Metro Detroit to Kalamazoo (Royal Oak, Bronson: trip , house, college)

[MetroDetroit]

Looking to take a regional sales position in West Michigan and am very interested in Kalamazoo because of the promise. My price range is up to $300k. Never been there but want to start looking at homes. Any suggestions as to areas for my family of 5.

Thanks!

[suydam]

If I had a family of 5 looking to spend $300k on a home in Kalamazoo I would look at these areas: Google Maps

I'm partial to tree-lined streets and older homes (think B'ham or something like Vinsetta Blvd in Royal Oak).

I'm sure there are some newer developments within The Promise as well, but I'm not the guy to ask about those as I don't know about most of them. There's a nice development going in just west of the Sycamore Ln. circle in the Winchell Neighborhood but the prices might be over the $300k mark (at least the 2 homes I've seen there were closer to $500k new builds).

Good luck! Kalamazoo is a great place to live!

[GalFriday]

The Winchell Neighborhood is beautiful. The homes are well-kept (and you can even find some Frank-Lloyd Wright designs in the back!) and the neighborhood is very "walkable." I lived in it for several years, and one of my fondest memories (if they still do it) is the yearly neighborhood garage sale. I think the population of K-Zoo all shows up there starting around 7am. Best sale in Michigan!

From suydam's Google Map's link, I would absolutely buy a house on that Parkview/Whites Rd. corridor. GORGEOUS. It's worth taking a drive through there right now. You'll love it there.

I miss Kalamazoo!!

[kazoopilot]

Kalamazoo is an awesome place to live! For big, older homes, I'd recommend anything along Oakland Drive, Whites Rd, Winchell Ave, or S. Westnedge Ave. If you're really "well to do," then check out Long Rd, Short Rd, and Bronson Drive. Stay away from the northside and eastside. Oshtemo township is nice too, if you don't mind a commute.

[leadsquirter]

Here's an article from the June 29th Kalamazoo Gazette on the Promise.
PromiseNet 2008 conference brings national attention to Kalamazoo Promise, spurs wide-ranging discussion of college-funding programs - Kalamazoo Gazette - MLive.com

I think you'll like living in Kalamazoo.

[MetroDetroit]

suydam - Thanks for the map.

We just got back from a weekend in GR and had a chance to look at some Kzoo homes for a few hours today. Saw some really nice homes over near Oshtemo but will be sure to let our realtor know of the areas you highlighted. As for the older homes you mentioned, those are exactly what my wife is looking for. I also heard about the new elementary and middle school being built. So far we have liked what we have seen!

[suydam]

Originally Posted by MetroDetroit

suydam - Thanks for the map.

We just got back from a weekend in GR and had a chance to look at some Kzoo homes for a few hours today. Saw some really nice homes over near Oshtemo but will be sure to let our realtor know of the areas you highlighted. As for the older homes you mentioned, those are exactly what my wife is looking for. I also heard about the new elementary and middle school being built. So far we have liked what we have seen!

For whatever reason, most realtors I've known steer people out to the 'burbs more than into cool city neighborhoods. You may have to explicitly ask your realtor to take you to Winchell, Bronson and Westnedge Hill neighborhoods.

I'm sure the one I labeled "Behind K-College" has a name too... I just don't know what it is.

Good luck! Kalamazoo is a great area (so is GR, since I see you mentioned a trip here as well).