Berrien Springs, MI Real Estate — Homes For Sale in Berrien Springs, MI

Berrien Springs was originally named after the honorable Attorney General John Macpherson Berrien who was once a member of President Andrew Jackson's cabinet. The term Springs was added to Berrien in 1835 at the request of merchant Robert E. Ward after a mineral springs was discovered near the town. Berrien Springs served as the county seat of government from 1837 to 1894 which added to the town's growth. The Historic Court House is still in place within the Village and operates as an educational museum. The Village of Berrien Springs was plotted in 1831 but not officially incorporated until 1867. The Village of Berrien Springs covers 0.9 square miles of land and is located in southwest Lower Michigan, in central Berrien County. It is completely surrounded by Oronoko Charter Township to the west and Berrien Township to the east. The village is located in the Lake Chapin Area of Michigan along the banks of the St. Joseph River. An important historical note is that the Lake Chapin Area lies along the Great Sauk Trail, a trail-waterway extending from Montreal to New Orleans. The Village of Berrien Springs is in close proximity to Andrews University and the Berrien County Youth Fairgrounds. This diversity in physical location and local attractions yields a rich variety of citizens as well as a significant amount of traffic within the Village limits. US 31 and the St. Joseph Valley Parkway link the rural-based farming community surrounding the Greater Berrien Springs area with the Cities of St. Joseph and Niles. More than 18,000 vehicles pass through this area on any given day, with a marked increase in traffic in the summertime due to the County fair attractions and various other activities and events. The creation of the Expo Center at the Berrien County Youth Fairgrounds would impact the Village of Berrien Springs. The completion of the St. Joseph Valley Parkway - US-31 project has increased the amount of traffic and visitors to the Village of Berrien Springs and its surrounding area. There is a stronger draw for commuter traffic to and from the area as people find available land and less crowded schools attractive alternatives to more urbanized. In addition, the completion of the St. Joseph Valley Parkway includes a major reconstruction of an interchange connection to Interstate 94, the major east-west thoroughfare connection Detroit and Chicago. Employment and shopping opportunities in and around the urban areas of Kalamazoo, Michigan and South Bend, Indiana could lead to more families locating around the Berrien Springs Area and consequently, increasing the need for parks and recreation facilities and activities. Local fruit stands and wineries also impact the Village of Berrien Springs. less