Best place to live between Kalamazoo and Benton Harbor? (Portage: relocation, apartment)

[klchicago]

Hi All,

I have an interview next week in Benton Harbor and am trying to find some potential places to live between Kzoo and BH. I was born and raised in Portage and have a lot friends and family still in that area. If I land the job, I'd like to be near Kzoo but also not have too long of a commute to BH.

Does anyone have any suggestions on good places to live within a reasonable distance between the two cities? I'm a single early thirties guy and would like some form of city life, things to do, nightlife, etc. (even if its small town). I've been looking online at Paw Paw and Mattawan as potential areas but those seem like they may be a little too far of a commute but I'm not sure how long those typically are during a rush-hour. There doesn't seem to be much info on available apts/homes to rent online. Also, I don't know too much about the St. Joe area other than playing baseball and basketball games there in HS (been awhile). I would also consider South Haven or really any of the surrounding areas. Ideally, I would love to live on a lake or inland lake community, etc. However, first and foremost, I'd like to find a nice apartment to get settled for a while and then begin to look for a place to buy given the time constraints with relocation, etc.

Any knowledge of specific places/apts or insight is greatly appreciated. I'm excited about getting out of the traffic and crowds of Chicago and nice cost of living differential!

Cheers,
KL

[deslok]

ST Joe is great! You would be near Lake Michigan and the people are mostly very attractive. You could do a lot of fun things on the lake, and be near Chicago folks in the summer.
Mattawn, and Paw Paw for someone looking for nightlife? Coming from Chicago? Don't waste you're time.

[klchicago]

Thanks for the reply. I'm going to consider St Joe for sure! I understand the nightlife won't be anything to sneeze at in Mattawan and Paw Paw but just wondering if there are things to do I guess. I have an interview on Tues. and they are having some folks take me to dinner to discuss apts and places to live, commuting etc. Wish me luck!

[Softballfan]

Originally Posted by klchicago

Hi All,

I have an interview next week in Benton Harbor and am trying to find some potential places to live between Kzoo and BH. I was born and raised in Portage and have a lot friends and family still in that area. If I land the job, I'd like to be near Kzoo but also not have too long of a commute to BH.

Does anyone have any suggestions on good places to live within a reasonable distance between the two cities? I'm a single early thirties guy and would like some form of city life, things to do, nightlife, etc. (even if its small town). I've been looking online at Paw Paw and Mattawan as potential areas but those seem like they may be a little too far of a commute but I'm not sure how long those typically are during a rush-hour. There doesn't seem to be much info on available apts/homes to rent online. Also, I don't know too much about the St. Joe area other than playing baseball and basketball games there in HS (been awhile). I would also consider South Haven or really any of the surrounding areas. Ideally, I would love to live on a lake or inland lake community, etc. However, first and foremost, I'd like to find a nice apartment to get settled for a while and then begin to look for a place to buy given the time constraints with relocation, etc.

Any knowledge of specific places/apts or insight is greatly appreciated. I'm excited about getting out of the traffic and crowds of Chicago and nice cost of living differential!

Cheers,
KL

If you want city life and nightlife, eliminate Hartford, Lawrence and Mattawan from your list.

If you are looking for lakes and lake areas, you can consider Watervliet and Coloma. They both have very active lakes in the summer. They are 10 miles from Benton Harbor, maybe closer depending where you live.

St. Joseph will have the most entertainment options. A drive between St. Joseph and Kalamazoo during typical traffic is 55 minutes on I-94

[deslok]

NOt only that but you can take the train from downtown and be in Chicago in an hour and a half or so I believe. =)