The Grand Rapids area is surrounded by family-friendly communities that boast excellent school systems, charming down towns, unique shopping, and delightful restaurants. If you’re interested in buying a home in the area, take a peek at our Communities pages for short descriptions of these nearby communities. Our years of experience living and working here give us additional insight and we’ll be happy to talk to you at length about anywhere in the state.
Byron Center
Byron Center features a range of properties for homebuyers, including rural homes with acreage as well as newer construction in safe, family-friendly neighborhoods. Residents who like to shop frequent the nearby Tanger Outlets and those who like the great outdoors have plenty of parks to choose from, including some with public tennis courts, baseball fields, hiking and biking trails, and a catch-and-release fishing pond. The community also holds several fun annual events, like the Byron Days Festival, and is home to the Van Singel Fine Arts Center.
Caledonia
Caledonia has traditionally been a more rural area but, while homebuyers can still find country homes with substantial acreage, the township has seen tremendous growth in recent years. It now offers many safe, family-friendly neighborhoods in addition to rural homes. Residents delight in Caledonia’s beautiful parks, hiking, and biking trails (the Paul Henry Trail connects Caledonia to Kentwood) and frequent the local business district, especially Horrocks, an independent market that’s a greenhouse, grocery, and deli all in one. The township hosts lots of annual events, too, including parades and farmer’s markets.
East Grand Rapids
Located along the shores of Reeds Lake, East Grand Rapids is a safe, family-friendly community where residents of all ages enjoy community events, including summer concerts and movies at the park, art fairs, charity athletic events, and the annual Fourth of July celebration. The picturesque community boasts an excellent school system and primarily features older, historic homes on tree-lined streets. The very walkable downtown, known as Gaslight Village, is filled with restaurants and upscale shops, as well as a grocery store, and is one reason East Grand Rapids was named one of Family Circle Magazines “Best Towns for Families” in August 2015.
Forest Hills
Forest Hills is an unincorporated community that includes parts of Ada Township, Cascade Township, Grand Rapids Charter Township, and Kentwood and is essentially defined by its school district boundaries. There are a plethora of safe, family-friendly neighborhoods in Forest Hills as well as rural homes with considerable acreage. Homebuyers looking in or near the quaint village of Ada will notice that the downtown is expanding, adding a grocery store amidst other exciting changes. In addition to its excellent school system, Forest Hills boasts plentiful parks, hiking and biking trails, and close proximity to Gerald Ford International Airport.
Lowell
Lowell’s excellent school system, beautiful parks and lakes, and charming downtown, with eclectic shops and a variety of restaurants, attract homebuyers to the area. The James C. Veen Observatory is also located in Lowell and is open to the public twice a month from April – October. Traditionally considered a more rural community, with roots dating to the early 1800s, Lowell has seen significant growth in the past decade. Homebuyers can choose from newer neighborhoods, as well as from older, more traditional homes near downtown Lowell, or country homes with more acreage.
Rockford
The family-friendly community of Rockford, set along the beautiful Rogue River, boasts a delightful downtown that features unique shops, restaurants and a must-visit ice cream shop. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy fishing, hiking, biking, and lots of green space. Residents take advantage of lots of community events, including concerts in the park, a fall Harvest Fest, and a Holiday Tree Lighting ceremony. Homebuyers will find a range of options, including safe, safe, family-friendly neighborhoods, rural homes with acreage, and older homes close to downtown.
