South Westnedge - Kalamazoo, MI

The city of Kalamazoo once stood as a trading post, with the first white settler arriving in 1795 in the area now known as downtown. Portage Creek, which passes through the eastern edge of South Westnedge, served as an important waterway. As Kalamazoo grew over the centuries, it eventually spread into the South Westnedge area, with most homes being built during the housing boom of the 1970s.

Living in South Westnedge places you just minutes from cultural attractions like the Air Zoo, with its interactive aviation exhibits, and downtown museums like the Kalamazoo Institute of the Arts. The city's vibrant art scene trickles into this suburban community with several craft stores, framing services and the Happy Our Art studio where you can sip on wine while learning to paint.

Explore a local dining scene teeming with hometown diners and cafes with a few international eateries thrown into the mix. South Westnedge Avenue houses a treasure trove of local favorites that value friendly service and high-quality eats over trendy decor.

Stop into Oakwood Bistro to sample some unique culinary creations with a touch of gourmet. With its small-town cafe feel, this place never feels stuffy or pretentious. Locals stop here to enjoy a healthy lunch with lean protein and vegetables as the focal point. For a vegetarian meal, try the vegetable tort brioche or red pepper and spinach lasagna; and don't leave without savoring the bistro's specialty vanilla creme brulee.

For local favorites like gyros, BLTs and breakfast specials, swing by Theo & Stacy's to fill your belly. If you see the chicken and waffles special, don't hesitate to order a plate. The honey-injected fried chicken makes all the difference. Also be sure to try the omelet with hash browns, and grab a fresh-made dessert before you hit the road.

Locals head to Riviera Maya to chow down on a mean quesadilla while sipping on a margarita. This place also cooks up some great queso enchiladas and fajita taco salads. The Mayan decor creates a fun atmosphere, and the cheap lunch specials never disappoint.

Despite its close proximity to central Kalamazoo, South Westnedge doesn't have much public transportation, with only a few buses servicing the area and around 90 percent of residents getting around by car. Interstate 94 runs along the neighborhood's southern edge while South Westnedge Avenue takes you directly into downtown Kalamazoo. Enjoy an abundance of free parking with spacious business lots along the retail strip. If you need a quick drive to the airport, ditch the car and call Kalamazoo Taxi or a ride-share service like Uber.

South Westnedge has no bike lanes, but residents enjoy an easy cruise along the residential streets during the warmer months. You can easily run your errands on foot if you live near South Westnedge Avenue, but other residential areas remain far from local amenities.

When you want to kick back on your day off, explore one of South Westnedge's natural public parks, or try your luck fishing on Whites Lake. At Blanche Hull Park, visitors run with their dogs through wide open green spaces and charming nature trails. Pack some sandwiches to enjoy on the picnic tables with your family before stepping out to play a game of Frisbee.

Portage Creek Bicentennial Park belongs to the city of Portage, but South Westnedge locals come here to bike or jog along more than three miles of trails overlooking historic Portage Creek. Take your kids to play on one of the playgrounds, or head over to the picnic area to meet with your neighbors.

The overall cost of living in South Westnedge stands slightly above average for Kalamazoo. A one-bedroom apartments rents for about $560 a month. If you want to reach downtown Kalamazoo by bus, expect to pay around $1.50 for a one-way trip. Residents generally pay 12 percent below the national average for gas, and entertainment prices remain cheap with a glass of draft beer at the local bars and grills costing $2 to $3.

The shopping scene along South Westnedge Avenue charms residents with a collection of local boutiques and specialty stores. Find book stores, thrift shops, bead shops, golf stores and all your basic amenities alongside clusters of alternative medicine shops and services. Big spenders have to travel to downtown Kalamazoo for high-end fashion boutiques and jewelers, but bargain hunters never have a dull time along this discount-savvy strip. Stop into Little Chick Shoe Shop to find a new pair of winter boots or summer sandals for your little one. The staff do their best to find the perfect fit for your kiddo, and they're always willing to make some changes if you have a problem. Prices may be a little steeper than your local Walmart, but you can't beat the quality. Gamers might spend hours browsing Fanfare Sports & Entertainment, a unique shop stocking role-playing equipment, used video games, Heroclix and comic books. The store also features a wide selection of original comic art to frame on your wall. Join the loyalty program for hefty discounts on comics, and check back for special events like Yu-Gi-Oh and Pokemon game nights. Pick up all your standard groceries at Meijer before stopping by Beer and Skittles to pick up craft beer from local breweries. Stop by Kalamazoo Farmers' Market in downtown Kalamazoo, offering organic produce and fresh-popped popcorn.