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

By Andrew McManamonPlaces To Live In Michigan

Introduction

If you’re exploring quieter places to live in southern Michigan, California Township might be one of the areas worth looking into.

Located in Branch County near the city of Coldwater, California Township offers open space, access to inland lakes, and a slower pace compared to larger suburban communities. Many people are drawn to the township for its rural setting, outdoor recreation opportunities, and proximity to nearby towns for everyday amenities.

As with any community, living here comes with both advantages and trade-offs. In this guide, we’ll walk through the cost of living, housing market, property taxes, schools, and lifestyle considerations in California Township, Michigan so you can get a realistic sense of what life here looks like.

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

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Where Is California Township, Michigan Located?

California Township is located in southern Michigan within Branch County. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, it is part of the Coldwater micropolitan area.

The township sits just south of the city of Coldwater, which serves as the county seat of Branch County. Coldwater provides access to shopping, restaurants, healthcare facilities, and other services for residents of the surrounding townships.

Geographically, California Township is positioned:

About 100 miles southwest of Detroit
About 60 miles south of Kalamazoo
About 20 miles north of the Indiana border

Interstate 69 runs near Coldwater and provides regional access across southern Michigan. According to the Michigan Department of Transportation, I-69 connects Lansing, Flint, and Port Huron with the southern Michigan region.

This location allows residents to live in a quieter township environment while still having highway access for travel across the state.

Cost of Living in California Township, Michigan

Cost of living in California Township is generally lower than in many larger Michigan cities.

According to U.S. Census Bureau housing data for Branch County, median home values are lower than the statewide median in Michigan. Niche.com also reports that housing costs in Branch County tend to be relatively affordable compared with many metropolitan counties.

BestPlaces.net indicates that the overall cost of living in the Coldwater area is below the national average.

Utilities and transportation costs typically follow Midwest regional trends, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Because California Township is largely rural, housing costs can vary significantly depending on acreage, lake access, or proximity to Coldwater.

Real Estate & Housing Overview

The housing landscape in California Township is primarily rural residential.

According to U.S. Census Bureau data for Branch County:

Many homes were built between the 1970s and early 2000s
Owner-occupied homes make up a large share of housing units
Properties often include larger lots compared to urban areas

Common property types include:

Ranch-style homes
Farmhouses and rural homes on acreage
Lake-area homes near Coldwater Lake and nearby lakes
Manufactured homes on private land

New construction does occur in parts of Branch County, though it is typically scattered rural development rather than large subdivision projects.

Local MLS listings often show a mix of lakefront properties, rural homes, and small residential clusters.

Property Taxes in California Township

Property taxes in California Township follow Michigan’s statewide property tax structure.

According to the Michigan Department of Treasury, property taxes are calculated by multiplying a property’s taxable value by the local millage rate.

Millage rates include taxes for:

Branch County
The township
Local school districts
Other voter-approved assessments

Under Michigan’s Proposal A system, increases in taxable value are generally capped annually unless the property changes ownership, as explained by the Michigan Department of Treasury.

Because rates can change depending on voter-approved millages, property owners should verify current rates with Branch County or California Township officials before purchasing property.

Things to Do & Lifestyle

Life in California Township revolves largely around outdoor recreation and nearby lakes.

Coldwater Lake is one of the most prominent nearby lakes in Branch County. According to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, it offers boating, fishing, and public access points.

The Coldwater Chain of Lakes in the region provides additional opportunities for water recreation and scenic lakefront areas.

Nearby Coldwater also offers a historic downtown area with shops, restaurants, and seasonal events. The city hosts community events throughout the year, according to the City of Coldwater.

Residents often enjoy outdoor activities such as boating, fishing, and exploring local parks throughout Branch County.

Schools & Education

California Township is primarily served by Coldwater Community Schools.

According to GreatSchools.org, the district operates several elementary schools, Coldwater Middle School, and Coldwater High School.

School ratings and performance metrics vary by campus and are based on academic performance indicators, student progress measures, and equity metrics.

Niche.com provides additional insights including reviews from students and parents as well as academic data.

Prospective residents often review individual school information and district performance reports when evaluating education options.

Pros & Cons of Living in California Township

Pros:

Access to lakes such as Coldwater Lake (Michigan DNR)
Lower housing costs compared with many Michigan metro areas (U.S. Census Bureau data)
Larger lot sizes and rural property options
Close proximity to Coldwater for services and amenities
Quiet township setting with outdoor recreation opportunities

Cons:

Limited commercial development within the township itself
Fewer local employment opportunities compared with larger cities
Car travel is typically necessary for daily errands
New housing development is more limited than suburban growth areas

Frequently Asked Questions About Living in California Township, Michigan

What county is California Township in?

California Township is located in Branch County, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Is California Township close to Coldwater, Michigan?

Yes. The township sits directly south of the city of Coldwater.

What school district serves California Township?

Most of the township is served by Coldwater Community Schools, according to GreatSchools.org.

Are there lakes near California Township?

Yes. Coldwater Lake and the surrounding Coldwater Chain of Lakes are located nearby, according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

What is the population of California Township?

The U.S. Census Bureau reports population statistics for California Township within Branch County census records.

What types of homes are common in California Township?

Rural homes, ranch-style houses, and lake-area homes are common based on U.S. Census housing data.

Is the cost of living lower in Branch County?

BestPlaces.net reports that the Coldwater area’s cost of living is below the national average.

Are there outdoor recreation opportunities nearby?

Yes. Branch County offers boating, fishing, and park access through local lakes and outdoor areas, according to the Michigan DNR.

How far is California Township from Detroit?

California Township is approximately 100 miles southwest of Detroit depending on the route taken.

Is new construction common in California Township?

New construction exists but is typically scattered rural development rather than large subdivisions.

Is California Township a rural area?

Yes. Much of the township consists of farmland, lakes, and rural residential properties.

To Conclude:

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