Level Park-Oak Park offers rural charm near Battle Creek
Level Park-Oak Park is a sleepy rural community about 5 miles from downtown Battle Creek that could come into its own over the next decade, according to Chris Gordon, a commercial real estate specialist with Great Lakes Real Estate Agency. “It’s a very good area. People care about it, and they want to see it grow.” Gordon, who lives and works extensively in the area, says current home prices are competitively low compared to nearby areas, and the county has several plans under development, like a new park and a boat launch into the North Branch Kalamazoo River, which runs along the community’s south side.
Mix of home styles on spacious lots with mature trees
Homes are a mix of ranch-style, manufactured, bungalows and split-level, sitting on spacious lots flanked by tall trees. Some lots span multiple acres, with additional trees lining backyards. Smaller one- and two-bedroom homes range from $72,000 to about $155,000. Three- and four-bedroom houses are typically priced between $157,000 and $390,000, with higher-priced homes often featuring over 2,000 square feet and sitting on multiple acres. Gordon says that many of the community’s residents are primary owners and from families who have lived there for generations, which contributes to the community-oriented feel, “but I’d also love to see more people move here, younger people. It’ll bring in new opinions and ideas.”
Kids attend Battle Creek Public Schools
Battle Creek Public Schools serves the area and has a C-minus rating on Niche. It has multiple elementary schools, three middle schools and two high schools. Families have access to School of Choice through the district, which allows them to send their kids to any school outside their attendance area.
Neighborhood parks provide simple amenities
There are four pocket parks in the area. Urbandale Park is fenced, with a basketball court. Brookside Park North and Brookside Park South are both green spaces. Markham Park is also a green space and includes an unpaved trail and picnic tables.
Essentials, errands and casual eats along Michigan Avenue
Residents head to Michigan Avenue to pick up essentials at Dollar General and run errands at local business and services. Dining out options include The Core Bistro, a casual local spot serving American classics. Family Faire supermarket and the Battle Creek staple Ritzee Hamburgers, a laid-back burger joint, are just outside the community. More shopping, dining, and Bronson Battle Creek Hospital are in Battle Creek, about 5 miles away.
Cereal Festival draws residents to downtown Battle Creek
Residents head into nearby Battle Creek each June for the Cereal Festival, a celebration of the city’s partnership with the cereal industry. The day-long event features live music, vendors and activities for kids.
Michigan Avenue connects to Battle Creek and I-194
Due to the community’s lack of a fixed bus route, residents get around by car. Michigan Avenue connects to Battle Creek, about 5 miles away, and eventually to Interstate 194. Interstate 94 is also nearby. The closest international airport is Kalamazoo-Battle Creek, less than 25 miles away.
River flooding and tornadoes are part of local weather risks
Flooding is possible near the North Branch Kalamazoo River. The Calhoun County area is prone to tornadoes. The county’s Emergency Management office and Michigan Emergency Management Assistance Compact (MEMAC) work together to respond to severe weather and catastrophic events. Summer temperatures are usually in the 80s and winter temperatures are usually in the 30s.
