Kalamazoo is a lively, affordable college city with a walkable downtown, a buzzing craft‑beer and food scene, year‑round arts and live music, and plenty of river and bike trails—perfect for making multi‑week contracts feel like a comfortable, interesting home base rather than a stale short stay. Strong healthcare presence, easy short‑term rental options, and nearby attractions like the Gilmore Car Museum give you plenty to do on days off.
Grand Rapids (~50 miles) and Battle Creek (~25 miles) are short drives for bigger‑city dining, museums and airport connections.