Quiet Bedford Township offers space and easy access to Cereal City
Bedford Charter Township serves as a rural bedroom community with extra elbow room near Battle Creek. "It’s one of the more affordable neighborhoods in the Battle Creek market with the ability to have acreage and not have to pay a premium. But you're still close to town and all the amenities," says Jeffrey Penick, Realtor with Re/Max Perrett Associates, who has about 20 years of experience in the industry. Proximity to the "Cereal City" brings shopping, dining, nightlife and employers such as W.K. Kellogg Company, Denso Manufacturing Michigan Inc., FireKeepers Casino Hotel and the Veterans Administration Medical Center.
Properties range from farm-ready land to leafy neighborhods
Ranch-style properties, late 19th-century farmhouses and modern builds often sit on several acres, offering space for recreation and farming. On the south end, the more developed Level Park-Oak Park area features early to mid-20th-century cottage, Minimal Traditional and ranch-style homes, often featuring spacious, well-kept lawns. South-side homes along the Kalamazoo River may be susceptible to flooding. Some houses offer waterfrontage along Saint Mary's Lake. Move-in-ready properties range from around $120,000 to $450,000.
Public school students are are split between districts
Students on the west side may fall within Gull Lake Community Schools, which earns an overall A-minus from Niche and ranks as the No. 3 district in the Kalamazoo area. The district's Early College program allows students to earn an associate degree, an occupational certificate and transferable college credits over five high school years. Participants progress from a blended schedule to a full-time college schedule in grade 13. Battle Creek Public Schools serves the community's east side and earns an overall C-minus. With help from a $51 million grant in 2017, the district has expanded its offerings to include a STEM-focused middle school and an International Baccalaureate elementary school.
Nature preserve and community park anchor outdoor life
Skeets Gehrman Memorial Park is a central community hub with playground equipment, covered picnic tables and a creek. It hosts the annual Fall Festival, which features bounce houses, a chili cook-off, live music and a parade. Unveiled in 2025, the Bailey Nature Preserve offers 160 mostly undeveloped acres of woodlands, wetlands and overlooks. A trail system is in the works. Locals can fish, canoe and kayak on the preserve's 30-acre lake, or on Waubascon Lake in the township. Golfers can take a swing at the public Bedford Valley Golf Course, known for its large bunkers and oak-lined fairways.
Farmers market, breweries and dining in downtown Battle Creek
One of just a few businesses in the township, Wild Mike's is a casal hangout with American fare and Thursday night bike nights for the motorcycle crowd. Dollar General and Bedford Market sell some basics, and Family Fare Supermarket fills grocery needs. Otherwise, locals may rely on Battle Creek. "All of your shopping is 15 minutes away," Penick says. The downtown district hosts specialty shops, breweries and local restaurants along Michigan Avenue. The seasonal menus at Kitchen Proper feature variations on pasta, fish, steak and salad. The downtown farmers market takes place on Wednesdays from May through October. Big box stores and chains such as Walmart Supercenter, Target and Sam's Club are clustered on the city's south side.
Bedford Township is car-dependent but close to the city
Michigan Highway 37 and Michigan Avenue connect to Battle Creek, less than 10 miles southwest. Locals mainly rely on cars as public bus routes aren't available. Battle Creek Transit's tele-transit program serves a portion of the township. Bronson Battle Creek Hospital, a full-service hospital with a Level I trauma center, is less than 10 miles away. Travelers can find frequent daily flights to Chicago and Detroit from the Kalamazoo-Battle Creek International Airport, about 25 miles southwest.
