don't know if it's going to hit big. You have certain factors on your side, though: property values, assessments, location, trends, that sort of thing. But you can never be sure of what's going to happen. Even if you're just a potential home buyer looking for your zero-down home through H.O.P.E. to Own, you're never sure if that home's going to turn into a good investment on your end in the future just in case you plan on mortgage refinancing or moving out.

More so is the fact that you never know what's going to happen to property developments around
your particular real estate in question! That's what this is all about.

Future Property Developments: Will They Help You or Hurt You?

This takes some real estate research, far beyond what you're accustomed to, just so you know. After all, if you invest or purchase a home in a development that may face vacancies or additional land developments, that may just have a tremendous effect on the future supply and home pricing around you.

Other such issues can include soon-to-be governmental prospects on developments for new schools, hospitals, changes in zoning and traffic for better flow or access to other amenities and that sort of thing. If changes are made around you -- for better or worse, specifically for you -- you could be looking at a good thing.... Or a bad thing.

It's a Gamble. But What Do You Expect?

Shoot the tables and see what you come up with, I guess. You go in with great knowledge and technique, though, as a real estate investor. Whether it's beachfront real estate or just a single-family home in a neighborhood -- whatever the case, wherever the chips fall, if you have some idea of what's going to happen in the future, you'll have some idea of just what you might net in terms of ROI, or property value.

Lucky seven.