Kalamazoo-- a city known for being home to thriving Fortune 500 companies, innovative start-ups, craft breweries, and a philanthropic heart. We’re a big, little city: host to Broadway shows, amazing dining, and variety of indoor and outdoor recreation--all within an easy distance so that there’s more time to enjoy living the life you love. Whatever your interest or passion may be, we feel confident that you’ll be delighted to call Kalamazoo home.
Kalamazoo
Portage
Portage residents enjoy affordable housing with low taxes, safe neighborhoods, award-winning schools and extensive network of historical parks and trails including the Portage Bikeway System. Portage is a suburb of Kalamazoo, located just to the south with over 50,000 residents. Portage has a rich history and first earned the name "Celery City" in the 1880's. Today residents can relive Portage's farming past at Celery Flats, a park featuring walking trails, restored buildings and highlights the importance of the celery industry in Kalamazoo County and with a thriving commercial sector, hundreds of acres of parks and miles of bike paths, lakes, and safe and secure neighborhoods, Portage is great for those who want to live just outside the city.
Battle Creek
Battle Creek is known as the cereal capital of the World but offers much more including the amazing Wild Africa habitat at Binder Park Zoo, Full Blast is an indoor water park perfect for kids of any age and FireKeepers Casino is a perfect escape at the end of a long day. Downtown Battle Creek offers restaurants, nightlife, events and recreational opportunities for families and individuals alike. With commerce and residential opportunities right downtown, it is a great place to visit or stay.
Texas Township
Texas Township is one of the most sought-after communities in Kalamazoo County for families, young professionals, and retirees. Texas Township offers its residents a rural feel, diverse landscape, and affordable housing with low taxes. Residents are served by four award-winning school districts. Additionally, Texas Township is home to Kalamazoo Valley Community College’s main campus and an array of recreational opportunities like hiking or biking the scenic trails at Al Sabo Land Preserve, enjoying family-friendly Texas Drive Park, or exploring the Texas Township Trailway. Texas Township is proud of its growing number of terrific dining options, boutiques, specialty shops, and the recently renovated Joyce I Neubauer Farmers Market Pavilion.
Mattawan
Richland/Gull Lake
Mattawan is known for rural living at its best with a small-town charm in the downtown area, featuring boutique shops, delightful local restaurants, and award-winning schools. The Mattawan Consolidated School system is unique because it is a unified campus. All the school buildings and sports facilities are on one campus. The village of Mattawan is located on the eastern border of Van Buren County and can be easily accessed from I-94. Looking for fun things to do in Mattawan, try a day hike on the scenic trails at the Portman Nature Preserve, take a tour of the Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery, check out one of the local farmer markets or enjoy a glass of wine near the beautiful vineyards of Cody Kresta Winery.
Gull Lake is a lake in the U.S. state of Michigan, located mostly in Kalamazoo County with the northern tip extending into Barry County. The nearest major cities are Kalamazoo, 11 miles (18 km) to the southwest, and Battle Creek, 13 miles (21 km) to the southeast. The name was probably derived from the seagulls which at times come inland from Lake Michigan in large numbers. The total surface area of this lake is 2,030 acres (8 km²), with maximum depths of 110 feet (34 m). This deep, clear lake has numerous depths more than 75 ft (23 m) and has one large island in the south end. The shoreline of the lake is fully developed and is ringed with homes and cottages. A notable sport fishery exists in the lake for Rainbow trout, Lake trout, Land-locked salmon, Smelt, Smallmouth bass, and Yellow perch. Many other species of fish such as bluegill, Largemouth bass, Smallmouth bass, and Northern Pike are home to this lake. Given the proximity of this lake to large centers of population, coupled with the extensive number of riparian property owners, with two public accesses, the lake is extensively used by boaters during the warm summer months.
Vicksburg
Paw Paw
Schoolcraft
Paw Paw is a small town located in the southwestern part of the U.S. state of Michigan. It is situated in Van Buren County, approximately 20 miles west of Kalamazoo. Paw Paw is known for its rural charm, agricultural surroundings, and proximity to various lakes and natural attractions. Paw Paw and the surrounding area are part of Michigan's wine country. The region has gained recognition for its wineries and tasting rooms, offering visitors the chance to sample a variety of wines produced in the area. The town is surrounded by natural beauty, and outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy activities such as hiking, camping, and fishing. The nearby lakes, including Maple Lake and Christie Lake, offer opportunities for water recreation.
Vicksburg is a small village situated about 12 miles southeast of Kalamazoo, and conveniently located near major transportation routes, including Interstate 94. Despite its small size, Vicksburg has a strong sense of community. It offers a range of amenities and services for residents, including parks, schools, and local businesses. The village has preserved much of its historical charm, with several buildings dating back to the 19th century. The Vicksburg Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, showcases the village's rich architectural heritage. The natural surroundings of Vicksburg provide ample opportunities for outdoor activities. The nearby Portage River offers fishing and boating opportunities, while the Vicksburg Recreation Area provides hiking trails and picnic areas for residents and visitors to enjoy. While Vicksburg's economy has historically been tied to agriculture and small-scale manufacturing, it has diversified over the years.
Schoolcraft is a charming village located about 13 miles south of Kalamazoo and is easily accessible via US-131 and I-94. Schoolcraft offers several parks and recreational facilities for residents to enjoy. Bronson Park, located in the heart of the village, features playgrounds, sports fields, and walking trails. The nearby Portage River also provides opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. The village is home to the Schoolcraft Community Schools, which serve students from kindergarten through 12th grade. The school district is known for its commitment to academic excellence and offers a range of extracurricular activities. Schoolcraft boasts several historic sites and landmarks, including the Schoolcraft Depot Museum, which showcases the village's rich railroad history. Additionally, many of the village's homes and buildings date back to the 19th century, adding to its historic charm.