1008 California Avenue, South Bend, IN 46616

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,...