[movemove_1]

I am moving to Kalamazoo, and I am looking for a house. I need advice on where to look. What are the best neighborhoods/streets/communities for a family? I am looking for a safe, nice neighborhood. In town is okay, and right outside of town would be even better (so a country setting but short drive to town - lake/pond would be a bonus). I want to have options! I have found some general information online (like "Milwood is nice"), but I am hoping those who are familiar with the area could give me an even more specific/narrowed answer. I am not interested in the neighboring towns, such as Portage.

Thanks for your help!

[westernwilly]

There are a lot of neighborhoods in the city and suburbs around the city that fits what you are saying here.

Need more information. ie. style and age of home, price point, size, walkable, association amenities, lot size (small urban, average suburban, large or acrage), close to shopping, close to the city center, ect?

[Softballfan]

Milwood---affordable homes mostly built post WWII in the 1950's. Priced from $80,000 to $130,000. A lot of starter homes, young families or retirees that have lived in their homes for 50 years. Unattached, one car garages are the norm. These homes have charm and character, if that's your thing. It's a quick drive to downtown, I-94, and it easy to get to S. Westnedge. ave for all the shopping you need. This area is not run down, junky, or ghetto. It's a great neighborhood to live in if you want to be in the city limits of Kalamazoo.

Winchell---- more expensive homes than Milwood...newer homes built in the 1960's and 70's, bigger yards, more square footage, more of the " country" feel...curvey streets and a lot of trees. Close to WMU and a easy drive down Oakland Ave. to downtown. Little to no crime from what I've heard.

[movemove_1]

westernwilly: I am not so much worried about the features of the house, I am more interested in the neighborhood/setting. I am looking for a nice, quiet place with a sort of secluded/country feel, but I don't want to have to drive too far to get into town. I am just wondering what places come to mind when you think of nice areas to live in Kalamazoo. Any town I have lived in, I have become familiar enough with the area to have a few ideas of the "best place to live". That's the kind of information I am seeking from those of you who have been in kzoo for a while. Hope this help to clarify!

softballfan: Thanks! I will look into those neighborhoods. Winchell sounds like it might be what I'm looking for.