People come to Three Rivers for water, but stay for the community
When asked what draws people to Three Rivers, Kendra Eldridge, Realtor with Century 21 Affiliated, says it's the water. “Three Rivers is blessed with not only three intersecting rivers... but also numerous lakes, including five large all-sports lakes,” she says. Access to nature gives the community a quiet, peaceful feeling, and proximity to major roads keeps the area connected. “Our community is a tight-knit, rural community. However, due to the lakes, we are often visited by guests from the larger cities who come to enjoy the peace and beauty.” The historic downtown has small shops and local restaurants.
Home prices vary widely, with lake views at the top end
“The types of homes in our area vary greatly, which offers many options for most buyers,” Eldridge says. “We have historic, classic homes, as well as modern, new construction communities. We have agricultural properties, mini-farms, old neighborhoods, new neighborhoods and waterfront properties.” The median lot size is a little over a quarter of an acre.
Properties in need of some repairs range from about $60,000 to $115,000. The majority of homes, regardless of age or size, fall between about $115,000 and $400,000. Houses with lake or pond views typically start at about $600,000 and go up to $800,000. “The property taxes in St. Joseph County and Three Rivers tend to be lower than some of our neighboring counties, so it makes buying a home a bit more affordable,” says Sherrie Nowicki, associate broker with Re/Max Elite Group.
District offers dual enrollment and open transfer options
Three Rivers Community Schools has a B grade from Niche. Its four elementary schools range from B-minus to B-plus ratings. Three Rivers Middle and High schools both get a B. High Schoolers can take dual-enrollment courses through Glen Oaks Community College in St. Joseph County. The district participates in Michigan’s Schools of Choice program, allowing families to apply for open enrollment and out-of-district transfers based on availability.
Seasonal activities and scenic parks draw outdoor enthusiasts
Outdoor recreation depends on the season. In the summer, residents can visit one of the area’s many golf courses, swim at one of the lakes and kayak on the rivers. Skiing and snowmobiling are two popular winter activities. “Three Rivers has numerous beautiful parks, each with their own features and highlights, depending on one’s interests,” Eldridge says. Several parks have boat launches and public access to the St. Joseph River. Scidmore Park is an 18-acre green space with a playground, duck pond and petting zoo. Meyer Broadway Park offers disc golf, mountain biking trails and pickleball courts.
Downtown restaurants include breakfast spots and taprooms
U.S. Route 131 goes through Three Rivers, leading to more dining and shopping in larger areas. “However, many in our community enjoy going to our downtown district and the neighboring small towns for unique breweries, smokehouses and mom and pop diners,” Eldridge says.” Main St. Cafe serves breakfast and lunch all day. Useless Creatures Brewing Company brews craft beer on-site and has a taproom with a limited menu.
Downtown has a handful of local shops, like Lowry’s Books and Riviera Theatre and Bar. “It’s been lovingly restored back to its glory,” Nowicki says. “The theater originally opened in 1925 and today brings the community together with live music, shows and movies.” Aldi and Meijer are two grocery options in Three Rivers.
Annual festivals include live music, food and fireworks
The annual Water Festival is a summer celebration with live music, a carnival and an ox roast that ends in fireworks. HarmonyFest is a one-day music festival that takes place on the Sunday before Labor Day. The Downtown Development Authority often hosts events throughout the year, including the Fall Festival and other holiday festivities.
U.S. Route 131 and nearby interstates connect the community
Three Rivers is car-dependent, and close to throughfares like U.S. Route 131, Interstate 94 and Interstate 80/90. Kalamazoo is around 25 miles north. St. Joseph County Transportation Authority has the Three Rivers Circle Line. Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport has daily flights to Chicago and Detroit. Three Rivers Health Hospital is the closest medical center.
