Paw Paw Lake is packed in the summer, a little slower in the winter
Paw Paw Lake, centered on its namesake, explodes in the summer and empties in the winter thanks to a large concentration of vacation homes on the lakeshores. “The waterfront is a big destination for seasonal residents, primarily from Illinois but also from other areas,” says Bryon Farmer, a realtor at Coldwell Banker Anchor Real Estate specializing in the Paw Paw Lake area. “Lots of people come to town for the summer, staying from Memorial Day through Labor Day.” Residents often spend summer days on private docks or at public parks — where swimming, fishing and kayaking are popular hobbies — and the Paw Paw Lake Yacht Club is a major draw for boat owners. Though the community is much quieter in the cold months, there’s still plenty of year-round residents to sustain local businesses, including nearby restaurants and wineries.
Off-water residences and lakefront vacation homes
Housing is typically concentrated near the banks of Paw Paw Lake. Properties sit on spacious lots, surrounded by pine trees and other greenery. Ranch-style homes and split-levels built in the 20th century are common, though the community’s south side has seen more suburban-style New Traditional developments in recent years. Most homes range from about $100,000 to $450,000. Larger homes directly on the lake feature private waterfront access and docks, ranging from $550,000 to $1.1 million, depending on size. Some custom builds exceeding 3,000 square feet can even sell for between $1.1 million and $2.2 million. Waterfront properties are in very high demand, typically used as vacation homes for seasonal residents, while full-time locals tend to live off water. In addition to single-family homes, townhouse-style condos with two to four bedrooms are available, typically ranging from $375,000 to $520,000.
Public parks on the water and nearby Paw Paw River
Many lakeside residents have private docks and waterfront access. For residents who live off the water, public spaces like Forest Beach Park have sandy shores for swimming. Sunset Park has a boat launch and dock and hosts fishing tournaments. The nearby Hays Park is located on the Paw Paw River, making it a popular spot for kayaking and canoeing. The park also includes ball fields, a playground and a skate park. Paw Paw Lake Golf Club has an 18-hole course that’s open to the public.
Paw Paw Lake Yacht Club and an annual triathlon
Paw Paw Lake Yacht Club has been a community staple for over 125 years, making it a big draw for sailors and boating enthusiasts. The club is part of a large group of yacht clubs across the country, meaning members can access those reciprocal facilities when they’re in the area. “It’s a very rare amenity for inland lakes,” Farmer says. “I even know someone who was able to visit a Dubai yacht club.” In July, the club hosts an annual triathlon, open to members and nonmembers, beginning with a swim through the lake, followed by an 8-mile bike ride and a 3-mile run around the lakeshore and islands.
Students split between Watervliet and Coloma schools
The east side of Paw Paw Lake is zoned for the Watervliet Public Schools district, where students attend South Elementary for kindergarten through second grade and North Elementary for third through fifth grades. The former earns a B-minus from Niche, and the latter earns a C-plus. Watervliet Middle receives a B-minus from Niche, while Watervliet High scores a B. Paw Paw Lake’s west side is zoned for Coloma Community School District, where the C-plus-rated Coloma Elementary serves kindergarten through third grade and the C-rated Coloma Intermediate serves fourth and fifth grades. Coloma Junior High earns a C, and Coloma High receives a B. Both districts offer career technical programs for high schoolers, including manufacturing and construction pathways.
A mix of local restaurants, farm stands and wineries
There is a handful of local restaurants near the lake. The Waterfront, a family-owned spot founded in the 1940s, serves steak, seafood and pasta, as well as a selection of wines from local vineyards. The Bend Bar is a go-to for burgers and other American fare, with karaoke on Friday and Saturday nights. More restaurants and shops can be found in downtown Coloma, and there are many wineries in the surrounding region. For produce, locals can visit seasonal farm stands like J.W. Morlock & Girls in the summer. Harding’s Market is the area’s main grocery store.
Connected to neighboring towns on Interstate 94
Interstate 94 connects Paw Paw Lake residents with Kalamazoo, about 45 miles east. South Haven and Saint Joseph are both about 15 miles away on the banks of Lake Michigan. Corewell Health Watervliet Hospital serves the community, and South Bend International Airport is under 45 miles south.
