It is impossible to tell the story of Northside Kalamazoo’s present and future without reckoning with the reality of its past. As the heart of Kalamazoo industry in the early 20th century, the Northside is where African American residents settled after relocating from the South for work. An unintended consequence? The federal government “red lined” much of the Northside in 1937, effectively segregating the neighborhood from the rest of Kalamazoo. Those bygone policies still shape daily life on the Northside as its residents and businesses strive to create a brighter future.
This beautiful mosaic is located in the Northside Association for Community Development.
The Northside community has several, well maintained parks to enjoy.
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Industrial presence shapes transportation
Unlike some of its peers in the Great Lakes Region, industry isn’t just part of the Northside’s past. Graphic Packaging International has a large paper mill here, and with that comes considerable semitruck traffic. The City of Kalamazoo’s water filtration plant is also in the neighborhood. Three Metro Bus routes run through the Northside – the 6 (Parchment), 7 (Alamo) and 15 (Paterson). Kalamazoo’s Amtrak and Greyhound stations sit along the neighborhood’s southern boundary with downtown.
Northside has a large industrial presence.
The former Gibson Guitar Co. factory is located in Northside, now the home of Heritage Guitar.
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Houses date to 19th Century
Most Northside houses were built between the 1880s-1940s. Craftsman, American Foursquare and bungalow styles are common. Homes range between $45,000-175,000, with some fixer-uppers going for less than $45,000.
A variety of older, traditional housing types can be found in Northside.
Small, family homes line the streets of the Northside neighborhoods.
A quaint Craftsman-style home, one of several housing styles located in Northside.
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Areas close to downtown open for business
Business is growing in the parts of the neighborhood closest to downtown. Louie’s Trophy House is a Northside institution. Open since 1918, the bar and grill has a lodge-like feel – taxidermy covers the walls, with bands on stage playing beneath the watchful eyes of a buffalo head. Nearby Green Door Distillery, opened in 2014, is trying to change local perceptions of the neighborhood. “Unless people stop in, they’re going to have the preconceived notion that it’s not the best part of town,” says Shaneé Marvin, Green Door’s Director of Strategy and Innovation. “A big part of what we do is to show that part of town is a safe area.” Park Street Market is the neighborhood grocery store, and neighboring Victorian Bakery is a popular stop for freshly baked breads and pastries. On the neighborhood’s Douglas Avenue boundary, Cookie’s Creole N’ Soul can draw lines out the door for its menu of seafood and soul food favorites.
Cookies Creole N Soul is a favorite soul food restaurant in Northside.
Green Door Distillery is a micro-distillery located in the Northside neighborhood.
The Park Street Market, in Northside, is a full-service grocery store.
The oldest bar in Kalamazoo is Louie's Trophy Room, operating in the Northside since 1918.
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Parks offer balance to industrial area
There are multiple parks in Northside Kalamazoo, with LaCrone Park offering the most amenities. LaCrone has a playground, splash pad, basketball courts, shaded picnic areas and a trail. Kalamazoo’s softball and t-ball fields are on the Northside at the Versluis and Dickinson Softball Complex. The Kalamazoo River Valley Trail, part of a 24-mile system that stretches to Lake Michigan, cuts through the Northside. Verburg Park, which sits along with Kalamazoo River, is currently closed to the public as the Environmental Protection Agency removes PCB-contaminated soil. The cleanup project is scheduled to be completed in 2025.
The Kalamazoo River Valley Trail runs for 30 miles throughout Kalamazoo.
The Kalamazoo River Valley Trail is one of Kalamazoo's great assets running through Northside.
The Versluis & Dickinson Softball Complex in Northside is home to Kalamazoo's softball fields.
The main attraction of LaCrose Park in the summer is the park's splash pad, in Northside.
The statue of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is located in the Northside Park honoring him.
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Northside students eligible for Kalamazoo Promise
All Kalamazoo Public School students who enroll in ninth grade or earlier are eligible for The Kalamazoo Promise. The Promise covers full tuition at more than 60 Michigan universities, colleges and trade schools. Northside students can attend three elementary schools. Northglade Montessori Magnet School receives a B-minus rating on Niche. Woodward School for Technology and Research and Lincoln International Studies School receive C-ratings. Middle schoolers attend C-rated Hillside Middle in neighboring West Douglas. B-rated Kalamazoo Central High School, where President Barack Obama delivered the 2010 commencement address, serves the Northside.
Northglade Montessori School is part of the Kalamazoo Promise, a free college tuition program.
Hillside Middle School is part of the Kalamazoo Promise, a free college tuition program.
Kalamazoo Central High School is part of the Kalamazoo Promise, a free tuition program.
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Community organizations play prominent role
Several community organizations serve the Northside. The Douglass Community Association was founded in 1919 to meet the needs of soldiers at nearby Camp Custer who were denied services elsewhere in Kalamazoo due to their race. Douglass is home to multiple organizations, ranging from the local branch of the NAACP, employment services, a farmers' market, the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Kalamazoo and the Alma Powell Branch of Kalamazoo Public Library. The Northside Association of Community Development, created in 1981, offers services to help increase housing and economic development opportunities for Northsiders. Churches are also a major player in the Northside Kalamazoo cultural fabric. Allen Chapel AME Church, Stones Church, Mt. Zion Baptist, Galilee Baptist and Second Baptist are among the neighborhood’s largest congregations.
The oldest African American church in Kalamazoo is the Allen Chapel AME Church, founded in 1855.
Galilee Baptist Church, located in Northside, was founded in 1958.
The Mt. Zion Baptist Church was founded in 1921 and is located in Northside.
Stones Church, located in Northside, has congregations in Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids.
The Douglass Community Center organizations, in Northside, provide resources to the community.
This beautiful mosaic is located in the Northside Association for Community Development.
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Crime and flooding concerns are prevalent
The Northside’s crime rate is higher than elsewhere in Kalamazoo. The neighborhood scores a 6/10 in the CAP Index. Marvin says local perception can create hesitance to explore the Northside. New patrons at Green Door can be taken aback by the sound of sirens, only to be surprised by the reason. “All the EMS ambulances park right next us,” Marvin says. “That's why there tends to be a little more siren usage on this part of town.” Ascension Borgess Hosptial is just across the river from the Northside. Flooding is another Northside concern. Though the Kalamazoo River floodplain is not residentially developed, the land here was originally swampy – in fact, the neighborhood was initially settled by Dutch immigrants because the boggy soil was conducive to celery farming.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Are you familiar with the Northside neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Northside
US
Homicide
6
4
Sexual Assault
6
4
Assault with Weapon
7
4
Robbery
7
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
5
4
Larceny
5
4
Crime Score
7
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Northside Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Northside, Kalamazoo sell after 32 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Northside, Kalamazoo over the last 12 months is $112,000, up 16% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Historic Queen Anne-style property with over 4,000 sq ft above grade, located just a block from Woodward Elementary in a revitalizing neighborhood. Zoned multi-family or commercial, this property offers incredible potential. The interior has been fully gutted, providing a blank canvas for redevelopment—ideal for multi-unit housing, mixed-use, or a unique commercial space. Features include a large
This is a truly unique must-see property. Use it as a single-family home (4 beds and 2 baths) or use it as a rental property (city-certification in process) or owner-occupiedduplex. Over 2200 finished sq ft. woodburning fireplace in upstairs family room. All appliances included for each unit (including 2 dishwashers). Washer/dryer incommon area too. Roof, siding, plumbing and insulation
Build your new home at 1628 Princeton Ave-just minutes from the heart of Kalamazoo's shopping, dining, and entertainment! This prime buildable lot is located in the Northside residential neighborhood-known for its historic character, strong community ties, and proximity to downtown amenities. Great opportunity for a new home or investment property!
Matt MulderKeller Williams Kalamazoo Market Center
Welcome to 718 Harrison St. in Kalamazoo a charming and affordable 3-bedroom home perfectly situated near downtown and just minutes from the conveniences of Gull Road's shopping and grocery stores. This home features a main-level bedroom for easy living, plus two additional bedrooms upstairs. The upper level includes a loft style space off one of the bedrooms, ideal for a nursery, home office, or
Undergoing a complete renovation from top to bottom, this two-bedroom home with one & one-half baths could be your dream home. It has a new roof, new siding, new double pane windows, new all-electric HVAC, new kitchen cabinets, and new stainless-steel appliances. This house won't need any of those expensive repairs for years! This is a must-see house on Kalamazoo's Northside. Completion date is
Great starter home; Investor friendly! Easy to maintain with just 1 bed 1 bath and 516 SqFt. in a Kalamazoo Promise eligible neighborhood! This affordably priced property has much to offer including a nice size backyard and deck with mature trees and all within a 15 minute walk to local grocery markets and parks including the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail. The home comes furnished with a
Extensively renovated throughout, this home is move-in ready and thoughtfully updated. Recent improvements include new flooring, new carpet, and a refreshed porch, along with numerous interior updates. The clean, modern feel and comfortable layout make it a great fit for anyone! A fantastic opportunity to own a beautifully updated home with many improvements already completed.
~Endless Potential on a Rare Triple Parcel~ | This long-standing family home sits on a rare triple-parcel offering, with two additional lots included--one on each side of house--providing extra space, privacy, and future possibilities. Full of character and history, this home is packed with options making it a perfect canvas for investors, renovators, or buyers with vision. With so much land and
** Cash or Land Contract Unlock a rare opportunity in Kalamazoo's Northside, where this 0.15-acre / 6,534 sq ft parcel of land offers a blank canvas for your vision. Priced at $13,900, this lot provides affordable access to city life but Nestled on Staples Avenue in the 49007 zip code. This lot is situated in a well-established residential corridor of Kalamazoo, offering proximity to essential
Excellent opportunity to own a spacious 3-bedroom home in a convenient location! This property features a large living room, formal dining room with hardwood floors, and 11⁄2 baths. The basement offers additional storage, plus there's a deep backyard with a 1-car garage. Located near the bus line and walkable to downtown shops, restaurants, event spaces, and amenities. The Family Health Center is
Location!!! location!!!!This lot is close to the city center, cleared and ready for your next venture. Extremely versatile and covered with a nice blanket of grass. Come and make your dream home or dream investment, Bring your vision to live. One other listing in Kalamazoo also available and seller willing to bundle. Please call city with any utility questions.
Be First in Line for a Place to Call Home – Coming Soon to Kalamazoo! Rooted in the spirit of Kalamazoo and thoughtfully designed for today’s lifestyle, River's Edge offers Kalamazoo roots with modern living—a riverside community offering studio, one, and two bedroom apartment flats that harmonizes downtown accessibility, sustainable design, and a renewed neighborhood vibrancy.Inside every
2 bedroom, 1 bathroom unit in a prime location near downtown Kalamazoo. Just minutes from the new arena, restaurants, shopping, and Western Michigan University. Great layout, bright living space, and convenient access to everything the city offers. Water , sewer and trash included. No smoking inside the house.Small pets allowed.Tenants are responsible for gas and electric. CALL PROPERTY
Built in 1924 as a warehouse for the Kalamazoo Stationary Company the Walbridge Common Building is a long-time fixture of Kalamazoo's North-East Side. Constructed of concrete and brick with sweeping views of downtown. This iconic building is home to 47 beautiful and unique, industrial style apartments and a restaurant space, further adding to the vibrant Rivers Edge District. Located at
Freshly painted cozy upper studio apartment. The living/bedroom space is bright and cheerful with its own door for added privacy from the kitchen area. If desired, you can use the extra space in the kitchen for your living space and keep the bedroom more private. The creative living possibilities are up to you! Water/sewer and trash are included in rent. Tenant pays gas and electric. Close to
This loft style apartment has a unique floor plan that embraces the features of this 1939 restored factory. Apartment features include barrel roof wood ceilings that span to 18 ' above the living room, exposed brick walls and loft bedroom area. The open concept is approximately 650 square feet and include washer/dryer, dishwasher, kitchen with lots of storage, spacious, secured back yard with
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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