City of Parchment, MI: Homes for Sale & Local Guide

The City of Parchment is a small city of 1,926 people (2020 Census) bordered by the City of Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo Township and Cooper Township in Michigan. Shaped by its paper-mill history, it centers on Kindleberger Park, with the Kalamazoo River along its edge. It suits buyers who want established streets in a small city served by Parchment School District.


By Jason Veenstra, REALTOR®, Associate Broker and Team Leader, Veenstra Team | eXp Realty. Updated November 11, 2026.

St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Parchment, Michigan, photographed August 10, 2021.

St. Ambrose church in Parchment, photographed August 10, 2021. “St. Ambrose-Parchment” by rossograph, CC BY-SA 4.0. Unmodified original. Original source


Parchment at a glance

  • Type: City in Kalamazoo County, Michigan

  • Population: 1,926 (2020 U.S. Census)

  • Borders: City of Kalamazoo, Cooper Township and Kalamazoo Township

  • Drive to downtown Kalamazoo: about 4.1 miles, roughly 10 minutes without traffic, from the center of the city to Kalamazoo City Hall (OpenStreetMap routing)

  • Area: about 0.9 square miles

  • School district: Parchment School District (all of the city’s area). Confirm each address with the district.

  • Property taxes: 2025 total of 49.8176 mills for a homestead (PRE) and 67.8176 mills for non-homestead property. Rates vary by school district and exclude special assessments; see the county’s 2025 millage table.

  • City website: parchment.org

Homes for sale in Parchment

Search current homes for sale in the 49004 ZIP code, which includes Parchment, then save a search to hear about new listings. Parchment homes carry Kalamazoo mailing addresses, and this ZIP also covers neighboring townships, so check the municipality on each listing.

Search homes for sale in Parchment


Parchment housing market trends

Here is a snapshot of residential listings and sales recorded in the MLS for the City of Parchment itself, not the wider mailing area. We update it monthly.

  • Active listings: 10 (median list price $202,400)

  • Sold in the last 30 days: none recorded

  • Sold in the last 12 months: 28 homes, median sale price $242,500

  • Median days on market: 15.5 (homes sold in the last 12 months)

  • Months of supply: 4.3 (active listings divided by average monthly sales over the last 12 months)

Small sample: only 28 sales in the last 12 months and 10 active listings, so these figures can swing noticeably from month to month. Treat them as a rough guide and ask us for a property-specific price analysis.

Source: Southwest Michigan MLS via Flexmls, as of November 11, 2026. Residential listings; Municipality = Parchment City, Kalamazoo County. Last 30 days = closings since October 12, 2026; last 12 months = closings since November 11, 2025. Medians are shown when there are at least three sales and are rounded to the nearest $100. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

What is it like to live in Parchment?

Parchment’s official history describes a planned village associated with Jacob Kindleberger and the mill. The village was formed in 1930 and became a city in 1939. Streets, utilities and a business district developed as part of that history.

The city’s 2021 master plan describes a largely developed community, with the former mill property and smaller sites important to future land-use discussions. It also recognizes relationships between residential areas, downtown and the Riverview Drive commercial corridor. Use that as historical planning context, not a claim that every proposed redevelopment has occurred.

What parks and trails are in Parchment?

Kindleberger Park is at Park and Maple streets. The city lists ball diamonds, playgrounds, covered picnic areas, courts, walking paths and a sunken garden with a gazebo. The park also includes a stage and is associated with a summer concert series.

The variety is part of the park’s appeal: it can be a place for a walk, a game, a gathering or an event. The city handles reservations for certain spaces. Check its current information when planning a visit or a private gathering.

Parchment identifies itself as a Kalamazoo River community. The county’s Kalamazoo River Valley Trail resources list a Parchment parking location along Commerce Lane near Mosel Avenue, connecting this area with the broader trail system.

For a property described as near the river, separate location from ownership rights. Ask about the specific frontage or access being represented and review the property records. A river setting can be part of the community’s character without every home having private water access.

What school district serves Parchment?

U.S. Census Bureau school-district boundaries place the entire city in Parchment School District. For school enrollment, confirm the address and current requirements directly with the district.

What should buyers check before buying in Parchment?

Parchment’s Public Works department maintains streets, parks and recreation facilities, stormwater infrastructure and city buildings. Its service page directs water customers to the City of Kalamazoo for billing and water or sewer questions.

That is a useful practical distinction when moving: the municipal name on the property and the organization handling a utility may differ. The city also provides property-tax, forms and ordinance links. For school enrollment, confirm the address and current requirements directly with the district.

Look at the home’s layout, improvements and maintenance history along with its relationship to the park, business areas and your regular destinations. If you plan to renovate or change the use, check the property’s current zoning and permit requirements before relying on that plan.

The county’s 2025 millage table lists a homestead (PRE) total of 49.8176 mills and a non-homestead total of 67.8176 mills for the city.

Watch: every Kalamazoo area explained

Watch Jason compare parts of the Greater Kalamazoo area. This is a regional perspective, not a property-by-property or municipal-boundary tour.


Frequently asked questions about Parchment

Where is Parchment, Michigan?

The City of Parchment is in Kalamazoo County, Michigan, bordered by the City of Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo Township and Cooper Township. Its center is about 4 miles by road from downtown Kalamazoo.

How many people live in Parchment?

The 2020 U.S. Census counted 1,926 residents in the City of Parchment.

What school district serves Parchment?

Parchment School District serves the city. Confirm enrollment details for a specific address with the district.

What is Parchment’s central park?

Kindleberger Park is a major city landmark at Park and Maple streets, with recreation facilities, walking paths, picnic spaces and a formal garden.

Who handles water questions in Parchment?

The city’s service page directs residents to the City of Kalamazoo for water billing and water or sewer service questions.

Is Parchment part of Kalamazoo Township?

Parchment is a separate city listed by Kalamazoo County. Its history includes earlier village formation from township land, but current property research should use the present municipality.

What are property tax rates in Parchment?

In 2025 the homestead (PRE) millage total in the City of Parchment was 49.8176 mills, or 67.8176 mills for non-homestead property, per Kalamazoo County’s millage table. Special assessments are not included.

Explore nearby communities

Thinking about buying or selling in Parchment?

Tell us what matters most in your next Parchment home, or what you need to understand before selling. We’ll help you compare the details and plan a practical next step.

Sources

Community information reviewed November 11, 2026. Property details and availability can change.

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