Scotts offers a rural feel and welcoming atmosphere
Like many rural areas in southwest Michigan, miles of crop fields surround the unincorporated community of Scotts. After its settlement as an agricultural hub in the mid-1800s, residents still value the area for its quiet atmosphere, where most neighbors know one another. “The community here is really supportive,” says Kevin Reyes, a lifelong resident whose parents own Lulu’s Corner Café. “I feel like a lot of people think it's just a little town, but it's what we call home.” Longstanding homes and churches add to the area’s historic setting, and annual events like Scottsdays bring neighbors together.
Outdoor fun includes parks, trails, fishing and off-roading
Most recreation here centers around the outdoors. “We all grew up playing outside, hunting and fishing,” Reyes says. “We have a lot of land here, so ATVs, four-wheelers and dirt bikes are popular." Scotts Mill County Park includes a small playground, walking trails and a viewing platform that overlooks Mill Pond. Indian Run Golf Club is nearby and has an 18-hole course open to the public. Cold Brook County Park sits about 8 miles northeast, with a disc golf course, three lakes for fishing, paddling and more.
Ranch and National Folk-style homes fill the community
The established homes in Scotts mostly come in ranch and National Folk styles, built from the mid-19th through 20th centuries. Most have detached garages, and many sit within the shade of old-growth trees. While sidewalks only run through some parts of the community, streets are quiet enough for pedestrians and bicyclists. “You can drive your golf cart around on the road,” Reyes says. The median sales price for a home is $350,000, which falls below the national figure. Similarly, Scotts has a CAP Index Crime Score of 1 out of 10, compared to the national average of 4.
Christmas Caroling and Scottsdays are annual staples
In early December, residents gather for Caroling on the Corner. “They will close down 36th Street South from the train tracks to the end of Scotts, and the whole town will get together to sing and celebrate,” Reyes says. “We will do desserts and have all those Christmas beverages.” Scotts Pride Community Center hosts events throughout the year, including Scottsdays over a weekend in mid-July. The celebration includes a cornhole tournament, garage sales and parade. “They shut down the street for that as well, with buggies and tractors,” Reyes says. “The kids love it.”
Scotts has a few eateries, and Portage covers big-box shopping
A small collection of restaurants dot the community’s center, including Scotts Country Store and Deli for quick grabs. Scooters Malt Shoppe and Traveling Treats is a vintage-style diner and the place to go for a scoop of ice cream. “It’s very well-known,” Reyes says. “A lot of people will drive from all over to stop there." Lulu’s Scotts Corner Café across the street serves various dishes, from specialty omelets to burgers and tamales. Residents do most of their shopping in Portage, 11 miles west. The city has several national grocers like Aldi and The Crossroads Mall, which has dozens of well-known retailers.
Climax-Scotts Community Schools offer virtual learning
Scotts Elementary School and Climax-Scotts Jr./Sr. High School earn C-plus ratings from Niche. Both belong to Climax-Scotts Community Schools, which offers a Virtual Academy for fifth through 12th grade students. The accredited program is a fully online, self-paced curriculum for students seeking alternative learning.
Easy access to Kalamazoo, Battle Creek and a nearby airport
Interstate 94 passes 6 miles north of the community and leads 15 miles northwest into Kalamazoo, home to Bronson Methodist Hospital. The interstate also connects the area to Battle Creek, 21 miles northeast. Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport in Portage is closer to home, 10 miles northwest.
Written By
Matthew Simmons
