$227,688Average Value$158Average Price per Sq Ft79Homes For Sale
More than 300 years of history along the St. Joseph River
Once the site of Fort St. Joseph, Niles, Michigan, a city of about 12,000, is the most populous area in Berrien County. Over the centuries, the fort — named for its proximity to the St. Joseph River — changed hands several times. First, it belonged to the French during the French and Indian War, then the British, Indigenous tribes during the Pontiac Rebellion and later the Spanish. Niles' layered history has earned it the nickname "The City of Four Flags," and today, it's the site of ongoing archaeological excavations and historical reenactments. In Niles, kids come together at the fort's site for summer camps, and community members attend educational lecture series. Along with its rich heritage, Niles is also known for its outdoor recreation options, quirky Main Street businesses, year-round festivals and quiet neighborhoods filled with investment opportunities. "It's a wonderful little town," summarizes Lisa Croteau, the city's director of marketing and communications, who's called the area home for nearly 30 years. "It's close to everything. It's affordable, and it's got lovely people," she says. Adding, "Niles is kind of the center of the universe in our Michiana area," — Michiana is a portmanteau of Michigan and Indiana, frequently used throughout the region.
The St. Joseph River runs along the edges of downtown Niles and runs down into South Bend, IN.
Niles has a small town feel with a population of 12,000 as of the last census.
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Early 20th century and mid-century homes for below-average prices
Housing in Niles spans decades, architectural styles and price points, but, in general, Croteau says, "houses are still affordable here." Many of the city's oldest homes sit on compact lots closer to downtown, but prospective buyers will also find early 20th century investment opportunities and recently upgraded bungalows, Foursquares and classic cottages too. There are pockets of midcentury ranch-style and split-level houses on the eastern side of the city — closer to Jerry Tyler Memorial Airport — and the median sales price for a single-family home in Niles is around $185,000, which is significantly less than the national median of $420,000. In general, home prices within the city have increased by several percentage points over the past few years and inventory is relatively low.
The Chapin House in downtown Niles is a historic site that is the former home of Henry A Chapin.
The homes of Niles can range widely from very old and historic to new and traditional.
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The Niles Community School District, YMCA childcare and nearby universities
Children in Niles can attend Niles Community Schools, which earns an overall B-minus grade from Niche. The district also has a comprehensive English Language Learner Program and several non-traditional educational opportunities at Cedar Lane Alternative High School, like the NASP, or the National Archery in the Schools Program. The YMCA Y-Club offers childcare before and after school, and the Niles District Library on Main Street also has educational programming. There are creative writing groups, financial literacy classes and a crochet club for adults. Lake Michigan College and the Bertrand Innovation Center — which is home to both a dental assisting lab and a virtual reality lab — are located about 5 miles from downtown. The University of Notre Dame, which has long been famous for its football team, is also less than 9 miles south.
Niles Senior High sports teams use the nickname Vikings.
Ring Lardner Middle School sits on a large plot of land with plenty of room for outdoor activities.
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Local industries and transportation options
Gone are the days of fur trading in Niles, and today, major employers include the French Paper Company, which was founded in the 1870s, National-Standard Co. and Tem-Pace. Large-scale manufacturers and supply warehouses are located off Terminal Road near the train tracks, and major thoroughfares like Minnesota State Highway 51 offer passage to more populous areas like South Bend, where it's also common for residents to find work. Kalamazoo is about 60 miles away — or just over an hour's drive — northeast along Interstate 94, and Kalamazoo is also accessible via Amtrak's Wolverine or Blue Water Trains. "If you give yourself a 2-hour window, you can also get to Lansing, Indianapolis and Chicago," adds Croteau. Although Niles is home to the Jerry Tyler Memorial Airport, residents book their commercial flights out of the South Bend International Airport, 11 miles away. Medical care is accessible at Corewell Health Lakeland Hospitals.
The French Paper Co. is a major employer in Niles and has been in busy for decades.
The Niles Amtrak station resides in the historic Michigan Central Railroad Station.
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Main Street retail, history centers and more opportunities in South Bend
Niles' shopping and dining are primarily concentrated along Main Street, which is known for its small, locally owned businesses, casual pizza joints and coffee houses. "We have 18 different restaurants, and it's still growing," says Croteau. Here, cars parallel park up and down the historic street and the Underground Laugh Lounge, which hosts open mic nights and touring comedians, is a walk away. Other downtown destinations include the Fort St. Joseph Museum and the Historic Chapin Mansion, both maintained by the Niles History Center. "Last year, the local history museum did a haunted walk where you could listen to all the legends and lore of ghosts throughout town," adds Croteau, highlighting some of the unique ways residents enjoy local history. There are additional retail and entertainment opportunities across the Indiana border in South Bend, which has a population of more than 100,000, and in Buchanan, which is less than 6 miles away.
Veni's Sweet Shop is a downtown Niles staple and has been in business for over a century.
Downtown Niles has several old and several new locally owned shops and restaurants.
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Crime scores and redevelopment
Although crime scores in Niles are higher than both national and Michigan averages, recent years have seen an overall decrease in both violent crimes and property crimes. Most incidents are concentrated in and around the city's downtown. "It's like many typical Midwest communities," notes Croteau. Adding, "It was thriving in the early 1900s and up until the 1970s, but then corporations started merging and leaving. It left this community not really knowing what to do with itself." Niles has plans to boost its economy by redeveloping the 3rd Street corridor — aka the 3rd Street Village — a neighborhood located near the northern edge of Riverfront Park and the Local Historic District Commission of Niles, or the LHDC, has taken care to preserve much of the city's historic architecture, even in the midst of revitalization.
Apple and ice festivals, haunted attractions and a farmers' market
The City of Niles doesn't discriminate by season when it comes to planning events. Locals can look forward to the Four Flags Apple Festival at the end of September, which entails a weekend complete with a grand parade, live music, carnival rides and "The Biggest Apple" contest. According to Croteau, more than 100,000 people come to town annually for this event. There's also the Bluegrass Festival in June and the Hunter Ice Festival in January, which celebrates the city's ties to the Hunter Brothers Ice and Ice Cream Company. Kids can go tobogganing and play ping-pong at tables made of ice. Dozens of professionally crafted ice sculptures decorate downtown, and vendors scoop out ice cream, which is enjoyed even in zero-degree weather, says Croteau. Niles is also known for its Scream Park, one of the nation's top haunted attractions, and there's a farmers' market on Main Street every Sunday from June through August.
Riverfront Park in Niles has a playground, a community gazebo, and St. Joseph River access.
Downtown Niles has some fascinating art installations near Riverfront Park.
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Over a dozen public parks around the city
There are more than a dozen public parks throughout Niles, many of which feature playgrounds, baseball stadiums and picnic facilities. The city's crown jewel, Riverfront Park, borders the St. Joseph River and has docks for boaters, fishing piers and an amphitheater that hosts a summertime concert series. Niles is also a dedicated garden city, and The Four Flags Garden Club and the Niles Garden Club help to maintain flower beds and more around town. Fernwood Botanical Gardens and Nature Preserve spans more than 100 acres and has an arboretum, hiking trails, a rain garden and Japanese gardens. It also hosts events like LIGHTS at Fenwood and the Spring Garden Market. Golfers can tee off at the Plym Park Golf Course, and pet owners can bring their canines to Ruff & Tumble Dog Park, also beside the St. Joseph River.
Riverfront Park's flag display is a patriotic sight.
Even a snow-covered playground at Plym Park can still be plenty of fun.
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Written By
Sara Caskey
Photography Contributed By
Tyler Bolduc
Video By
Michael Carey
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On average, homes in Niles, MI sell after 26 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Niles, MI over the last 12 months is $222,250, up 22% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to Longmeadow, one of Niles' most desirable subdivisions, where custom living meets a private, country-like setting. This impressive ranch sits on a beautifully landscaped half-acre lot and offers over 4,100 finished sq ft with spacious rooms, abundant natural light, heated tile floors, and a comfortable open layout designed for everyday living and entertaining. Enjoy your own private hot
Every wall, wire, and finish here is brand new — just built and ready for its very first owner. This corner-lot new construction sits on over a quarter acre in the City of Niles, with 86 feet of frontage giving the home extra breathing room on two sides and a driveway/garage entry that keeps street presence clean. Inside, the open-concept kitchen anchors the main living space with a large center
Welcome to this spacious 4 bedroom, 3 bath home offering over 3,700 finished sqft on a beautifully maintained 0.76 acre lot in Brandywine Schools. Enjoy two gas log fireplaces, a spacious kitchen with a center island and pantry, plus a finished walkout basement featuring additional living space, a fourth bedroom, full bath, and second kitchen. Designed with accessibility in mind, the home
A must see to appreciate! Raised ranch, 4.8 acres, a barn, Edwardsburg schools; WOW & just minutes from the Indiana-Michigan state line. The inside offers great storage, 4 bedrooms, a layout that gives everyone space to spread out with two separate family rooms, one on each level. One feature you'll appreciate from day one is the oversized drop zone and laundry room--a practical space that helps
EXPERIENCE LIVING IN STYLE in this spacious, thoughtfully designed home featuring an INVITING OPEN -CONCEPT LAYOUT, QUALITY FINISHES AND ACCESS TO THE ST. JOSEPH RIVER. VAULTED CEILINGS create an airy feel as the living room flows seamlessly into the dining area and BEAUTIFULLY APPOINTED KITCHEN, making it the perfect space for entertaining or everyday living. The kitchen features rich Cherry
Build your dream lake home on spectacular Moose Lake. A private lakefront development. The water is truly a Caribbean blue with a fantastic sandy beach and bottom. It is amazing. The lake is approximately 150 plus acres and is just under 40 feet deep at the deepest point. As you are in the beginning phase of this extraordinary development, the opportunities are immense. Building your home now not
Build your dream lake home on spectacular Moose Lake. A private lakefront development. The water is truly a Caribbean blue with a fantastic sandy beach and bottom. It is amazing. The lake is approximately 150 plus acres and is just under 40 feet deep at the deepest point. As you are in the beginning phase of this extraordinary development, the opportunities are immense. Building your home now not
Webster's Dictionary describes a Fixer Upper as 'something (such as a house) that needs fixing up'. Well that aptly describes this property! Built in 1922 with 690 square feet and 320 square foot garage. Structure has vinyl siding and replacement windows. There is an older well but municipal water & sewer are available. The interior is gutted waiting you and your renovation vision. Zoned
Build your dream lake home on spectacular Moose Lake. A private lakefront development. The water is truly a Caribbean blue with a fantastic sandy beach and bottom. It is amazing. The lake is approximately 150 plus acres and is just under 40 feet deep at the deepest point. As you are in the beginning phase of this extraordinary development, the opportunities are immense. Building your home now not
Build your dream lake home on spectacular Moose Lake. A private lakefront development. The water is truly a Caribbean blue with a fantastic sandy beach and bottom. It is amazing. The lake is approximately 150 plus acres and is just under 40 feet deep at the deepest point. As you are in the beginning phase of this extraordinary development, the opportunities are immense. Building your home now not
Looking for an affordable starter home to fix up and make your own? Look no further as this home has 2 bedrooms, 1 bath on main floor with an additional bedroom and living area on the upper level for a total of 3 bedrooms. There is a nice sized 7x15 sq ft enclosed front porch to relax and enjoy along with a deck off the back. Full basement, 1 car detached garage and a new roof on the home in
Spectacular Lake Home on the Caribbean blue water of Moose Lake, a new, private lakefront development. Located in Southwest Michigan 30 min to Notre Dame, 1hr 40 minto Chicago you'll find this 3503 sqft 3 level home w/lake views from nearly every room! Bathed in sunlight w/soaring ceilings & a wall of windows highlighting the lake views. This stunning home offers an open main floor, 5BRs and
Take a look at this amazing Kestrel Hills home located so close to Indiana you can walk or golf cart ride directly to Knollwood Golf Course. This brick Tudor style home offers 4 bedrooms, 3 full baths, 1 half bath and nicely situated on .85 acres of land with 213 feet of pond waterfront to fish in or enjoy the views from every level of the home. Main floor features 2 gas fireplaces, one in living
Build your dream lake home on spectacular Moose Lake. A private lakefront development. The water is truly a Caribbean blue with a fantastic sandy beach and bottom. It is amazing. The lake is approximately 150 plus acres and is just under 40 feet deep at the deepest point. As you are in the beginning phase of this extraordinary development, the opportunities are immense. Building your home now not
Build your dream lake home on spectacular Moose Lake. A private lakefront development. The water is truly a Caribbean blue with a fantastic sandy beach and bottom. It is amazing. The lake is approximately 150 plus acres and is just under 40 feet deep at the deepest point. As you are in the beginning phase of this extraordinary development, the opportunities are immense. Building your home now not
Discover ease and luxury at North Niles Villa in Niles, MI, where our spacious studio, 1 & 2-bedroom apartments are designed to suit your lifestyle. Enjoy modern amenities, including a fully-equipped kitchen, air conditioning, ceiling fans, and a private balcony or patio for your personal retreat. Select homes also offer a dishwasher and washer/dryer connections, making everyday living easier.
Griffin Estates is nestled in a wooded area with picturesque landscaping, professionally managed by a friendly on-site staff. We feature top quality apartments with a great location, just around the corner from major highways, major shopping, entertainment venues, industry or a trip to the beautiful West coast of Lake Michigan. Enjoy the peace of country living and the excitement the City has to
Property Id: 2612163 Beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 1-bath home available in Niles. This well-maintained property combines classic character with modern updates and features hardwood floors, new carpet, updated tile flooring, an updated kitchen and bathroom, central air conditioning, a high-efficiency furnace, updated electrical and plumbing, and a newer roof. The home offers two
Property Id: 1613441 Very nice house 2400 SF 4 bedroom and 2 and 1/2 bath dining and living and family room all open to the kitchen new carpeting and wood flooring and ceramic tile floor all kitchen and bathrooms freshly painted and new appliances all new window blinds and new backyard patio concert and new roofing and more
Newly updated end-unit villa available for rent in Missions East! This clean, efficient home offers two bedrooms, a loft that could serve as a third bedroom, and two full bathrooms, including a newly remodeled primary bathroom. The spacious, open-concept living and dining area leads to a roomy study with access to the back patio. The updated kitchen includes an eating area and appliances.
1 bedroom unit available in Niles. This unit has fantastic character with hardwood floors, high ceilings and wood trim work. Looking for budget friendly? Tenant pays $150/mo for all utilities, trash, snowremoval and lawncare. Conveniently located close to Downtown Niles, restaurants and shopping. Off street parking. Shared laundry. Schedule you showing today at !Lease Terms: 1 year
Apartment features: Huge Picture window in the living room (no patio/deck), NEW, Low Profile LED Lighting throughout **PLUS** fresh paint & new flooring through out! Galley Kitchen with full size electric stove, dishwasher and full size refrigerator and freezer. Open concept living room/ dining room. Master bedroom with walk in closet. Central heating and NEW wall unit air conditioner for this
3 bedroom 1 bath home in Niles. This home features hardwood/laminate floors, large front & back porch, large front and side yards, off street parking on a paved parking pad, and spacious dining and living area. All upstairs bedrooms are carpeted and there is a small bonus room off of the second bedroom for storage. Featuring an updated bathroom located on the first floor, plus another bonus room
1 bedroom unit available in Niles. This unit has fantastic character with hardwood floors, high ceilings and wood trim work. Looking for budget friendly? Tenant pays $150/mo for all utilities, trash, snowremoval and lawncare. Conveniently located close to Downtown Niles, restaurants and shopping. Off street parking. Shared laundry. Schedule you showing today at !Lease Terms: 1 year
Apartment features: NEW LED Lighting throughout! Galley Kitchen with full size electric stove, over the range fan hood, dishwasher and full size refrigerator and freezer. Formal dining room area that is an open concept into the living room. Master bedroom with walk in closet. Wall unit A/C and central heating for this apartment as well! Apartment is in a great location and has a spacious private
Charming Main Floor One Bedroom Apartment – $795/Month210 S 4th St – Unit A/1, Niles, MI 49120Welcome home to this charming studio apartment conveniently located on the main floor in Niles, MI. This cozy space features a blend of comfort and character, complete with a decorative fireplace, fresh paint, and new carpeting throughout.Apartment Features1 bedroom with 1
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