Albion is a diverse college town undergoing a transformation
Positioned halfway between Battle Creek and Jackson , the historic community of Albion is on the rebound. Homes tend to be some of the lowest priced in Calhoun County, and the small Albion College anchors an economy that has struggled in the past. "We had a big-time industry here up until the '70s and '80s," says Joe Verbeke with NextHome ACE Real Estate Services, who is also a local resident. "It was a foundry town, and then the foundry packed up and left. The people who could leave left and followed the jobs."
But in recent years, Albion has seen a transformative wave of investment. The once-empty downtown now has a new hotel, a locally owned brewery and a small grocery store. "There are just really great people here who look after each other and believe that things will turn around," Verbeke says. "And things are turning around."
Older homes with opportunities for investment
Most of Albion's homes were built before the 1980s, many for workers at nearby factories. Common architectural styles include bungalows, ranch-style homes and National Folk designs. When the city's economy flagged, some properties fell into disrepair. "There's been this renaissance and interest in purchasing the worst houses on the block," Verbeke says. "We have some people who do flips, and some people who improve and rent them."
The city's median sale price is around $135,000, with investment properties going from $30,000 to $80,000. Move-in-ready homes range from $80,000 to $375,000, depending on the level of renovations. "When houses that have been cared for are listed at the right price, they sell quickly," Verbeke says. "They are far more affordable than Battle Creek and Jackson."
Public schools in Marshall and the local Albion College
Kids can attend Harrington Elementary School, which gets a C rating from Niche. Older kids travel more than 10 miles west to attend Marshall Middle School and Marshall High School, both rated B-minus. Students can take specialty courses like agriscience or welding through the Calhoun Area Career Center in Battle Creek.
The city is also home to Albion College, a private liberal arts college with around 1,300 students. "When the students are in town, it brings a whole bunch of vibrancy," says Verbeke, who graduated from Albion and decided to stay. "You can go to the football and basketball games — there's just an energy."
Riverside recreation and the peacefulness of rural Michigan
Two branches of the Kalamazoo River run through the city, lined with parks and walking trails. Rieger Park and Victory Park are connected by a pedestrian bridge and offer fishing, tennis courts and an outdoor bandstand that hosts summertime concerts.
Off the river, McIntosh Park has a splash pad, the Nancy G. Held Equestrian Center offers horse riding lessons and there are plenty of spots to hike in the surrounding area. "We live in a really simple and beautiful part of Michigan," Verbeke says. "It's in the middle of a really rural area, so when you want to get away, you are outside town in a minute or two. It's gorgeous in any direction, out among nature and farms."
An expanding downtown district has homegrown businesses
Downtown Albion has experienced a surge of redevelopment in recent years, notably the construction of a Marriott hotel in 2018. The Bohm Theatre, an early-1900s venue, was also fully renovated in 2014 and now shows movies and live performances. Around the hotel and theater, millions of dollars have been invested to renovate storefronts, add housing units and bring in businesses.
Many of the new storefronts are run by familiar faces. Albion Malleable Brewing Company, which has become a go-to for dining out, was opened in 2018 by a lifelong resident. Verbeke and his wife have opened storefronts in the community, too. "She runs Foundry Bakehouse and Deli," he says. "Most of the stuff is scratch-made, which is amazing." Verbeke is a part-time manager at the Superior Street Mercantile, a downtown grocery store and an alternative to the larger brands at the local Family Fare Supermarket.
Albion's diverse community shines at local festivals and churches
The Festival of the Forks is Albion's largest event, named for the forked river at the heart of town. The festival is a celebration of the city's diversity, with a variety of food trucks, live music performances and a parade.
Local churches are also a common way for neighbors to find community, with more than 15 houses of worship in the city. "Albion has one of the highest densities of churches per capita," Verbeke says.
Interstate access to nearby cities, with Amtrak for longer trips
For larger city amenities, locals can drive to Jackson, 20 miles away, which has the Henry Ford Jackson Hospital. Battle Creek is also just under 30 miles away. "Albion is right off the Interstate 94 corridor," says Realtor Todd Rowe with Coldwell Banker Beiswanger Realty Group, who has experience across Calhoun County. "If you've got one person who works towards Jackson, and the other in Battle Creek, this is a nice spot."
The city also has an Amtrak stop with daily trains to Chicago and Detroit . Lansing is often the go-to for flights, with the Capital Region International Airport about 50 miles north.
![Catherine Lashley]()
Written By
Catherine Lashley
