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Quote:American Institute for Economic Research - Small Metros Ranking


#20 Kalamazoo, Mich.
POPULATION: 258,031
STUDENTS: 33,229
RANKING DETAIL:
#14 COLLEGE EDUCATED
#14 DIVERSITY
Quality of life
#18 CITY ACCESS
#18 ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
#4 BARS AND RESTAURANTS
Economics
#20 YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT
#12 LABOR FORCE
#4 INNOVATION
#1 RENT

Quote:Home to Western Michigan University, a large public university, and Kalamazoo College, a small liberal arts school, Kalamazoo ends our list of top small metros. Employment levels in STEM are particularly high, in part thanks to the Western Michigan University School of Medicine, Borgess Health, and Bronson Healthcare. The global research and development arm of Zoetis, the world’s largest producer of veterinary medical supplies, is also headquartered in the area. Kalamazoo offers a great restaurant and bar scene, largely because of its local breweries and brewpubs. The best known is Bell’s Brewery. Aside from local brews, students will also enjoy some of the lowest rents among all small metros in the country.

Kalamazoo is going through a renaissance. A lot of economic development going on around town, lots of money being invested. Businesses moving in and expanding operations. Downtown is really nice with many dining and entertainment options. Great employment options at Stryker, Bronson, Borgess, Zoetis, Eaton, Pfizer, PNC and more. Pretty cool to be around for this upswing.

Kalamazoo is a remarkably underrated and under appreciated small city. Great and vibrant downtown with tons of restaurants/bars, festivals throughout the year, great institutions of learning like WMU and K. Miller Auditorium, Chenery Auditorium, and the Civic Theater provide entertaining cultural activities.

And of course, there is the Kalamazoo Promise. Plus, now that we have global warming, the weather is tolerable even in the winter.