$219,017Average Value$143Average Price per Sq Ft38Homes For Sale
A rising industrial town with historical appeal
While Coldwater’s population had begun a decline in the early 2000s, the arrival of Clemens Food Group and their 650,000-square-foot processing plant on the city’s northeast end brought nearly 1,800 jobs to the region. Today, the population of this southern Michigan city has rebounded to almost 14,000 residents. With a public-use airport, a regional hospital and many ongoing developments, Coldwater is on the rise as one of the fastest-growing communities in the state. “That industrial growth has led to our residential growth,” city manager Keith Baker says. “We’re definitely an anomaly within the state of Michigan.”
Clemen's Food Group employs nearly 2000 residents of Coldwater at their plant.
Public-use Branch County Memorial Airport west of Coldwater is home to a local flight school.
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Limited housing with a growing apartment presence
With less than two months’ supply at any time, Coldwater has limited properties available, with lakefront houses and vacant land largely dominating the market. There are also manufactured housing communities in Trail Tree Village and Fairview Estates, with most homes selling at a median price of $240,000. Additionally, the city is constructing over 400 new apartments through several ongoing developments, including the recently completed Summit Apartments. “We tend to be a summer destination for people in Ohio, Indiana and Illinois – a lot of vacation homes, Vrbos and cottages on the adjoining lake chains,” Keith says.
Coldwater's housing market is largely dominated by lake houses and vacation homes.
The recently completed Summit Apartments brings an affordable housing option to Coldwater.
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Public transportation and steam trains
Two major thoroughfares provide access to the community of Coldwater – Interstate 69, which runs from Indiana through the Canadian border, and U.S. Highway 12, which runs east to west. The Branch Area Transit Authority has offered public transportation throughout the county for more than 30 years, and scenic train rides through Hillsdale have been in service on the Little River Railroad since 1975. Emergency care should be sought out at the ProMedica Coldwater Regional Hospital, while the closest commercial airport is 50 miles away at the Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport.
Campgrounds and lake life
With 12 parks, two lakes and a river, Coldwater is an active outdoor community with activities ranging from hiking to four-wheeling. “There’s lots of recreation around the area,” says John Rakocy, an associate broker with Hauska Home and Farm. “Boating, kayaking, fishing – anything you can think of with water.” There are over 400 campsites to pull the RV into at the 1,074-acre Waffle Farm Campgrounds, and in the chilly winter months, the pond next to Sauk River freezes into a skating pond that families can use for free.
Waffle Farm Campground has over 400 lakeside campsites for Coldwater locals to rent.
Summer in Coldwater brings a laid-back lake life with ice skating and ice fishing in winter.
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Branches of education
The closest school district is the Coldwater Community Schools system, which earned a B-minus on Niche.com and has a student-teacher ratio of 21-to-1 across its five campuses. Branch Intermediate School District offers early and special education services, while the Branch Area Careers Center provides a technical education curriculum. Outside of kindergarten through 12th-grade education, locals have the Kellogg Community College’s Grahl Center, which offers nearly two dozen college courses through the center’s 13 classrooms.
Coldwater High School in Branch Intermediate School District boasts a B- Niche.com rating.
Branch Area Careers Center features a range of technical programs for students of all ages.
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Historic theaters and opera houses
Built in 1882, the Tibbits Opera House is one of the oldest establishments in the city and the second-oldest surviving theater in the state. Restored to its original condition in 2013, this 500-seat venue is a popular destination for community events, concerts and live theatrical performances featuring local talent. There’s also the Capri Drive-In Theater, which recently celebrated 60 years of playing movies on its two big screens. Festivals throughout the year, including Strawberry and Apple Fests highlighting the agricultural influence on the city, bring the community together.
Shakespeare's bust has overlooked Coldwater showgoers at Tibbits Opera House since 1882.
For over 60 year Capri Drive-In Theater has entertained Coldwater movie lovers.
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Social life in the downtown district
Nearly 100 shops, salons and restaurants are located within Downtown Coldwater, a lively commercial hub with brick buildings dating back between the 1860s and 1920s. Dining options include local bars, grilles and a brewery, and locals have many grocery store options on hand, including Walmart, Meijer and Aldi.
A Walmart east of downtown gives Coldwater shoppers easy access to big box variety.
A convenient Aldi gives residents of Coldwater affordable access to premium quality foods.
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Weather and crime
With warm summers and freezing winters, Coldwater earns its namesake with an average of 42 inches of snowfall every year. According to Coldwater Police Department records, the crime rate decreased by 8% over the past two years and is below the national average. It’s also worth noting that around 1,400 inmates live at the Lakeland Correctional Facility, which is at the city's northernmost point.
Written By
David Dunn
Photography Contributed By
James Gordon
Video By
Maurice Boone
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Coldwater, MI sell after 46 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Coldwater, MI over the last 12 months is $220,000, up 7% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
OPEN HOUSE THURSDAY 4/16/26 5:00-6:30 PM! Welcome Home! Beautiful Bob Buescher built, move-in ready home offering comfort, style, and privacy. The main level features cathedral ceilings with abundant natural light, a great kitchen ideal for cooking and gathering, and three spacious bedrooms with two full baths. The primary bedroom includes an attached bathroom and a walk-in closet. The finished
Updated. Move-in ready. Extra space. This 3 bed, 2 bath ranch features a remodeled kitchen, modern primary bath with a curbless tile shower, and a new roof (2025). The finished basement includes three flex rooms currently used as bedrooms and gym, plus additional living space. Main floor laundry hook ups are availble but currently not used. The 3-car garage offers endless possibilities, storage,
Welcome to easy lakeside living at 716 Bayside Lane! This cozy 2-bedroom, 1-bath ranch-style home offers an efficient layout perfect for a weekend getaway, or an investment property. The functional floor plan provides comfortable living space, a bright interior, and low-maintenance living. Located in a quiet residential setting near local amenities, this home also comes with a boat and golf cart
Well-maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bath home built in 2009 featuring a metal roof just 3 years old and in great condition. Located at 100 Munson St in Coldwater, this property offers newer construction, a functional layout, and solid overall condition. Great opportunity for an owner-occupant or investor looking for a move-in-ready home in a convenient location.
Welcome to this well-maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bath home located in a quiet, desirable neighborhood. Enjoy the peace and quiet from the neighborhood and drive to town in minutes! This move-in ready property offers a bright, open layout that provides a comfortable flow for both everyday living and entertaining. The spacious primary suite features a private full bathroom, creating a relaxing retreat.
Imagine morning coffee on the wraparound porch surrounded by beautiful perennial gardens. Step into this charming traditional style home, where historic craftsmanship meets thoughtful modern updates. Situated on an extra-large, beautifully landscaped lot, the home is highlighted by a welcoming covered wraparound porch--perfect for relaxing mornings and quiet evenings. From the moment you enter,
160 Acres | Branch County, MI | Premier Turn-Key Hunting PropertyLocated just west of Coldwater, this exceptional 160-acre property offers one of the finest turnkey hunting and recreational setups in Southern Michigan.The land features approximately 30 acres of tillable ground with the remaining 130 acres consisting of prime timber and elite whitetail habitat. This parcel has been
Ready for more? Here at Trail Tree Village we have everything you're looking for! Like this 2 -bedroom 2 -bathroom home for $70,000.00! This home is on a premium lot with plenty of space and privacy! Don't miss out on this home! Contact a home specialist today!For more information, contact one of our Home Specialists!Financing options available through lending partners. All credit scores
Welcome to your perfect lakeside escape on Messenger Lake! This beautifully updated 2-bedroom, 1-bath cottage offers the ideal blend of cozy charm and modern comfort, all set along the peaceful waterfront in Coldwater. Step inside to find a thoughtfully refreshed interior with inviting living spaces, perfect for relaxing after a day on the water. The open layout creates a bright, airy feel, while
Discover your private retreat on 10 picturesque acres, complete with a stocked pond & abundant wildlife. This charming ranch-style home features 3 bedrooms & 2 full baths, offering comfortable, single-level living with a fully finished walkout basement perfect for entertaining with its built-in wet bar.The bright kitchen showcases white cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, & a glass sliding
Adorable two-bedroom, one-bath ranch-style home offering lake access to all-sports Rose Lake! House sits on 2 lots on a beautiful corner lot. This inviting home features a comfortable living area perfect for entertaining family and friends. The spacious kitchen offers ample cupboard space and includes convenient main-floor laundry. Recent updates include newer roof, furnace and water softener.
Apartments at Sauk Trail is a community offering a great residential environment, upscale amenities and excellent service for our residents. We offer one and two bedrooms that are sure to please. Whether you want to relax by our resort-style pool or workout in our 24 fitness center, Sauk Trail is sure to have something for you! We are close to shopping, dining, and entertainment and have easy
Ready for an upgrade? Look no further than Trail Tree Village Expansion! This beautiful 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home is available in the middle of April. Enjoy the welcoming atmosphere from the charming front porch, ideal for relaxing and taking in the view. With an open-concept floorplan, the layout of this home is yours to customize and explore. Don't let this opportunity slip away-call now to
Step into this fully remodeled home situated in the heart of Coldwater, MI.With newer carpets, new vinyl plank flooring, New Efficiency Furnace, New Central Air Conditioning, all new light fixtures, electricals, and plumbing, this home is sure to please the fussiest of renters. The home boasts an expansive backyard 90% fenced in with 2 driveways for parking and a private enclosed porch
Set in a peaceful. quiet subdivision with all the conveniences of small city living, this Large open concept 2-bedroom home in desirable downtown Coldwater checks all the boxes. The home features all New Furnace, AC, and Roof. In addition all new vinyl plank flooring has been installed throughout. See it for yourself to believe, and finally have a space you can call home and grow in for
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