Tucked into the western edge of Berrien County, Hagar Shores and the nearby City of Coloma form a picturesque and welcoming lakeshore community with a rich agricultural heritage and easy access to Lake Michigan. Just 90 minutes from downtown Chicago and minutes from neighboring beach towns like South Haven and Saint Joseph, this area has become an increasingly desirable destination for seasonal visitors, second-homeowners, and families seeking an affordable, laid-back lifestyle with natural beauty at every turn.
Hagar Shores is a quiet, unincorporated lakeside area known for its low-key atmosphere and beautiful public beaches. Residents and visitors flock to Hagar Park and Roadside Park during the summer months, where they can enjoy breathtaking sunsets, beach picnics, and peaceful walks along the shoreline. With soft sand, natural dunes, and unobstructed lake views, these public beaches provide a more relaxed and uncrowded experience compared to larger resort towns. Many of the lakefront homes in Hagar Shores are perched along wooded bluffs, offering panoramic views and direct beach access that make them ideal for vacation homes or retirement retreats.
Just a few miles inland, the small city of Coloma serves as the heart of the surrounding countryside. Once a thriving fruit-growing center, Coloma maintains deep ties to its agricultural roots. Orchards, vineyards, and farm markets dot the landscape, and the region is especially famous for its peaches, apples, and grapes. The city’s annual Glad-Peach Festival is a beloved tradition that celebrates this agricultural legacy with parades, live music, street vendors, and family-friendly fun every August.
Coloma’s historic downtown offers a classic small-town feel, with walkable streets, locally owned businesses, charming boutiques, and longtime establishments like bakeries and diners. Community pride runs deep here, supported by events like classic car shows, holiday parades, and seasonal farmers markets that bring locals together. With a population of just over 1,400, Coloma combines neighborly warmth with convenient access to regional attractions, making it an attractive home base for families, retirees, and second-home buyers.
The local real estate market features a mix of single-family homes, lakefront cottages, and larger estates with acreage. Paw Paw Lake, Michigan’s largest inland lake in the area, lies just east of town and is a major draw for boaters, anglers, and water sports enthusiasts. Homes along Paw Paw Lake offer dock access and vibrant lakefront living in both summer and winter months. The lake also supports several marinas, resorts, and vacation rentals, keeping the local economy lively and tourism-friendly.
For outdoor lovers, Hagar Shores and Coloma offer year-round recreation. The Paw Paw River winds through the region and is popular for kayaking and fishing, while nearby hiking trails, nature preserves, and bike paths provide additional ways to explore the countryside. Several golf courses are within a short drive, and snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and ice fishing are popular winter pastimes.
Education is supported by the Coloma Community School District, which serves the surrounding area with an elementary, middle, and high school. Families appreciate the close-knit school community and the emphasis on academics, athletics, and extracurricular opportunities. Local churches, civic organizations, and volunteer groups further contribute to a strong sense of connection and shared purpose.
Whether you're seeking a weekend escape, a retirement haven, or a permanent home immersed in natural surroundings, Hagar Shores and Coloma deliver the essentials: welcoming neighborhoods, lakeside charm, agricultural abundance, and unspoiled scenery. It’s a place where the pace slows down, the sunsets linger a little longer, and every season offers its own reason to stay.