there’s an urban legend in elkhart suggesting that native americans cursed the land so that anyone who was born in the city would wind up living there for the rest of their lives. i thank my lucky stars that i was actually born in michigan and swiftly relocated to austin, texas at 18. as illogical and silly as the story seems, it’s a deadly threat to anyone who has actually lived in the town, generally due to being tied down by family and friends who also had the misfortune of being stuck in elkhart. don’t get me wrong. i love the river, and outside of the city there’s some really beautiful midwestern scenery, but to actually rationalize why anyone would choose to locate themselves in the city of elkhart is something else entirely. my dad tells me it’s because he “doesn’t like change” and i suppose that would comprise the disposition of most of the residents as well. the economy is decent, it’s quiet, the cost of living is low…all things considered, the most insulting aspect of the city is aesthetic, and even then at least it has the river. but then i also consider some of the stats i’ve read about pollution and the schools and the supposed fact that elkhart has the second highest rate of unsolved murders in the nation, and with that in mind, i have this to say: normally i would never discourage someone from being a cheap skate or to go out of their way if they’re content with their environment, but seriously, elkhart, indiana? it’s a cultural wasteland. the entertainment value of the city is placed on the local walmart, and thus i say MOVE! MOVE WHILE YOU STILL CAN!