Paw Paw is a tight-knit community with classic character
This Michigan village’s endearing name comes from the pawpaw fruit trees that were once common in the area. Although Paw Paw doesn’t officially belong to the Antwerp Township, many here still consider it part of the larger locality. Paw Paw, however, differs from some parts of Antwerp with its housing. Along Red Arrow Highway, a few homes showing Italianate and American Foursquare designs offer a glimpse into the community’s character. The village also has a dining and shopping hub featuring wineries and local boutiques. “There’s some really cool and older architecture, and some older neighborhoods were built in the 1920s and 1930s. It’s an older town,” says Jared Stout, a Realtor with eXp Realty. “Paw Paw is also like a tight-knit community. They’re going to have all your traditional parades and that sort of thing.”
From Victorian to ranch-style homes
Homes in Paw Paw line many roads with no sidewalks. Neighborhoods here feature mature tree canopies and a few manicured landscapes with yard ornaments. The village has ranch-style homes, Cape Cods and a few Craftsman bungalows. There are also Victorian homes and the Gable and Wing houses common across Southwest Michigan. Stout says the older housing generally translates to lower costs than in other Antwerp area communities. “Affordability would put you in Paw Paw. There’s not nearly as many new developments in Paw Paw,” he says. “And you can find some old beautiful houses in Paw Paw.” Homes here run between $150,000 and $340,000. However, few homes are on the upper end of that range. In contrast, some homes in the nearby village of Mattawan can go over $800,000.
Dining in Paw Paw’s historic downtown
Most of Paw Paw’s eateries are along Kalamazoo Street or downtown. Michigan Avenue anchors the downtown area, which features rows of classic buildings showing the Renaissance Revival style seen in many small towns nationwide. Other landmarks include the prominent Neoclassical home of the Van Buren County Courthouse. Morning visitors may stop for hearty breakfasts at The Hot Skillet. Patrons at Sly’s Seafood & Co. may pair white wines and cocktails with anything from fried calamari to large shellfish platters. Institutions along Kalamazoo Street include Red’s Root Beer, a vintage drive-in restaurant. Red’s is just down the road from the award-winning St. Julian Winery & Distillery. St. Julian is one of several places that highlight the region’s wine culture. The village’s grocery shopping options include Family Fare Supermarket.
Fishing and boating on Maple Lake
The village’s most prominent fishing hole is the 172-acre Maple Lake, which borders Ackley Lake and Ismons Pond. Throughout the year, anglers at Maple Lake will find species like bluegill, catfish, northern pike and walleye. The lake also draws kayakers and other boaters, who’ll see Canadian geese, swan and other waterfowl as they paddle down the water. Maple Island offers an escape right off Kalamazoo Street. The village’s other recreational spots include Kids Paradise, where visitors enjoy its castle-themed playground. Paw Paw is 5 miles south of the Heritage Glen Golf Club, which offers an 18-hole course amid scenic woods.
Paw Paw High’s active program collaborates on mural project
Similar to the nearby village of Mattawan, the Paw Paw Public School District has two elementary schools for different grade groups. Paw Paw Early Elementary covers prekindergarten to second grade, while Paw Paw Later Elementary teaches students from third to fifth grade. Both schools get B-minus grades from Niche. The village is home to Paw Paw middle and high schools, which both get B-minus grades from Niche. The high school has an art program that was busy in 2025 with an outdoor project intended to raise mental health awareness. Students and a few teachers worked with a Detroit artist to paint an acrylic and nature-themed mural outside of the school’s entrance.
Looking at Paw Paw Days’ vintage muscle cars and trucks
The village’s major celebrations include the annual Paw Paw Days in late July. The event’s signature attraction is its classic car and truck show, which brings thousands downtown to look at vintage muscle cars and pickups. Paw Paw Days also provides bounce houses for children and involves a car cruise that passes through various points around the village.
Commuters have quick access to Kalamazoo and Lawton routes
The M-40 highway runs across Paw Paw, connecting it directly to Van Buren County neighbor Lawton. Commuters also easily access Interstate 94, which goes to Kalamazoo, about 30 minutes east. “It’s close enough to Kalamazoo that you can justify the commute,” Stout says. “The people there are usually close to where they grew up, and they’re OK with the commute.” Travelers planning to fly out of the state usually go to the Kalamazoo Battle Creek International Airport. Paw Paw is home to the Bronson LakeView Hospital. The area is also susceptible to major lake-effect snowfalls.
