Kalamazoo is an appealing place to live. It has good schools, a lovely feel of American culture, and an overall amazing community. As such, it’s an appealing place to move to.

However, this raises the question: How do I go about buying a home in Kalamazoo? What do I need to know?

That’s why today we’re going to look at some tips for buying your next home in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

Look at the Best Neighborhoods in Kalamazoo

One of the first things you should consider when you’re looking for a house in Kalamazoo is where exactly you want to live. Kalamazoo is split into several lovely neighbors that can be a blend of everything you’re looking for in a community.

If you’re looking for the idyllic American dream, you’ll find it in one of these Kalamazoo neighborhoods.

Downtown Kalamazoo

As a college town, Downtown Kalamazoo is the go-to for young singles right out of college or looking for a place to stay while attending school. It features modern homes and developments spotted by historic and diverse Victorian-style homes and apartments for the home buyer or renter focused on aesthetic.

Plus, downtown is naturally the heart of the city, giving you an easy commute to every part of Kalamazoo.

Living downtown gives you an easy walk or drives to any one of the city’s shopping centers, music events, and restaurants.

Oakwood

If the hustle and bustle of downtown isn’t your speed, consider Oakwood. It’s a small and quiet neighborhood that’s perfect for those looking to start a family in a peaceful place. That’s why it’s so popular with new young couples and those looking for a comfortable and out-of-the-way place.

Oakwood has a low crime rate, is within reach of plenty of grocery stores and restaurants, and best of all for new families, it’s within some of the best school districts in the nation.

Milwood

Another out-of-the-way neighborhood is Milwood. Similar to Oakwood, it has that family-friendly feel and its resident’s children enjoy the high-quality schools in the district.

Plus, for the pet lover, Milwood is known for being an incredibly dog-friendly neighborhood. In fact, 92% of its residents on Trulia say so.

What to Know About Moving to Kalamazoo

When you’re buying a home, it’s more than what is just in the home. It’s about community, distance to schools, and proximity to the things you’re interested in.

Things to Do

As we mentioned, downtown Kalamazoo has a lot to offer. It’s a bustling place of art and business. It features a wide array of restaurants, stores, and museums. As such, consider the proximity of your home before making a purchase.

On one hand, you could choose a home closer to these activities for ease of access. On the other, you can locate yourself slightly further away to avoid the traffic that such an environment entails.

Education

Kalamazoo is a college town, and home to Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo College, and Kalamazoo Valley Community college. So, there are plenty of local opportunities for higher education.

In terms of public schools, there are 17 elementary schools, 5 middle schools, and 4 high schools. All of these have their own draw which includes magnet schools that focus on writing or science and technology. If this matters to you, be conscious of what district you buy your home in.

What’s more, there’s the “Kalamazoo Promise” which will be of particular interest to anyone thinking of their children’s future. Students that graduate from Kalamazoo public schools and meet basic requirements receive up to 100% of tuition paid for any in-state college or university.

Know Your Budget

As with moving everywhere, you need to be aware of your budget when you’re looking for a home in Kalamazoo. The median home value is $168,500 and rent ranges from $436 to $3,000.

There are so many lovely homes in Kalamazoo, it’s easy to look over listing prices. This could lead you to pursue a home that you just can’t get a loan for. What’s more, it’s equally important to budget for repairs and renovations. Kalamazoo’s winter storms can often lead to home repairs, and you should budget accordingly for your first couple of years.

Be Prepared to Look and Wait

Kalamazoo’s housing market is fairly competitive with houses leaving the market at an average of 8 days. However, the closing process can take anywhere from 30-45 days after a buyer accepts your offer. As such, finding the perfect home can take some time.

So, be prepared to wait for the right home to come on the market, especially if you’re looking for a specific size in a specific school district.

Work with Movers Who Care

One of the most important parts of buying a home is knowing how you’re going to move in. Kalamazoo is no different. That’s why you should contact Kalamazoo movers beforehand to make sure you’re ready.

Professional movers will do more than ensure an easy transition. Working with a local company like Big Lake Movers means you get more than an easy move, you’re being taken care of by those who know and love the community you’re joining.

Moving to Kalamazoo, Michigan

So to summarize, there are so many reasons to consider when moving to Kalamazoo. It all depends on what you’re looking for in a home. However, regardless of what you’re looking for, Kalamazoo has it. Whether you’re looking for a downtown experience, quality schools for your children, or just a quiet neighborhood to start a family, there’s something for you.

We’re Big Lake Movers. An affordable, licensed, and insured movers serving Grand Rapids, Holland, and Kalamazoo Michigan. We’re ready to help you relocate.