- Public SchoolsB+
- Crime & SafetyC
- HousingB-
- NightlifeA-
- Good for FamiliesA-
- DiversityA
- JobsC+
- WeatherC-
- Cost of LivingB+
- Health & FitnessB-
- Outdoor ActivitiesA-
- CommuteA
Real Estate
Kalamazoo Rankings
Niche ranks thousands of places to live based on key statistics from the U.S. Census and and expert insights.
Crime & Safety
Crime & Safety
C
Based on violent and property crime rates.
Residents
Diversity
A
Based on ethnic and economic diversity.
Median Household Income
$34,767
National
$55,322Children
17%
Top Public Schools Serving Kalamazoo
- A+
Portage Northern High School
- Portage Public Schools, MI
- 9-12
- 187 reviews
- A
Portage Central High School
- Portage Public Schools, MI
- 8-12
- 195 reviews
- A
Moorsbridge Elementary School
- Portage Public Schools, MI
- PK, K-5
- A
Lake Center Elementary School
- Portage Public Schools, MI
- PK, K-5
- A
Amberly Elementary School
- Portage Public Schools, MI
- PK, K-5
Top Private Schools in Kalamazoo
- A
Hackett Catholic Prep
- Private School
- Kalamazoo, MI
- 9-12
- 28 reviews
- A-
Kalamazoo Christian High School
- Private School
- Kalamazoo, MI
- 9-12
- 57 reviews
- NG
St. Augustine School
- Private School
- Kalamazoo, MI
- PK, K-8
- NG
St. Monica School
- Private School
- Kalamazoo, MI
- PK, K-8
- NG
The Gagie School
- Private School
- Kalamazoo, MI
- PK, K-8
Kalamazoo Reviews
182 reviews
All Categories
Kalamazoo is a wonderful place to live! It has all the amenities found in a much bigger city without losing the charm offered by small towns. The downtown area is constantly evolving and offers a host of restaurants, breweries, shopping, and many other fun things to do and is built around an outdoor mall model, making it incredibly pedestrian friendly. Being home to several colleges, Kalamazoo always seems to have something going on. Western Michigan University and Kalamazoo College are conveniently placed in the center of the city, between downtown and the shopping areas, making the campuses incredibly commuter friendly. College students are able to ride the bus for free and the city has an extensive route system. The Vine Neighborhood between campus and downtown hosts some of the best coffee and food in town and is a bustling art community and staple in the local music scene.
I like how the college students and the rest of the town seem to be separated from each other. I think it keeps a nice balance for families and for students. Which brings me to the housing situation, if you are interested in student housing that is readily available and very easy to find. They have lots of flexible leasing options as well. Then when and if you decide to you are done with that scene they have affordable housing options available in decent neighborhoods throughout town including lofts downtown. The roads are easy to navigate and if you are looking for a city feel with a homey vibe kalamazoo is the town for you!
The segregated landscape and disparity of improvements based on neighborhoods in Kalamazoo is quite worrisome, based on the large amount of philanthropy and its small size. The City has peculiar strategies with revenue building and there are many vacant and untaxed lots that no individuals can develop. For a long time resident and person who values history and culture, this city is heading in a strange direction. Commissioners approve a multitude of liquor licenses mostly concentrated in its neighborhoods of high poverty whilst battling rising crime. It's no surprise this city has ever increasing homelessness. Home values are inflated for the age/quality of housing stock. For those who aren't good ol' boys and who value equality of opportunity, this city feels sad. It felt more like a healthy home when there were less liquor stores and breweries and more neighborhood businesses not owned by PlazaCorp or government.