Oakwood Home for Rent

In southwest Kalamazoo, the Oakwood neighborhood is a historically rich area, once home to the Oakwood Amusement Park, now transformed into Woods Lake Park. This park offers a sandy beach, picnic pavilions, and scenic walking paths, making it a popular retreat for nature lovers. The neighborhood is well-connected with regular Kalamazoo Metro bus service, proximity to Interstate 94, and the Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport just five miles away. Oakwood provides diverse housing options, including modest single-family homes, fixer-uppers, and rental properties, with styles ranging from Cape Cods and bungalows to ranch homes and modern condominiums. The commercial hub, Oakwood Plaza, features locally owned businesses such as Initial Attraction and Bookbug, along with dining options like Fletcher's Pub and Schultz Treat Street. Residents can also shop at the upscale D&W supermarket and enjoy nearby coffee shops and restaurants. For education, students can attend the highly rated Winchell Elementary School and Loy Norrix High School. The neighborhood also offers access to Maple Street Magnet School for the Arts and the private Kalamazoo Christian School. Nearby Western Michigan University adds to the educational landscape. Oakwood is safer than the national average, with a CAP Index crime score of three. The Oakwood Neighborhood Association fosters community through programs like the Summer Youth Art Program and senior drop-in sessions. Local points of interest include the Kleinstuck Preserve, managed by Western Michigan University, and Springmont Tot Lot, a playground for children. Road construction along Whites Avenue aims to improve traffic flow and pedestrian safety, enhancing the neighborhood's walkability.