$397,160Average Value$235Average Price per Sq Ft19Homes For Sale
Waterfront living in Paw Paw Lake
The community around Paw Paw Lake is home to permanent residents seeking a waterfront lifestyle as well as vacationers escaping the big city. “Paw Paw Lake has a lot of second homes,” says Sara Porter, head of youth programming and outreach services at Coloma Public Library. “We’re two hours from Chicago, so a lot of people who live in the city have a lake home here.” The area and its namesake lake are split between Coloma Charter Township and Watervliet Township in Berrien County. The 857-acre lake, about 5 miles from the shores of Lake Michigan, is the centerpiece of the community, along with the smaller Little Paw Paw Lake just north. “It’s not a private lake, so anyone can launch their boat,” Porter says. “It gets really busy during the summer, especially on Fourth of July.”
Virtually every lot along Paw Paw Lake is occupied, with newer homes replacing older homes.
The general public, not just homeowners, can use the Paw Paw Lake Boat Launch.
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Houses and condos on and off the water
Hundreds of houses surround the large lake. Most have docks for boat storage, and there are several with small, private beaches on the water. They come in various shapes and sizes, ranging from 1,200 square-foot homes for as low as $480,000 to upscale houses with nearly 5,000 square feet for $2.2 million. Some houses off the lake still have views of the water. They can range anywhere from $350,000 to $750,000. Inland ranch-style homes without water views range between $100,000 and $700,000. There are also condos in the area, including waterfront properties that sell for $450,000 to $500,000 with a community dock. Condos off the water range from $250,000 to $400,000.
On average, homes sell after 27 days on the market, which is faster than the national average. The neighborhood also receives a CAP crime score of 2, lower than the national average of 4.
Newer, large lakefront homes have boat docks and sandy beaches on Paw Paw Lake.
A collection of smaller homes lines Paw Paw Lake in Waterlviet.
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Summer and winter activities on Paw Paw Lake
Whether people are heading out on the water from their home docks or a public boat ramp, the lakes draw people all year. “It gets really busy in the summer,” says Porter. “There are lots of people boating, fishing and water skiing. If it’s cold enough, they’ll be out there ice fishing.” Sunset Park is on the water and aptly named for its sunset views from the fishing pier or beach. The public Paw Paw Golf Course is also on the shores of Paw Paw Lake. Several parks sit along the Paw Paw River, such as Hays Park, featuring ball fields used by local leagues, a basketball court, a skate park and a fishing pier.
Sunset Park provides beautiful views of Paw Paw Lake, especially at sunset.
Hays Park, located near Watervliet, is along the Paw Paw River, a few minutes from Paw Paw Lake.
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A big Fourth of July celebration
Paw Paw Lake attracts a large crowd on the Fourth of July. The celebration is, of course, capped off with a fireworks show that locals and visitors watch from their boats, Sunset Park or their own lakefront yards.
Lots of local restaurants and a few retailers
Locals typically head to Paw Paw Street to shop and dine out. It’s lined with dozens of local bars and restaurants, including the Friendly Tavern, a community staple serving homestyle food. “The Friendly Tavern is like the hometown local spot where everyone and their mother goes,” says Porter. “Imagine the most Midwestern place you can think of where everybody knows everybody.” Locals also hit up Hub Central 185 for breakfast and El Asadero for Mexican food. Harding’s is the only big grocery store in the area, and there are a few Dollar Generals and a Family Dollar.
Homeowners and renters on Paw Paw Lake visit Coloma for a drink and a good meal at the Family Tavern.
Las Mangonadas is an ice cream parlor that's a summer mainstay in Coloma near Paw Paw Lake.
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Education through Coloma Community School District
Students can start at Coloma Elementary School, which receives a C-plus grade from Niche. C-rated Coloma Intermediate serves fourth and fifth graders, followed by C-rated Coloma Junior High. Coloma High School receives a B and is ranked the sixth-best college prep high school in Berrien County.
Coloma High School has a student population of 369 students.
Coloma Intermediate School and Elementary School are located on the same campus.
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Getting to Benton Harbor and Lake Michigan
Paw Paw Lake is a car-dependent community with no public transportation. Interstate 94 is nearby, and locals can get to Benton Harbor in about 20 minutes or Lake Michigan Beach in about 10. Travelers can fly out of South Bend International Airport, 45 minutes away.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Colleen Dawson,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Aep River Park
Baker Park
Hays Park
Laura Baker Park
Openneer Park
Paw Paw River Park
Sunset Park
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Paw Paw Lake
US
Homicide
3
4
Sexual Assault
2
4
Assault with Weapon
3
4
Robbery
3
4
Burglary
2
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
2
4
Larceny
2
4
Crime Score
2
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Paw Paw Lake, Coloma sell after 36 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Paw Paw Lake, Coloma over the last 12 months is $377,284, up 5% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
NEWLY UPDATED FIRST FLOOR CONDO! 2 bdrm unit includes assigned boat slip & steps from your own private beach. Renovated kitchen w/granite c-tops, new cabs & stone backsplash. Freshly painted interior, updated main bathroom, & new carpet in both bedrms. Primary bedrm has attached half bath. This end unit comes w/large private yard & no neighbors behind along with large front patio. Added
Step inside this custom built Dale Christie home to discover spacious, light-filled living areas featuring high-end finishes, soaring ceilings, and large windows that frame the waters of Paw Paw Lake. The semi open-concept kitchen and living space flow seamlessly onto a large deck—ideal for entertaining or simply unwinding with a morning coffee. This thoughtfully designed residence blends
If you're looking for your own piece of paradise in a quality-built home that overlooks the beautiful greens of a popular golf course this is the one! Home welcomes you with soaring vaulted ceilings adorned with exquisite pillars that seamlessly flow throughout the main living quarters with a gorgeous gas log fireplace as the focal point. The elegant formal dining will lead you into a gourmet
Amazing Half Acre Buildable Home Site! Includes a Assigned Boat Slip and Direct Access to Paw Paw Lake located just steps away. Paw Paw Lake is an 850 acre all sports lake under 2 hours from Chicago and 1 hour from Grand Rapids. This wooded home site is set in a quiet beautiful cul-de-sac overlooking Paw Paw Lake Golf Course at Hole 16. Bring your plan and builder or discuss our recommended
OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS! Building Lot in great location near Paw Paw Lake. Natural setting and good walking neighborhood towards the lake of course! Boat launch nearby. Minutes to downtown Coloma or Watervliet.Just 107 miles from Chicago. 42 miles to Kalamazoo. 13 miles to St.Joseph MI and Silver Beach on Lake Michigan. Coloma offers lake side charms and the area farms are abundant in the best fruit
Look! Paw Paw Lake!! Beautiful 3 bedroom, 2 bath home with 165 ft. of waterfront and permanent electric boat lift. New well in 2021. 3 season room with jacuzzi to relax in after a fun filled day of boating and watercraft fun. Large outdoor space to enjoy a beverage, get some sun and watch the parade of boats go by. Start making memories with family and friends. Close to wineries, fruits stands,
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Colleen Dawson,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
4,440
Median Age
46
Population under 18
20.2%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
26.4%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$56,417
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$72,294
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
89.4%
College Graduates
21.1%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
7.9%
% Population in Labor Force
59%
Below the national average
65.1%
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
26/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
5/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
