As the birthplace of well-known brands Gibson Guitars, Checker Taxi Cabs and Bell’s Brewery, Kalamazoo is no stranger to making a name for itself. Set in Southwestern Michigan, Kalamazoo is a vibrant community with a laidback lifestyle that allows its 72,873 residents to live at their own pace. Surrounded by natural wonders, the city has access to some of the most scenic parks, trails and lakes for hiking, kayaking and fishing. The city’s forward movement creates a culture that contributes to the all-around well-being of its citizens.
The city is home to Pfizer and Stryker, a host of medical-related businesses and automotive manufacturing companies, but it also has an active small business community. “Kalamazoo's economic engine is enhanced by organizations like Southwest Michigan First and the Chamber, which actively promote business growth, innovation and entrepreneurship in the region,” says Jason Veestra, Realtor with Veenstra Team brokered by eXp and a lifelong resident of Kalamazoo. “Through philanthropic creativity and strategic partnerships, these organizations drive economic prosperity, job creation and a positive place to live and work.”
Famous Gibson Guitars was founded in Kalamazoo in 1902
Famous Bell's brewery calls Kalamazoo home and has a bare there called the Ecclectic Cafe.
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A stable, balanced home market
“With a median list price to sales price ratio of 100%, homes in Kalamazoo are in high demand, often selling quickly at or above their listing price,” Veenstra says. The median home price is $220,000, up 9% from the previous year. Inventory currently shows an approximate 1.5-month sell-out point, which makes the market strong for sellers (a balanced market clears out inventory in about three to four months).
Colleges and universities in the area contribute to the housing market's stability, given that proximity to educational institutions often positively impacts property values. “It has been a joy exploring all the neighborhoods of Kalamazoo and serving on the Kalamazoo Board of Realtors, a strong, positive and supportive organization supporting Realtor excellence, support, collaboration and service.”
Many neighborhoods in Kalamazoo feature iconic bungalows such as this one in Westwood.
Oakland-Winchell, a neighborhood built in the 1950s, feature a lot of ranch homes.
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Events and recreation at Kzoo Parks
While the city enjoys moderate weather most of the year, snowfall averages 53 inches yearly, thanks to the Lake Effect. On average, the city receives roughly 36 inches of rain annually, and storm season typically runs from early spring to late summer. Kalamazoo's four seasons of beauty offer abundant indoor and outdoor recreation opportunities, from scenic trails and lakes to vibrant parks and sports facilities to thriving kids and adult sports. “Our family loves exploring the area's beaches, the Lake Michigan dunes, bike trails, frisbee golf, the Air Zoo, museums, ski hills, and many local parks,” Veenstra says.
With over 30 parks and green spaces, the Kalamazoo Department of Parks & Recreation — locally known as Kzoo Parks — always has something to keep residents active and engaged. Winter events, including the Flurry of Fun and the Winter Family Scavenger Hunt, encourage families to take on the snow for good times and exciting prizes.
The Arcadia Creek Festival Place is a downtown event space that hosts festivals, concerts and private events. The venue also has paved walking trails, and Arcadia Creeks runs directly through the park. Blanche Hull Park is the city’s third-largest park and a vibrant natural space. Wildlife roams freely throughout the area, and walking trails run along Portage Creek.
Bronson Park is located downtown and is a green oasis in the middle of a busy city.
Asylum Lake Preserve is a beautiful place to take a walk in autumn.
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The Kalamazoo Public School District
Earning an overall C-plus on Niche, the Kalamazoo Public School District serves the city’s students, providing 16 elementary schools, four middle schools and three high schools. Kalamazoo Central and Loy Norrix participate in The Kalamazoo Promise, a local program covering tuition and fees for graduating seniors attending a Michigan state college or university. Students interested in STEAM education can participate in the Kalamazoo Area Math and Science Center, where intense, accelerated coursework is completed in half-day sessions. The Kalamazoo Innovative Learning Program offers hybrid learning for those who can benefit from that flexibility.
Kalamazoo Valley Community College, Kalamazoo College and Western Michigan University all have their campuses based in the city. For the sixth time since 2017, Kalamazoo College can count itself as a Top Producing Institution for the Fulbright U.S. Student Program, claiming 11 representatives overall. In 2021, Western Michigan University made history when it received the largest-ever donation — $550 million — to a public institution of higher learning; $200 million went to the university, and $300 million to Homer Stryker, MD. School of Medicine and $50 million assigned to the Bronco Athletics Program.
Western Michigan University is a large, public Michigan university in the heart of Kalamazoo.
Kalamazoo Valley Community College provides higher-ed programs and services for the community.
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Cultural comic book creation and art classes
The Black Arts & Cultural Center is a collaborative space to explore inspiration, artistic potential, productivity and cultural heritage. Promoting interactions between artists and the community, the center's programming includes creating unique comic books and stop-motion animation, and classes are open to community members looking to expand their artistic footprint.
With more than 5,000 pieces of fine art permanently in-house, the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts provides programming, special events, unique tours and exhibits that satisfy the city’s artsy residents. The Institute also offers classes to students attending the Kirk Newman Art School.
Visitors view the Keila Strong exhibition at the Black Arts & Culture during an ArtHop event.
The Kalamazoo Institute of Arts has a strong permanent collection and robust temporary exhibits.
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Nonstop flights to Chicago, Orlando from international airport
The Kalamazoo Metro bus system is the city’s sole public transportation option. Drivers can access Interstate 94 and U.S. Route 131, which intersect at Parkview Hills. The city’s main thoroughfare is West Main Street, which runs directly through downtown past Bronson Park and the Kalamazoo Valley Museum. The Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport (AZO) is 3 miles from downtown and offers flights from American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Avelo Airlines. Avelo regularly offers nonstop flights to Orlando, and AZO has frequent daily flights to O’Hare International Airport and Detroit Metropolitan Airport.
Kalamazoo Mall for shopping and fine dining
Deemed a national landmark for being the country's first outdoor pedestrian mall, the Kalamazoo Mall is a downtown staple full of stellar shopping and studios, fine dining and festive pubs. Residents can frequent local farmers’ markets and orchard stands to grab fresh fruit and produce from spots like the Kalamazoo Farmers’ Market downtown, Fresh on Q! and Fair Food Matters, starting in the spring and ending in the fall.
Kalamazoo locals love spending their Saturday mornings at the Kalamzoo Farmer's Market.
The Kalamazoo Mall is the retail heart of the city, with many stores and restaurants to enjoy.
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Violent crime on a decline
Compared to the state and national averages, Kalamazoo has higher property and violent crime rates. The city has a 334 violent crime rate and a 314 property crime rate per 100,000 residents, whereas Michigan’s rates are 134 and 128, respectively. On a national scale, violent and property crime rates are 120 and 179. In 2023, the city had 28 homicides — a twenty-year high — though overall violent crime is on a decline
On average, homes in Kalamazoo, MI sell after 26 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Kalamazoo, MI over the last 12 months is $213,900, up 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Housing Trends
Median List Price
$225,000
Median Sale Price
$213,900
Median Single Family Sale Price
$215,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$179,100
Median Change From 1st List Price
1%
Last 12 months Home Sales
2,668
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
$4
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$163
Neighborhood Facts
Number of Homes for Sale
193
Months of Supply
0.90
Cost of Living Comparison
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Top Schools in Kalamazoo, MI
Source:
Best Public Elementary Schools
#1 Comstock STEM Academy
B+
Niche
9
GreatSchools
#2 Angling Road Elementary School
A-
Niche
7
GreatSchools
#3 Greenwood Elementary School
B
Niche
#4 12th Street Elementary School
A-
Niche
6
GreatSchools
#5 Amberly Elementary School
A-
Niche
5
GreatSchools
#6 King-Westwood Elementary School
B
Niche
6
GreatSchools
#7 Winchell Elementary School
B+
Niche
5
GreatSchools
#8 Northglade Montessori School
B-
Niche
6
GreatSchools
#9 Alamo Elementary School
A-
Niche
4
GreatSchools
Best Public Middle Schools
#1 Comstock STEM Academy
B+
Niche
9
GreatSchools
#2 Portage Central Middle School
A-
Niche
6
GreatSchools
#3 Portage North Middle School
B+
Niche
4
GreatSchools
#4 Maple Street Magnet School for the Arts
B-
Niche
4
GreatSchools
#5 Linden Grove Middle School
C+
Niche
4
GreatSchools
#6 Milwood Magnet School
C
Niche
4
GreatSchools
#7 Parchment Middle School
C
Niche
4
GreatSchools
#8 Hillside Middle School
C
Niche
3
GreatSchools
#9 Comstock Middle School
C-
Niche
3
GreatSchools
Best Public High Schools
#1 Portage Northern High School
A
Niche
8
GreatSchools
#2 Portage Central High School
A
Niche
8
GreatSchools
#3 Loy Norrix High School
B
Niche
6
GreatSchools
#4 Kalamazoo Central High School
B-
Niche
6
GreatSchools
#5 Parchment High School
B-
Niche
5
GreatSchools
#6 Comstock High School
C+
Niche
4
GreatSchools
#7 Phoenix Alternative High School
D
Niche
2
GreatSchools
#8 Comstock Compass High School
D-
Niche
2
GreatSchools
#9 Parchment Innovation Center
2
GreatSchools
Best Private Schools
#1 St. Augustine Cathedral School
A+
Niche
#2 Hackett Catholic Prep
A
Niche
#3 Heritage Christian Academy
B+
Niche
#4 Kalamazoo Christian High School
B+
Niche
#5 Kalamazoo Christian Elementary and Middle School
I'm your forever Realtor. I absolutely love helping people find what they are looking for in a home and I have been doing so since 2014. I love working with both buyers and sellers. When faced with a difficult task, I never give up. I'm a people person and believe that communication is very important. I look forward to hearing from you and helping you in your search.
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.
