$224,344Average Value$156Average Price per Sq Ft65Homes 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
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Charles Teunis,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Niles, MI sell after 26 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Niles, MI over the last 12 months is $220,000, up 21% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to this beautifully maintained 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home in the desirable Longmeadow neighborhood! Built in 2019, this move-in ready home offers over 2,000 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space with modern finishes throughout. The open-concept main floor features a spacious great room, dining area, and well-appointed kitchen complete with a center island, stainless steel
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Discover refined living at 145 Poppy Court, where timeless design and thoughtful upgrades create an exceptional lifestyle opportunity in The Estates at Longmeadow. This beautifully maintained 5-bedroom, 3-bathroom residence offers over 3,364 square feet of thoughtfully finished living space, ideally situated at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac. Built in 2022 and RESNET Energy Certified, this home
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
***UPDATE!*** Instant Equity and Opportunity! This Spacious 3-bedroom, 2-full-bath ranch situated on a large lot in a convenient central Niles location. Enjoy relaxing on the expansive covered front porch that spans the entire width of the home, providing a shaded outdoor space perfect for entertaining or unwinding. Inside, you'll find generously sized rooms, and main-floor laundry. This home is
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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
What a unique find! This charming city home is conveniently located in popular Oak Manor, but also has a garage built for the country! This massive 4+ garage has automatic doors front and back, can drive through, and can be accessed by either Oak st, or Lewis Dr. The home itself features a beautiful back deck for entertaining, privacy fenced in back yard with fire pit along with a spacious
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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
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
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
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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
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.
Our community features spacious 1 and 2 bedroom apartments. Our apartment homes feature modern conveniences such as time saving dishwashers & energy efficient electric stoves; in building laundry facilities; and off street parking. Enjoy the comfort of individual apartment climate controls; air conditioning options to keep you cool and forced air furnace heat to keep you warm. Ideal location for
$1,217 per month
2 bedroom 1 bath, Top (3rd) floor apartment with private balcony
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
$1,217 per month
2 bedroom 1 bath, Top (3rd) floor apartment with private balcony
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
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. Wall unit A/C and central heating for this apartment as well! Apartment is in a great location and has a spacious private balcony. Minutes from downtown Niles
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