Why Live in Northside
Northside in Kalamazoo, Michigan, has a rich history rooted in early 20th-century industry and African American migration from the South. This neighborhood, once redlined in 1937, continues to evolve with a mix of historical and modern elements. The area still hosts significant industrial activity, including a large paper mill by Graphic Packaging International and the city's water filtration plant. Public transportation is accessible with three Metro Bus routes and nearby Amtrak and Greyhound stations. Housing in Northside predominantly features Craftsman, American Foursquare, and bungalow styles, with most homes built between the 1880s and 1940s. Business growth is evident near downtown, with notable spots like Louie’s Trophy House, Green Door Distillery, Park Street Market, and Cookie’s Creole N’ Soul. Recreational options include LaCrone Park, which offers a playground, splash pad, basketball courts, and picnic areas, and the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail. However, Verburg Park is currently closed for environmental cleanup until 2025. The neighborhood's schools offer a range of educational opportunities, with students benefiting from The Kalamazoo Promise, which covers full tuition at over 60 Michigan universities, colleges, and trade schools. Community organizations like the Douglass Community Association and the Northside Association of Community Development play vital roles in supporting residents. Local businesses like Green Door Distillery work to change perceptions of the area. Flooding remains a concern due to the area's swampy origins, but residential areas are not in the floodplain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Northside a good place to live?
Northside is a good place to live. Northside is considered car-dependent and somewhat bikeable. Northside is a suburban neighborhood. Northside has 13 parks for recreational activities. It is fairly sparse in population with 3.6 people per acre and a median age of 32. The average household income is $34,059 which is below the national average. College graduates make up 6.2% of residents. A majority of residents in Northside are renters, with 57.5% of residents renting and 42.5% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving Northside can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
Northside neighborhood guide.
Is Northside, MI a safe neighborhood?
Northside, MI is less safe than the average neighborhood in the United States. It received a crime score of 7 out of 10.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in Northside?
The median home price in Northside is $94,500. If you put a 20% down payment of $18,900 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.72%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $490 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $21K a year to afford the median home price in Northside. The average household income in Northside is $34K.
What are the best public schools in Northside?
The best public schools that serve Northside are:
What are the best private schools in Northside?
The best private schools that serve Northside are:
What are the most popular zip codes in Northside, Kalamazoo, MI?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near Northside, Kalamazoo, MI?
Home Trends in Northside, MI
On average, homes in Northside, Kalamazoo sell after 32 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Northside, Kalamazoo over the last 12 months is $90,000, up 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$90,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$92,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$570,000
Median 1 Bedroom Sale Price
$325,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$91
Number of Homes for Sale
5
Last 12 months Home Sales
87
Median List Price
$94,500
Median Change From 1st List Price
4%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
6%