Why Live in Southside
Southside in Kalamazoo, Michigan, has evolved from an industrial hub into a lively residential area, attracting young families due to its proximity to downtown amenities and convenient interstate travel to cities like Chicago and Detroit. The neighborhood features a variety of remodeled older homes, including Colonial Revival, Folk Victorian, Cape Cod, Craftsman, and Dutch Colonial styles, making it appealing for first-time homebuyers and property flippers. Local highlights include the Midtown Fresh Market for groceries and dining spots like Nagle’s Top Dog & Malt Shoppe, Nonla Burger, and Happy’s Pizza. Green Top Tavern is a popular spot for drinks. North Kalamazoo Mall, less than two miles away, offers shopping options such as Lana’s Boutique and Great Lake Thrift Co.
Southside residents enjoy several parks, including Crane Park with its hilltop views and tennis courts, Kleinstuck Preserve/Nature Trail for nature walks, and the recently upgraded Southside Park with new play structures and basketball courts. The neighborhood participates in citywide events like the Do-Dah Parade and the Kalamazoo County Youth Fair and Family Festival.
Educational options include Loy Norrix High School, which has a high rating and offers programs like the Career Launch program for job training. The neighborhood is well-connected with Interstate 94 and the Kalamazoo Metro bus system, and the Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport is about three miles away. The crime rate in Southside is lower than the national average, contributing to its appeal for families seeking a vibrant yet practical community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Southside a good place to live?
Southside is a good place to live. Southside is considered somewhat walkable and somewhat bikeable. Southside is a suburban neighborhood with a crime score of 4, on par with the average neighborhood in the U.S. Southside has 8 parks for recreational activities. It is fairly sparse in population with 5.5 people per acre and a median age of 35. The average household income is $90,002 which is below the national average. College graduates make up 45.6% of residents. A majority of residents in Southside are home owners, with 35.5% of residents renting and 64.5% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving Southside can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
Southside neighborhood guide.
Is Southside, MI a safe neighborhood?
Southside, MI is a safe neighborhood and is on par with the average neighborhood in the United States. It received a crime score of 4 out of 10.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in Southside?
The median home price in Southside is $303,349. If you put a 20% down payment of $60,700 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.74%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $1,570 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $67K a year to afford the median home price in Southside. The average household income in Southside is $90K.
What are the best public schools in Southside?
The best public schools that serve Southside are:
What are the best private schools in Southside?
The best private schools that serve Southside are:
What are the most popular zip codes in Southside, Kalamazoo, MI?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near Southside, Kalamazoo, MI?
Are home prices dropping in Southside?
Yes, home prices in Southside are down 35% in the last 12 months.
Home Trends in Southside, MI
On average, homes in Southside, Kalamazoo sell after 140 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Southside, Kalamazoo over the last 12 months is $264,349, down 38% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$264,349
Median Single Family Sale Price
$569,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$264,349
Median 1 Bedroom Sale Price
$659,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$360
Number of Homes for Sale
2
Last 12 months Home Sales
27
Median List Price
$303,349
Median Change From 1st List Price
13%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-38%