A quick reference to the communities this site covers in southwest Michigan: where each town sits, places to get outdoors, and general tips for owning a home in Michigan.
Town Snapshots
Kalamazoo
The Kalamazoo County seat, home to Western Michigan University and Kalamazoo College, with Bronson Park downtown.
Portage
A city in Kalamazoo County directly south of Kalamazoo, home to the Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Center and the Celery Flats Interpretive Center.
Richland
A village in northeastern Kalamazoo County where M-89 and M-43 meet, a few miles west of Gull Lake.
Plainwell
A city in Allegan County on the Kalamazoo River, along US-131 north of Kalamazoo.
Vicksburg
A village in southern Kalamazoo County, south of Portage, home to the Vicksburg Historic Village.
Life Outdoors
Kal-Haven Trail State Park
A rail-trail of about 34 miles on a former railroad bed between Kalamazoo and South Haven, used for walking, biking and snowmobiling.
Lake Michigan Beaches
South Haven, at the western end of the Kal-Haven Trail, has public beaches on Lake Michigan. Van Buren State Park, just south of South Haven, has a sand beach and dunes.
Kalamazoo River Valley Trail
A paved, non-motorized trail network across Kalamazoo County that links parks and communities along the Kalamazoo River.
Gull Lake
A large inland lake in northeastern Kalamazoo County, east of Richland.
Fort Custer Recreation Area
A state recreation area near Augusta with trails, lakes and the Kalamazoo River running through it.
Kellogg Bird Sanctuary
A Michigan State University bird sanctuary near Augusta, open to visitors.
Kalamazoo Nature Center
A nature center north of Kalamazoo with walking trails through woods, prairie and wetlands.
Asylum Lake Preserve
A nature preserve on Kalamazoo's west side, managed by Western Michigan University, with trails around Asylum Lake.
Owning a Home Here
General tips for homeowners in Michigan. For details about your own property, check with your city or township assessor or the state agency named.
Principal Residence Exemption
If the home is your primary residence, file a Principal Residence Exemption Affidavit (Form 2368) with your local assessor so it is exempt from part of the school operating tax.
Taxable Value Cap
While you own your home, Michigan's Proposal A limits yearly increases in its taxable value to the rate of inflation or 5%, whichever is less. Additions and improvements can add to it.
Taxable Value Uncaps on Sale
Under Michigan's Proposal A, a home's taxable value "uncaps" after a transfer of ownership, so a new owner's tax bill can differ from the seller's.
Homestead Property Tax Credit
Eligible Michigan homeowners may claim the Homestead Property Tax Credit on Form MI-1040CR, based on household income and property taxes paid.
MSHDA Programs
The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) offers home loan and down payment assistance programs for eligible buyers.
Property Transfer Affidavit
Michigan requires buyers to file a Property Transfer Affidavit (Form 2766) with the local assessor within 45 days of the transfer.
Summer & Winter Tax Bills
Many Michigan communities issue two property tax bills a year, one in summer and one in winter. Check your city or township for its due dates.
Call MISS DIG 811
Michigan law requires contacting MISS DIG 811 at least three business days before digging, so underground utility lines can be marked.
Test for Radon
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) recommends testing every home for radon.
Prepare for Winter
Before the first hard freeze, disconnect garden hoses and shut off outdoor faucets to help prevent frozen pipes.
Ready for Your Next Step?
See current market activity, get an estimate of your home's value, or reach out with a question.