[naterbug]

OK, we are hoping to relocate to SW Michigan. We are originally from the are and are WMU grads. I'll be working in BC but don't mind the commute from the Kalamazoo area. We are looking for the best area with the best schools and would love to hear some comments about our 4 choices.

We'd love to have a bit of property and lakefront would be [LEFT]preferable[/LEFT] but is not a must.

Portage is our default choice if none of the other 4 work out.

[wagonproject]

I grew up in Mattawan and still live here (though I am only 22). Mattawan has excellent schools. We have a lot of newer neighborhoods going up on all the farm land. You can find houses around here with less then an acre to 10-15+. Or I can sell you all 1500 acres of our farm if you'd like, lol. The only problem would be lakefront, but there are houses out there. Just expect to pay more as there usually in the "nicer" neighborhoods.

Oshtemo is another great town just east of Mattawan. There's a lot of nice neighborhoods there too.

My mom grew up in Vicksburg and loved the town, thats about all I know.

Though if I was you I'd look into Portage as it would be less of a commute for you. My wife did the commute for a bit while doing a project for work and it got tiring real fast though. Don't want to live in BC?

[MittenDweller82]

I'm not sure I would classify any area in "west Michigan" as a "best area", although I like Marshall considerably more than crime ridden BC or Kzoo, and its worth the drive given its cultural outflow from Chicago and Detroit. Battle Creek is highly advised against unless you are a multi-millionaire and care nothing of your housing investment. Kalamazoo has been in constant deterioration for decades, with only WMU as a staple of attraction. If work is your only reason for residing in these areas then Marshall would be my choice by far.

[jeeg]

We personally really like Vicksburg. Friendly people, good value for the money, and still close enough to both K-zoo and B.C to commute.

[naterbug]

Thanks all for the responses!

We are leaning toward Vicksburg as we've heard the schools are great. Marshal is too far east for us as we have family in Paw Paw and South Haven and spend most of our Summer in South Haven or heading north toward Ludington.

[darstar]

Gull Lake would be my choice if I were forced to move back to the area. Great little lake, best in S. Mi., hands down. Property can be pricy on the lake.