UPDATE: Check out our new 2023 Best Cities to Live in the U.S. list.
Kalamazoo, MI is the #71 Best City to Live in the USA
| Kalamazoo, MI Quality of Life Liv Score 609 How We Calculate Our Data |
|---|
| Civics | 35 |
| Demographics | 46 |
| Economy | 54 |
| Education | 63 |
| Health | 65 |
| Housing | 63 |
| Infrastructure | 42 |
| Amenities | 78 |
Why Kalamazoo is one of the best cities to live in
Once known as the “Celery City,” thanks to its abundance of the green stalks, Kalamazoo, MI, has experienced a major rebrand, going from a farming town to one of the most sought-after spots in southern Michigan. The city’s entrepreneurial spirit shines brightest through the local economy, which is robust and provides several opportunities for growth. For example, the largest manufacturing site in the Pfizer network is located in Kalamazoo, with many of the COVID-19 vaccines created here. In addition, residents have access to great education opportunities, and the cost of living is affordable, making Kalamazoo one of the best places to live in the U.S. Plus, there’s a phenomenal arts scene, a craft beer destination and a growing trail system that links parks. Kalamazoo is also home to the Kalamazoo Valley Museum, Kalamazoo Institute of Arts and the Air Zoo, so there’s truly something for everyone.
Key industries in southwest Michigan include manufacturing, health sciences, medical devices, design, food and beverage processing, and more.
Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo College & Kalamazoo Valley Community College
Kalamazoo gets all four seasons, but with the pumpkin patches, gorgeous colors and orchards, fall is especially great.
Go for a bike ride along the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail, which connects parks and currently has 24 miles of paved trails and plans to grow.
Kalamazoo, MI is Remote-Ready
A “Move to Michigan” program incentivizes remote workers with up to $20,000 to relocate to Southwest Michigan, including the city of Kalamazoo. This incentive forgives the loan the longer you stay, with the entirety of the loan forgiven if you decide to stay and work there. Kalamazoo’s housing costs are far below the national average, but most of its residents rent their homes. With plenty of cafes, bars and coworking spaces for remote work, Kalamazoo is poised for a remote work boom in the coming years.
What Locals Love in Kalamazoo, MI
This is a bookstore & Bookbug has a cafe with clever menu items (think “Reuben in the Rye”) and offers family story times and a diverse collection of books.
Play a round of golf! The Kalamazoo area has a dozen golf courses (plus scenic disc golf courses). However, if golf isn’t your thing, follow your own course using this map of the breweries in Kalamazoo.
Admission is free at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum, which has a collection of 55,000 artifacts, a play area for kids and an Innovation Gallery where kids can learn about aerodynamics by building a race car.
Take your friends from accounting to The Beer Exchange, where beer prices fluctuate based on real-time sales, creating an ever-evolving happy hour scene.
In 2015, Kalamazoo Valley Community College and Western Michigan University launched a sustainable brewing program.
An entrepreneurial spirit, a strong economy and a fantastic arts scene make Kalamazoo a best place to live in Michigan.
Thinking of Moving to Kalamazoo?
Kalamazoo has become one of the top destinations for people looking to relocate to Michigan real estate. With one of the country’s lowest living costs and an affordable median home value of $217K, a growing number of homebuyers are placing offers for sale in Kalamazoo, MI. The Kalamazoo, MI real estate market is mostly made out of single-detached homes, but younger buyers typically prefer urban condo living at any of the brand-new apartment complexes filling the vibrant downtown area and its surroundings.
Quick Facts About Kalamazoo, MI
- Average Commute
- 14.53
- Median Home Value
- $179,579
- Med. Household Income
- $46,876
- Total Population
- 73,329
- Walk Score
- 41
- Median Property Tax
- $2,401
