In Kalamazoo County, you’ll find a unique and exciting city vibe with the comfort of warm people, an easy-going pace of life, and truly beautiful countryside. With abundant lakes, trails, and parks and a walkable downtown that boasts the nation’s first outdoor pedestrian shopping mall, there’s a tailored experience for every interest. Just minutes from downtown, you’ll find breathtaking nature, with endless opportunities to bike, hike, camp, kayak, golf, and ski. The area is known for craft beer, notably Bell’s Brewery, a pioneer in the craft beer industry since 1985. Kalamazoo County is also home to world-class museums and attractions including the Smithsonian affiliated Air Zoo Aerospace and Science Museum and the Gilmore Car Museum, North America’s largest automobile museum.
The local economy is driven by not only the 20 Fortune 1000 companies headquartered or physically present but also by the multitude of companies working in the region’s primary industry sectors. The depth and diversity of companies working in the manufacturing, life/health sciences, design, agriculture, and food processing sectors have made Kalamazoo well-known for its innovations ranging from the Gibson guitar and turning bed frame to the COVID-19 vaccine and coated recycled board.
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Thrive in Kalamazoo County
We love living in Kalamazoo for its high quality of life paired with one of the lowest costs of living in the country but you don’t need to take our word for it. Publications and organizations from coast to coast recognize Kalamazoo as one of the greatest places to live. We’ve been called the Coolest Place in the U.S. with the Lowest Cost of Living, one of the “Top 40 Arts-Vibrant Communities in the U.S.,” and one of the top three for cities for college graduates. Speaking of college, graduating Kalamazoo Public School students benefit from the Kalamazoo Promise, a scholarship program that covers tuition costs at over 60 higher learning institutions across the state.
In Kalamazoo, we pride ourselves as being a community famous for many “firsts” and innovative processes. Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine. Checker cabs. Parchment paper. Shakespeare Rod & Reel. Gibson Guitars. Stryker’s turning bed frame. All were concepted, designed, and “made in Kalamazoo.” Today, the innovation continues across a variety of industry sectors resulting in a strong and diverse economy. Thriving employers seek out Southwest Michigan for its skilled workforce, legacy of design and innovation, proximity to customers, sense of community and low cost of living.
With a population of more than 325,000, Kalamazoo is among the 150 largest cities in the country. It’s large enough to support all the amenities and entertainment found in larger cities and yet, you’ll find breathtaking nature with endless opportunities to bike, hike, camp, kayak, golf and ski just minutes from downtown. The area is known for craft beer, notably Bell’s Brewery, a pioneer in the craft beer industry since 1985. Kalamazoo is also home to world-class museums and attractions including the Smithsonian affiliated Air Zoo Aerospace and Science Museum and the Gilmore Car Museum, North America’s largest automobile museum. Plus, being midway between Chicago and Detroit, you’re always a short drive away from the largest cities in the Midwest.
News from Kalamazoo County
Radio Station in Kalamazoo Named College Station of the Year
Western Michigan University’s student-run radio station, 89.1 WIDR FM, was named the Best College/University Station (more than 10,000 students) at the 85th annual Intercollegiate Broadcasting System (IBS) awards. WIDR was also selected as the top honor winner of the...
From Kalamazoo to the NFL: A Kalamazoo Promise Success Story
Etienne LeSuer’s journey from Kalamazoo to the NFL is a testament to the power of education, opportunity, and hard work. As a Higher Promise student, Etienne pursued his passion for sports and marketing, gaining hands-on experience at Western Michigan University, the...
Kalamazoo Rx Kids is Ready to Launch, Giving $7,500 to All Families with New Babies
Kalamazoo’s new Rx Kids program—available to all expectant parents and babies born after Feb. 1, 2025—will open for enrollment this week. The first-of-its-kind program for Kalamazoo offers a no-strings-attached cash payment of $1,500 mid-pregnancy and $500 each month...
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Rachael Tiesenga
Director | Workforce & Leadership Development