Long Lake in Kalamazoo County, Michigan, is one of Southwest Michigan’s most desirable recreational lakes. This lake combines the tranquility of lake living with the convenience of city amenities.
With over 315 homes along the shoreline, Long Lake is a vibrant community of both full-time residents and seasonal homeowners.
Thanks to its convenient location and easy regional access, Long Lake attracts professionals, retirees, and second-home buyers seeking a peaceful lakeside retreat with proximity to major destinations. Notre Dame/South Bend is just 1 hour 30 minutes; Chicago is 2.5 hours; and the Lake Michigan Shoreline is 1 hour to South Haven.
Long Lake offers the rare combination of recreational beauty and urban convenience. It’s one of the few lakes in Michigan where you can enjoy quiet, wooded waterfront living and still be only minutes away from top-rated schools, restaurants, shopping, and major employers in the Kalamazoo area.
Ramona Park & Beach, located on the northeast shore, provides a public swimming beach, playgrounds, sand volleyball courts, sports fields, and picnic shelters. The park also has a fishing pier, kayak rentals, and lifeguards during the summer season.
Residents of Long Lake enjoy an active, family-friendly community that revolves around the water. Pontoon cruises, lakeside bonfires, paddleboarding at sunrise, and community fireworks in July are all part of everyday life.
The Long Lake Association of Kalamazoo County (LLKA) helps preserve the lake’s health through water-quality monitoring, invasive species management, and shoreline education programs.
The Long Lake real estate market is one of the most stable and competitive in Kalamazoo County. The lake’s proximity to both Portage and Kalamazoo makes it highly desirable for buyers seeking primary residences rather than just vacation homes.
Inventory stays tight year-round, with buyers moving quickly in spring and early summer, and homes featuring flat lots, sandy beaches, and sunset views commanding premium prices.
Long Lake welcomes all kinds of boating and recreation. Residents enjoy wakeboarding, waterskiing, tubing, sailing, and leisurely pontoon cruising. The lake’s large size and elongated shape make it ideal for longer runs and open-water fun, while smaller coves offer calm waters for kayaking and paddleboarding.
Calm morning and evening conditions make Long Lake perfect for paddling. Residents often kayak to explore the lake’s shoreline and spot wildlife, including herons, turtles, and waterfowl.
Long Lake supports a diverse fish population, making it one of Kalamazoo County’s top fishing destinations. Anglers can catch largemouth bass, northern pike, bluegill, perch, rock bass, and black crappie. Ice fishing is popular in winter, with solid ice cover most seasons.
The Portage Creek Bicentennial Trail, part of the greater Kalamazoo River Valley Trail system, is just minutes from Long Lake. It connects Portage to Kalamazoo, providing miles of paved paths for biking, running, and walking.
Ramona Park Beach offers one of the region’s best-maintained public swimming areas. With a roped-off swimming zone, sandy shoreline, and lifeguards, it’s a family favorite during the summer months. Many lakefront homeowners also enjoy private beaches or swimming directly from their docks.
Residents enjoy ice fishing, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing around the lake. The community often hosts informal neighborhood events, like snowman-building contests and winter bonfires.
Several golf courses are within a short drive, including Moors Golf Club, Milham Park Golf Course, and Indian Run Golf Club.
Just 10 minutes north of the lake, Portage offers an impressive variety of amenities, including:
Only 25 minutes away, Kalamazoo adds even more entertainment and culture:
The Long Lake Association of Kalamazoo County plays an active role in lake stewardship and community building. The group manages projects such as weed control, water-quality testing, and fisheries health monitoring. Also, they organizes annual social events that foster community connection.
The lake’s friendly atmosphere, combined with its proximity to schools, parks, and amenities, makes it ideal for families and retirees alike.
Long Lake is part of a network of beautiful Kalamazoo County lakes, each offering unique recreation and housing opportunities:
It’s a public all-sports lake accessible via Ramona Park Beach, though most of the shoreline is privately owned.
Excellent, the lake is regularly monitored by the Long Lake Association and the City of Portage for clarity, phosphorus levels, and invasive species.
Yes. Most lakefront homes have municipal water and sewer connections, a major advantage over many rural lakes.
Homes range from $400,000 to over $2 million, with most selling between $600,000 and $1.3 million.
Portage’s central shopping district is less than 15 minutes away, and downtown Kalamazoo is 25 minutes north.
Frontage type, water depth, lot size, and home updates. Western-facing lots with sunset views command a premium.
Spring through mid-summer sees the highest buyer activity.
Updated kitchens, modern docks, and outdoor entertaining spaces.
A mix of local professionals, Chicago weekenders, and retirees seeking year-round lakefront living.
If you’re ready to explore Long Lake, Michigan homes for sale, the team at The Lake Life Realty is here to help. As Southwest Michigan’s lakefront specialists, we combine in-depth market knowledge with hands-on experience to help buyers and sellers navigate every step of the process.
Whether you’re buying your dream lake home or selling a property, we’ll help you achieve the best results, with integrity, expertise, and passion for the lake lifestyle.
Contact The Lake Life Realty today to view current listings or schedule a personalized lake tour.
