Kalamazoo, Michigan

How did it get that interesting name? That's the first question people generally ask about Kalamazoo. The city is located on the Kalamazoo River and, though there are many theories as to what the name means, the most likely explanation derives from kikalamezo, a Potawatomi word meaning, "place where the water boils." Legend has it that a Potawatomi man named Fleet Foot, in order to win his bride, had to run from his settlement to a point in the river and back before a pot of water boiled.

First of all, Kalamazoo is a great city for families, with plenty of activities to keep kids busy. The Kalamazoo Air Zoo, a museum and amusement park rolled into one, which showcases vintage aircraft from the Second World War and has a 4-D theater. Equally impressive, the Kalamazoo Nature Center features eight miles (13 kilometers) of varied hiking trails. Choose your difficulty and enjoy the amazing collection of local foliage and wildlife.

Sports are an important part of Kalamazoo life. Though not major league, professional hockey, baseball, and tennis are popular events to watch. Hockey fans meet at the Wings Stadium to watch the Kalamazoo Wings in action. The Class A Kalamazoo Kings baseball games are fun and inexpensive. And the city also hosts a professional soccer team in the United Soccer League.

Located 2.5 hours from both Chicago (to the west) and Detroit (to the east), the 77,145 residents of Kalamazoo enjoy four full seasons with a yearly low of 16F (-9C) in the winter and 85F (29C) in the summer. In the winter, citizens of Kalamazoo take advantage of the many ski hills, tobogganing areas, and ice rinks in and around the city. And the summer offers a variety of golf courses to choose from. Kalamazoo also has a well-developed downtown, with plenty of shops, restaurants, and nightlife on offer and is home to the Western Michigan University.

Though less mysterious, the city of Kalamazoo is as exciting and unique as its name.

See our 15 Jobs in Kalamazoo, Michigan