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Kalamazoo, MI

Frequently asked questions

Kalamazoo, MI

Kalamazoo is a city in and the county seat of Kalamazoo County, Michigan, United States. At the 2020 census, Kalamazoo had a population of 73,598. It is the principal city of the Kalamazoo–Portage metropolitan area in southwestern Michigan, which had a population of 261,670 in 2020. 

One of Kalamazoo's most notable features is the Kalamazoo Mall, an outdoor pedestrian shopping mall. The city created the mall in 1959 by closing part of Burdick Street to auto traffic, although two of the mall's four blocks have been reopened to auto traffic since 1999. Kalamazoo is home to Western Michigan University, a large public university, Kalamazoo College, a private liberal arts college, and Kalamazoo Valley Community College, a two-year community college.

Most of Kalamazoo is on the southwest bank of a major bend in the Kalamazoo River, with a small portion, about 2.8 square miles (7.3 km2), on the opposite bank. Several small tributaries of the Kalamazoo River, including Arcadia Creek and Portage Creek, wind through the city. The northeastern portion of Kalamazoo sits in the broad, flat Kalamazoo Valley, while the western portions of Kalamazoo climb into low hills to the west and south. Several small lakes are found throughout the area. It is 50 mi (80 km) south of Grand Rapids and 75 mi (121 km) southwest of Lansing.

According to the United States Census Bureau, Kalamazoo has a total area of 25.11 square miles (65.03 km2), of which 24.68 square miles (63.92 km2) is land and 0.43 square miles (1.11 km2) is water. Kalamazoo's suburban population is located primarily to the south, in the city of Portage, and to the west in Oshtemo and Texas townships.

At least part of the municipal water supply for Kalamazoo is provided by the watershed contained within the Al Sabo Preserve in Texas Charter Township, Michigan, immediately southwest of Kalamazoo. Another watershed, Kleinstuck Marsh, is popular with hikers and birdwatchers. Kleinstuck Marsh is south of Maple Street, between Oakland Drive and Westnedge Avenue, Kalamazoo's major north-south artery.

Kalamazoo places a strong emphasis on health and wellness for its residents. The Radisson Plaza Hotel at Kalamazoo Center houses the Idun Spa and Salon, where guests can enjoy a range of rejuvenating treatments. West Hills Athletic Club provides extensive fitness facilities, including tennis courts, swimming pools, and fitness classes. Ascension Borgess Health & Fitness offers a comprehensive wellness program with personal training, group classes, and state-of-the-art equipment. Yoga practitioners can visit Susan Corak Yoga for a range of classes from beginner to advanced levels. The Down Dog Yoga Center in Kalamazoo emphasizes holistic wellness through its diverse yoga and meditation offerings. Ascension Borgess Hospital offers comprehensive health services, including wellness check-ups and preventive care programs.

Top sites in Kalamazoo, MI are Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, Kalamazoo Valley Museum, and Kalamazoo Nature Center.

Population: 73,126 (2023). ZIP codes: 49001, 49003, 49009, 49019, 49048. Area code: 269. Elevation: 784 ft (239 m). Area: 25.14 sq mi (65.12 km2).

FAQs

What is Kalamazoo, MI is known for?

Today Kalamazoo is home to the Kalamazoo Promise, three colleges & universities, nationally recognized healthcare systems, diverse and affordable housing, clean and safe drinking water, and many parks, lakes, and golf courses. A wide variety of businesses call Kalamazoo home, including industry leaders in the pharmaceutical, medical science, and craft beer industries. Kalamazoo also offers a huge variety of music, visual art, dance, and theater for everyone to enjoy.

How did Kalamazoo, MI get its name?

There are several theories about the origin of Kalamazoo’s name. But the most prevalent derives from the Potawatomi Algonquian language. Kalamazoo means boiling water or the land where water boils in this language. This could refer to sharp turns in the river, to its frothing water. Another theory derives from the word negikanamazo, or otter tail. Yet another relates to mirages in the water.

Is Kalamazoo, MI expensive to live in?

Kalamazoo, Michigan's cost of living is 22% lower than the national average. The cost of living in any area can vary based on factors such as your career, its average salary, and the real estate market of that area. Kalamazoo's housing expenses are 49% lower than the national average and the utility prices are 3% lower than the national average. Transportation expenses like bus fares and gas prices are 7% lower than the national average. Kalamazoo has grocery prices that are 19% lower than the national average. Healthcare in Kalamazoo is 3% lower than the national average.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Kalamazoo

Payscale

Big Lake Movers

Kalamazoo Institute of Arts

Kalamazoo Valley Museum

Kalamazoo Nature Center

The Radisson Plaza Hotel at Kalamazoo Center

West Hills Athletic Club

Ascension Borgess Health & Fitness

Susan Corak Yoga

Down Dog Yoga Center

Ascension Borgess Hospital

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete, or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.