Vicksburg offers a versatile small-town experience
From its quaint downtown lined with classic brick buildings to its modern subdivisions filled with spacious homes, Vicksburg offers varied attractions in a small-town package. A growing southwestern Michigan community of roughly 4,000, Vicksburg has more affordable housing than some nearby areas. However, the location still places residents close to commercial amenities, well-rated public schools and the city of Kalamazoo. “It’s just a really nice village,” says David Howard, a local Realtor at Century 21 C. Howard with more than 40 years of experience. "The village itself is charming. It has nice shops and a few restaurants that are pretty good. People that grew up in Vicksburg stay in Vicksburg.”
Homes range from antique to new
Some houses at Vicksburg’s core date to the 19th century, examples of Craftsman and colonial architecture. Vicksburg also has a wide selection of ranch-style homes built across the mid-to-late 20th century. Developments like Centennial North and Trillium Plat have recently built new traditional options. Fixer-uppers around this community sell for about $90,000 to $180,000. Most move-in-ready houses go for roughly $190,000 to $500,000, but homes with some of Vicksburg’s biggest floor plans — about 3,000 square feet and up — sell for $600,000 to $880,000. Vicksburg’s median sale price of approximately $277,000 is less than that of close-by communities like Portage and Texas Township.
Vicksburg elementary schools have before- and after-school programming
The Vicksburg Community Schools district maintains a B-plus grade on Niche. The system has three prekindergarten to fifth-grade schools: the A-minus-rated Indian Lake Elementary, B-plus-rated Tobey Elementary and B-plus-rated Sunset Lake Elementary. All three elementary schools offer Kids Klub, a program with before- and after-school care every school day. Vicksburg Middle has a B-plus grade and basketball, cheer, cross country, football, track and volleyball teams. Vicksburg High also carries a B-plus grade and is home to an award-winning robotics team. The C-rated Pathways High is an alternative school with online learning opportunities.
Kalamazoo is a relatively quick commute
Vicksburg is about 15 miles south of Kalamazoo, the area’s biggest city. Drivers don’t even have to use the highway to get there — roadways like Sprinkle Road, Portage Road and Portage Street are routes toward downtown Kalamazoo. The Bronson Methodist Hospital is located downtown. The Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport is located 10 miles away in Portage.
Downtown Vicksburg is a central commercial district
Vicksburg’s downtown area unfolds around Main Street and Prairie Street. This walkable corridor’s vintage glass storefronts play host to a mix of local restaurants and other businesses. “It’s just quaint,” Howard says. “That’s the best way to describe it.” Village Hide-A-Way is popular for its burgers and is considered the oldest family owned business in Vicksburg, open since 1980. Rise N Dine is known for breakfast, and The Distant Whistle Brewhouse across the street has live music on Friday and Saturday nights. Shops close by include Gilbert and Ivy, an independent bookstore, and Liv La Mode Boutique, a clothing store. There’s also a Family Fare Supermarket on Prairie Street.
Local landscape is rich with outdoor recreation opportunities
This region is flush with places for outdoor fun, on land and water. “There’s a lot of camping around Vicksburg,” Howard says. The Oak Shores Resort Campground includes a heated pool and trails. The Indian Lake Nazarene Camp is a spot to stay by the 758-acre Indian Lake. Clark Park downtown has a playground and views of a pond and Portage Creek. Sunset Lake Park, about a mile away, includes a sandy beachfront and a boat launch by the 140-acre Sunset Lake.
Downtown is a gathering place for music and car shows
Downtown Vicksburg is the site of the 'BURG Days of Summer series every Friday evening from mid-June to mid-August. The series features live music and food trucks along Prairie Street and Main Street. Also, the Vicksburg Old Car Festival takes over downtown every June. The festival dates back more than 40 years and attracts thousands.
Written By
Wayne Epps Jr.
