With a rich historical background, a 30-minute drive to Lake Michigan’s shoreline, and a 90-minute drive to Chicago, Niles, Michigan offers the heart of a small town with a fascinating, deeply rooted history and the convenience of a nearby major city. The Niles Ruoff Mortgage branch is proud to serve the community of Niles and the surrounding Berrien County area, having helped 129 families in 2025 get a new mortgage, closing 26 million in loans.
Clients at the Niles branch are made up of “real, hardworking folks just trying to make a living like the rest of us and raise their families,” VP Branch Manager Ron Rogers said. People are drawn to settle down in Niles due to its “small town home values, reasonable housing costs compared to surrounding areas, and good school systems,” Ron said.
With a team made up of VP Branch Manager Ron Rogers, Senior Loan Officer Kelly Juroff, Senior Loan Officer Stacy Deitrich, and Loan Officer Ryan Rogers, the Niles branch takes pride in helping the community reach their homeownership goals – whether that is to build, refinance, renovate, or purchase a home.
Ron described the city of Niles as a “very small city that is very close to Notre Dame, South Bend and Mishawaka Indiana. Lots of people choose to work in Indiana but come to Niles to get that small city hometown feel where they would like to raise their families,” he said.
In addition to its convenient proximity to Lake Michigan and Chicago, Niles has put itself on the map since the 18th century. During its roughly 300-year history, it has been governed by France, Great Britain, Spain, and later the United States. The occupation of the fort by the four nations earned Niles the nickname of the “City of Four Flags.”
Niles was also an integral part of the Underground Railroad, helping enslaved people escape from as far south as New Orleans through the Heartland, and eventually into Canada.
The community enjoys celebrating its history. At the Niles History Center & Chapin Mansion, visitors can view artifacts from the area's history. Another frequently visited landmark includes the Fort St. Joseph Archeological Site, which marks the 1691 French fort, later controlled by British, Spanish, and American forces.
Niles also has its own Amtrak Station which can take you through the country. The station is a historic 1880s train depot designed in the Richardsonian Romanesque style, famously featured in The Blues Brothers.
There are also plenty of cool spots to grab a drink or bite to eat in Niles, too. You can get some Midwest barbecue from Jim's Smokin' Cafe, elevated cuisine fit for celebrations at McCollum's Restaurant & Bar, and a family-friendly vibe with American classics at Prime Table Restaurant.
“We love to eat at our local restaurants such as Prime Table which is only here in Niles, Michigan,” Ron said. “We also have our very own Laugh Lounge / comedy club here in Niles.”
The team at this branch has been in this market for a long time and truly understands the local communities they serve.
“We were the very first Ruoff Branch in Michigan in 2013,” Ron said. “We are still at the same location 13 years later. We have parking available for our customers. Off street parking downtown Niles is hard to find. We are the first and only Mortgage Lender in Niles Michigan that has a full retail office. Not just a satellite office.”
The Niles branch stays involved with the community by supporting local events, working closely with area real estate partners, and staying active in the communities where they live and work.
“We help support local schools with donations and sports sponsorships,” Ron said.
For more information on Ruoff Mortgage’s Niles branch, click here. Get started with your homeownership journey today!