Richland has community attractions and a convenient location
Richland is a village and larger farmland community between Kalamazoo, Michigan, and Gull Lake. The community has attractions like Gull Meadow Farms, which has a sunflower field and hosts apple and pumpkin picking in the fall. Other local institutions include the Richland Community Library, a more than century-old building where patrons may still read books by a fireplace. “I really like that it’s adjacent to Kalamazoo. It’s a small town, but if you need something more than what it has to offer, you can hop on Gull Road, and it goes straight to downtown Kalamazoo,” says Anna Merritt, the Richland library’s assistant director. “You’re also not too far from the lake [Lake Michigan]. An hour west will get you to Lake Michigan.”
The village has single-family homes and condos
Mature trees surround and buffer many homes across Richland. Lots range from a quarter of an acre to multiple acres. The housing here includes luxury custom homes, several of which are located near Gull Lake and have private docks. Housing styles include ranch-style, split-level and Colonial Revival homes. The village also has traditional homes and attached and free standing condominiums. Many homes here run between $250,000 and $500,000, while larger and newer homes go from $600,000 to $900,000. Homes near the lake go for well over $1 million. Condos run from $250,000 to $430,000.
Food options include classic breakfasts, pasties and Mexican fare
Liz’s Parkview Cafe is a community staple. “That particular spot has been a cafe for a very long time. They’re a really nice kind of diner cafe, where they do breakfast and lunch,” Merritt says. “Most mornings you go there, you’ll find it pretty busy. A lot of groups and retirees like to meet there.” U.P. North Sandwich & Pasty Co. is another local lunch spot. The restaurant’s menu includes pasty, a British pastry. Taqueria Don Fer Family Restaurant serves authentic Mexican fare, while Tavern 32 is a new spot for burgers and beers. Harding’s Market provides a local grocery store, but more options exist 5 miles south in Comstock Township. Chains in the Comstock area include Meijer.
Richland has park amenities, golf, outdoor yoga and water sports
Richland Township Park’s sports amenities include baseball and soccer fields and some basketball and pickleball courts. The 48-acre park also has nearly 2 miles of trail and a playground. Activities at Richland Area Community Center include summer camps and outdoor yoga sessions. Another village amenity is Gull Road Pathway, a 7-mile biking and walking trail that goes to Kalamazoo. Gull Lake, part of which falls in the Richland area, draws boaters, swimmers and anglers. Fish in the 2,000-acre lake include bass, trout and salmon. W.K. Kellogg Manor House & Gardens is one of the lakeside attractions. The luxurious Tudor home was built by Will Keith Kellogg, founder of the famous cereal brand. Other outdoor amenities include the public Eastern Hills Golf Course and the private Gull Lake Country Club.
Community offers seasonal activities, hot air balloon show and farmers’ market
Gull Meadow Farms’ 5-acre sunflower field is one of its summertime attractions, while its corn maze draws visitors during the fall. Around the holiday season, the seasonal place decorates its greenhouses with Christmas trees and puts on light displays. The farm also hosts the August’s Kalamazoo Balloon Fest. The event showcases various hot air balloons, including one resembling a smiling alarm clock. Richland Area Community Center hosts the Richland Farmers’ Market from May to September.
Village falls under Gull Lake Community Schools
Richland falls under the coverage of Gull Lake Community Schools, which gets an A-minus from Niche. The community is home to Richland Elementary School, which receives a B. Other schools here include Gull Lake Middle and Gull Lake High. The middle school receives a B-plus grade, while the high school gets an A-minus. In 2025, Gull Lake High’s girls soccer and boys golf teams won regional conference titles.
Gull Road goes to downtown Kalamazoo
Gull Road goes directly toward downtown Kalamazoo, 10 miles southwest of Richland. The village is 12 miles north of Kalamazoo Battle Creek International Airport, the region’s hub for commercial flights. Located 8 miles southwest in Eastwood, Ascension Borgress Hospital offers one of the closest major medical facilities.
Region receives lake-effect snowfall
Newcomers here should prepare for frigid winters. Richland is part of the Kalamazoo region, which is prone to the occasional lake-effect snowstorms. The area often receives over 60 inches of snow annually, far more than many parts of the country.
