$219,561Average Value$139Average Price per Sq Ft45Homes For Sale
A rising industrial town with historical appeal
While Coldwater’s population had begun a decline in the early 2000s, the arrival of Clemens Food Group and their 650,000-square-foot processing plant on the city’s northeast end brought nearly 1,800 jobs to the region. Today, the population of this southern Michigan city has rebounded to almost 14,000 residents. With a public-use airport, a regional hospital and many ongoing developments, Coldwater is on the rise as one of the fastest-growing communities in the state. “That industrial growth has led to our residential growth,” city manager Keith Baker says. “We’re definitely an anomaly within the state of Michigan.”
Clemen's Food Group employs nearly 2000 residents of Coldwater at their plant.
Public-use Branch County Memorial Airport west of Coldwater is home to a local flight school.
1/2
Limited housing with a growing apartment presence
With less than two months’ supply at any time, Coldwater has limited properties available, with lakefront houses and vacant land largely dominating the market. There are also manufactured housing communities in Trail Tree Village and Fairview Estates, with most homes selling at a median price of $240,000. Additionally, the city is constructing over 400 new apartments through several ongoing developments, including the recently completed Summit Apartments. “We tend to be a summer destination for people in Ohio, Indiana and Illinois – a lot of vacation homes, Vrbos and cottages on the adjoining lake chains,” Keith says.
Coldwater's housing market is largely dominated by lake houses and vacation homes.
The recently completed Summit Apartments brings an affordable housing option to Coldwater.
1/2
Public transportation and steam trains
Two major thoroughfares provide access to the community of Coldwater – Interstate 69, which runs from Indiana through the Canadian border, and U.S. Highway 12, which runs east to west. The Branch Area Transit Authority has offered public transportation throughout the county for more than 30 years, and scenic train rides through Hillsdale have been in service on the Little River Railroad since 1975. Emergency care should be sought out at the ProMedica Coldwater Regional Hospital, while the closest commercial airport is 50 miles away at the Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport.
Campgrounds and lake life
With 12 parks, two lakes and a river, Coldwater is an active outdoor community with activities ranging from hiking to four-wheeling. “There’s lots of recreation around the area,” says John Rakocy, an associate broker with Hauska Home and Farm. “Boating, kayaking, fishing – anything you can think of with water.” There are over 400 campsites to pull the RV into at the 1,074-acre Waffle Farm Campgrounds, and in the chilly winter months, the pond next to Sauk River freezes into a skating pond that families can use for free.
Waffle Farm Campground has over 400 lakeside campsites for Coldwater locals to rent.
Summer in Coldwater brings a laid-back lake life with ice skating and ice fishing in winter.
1/2
Branches of education
The closest school district is the Coldwater Community Schools system, which earned a B-minus on Niche.com and has a student-teacher ratio of 21-to-1 across its five campuses. Branch Intermediate School District offers early and special education services, while the Branch Area Careers Center provides a technical education curriculum. Outside of kindergarten through 12th-grade education, locals have the Kellogg Community College’s Grahl Center, which offers nearly two dozen college courses through the center’s 13 classrooms.
Coldwater High School in Branch Intermediate School District boasts a B- Niche.com rating.
Branch Area Careers Center features a range of technical programs for students of all ages.
1/2
Historic theaters and opera houses
Built in 1882, the Tibbits Opera House is one of the oldest establishments in the city and the second-oldest surviving theater in the state. Restored to its original condition in 2013, this 500-seat venue is a popular destination for community events, concerts and live theatrical performances featuring local talent. There’s also the Capri Drive-In Theater, which recently celebrated 60 years of playing movies on its two big screens. Festivals throughout the year, including Strawberry and Apple Fests highlighting the agricultural influence on the city, bring the community together.
Shakespeare's bust has overlooked Coldwater showgoers at Tibbits Opera House since 1882.
For over 60 year Capri Drive-In Theater has entertained Coldwater movie lovers.
1/2
Social life in the downtown district
Nearly 100 shops, salons and restaurants are located within Downtown Coldwater, a lively commercial hub with brick buildings dating back between the 1860s and 1920s. Dining options include local bars, grilles and a brewery, and locals have many grocery store options on hand, including Walmart, Meijer and Aldi.
A Walmart east of downtown gives Coldwater shoppers easy access to big box variety.
A convenient Aldi gives residents of Coldwater affordable access to premium quality foods.
1/2
Weather and crime
With warm summers and freezing winters, Coldwater earns its namesake with an average of 42 inches of snowfall every year. According to Coldwater Police Department records, the crime rate decreased by 8% over the past two years and is below the national average. It’s also worth noting that around 1,400 inmates live at the Lakeland Correctional Facility, which is at the city's northernmost point.
Written By
David Dunn
Photography Contributed By
James Gordon
Video By
Maurice Boone
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Paul McIntyre,
an experienced agent in this area.
On average, homes in Coldwater, MI sell after 44 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Coldwater, MI over the last 12 months is $208,500, up 10% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome Home! This fully renovated 2-bedroom (with a possible 3rd) home sits on a peaceful 3.4-acre lot and offers the perfect blend of comfort and function. Step inside to find a spacious, modern kitchen with newer stainless steel appliances. The oversized living room is perfect for relaxing or entertaining, and the main-floor laundry adds everyday convenience. You'll love the huge primary
Back on market due NO fault of the home!! Property has been inspected TWICE with no repairs requested either time. MOTIVATED SELLERS!!! **Open house Saturday 11/1 9:30-11am.** Have you been looking to escape to the country life? Look no further. This country home has so much to offer. Sitting on nearly 5 acres in Branch County just minutes from I 69. The location of this home is perfect for
Fishing, family and fun on the North chain of lakes. Randall lake is among over 1100Acres of water , connected by well traveled channels. Plenty of space here in your 5 bedroom, 2 full bath family home with partially finished full basement.There is a bar area and dedicated roughed in space for a 3rd full bath. This quiet culdesac is perfect for children at play and has deeded lake
Beautiful Ranch with Morrison Lake Access! Just three houses down from your deeded dock and the private HOA boat launch and park, this charming ranch offers the perfect blend of lake lifestyle and peaceful country setting. Situated on a .5-acre lot, the backyard is bordered by open farmland, creating privacy and serene views. Features include a spacious main level with two full baths. The guest
Discover modern, spacious living in this 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home, available for immediate move-in! Located in Cambio's Trail Tree Village community, this home welcomes you with the kitchen of your dreams complete with ample storage, appliances and stunning neutral-toned cabinetry. Additionally, enjoy the convenience of an included washer/dryer! Do not miss out on this rare opportunity to own a
Beautiful Ranch with Morrison Lake Access! Just three houses down from the private HOA boat launch and park, this charming ranch offers the perfect blend of lake lifestyle and peaceful country setting. Situated on a 1/2-acre lot, the backyard is bordered by open farmland, creating privacy and serene views. Features include a spacious main level with two full baths. The guest bath has been
Apartments at Sauk Trail is a community offering a great residential environment, upscale amenities and excellent service for our residents. We offer one and two bedrooms that are sure to please. Whether you want to relax by our resort-style pool or workout in our 24 fitness center, Sauk Trail is sure to have something for you! We are close to shopping, dining, and entertainment and have easy
BRAND NEW HOME COMING SOON! Don't miss out on this 4 -bedroom 2 -bathroom home! This home features a modern kitchen equipped with a full appliance package, plus a kitchen island for added convenience. The primary bedroom has a large walk-in closet, complemented by an attached primary bathroom featuring a stand-in shower. Call now and schedule your tour today! For more information, contact one of
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
