Portage Real Estate, Area and Community Information

The City of Portage is truly a great place to live. Portage residents enjoy affordable housing with low taxes, safe and well-maintained neighborhoods, world-class healthcare, enriching activities and entertainment and a unique parks system that connects citizens to each other and to the natural world.  These are just a few aspects that make Portage a place for opportunities to grow.

Portage Life

Portage offers the comforts of living in a smaller city with the benefits and convenience of a short drive into Kalamazoo’s vibrant downtown. Residents enjoy an active and safe community with much to offer. The area boasts a unique and extensive biking system with over 50 miles of trails connecting neighborhoods, businesses and area parks. Several lakes, including a 110-acre wetland nature preserve, complement the city’s expansive park system. For those interested in shopping, Portage is also home to the area’s only regional mall plus many popular restaurants. Strong community programs help to complete this city’s enjoyable atmosphere.

History of Portage

Long before the earliest settlers arrived in the early 1800s, Potowatami Indians inhabited the area. The Indians hunted, fished, grew corn, dwelt in conical shaped wigwams, and greeted the early settlers in peace. The lush land of Portage had been largely ignored by the early westerly migration of settlers due to the mistaken belief that it was an uninhabitable swamp, unfit for cultivation. Surprisingly, later settlers discovered the rich soil made a perfect growing environment for celery. By the 1880s, Portage had earned the distinction of "Celery City" of the nation. The area remained prolific in celery production until the middle of the twentieth century.

Education in Portage

Highly regarded for excellent teachers and a respected system, Portage schools have earned a great reputation with incredible results. Recent achievements include numerous state and national “Teacher of the Year” awards, the Newsweek “Best High Schools” national ranking in 2008, International Baccalaureate programs and above state and national averages in each grade level. With 8 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, 2 high schools and a community high school, Portage has much to offer its students and parents.

Portage Opportunities

A growing city, Portage is home to many large employers including Pfizer, Stryker Corporation, State Farm Insurance, Meijer and Summit Polymers to name just a few. An energetic workforce helps to foster creative opportunities and future potential for many years to come.

Larry Reed American Professional Homes Phone: 269-327-3935 Fax: 269-283-4033 PO BOX 1088 Portage, MI 49081