From a celery farming town to an active city oasis
A high concentration of celery farms once gave the city of Portage the name “Celery City.” Today, it hosts several large manufacturing companies, making it one of Southwest Michigan's largest employment regions. This includes Pfizer’s largest manufacturing facility, which covers over 1,300 acres and employs over 3,000 workers. However, the city is not all industrial, with a lively outdoor scene and a convenient location between Detroit and Chicago. “Portage’s location is ideal for those who want the best of both worlds,” says JoAnne Potts, Realtor at Jaqua Realtors and lifelong Portage resident. “It offers residents a dense suburban feel, lots of lakes, and it is close enough to larger cities like Kalamazoo, yet it maintains a small-town vibe.”
Celery Flats is a Historical Area in Portage, MI.
Pfizer is by far the largest employer in Portage, with a massive plant on Portage Rd.
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A steadily growing housing market in Portage
Portage's northwest and southwest sections hold the greatest concentrations of the city’s single-family homes. Homes primarily date from the mid to late 1900s, but new home construction is growing in many areas around Portage. Home styles include colonial revivals, ranch-style and large cabin-style lakeside homes. Condos and townhomes are also available throughout the city. Lot sizes are typically smaller in the city’s north end and the central area around City Centre. Condos and townhomes usually sell between $130,000 and $300,000. Prices for modest single-family homes range from $95,000 to $525,000, while larger, lakeside estates can sell between $500,000 and $1.3 million.
Portage has a large amount of ranch-style homes in a wide range of shapes and sizes.
Portage has several small lakes ringed by some of the higher-end homes in the city.
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One of Michigan’s highest rated public school districts
Portage Public Schools earns an overall grade of A on Niche. Ranked the 26th-best public school district in the state, the district serves roughly 8,600 students across two high schools, one alternative high school, three middle schools and eight elementary schools. The district extends beyond Portage and covers parts of Kalamazoo, Texas Township and Pavilion Township. Private school options around the city include Hackett Catholic Prep in Kalamazoo. Hackett earns an A from Niche, which also ranks it as the 31st-best private school in Michigan.
Portage Northern High School has a 20:1 Student-to-teacher ratio.
Portage North Middle School serves students in grades 6-8.
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Nature preserves and a vast public park system
Portage has 20 public parks, and its lakes cover over 1,700 acres. One popular spot in the city is the Westlake Nature Preserve, a 110-acre wetland bog where residents like to birdwatch, fish and hike trails. The Celery Flats Historical site lets park-goers explore the city’s celery farming days with trails lined with historical markers that provide insight into the city’s early days. Across other parks, amenities include a skate park, an ice rink and a dog park.
West Lake Nature Preserve is a great spot for birdwatching.
The paved trails of Portage Creek Bicentennial Park is located near Hill N Brook.
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The shopping mecca of southwest Michigan
As one of Southwest Michigan’s largest retail destinations, Portage holds shopping spots like the Crossroads Mall and Southland Mall. South Westnedge Road has a variety of national restaurant chains, and the shores of Austin Lake and West Lake hold local joints with waterside views. The city's center has most of the area’s grocery options, including Walmart, Meijer and ALDI. From May through October, the Portage Farmers Market offers locally grown fresh produce, meats and other local goods.
Residents of Portage head to Crossroads Mall to shop and dine.
Meijer has two locations in Portage and is the main grocery store for residents.
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Cultural offerings and community get-togethers
The city’s museum landscape includes the Air Zoo Aerospace and Science Experience Museum and the Charles & Drury Gallery art gallery. Portage’s parks are popular spots for the city’s full calendar of annual events. The Portage Craft Market is a community meetup at The Celery Flats Historical Area. The market features live music and artisan crafts from local artists. Warm-weather celebrations include the Summer Concert Series at Overlander Bandshell and Beach Bonfire Nights at Ramona Park and Beach. Later in the year, celebrations such as Oktoberfest and the Traditional Holiday and Tree Lighting Ceremony, which the mayor hosts, are held at the city's parks.
The Air Zoo Aerospace Museum has a division of volunteer workers that restore salvaged planes.
Celery Flats Historical Area in Portage, MI.
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An accessible hub for getting around
The public transit network in Portage allows travelers to ride two rail lines or five bus routes throughout the city. Drivers can access Interstate 94 north of West Milham Avenue and the Sargeant Ryan J Proxmire Memorial Highway on the west side. “Having major highways just minutes away in Portage makes traveling to other parts of Michigan and beyond easy and convenient,” Potts says. Travelers heading out of town can catch a flight at the Kalamazoo Battle Creek International Airport on the east side.
Lower-than-average crime rates and snowy winters
Property crime rates are higher in Portage than in the rest of Michigan and the United States, but at the same time, violent crime rates are lower. The city hosts a community, volunteer-based program providing a phone line and website for anonymously reporting crimes, helping to keep crime rates low. Other risks include the city’s cold winters, which bring average temperatures of 18 degrees in January and February and roughly 47 inches of snow per year, 19 more than the national average. The city is certified as “Storm Ready” by the National Weather Service, indicating that the city meets federal standards for safety during severe weather incidents.
Written By
Konrad Solberg
Photography Contributed By
Tyler Bolduc
Video By
Samantha Houtchens
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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On average, homes in Portage, MI sell after 22 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Portage, MI over the last 12 months is $310,000, up 7% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to Streamsong Condos where your neighbors are not a wall away... But a yard away! This Freestanding 3 bedroom 3 bath walkout ranch condo awaits It's new owners. You enjoy the open concept floor plan, which lends it self to entertaining. The lower level has been finished with an additional 800 ft.2 of living space, including an additional full bath bedroom and huge family room area. It has
Welcome to this inviting 5-bedroom, 2-bath home located in the desirable community of Portage, Michigan. Offering a comfortable layout, generous living spaces, and beautiful natural light throughout, this home provides the perfect blend of functionality and warmth.The main level features a bright and open living room with large windows that fill the space with natural light, creating a
Beautifully updated 3 BR / 2 full bath home ideally located near Portage shops, restaurants, and everyday conveniences, while offering added privacy at the end of a quiet street. The home features a spacious primary suite with walk-in closet and private bath, plus 2 generously sized bedrooms. The bright living room showcases hardwood floors, abundant natural light, and recessed lighting. The
This absolutely immaculate 2016 Clayton custom built manufactured home is located in the 55+ community. Oak Brook Estates, a lovely, quiet neighborhood, adjacent to Celery Flats. This home has been lovingly & meticulously maintained from the moment it was designed w/ quality upgrades throughout, including drywall, quartz countertops, & 6-panel insulated steel exterior doors. The primary en-suite
Welcome to this move-in ready 3-bedroom, 1-bath home just a short walk from Austin Lake with public lake access. The primary bedroom has been completely redone and now features a spacious walk-in closet--a rare find in this price range. Enjoy peace of mind with a newer roof, central air, and brand new stainless appliances. Outside, the large 24' x 32' pole barn is perfect for storing boats, ATVs,
OPEN HOUSE Saturday 3/14 12:00 -1:30 Welcome to 2150 Oak Leaf Trl! This T. Scott built home is move in ready with many recent updates. This ranch style home features large primary suite w/large walk in closet and private bathroom. The kitchen, living and dining rooms are open concept with large windows providing a lot of natural light. Living room has a gas hook up for gas fireplace. Two
*Not your typical manufactured home* This impeccably maintained 2016 custom-built Heritage home offers upscale finishes, thoughtful upgrades, & comfortable living in the peaceful 55+ community of Oak Brook Estates, adjacent to Celery Flats. Features include quality upgrades throughout, including drywall construction, quartz countertops, & insulated 6-panel steel exterior doors. The spacious
Whether you're looking for a private and natural setting, a healthy active lifestyle, or just some peace and quiet, you'll find it at Greenspire and Tall Timbers at Greenspire. Our community offers its residents many benefits, from the adjacent 2,000 acres of state land and its endless trails, to beautiful Hampton Lake with kayak rentals and fishing. Greenspire also offers sports facilities for
Limited-Time Tax Refund Offer! WHEN YOU BUY: Use code CLAFREE to Apply for FREE! Turn your tax refund into a deposit on your new home! Even better? Cambio will match your down payment up to $2,500, plus receive up to $200 off site rent for two years. Call today for more details!*Restrictions apply. Offer expires 3/31/26.*A new home is coming soon to Colonial Acres in Kalamazoo, MI, and you can
Timberwood Crossing places you at the heart of everything Portage has to offer. Our community sits in an unbeatable location surrounded by a vibrant mix of shopping, dining, entertainment, and everyday conveniences. With Southland Mall and Crossroads Mall just steps away, you’ll enjoy effortless access to your favorite stores and services.Appreciate our proximity to the highly regarded
Limited-Time Tax Refund Offer! WHEN YOU BUY: Use code CLAFREE to Apply for FREE! Turn your tax refund into a deposit on your new home! Even better? Cambio will match your down payment up to $2,500, plus receive up to $200 off site rent for two years. Call today for more details!*Restrictions apply. Offer expires 3/31/26.*A new home is coming soon to Colonial Acres in Kalamazoo, MI, and you can
Whether you're looking for a private and natural setting, a healthy active lifestyle, or just some peace and quiet, you'll find it at Greenspire and Tall Timbers at Greenspire. Our community offers its residents many benefits, from the adjacent 2,000 acres of state land and its endless trails, to beautiful Hampton Lake with kayak rentals and fishing. Greenspire also offers sports facilities for
Limited-Time Tax Refund Offer! WHEN YOU BUY: Use code CLAFREE to Apply for FREE! Turn your tax refund into a deposit on your new home! Even better? Cambio will match your down payment up to $2,500, plus receive up to $200 off site rent for two years. Call today for more details!*Restrictions apply. Offer expires 3/31/26.*A new manufactured home is coming soon to Colonial Acres in Kalamazoo, MI.
Redwood Portage is where you'll find the single-story apartment you've been looking for. Live in a two-bedroom, two-bathroom, pet-friendly apartment rental home with an attached garage. Enjoy being surrounded by charming greenery, with all the amenities you could need just a stones throw away. Plus, you can get to the arts, entertainment, dining and attractions of Kalamazoo in under 30 minutes.
Limited-Time Tax Refund Offer! WHEN YOU BUY: Use code CLAFREE to Apply for FREE! Turn your tax refund into a deposit on your new home! Even better? Cambio will match your down payment up to $2,500, plus receive up to $200 off site rent for two years. Call today for more details!*Restrictions apply. Offer expires 3/31/26.*Join the waitlist now for a home coming soon to Colonial Acres in Kalamazoo,
Kilgore Apartments are located at 1500 East Kilgore Road in Kalamazoo, MI 49001This floorplan features plank flooring throughout, stainless steel appliances, Lots of cabinet space, French doors, two full bathrooms, additional closet space and tons of natural light!Parking and onsite laundry!We are pet friendly!Pet deposits are $200 non refundable per pet.$25 a
At Prinwood Place, our spacious one-bedroom apartments and two and three-bedroom townhomes in Kalamazoo County provide contemporary convenience and a superior suburban location in Portage, Michigan,?letting you make the most of your lifestyle your way, and at your own pace.
Available NOW! 3 bed, 3 bath condominium located in the Marsh Pointe Condominiums. Open floor plan, vaulted ceilings, stainless steel appliances , washer/dryer, one car detached garage included. Water, trash, lawn care and snow removal included. No Pets.
Lindsay Flyn FlynnBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices MI
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