Coloma Township, Michigan: What It’s Like to Live Here (Cost, Commute, Community & More)

By Andrew McManamonPlaces To Live In Michigan

Introduction

If you’re searching for a quieter Michigan community with access to lakes, rural scenery, and nearby shoreline towns, Coloma Township may be worth exploring.

Located in Berrien County in Southwest Michigan, the township sits near Lake Michigan and includes access to inland lakes like Paw Paw Lake. Many people consider living here for the combination of open space, waterfront recreation, and proximity to nearby cities like St. Joseph and Benton Harbor.

Like any place, Coloma Township offers advantages and trade-offs depending on your lifestyle and commuting needs. Let’s walk through what you should know about housing, cost of living, property taxes, schools, and everyday life in Coloma Township, Michigan.

Coloma Township, Michigan: What It’s Like to Live Here (Cost, Commute, Community & More)

Search For All Homes For Sale

See My Home's Current Value

Where Is Coloma Township, Michigan Located?

Coloma Township is located in Berrien County in the southwestern portion of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the township is part of the Benton Harbor–St. Joseph metropolitan area. The community sits just inland from Lake Michigan and surrounds the City of Coloma.

Nearby cities include:

Benton Harbor (approximately 15 miles southwest)
St. Joseph (about 17 miles southwest)
South Haven (around 20 miles north)

Interstate 94 runs through Berrien County and provides a major east–west corridor connecting Detroit and Chicago. U.S. Route 31 also serves the region and links several Lake Michigan shoreline communities.

According to the Michigan Department of Transportation, these highway routes make commuting to regional employment centers possible while still living in a quieter township setting.

Cost of Living in Coloma Township, Michigan

Overall cost of living in Coloma Township tends to align with broader Southwest Michigan averages.

According to U.S. Census Bureau data, housing costs in Berrien County are generally below national averages. Niche.com also notes that housing affordability is one of the stronger aspects of living in many communities within the county.

BestPlaces.net reports that the cost of living in Berrien County is typically slightly below the U.S. average.

Utilities and transportation costs tend to follow broader Midwest trends, based on regional data published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

As always, individual costs depend on factors such as housing type, commuting distance, and lifestyle choices.

Real Estate & Housing Overview

Housing in Coloma Township varies from rural properties to lakefront homes.

According to U.S. Census Bureau housing data, many homes in the township were built between the 1960s and 1990s, though newer construction has appeared in recent years.

Common housing types include:

Ranch-style homes
Single-family homes on larger lots
Lakefront or lake-access properties around Paw Paw Lake
Rural homes on acreage

Paw Paw Lake is one of the region’s notable residential areas, offering waterfront housing options.

New construction occurs in parts of Berrien County but is more limited compared with fast-growing suburban areas in Southeast Michigan. Local MLS listings typically show a mix of established homes and occasional new builds.

As with any real estate market, prices and availability fluctuate depending on inventory and demand.

Property Taxes in Coloma Township

Property taxes in Coloma Township follow Michigan’s standard millage-based system.

According to the Michigan Department of Treasury, property taxes are calculated by multiplying the property’s taxable value by the applicable millage rate. Local governments and school districts determine these rates.

Coloma Township and Berrien County publish current millage rates and property tax information through their official websites.

Michigan’s Proposal A limits how much taxable value can increase each year unless ownership changes or specific improvements are made, according to the Michigan Department of Treasury.

Because millage rates vary by location and school district, verifying current tax information with local officials is recommended before purchasing property.

Things to Do & Lifestyle

One of the biggest lifestyle draws in Coloma Township is outdoor recreation.

Paw Paw Lake offers boating, fishing, and waterfront activities. According to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, it is one of the larger inland lakes in Southwest Michigan.

Lake Michigan beaches are also nearby. Hagar Park Beach, maintained by the Berrien County Parks Department, provides public shoreline access.

Outdoor enthusiasts can explore regional parks, trails, and nearby vineyards throughout Berrien County.

The surrounding communities of St. Joseph and Benton Harbor offer additional dining, retail, and entertainment options.

Seasonal festivals and local events are organized across Berrien County, according to local tourism and government sources.

Schools & Education

Students living in Coloma Township are primarily served by Coloma Community Schools.

According to GreatSchools.org, the district includes elementary, middle, and high school campuses located in or near the City of Coloma.

GreatSchools and Niche.com provide ratings and reviews based on academic performance, student progress, and available programs.

As with any school district, reviewing current ratings and visiting schools can help provide additional insight.

Pros & Cons of Living in Coloma Township

Pros:

Access to Paw Paw Lake and nearby Lake Michigan beaches (Michigan DNR, Berrien County Parks)
Housing prices generally below many national averages (BestPlaces.net)
Larger residential lots and rural properties available (U.S. Census Bureau)
Proximity to St. Joseph and Benton Harbor amenities
Outdoor recreation opportunities across Berrien County

Cons:

Fewer large employment centers within the township
Limited public transportation infrastructure
Retail and nightlife options are more limited than larger metro areas
New construction availability is moderate

Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Coloma Township, Michigan

Is Coloma Township close to Lake Michigan?

Yes. Coloma Township is located a few miles inland from Lake Michigan, with nearby public access beaches such as Hagar Park Beach, according to Berrien County Parks.

What county is Coloma Township in?

Coloma Township is located in Berrien County, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Are there lakes in Coloma Township?

Yes. Paw Paw Lake is a major inland lake located within the township and is used for boating and fishing, according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

How far is Coloma Township from Chicago?

The drive from Coloma Township to Chicago is typically around 90 miles depending on the route and traffic conditions.

What school district serves Coloma Township?

Coloma Community Schools serves most of the township area, according to GreatSchools.org.

Are lakefront homes available in Coloma Township?

Yes. Paw Paw Lake includes waterfront homes, though availability varies depending on the real estate market.

What types of homes are common in Coloma Township?

Single-family homes on larger lots and rural properties are common, according to U.S. Census Bureau housing data.

Is Coloma Township rural or suburban?

The township generally has a rural to semi-rural character with residential and agricultural land uses.

Does Coloma Township have parks or recreation areas?

Outdoor recreation is available nearby through Paw Paw Lake and Berrien County parks.

What major highways serve the area?

Interstate 94 and U.S. Route 31 serve the broader Berrien County region, according to the Michigan Department of Transportation.

Is Coloma Township growing?

Population trends can vary over time. The most reliable data is available through the U.S. Census Bureau.

To Conclude:

If you're looking to move to, from, or within the state of Michigan in one day or a million, I help people do just that and I love it as a Michigan Realtor. Please reach out anytime for help — I’m happy to be your go-to resource.