Commute
High scores in the commute category could indicate that this area offers short commute times to work and readily available public transportation options.
Cost Of Living
Residents in this area benefit from an affordable cost of living. This includes goods and services, transportation, housing, utilities, groceries and healthcare.
Housing
The housing category in this area boasts higher than average scores, likely influenced by a positive home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Health & Safety
Earning a high health and safety score depends on factors such as good air quality and the availability of essential health facilities like hospitals, clinics, doctors, and fire stations.
Crime
High crime rates per 100,000 people are reported in this area, potentially indicating that it is an unsafe place to live. These statistics consider both violent and property offenses.
Employment
The combination of low income levels and high unemployment rates contributes to a low score in the employment category, which could make it challenging to secure well-paying jobs.
Ratings
Polls and surveys done by AreaVibes among area residents did not yield positive feedback when it came to the walkability of amenities, safety, nearby parks and the overall sense of community.
Kalamazoo, Michigan is a moderately-sized city with a population of 76,106 residents. Kalamazoo has a population density of 3,082 people per square mile. This would be considered well above the national population density level. The majority of Kalamazoo residents report their race to be White; this is followed by Black and Asian. Kalamazoo tends to attract a younger crowd, as the median age of 26 is far below the national average. Kalamazoo is not known to have a high population (over 15 years old) of married people. At only 33% married, this city falls well below the national average. If you're not a fan of traffic congestion and long commute times to work, Kalamazoo is the place to be. Commutes to work here are shorter, with an average one-way commute time taking only 18 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
Without the right tools, moving to any new town can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Kalamazoo, Michigan could be a great experience for anyone who puts in the effort to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. With useful information like crime, health & safety, employment and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Kalamazoo and in the areas around Kalamazoo is a much easier task.
Kalamazoo has a livability score of 75/100 and is ranked #148 in Michigan and #3,329 in the USA. Pack your bags! This is a very high score in comparison to other US cities. Living in Kalamazoo could be a great choice! There are nine total categories that create the livability score. Kalamazoo scores well for housing (A-) On a less positive note, Kalamazoo does not have favorable ranks for the following: crime (F) and employment (D-). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.
Achieving a cost-effective lifestyle can be pivotal in managing your monthly expenditures, especially given the ongoing upward trajectory of everday goods and housing prices. In Kalamazoo, residents are fortunate to experience a cost of living that is 20.47% below the national average. This advantageous positioning extends its impact to a wide spectrum of expenses, encompassing not only goods and services but also transportation and health care costs. As a result, this area stands out as a place where your money stretches further, ensuring that you can maintain a more economical and sustainable lifestyle. This affordability becomes increasingly valuable in an era marked by soaring costs, making Kalamazoo an attractive choice for those seeking financial prudence without compromising on quality of life.
A robust real estate market serves as a crucial economic indicator, reflecting the local area's strength, stability and the confidence of its residents. Kalamazoo excels in the housing sector, scoring high marks based on factors such as median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability. These calculations suggest that the apartment rental and real estate market in the region is exceptionally healthy, highlighting the area's economic vitality and attractiveness to potential homebuyers and renters.
Assuming that Kalamazoo meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Kalamazoo. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Kalamazoo are simply unattainable. The median home price for Kalamazoo homes is $113,700, which is 11% lower than the Michigan average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Kalamazoo, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 2.6, which is 4% higher than the Michigan average.
| Statistic | Kalamazoo | Michigan | National |
| Average one way commute | 18min | 24min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 75.4% | 82.5% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 8.3% | 8.8% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 3.0% | 1.4% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.9% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 6.8% | 2.2% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 4.6% | 3.7% | 4.6% |
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