1008 California Avenue

Some homes ask you to slow down, and this one does it from the curb. The covered front porch is where your day can start with a hot cup of coffee and end with a long exhale, while the Near Northwest Neighborhood carries on around you. This 2 bed, 1 bath bungalow was rehabbed by Near Northwest Neighborhood, Inc., and the work shows. The roof, windows, plumbing, electric and HVAC are all less than 10 years old, so the big-ticket items are already handled. Inside, oak hardwood floors, tall ceilings and crisp white trim set the tone right away. Four large windows fill the living room with light, and a closet off the living room keeps coats and shoes out of sight. Just off the kitchen, the dining area opens through a slider to the back deck, so dinner can easily shift outside on a summer evening. The kitchen is built for real use, with Aristocraft cabinets, a pantry cabinet for dry goods, a stainless gas range and a double stainless sink. Laundry is tucked neatly into a kitchen closet, so it stays on the main floor. Both bedrooms have hardwood floors and measure 9x12. Downstairs, the full basement has a painted floor and offers plenty of room for storage, a workshop or projects. Out back, the deck is the main event. Its a ready-made spot for grilling or unwinding after work. The low-maintenance yard means weekends go to enjoying the city instead of mowing. The location is just as strong. Youre minutes from Leeper Park, with its tennis center and river views, and the Riverside Trail, which follows the St. Joseph River. The Coal Line Trail links the two and runs along the western edge of the neighborhood. Groceries, the pharmacy and the hardware store on Portage Avenue are close for everyday errands, and Memorial Hospital and Notre Dame are a short drive away. When you want a night out, downtown South Bend is right there, with its restaurants, South Bend Cubs games at Four Winds Field, shows at the Morris Performing Arts Center and the South Bend Civic Theatre, and First Fridays. This home is subject to income and owner occupant deed restrictions. Homebuyer guidelines can be found here: https://www.nearnorthwest.org/housing/guidelines/