Otsego is a small riverfront community northwest of Kalamazoo
The quiet community of Otsego offers a laid-back lifestyle without sacrificing proximity to nearby big cities. “It’s a super small town, and a nice place to live,” says Amanda Atwood, a local Realtor with Five Star Real Estate who has sold several homes in Otsego. “We are between Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids, which makes it a desirable area for people.” The Kalamazoo River flows east through the community, adding to the area's tranquil setting and providing recreation opportunities. Locals frequent independently owned businesses downtown, and big-box stores are a short 2-mile trip east in Plainwell.
Kayaking, playgrounds and skiing are all close to home
Otsego Riverwalk is a paved trail with a section on either side of the river. Its south branch features the Otsego Kayak Launch and TOP Riverfront Pavilion. TOP stands for "Together Otsego Prospers," a recently formed non-profit that focuses on community building through fundraising and events like Otsego Artisan Market held in late June. Memorial Park is the community’s largest, with a playground, tennis and basketball courts and several baseball diamonds. Northside Park has a large castle-themed wooden playground and open space for pick-up games. Boating and fishing are popular activities in the area. Pine Lake, 10 miles northeast, is stocked with trout and walleye and has a public ramp. “We also have Bittersweet Ski Resort, which a lot of people come into town for in the winter,” Atwood says. The resort is 8 miles west, with 20 runs for different experience levels.
A mix of historic and ranch-style homes along tree-lined streets
Otsego primarily consists of single-family homes. Late 19th-century and early 20th-century houses line the central portion of the community, with architecture ranging from bungalows to Victorian and National Folk styles. Ranch-style homes built through the mid-to-late 20th century fill the remainder, and mature trees appear throughout. More recently built ranch styles are also available in the community's southeastern corner. Most homes sell between $100,000 and $400,000, depending on size and condition.
Otsego Public Schools ranks high among other Kalamazoo Area districts
Otsego Public Schools serves the area’s students across three elementary schools, one middle school and two high schools. Niche gives the district an A-minus and ranks it No. 4 out of 25 in the Kalamazoo area. The district participates in a Schools of Choice Program, allowing students to apply to any school within the district. Its Otsego Virtual Academy offers enrolled students the option to work at their own pace through a flexible, online curriculum. Local private options include B-rated Otsego Christian Academy.
Residents dine downtown and shop in Plainwell next door
A selection of independently owned businesses form a downtown stretch along West Allegan Street. “Downtown is pretty strong with the strip of restaurants,” Atwood says. “They also host live music there on occasion.” She mentions Casa Real, which serves authentic Mexican fare, as a frequented spot among locals. Judy’s Restaurant is known for its breakfast staples like biscuits and gravy. Atwood says most residents shop in Plainwell, which has a Meijer for groceries, Walmart Supercenter and a couple of other big-box stores on its west side.
U.S. 131 and State Route 89 offer easy regional access
U.S. Route 131 passes 3 miles east, connecting the area to Kalamazoo, 22 miles southeast and home to Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport. The thoroughfare also leads 40 miles north into Grand Rapids. State Route 89 is accessible from within the community and links residents to Plainwell just east and Otsego 10 miles northwest.
Written By
Matthew Simmons
