Unlock Hidden Real Estate Gems Just Outside Grand Rapids

Year after year, Byron Center ranks among the best school districts not just in West Michigan but across the entire state. In 2022, Byron Center’s Brown and Marshall elementary buildings even earned national honors as the only two Blue Ribbon Schools in Michigan that year.

So, it only makes sense that Eastbrook Homes created the Walnut Ridge community right across the street from Byron Center High School, just south of Grand Rapids near M-6 and U.S. 131.

“Where we build communities is really driven by buyer preference, and a big part of that is school district,” said Michael McGraw, vice president of development for Eastbrook Homes. “We don’t operate too much outside of the top 100 school districts.”

In other words, where there’s an Eastbrook community, there are top-notch schools nearby. That’s true not only in Byron Center, but also just west of Grand Rapids in Jenison, home to a celebrated fine arts program including a 12-time state champion marching band that performed in last year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. And it’s the case just north of Grand Rapids in Rockford, where the Rams have won dozens of state championships in a range of extracurricular activities including titles last year in girls’ basketball and boys’ water polo (and marching band, too).

In addition to high-quality education, the cities with Eastbrook communities share other characteristics that make them desirable places to live. They offer spectacular recreational amenities and are just a short drive to either Grand Rapids or the lakeshore – or both. 

Nunica, for example, is just a few miles from Lake Michigan beaches and also close to I-96 for a quick commute to Grand Rapids or Muskegon. It’s the perfect setting for Hathaway Lakes, an Eastbrook community with both single-family homes and condominiums to suit a variety of lifestyles.

“Hathaway Lakes has nearby access to (Spring Lake, Grand Haven, Lake Michigan, and the beach), yet it’s only a 20-minute commute to the employment center of Grand Rapids,” McGraw said.

As the spring housing market heats up, here’s a closer look at four West Michigan cities that might be the perfect place for you to call home:

Rockford 

• Where is it? Off U.S. 131 about 15 miles north of downtown Grand Rapids

• Where can you find an Eastbrook community? Autumn Trails offers condominiums and single-family homes right along the White Pine Trail near the Meijer Sports Complex, 2 miles off U.S. 131 near downtown Rockford. Town Square, a few miles to the east near Lake Bella Vista and Rockford Christian School, has townhomes and Courtyard Homes at a price point starting at $300,000. Squire’s Corner is an executive community with 2-acre lots a few miles east of downtown Rockford off 10 Mile Road.

• Local schools: Rockford Public Schools is the big one with about 7,700 students, making it one of the top Division 1 schools in Michigan. Chandler Woods Charter Academy is the No. 2 ranked elementary charter school in the state. Private schools in Rockford include Rockford Christian School, Our Lady of Consolation School, and Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary School. 

• Recreational amenities: Being north of Grand Rapids, Rockford makes for an easy getaway to northern Michigan playgrounds. Yet, there’s plenty to do close to home. The Rogue River runs right through downtown, where the Rockford Dam creates a Rockwellian scene with unique shops and restaurants such as The Corner Bar and Rocky’s Dairy Depot. You can paddle and fish the river, bike and rollerblade the White Pine Trail, hike miles of waterfront paths, hit the slopes at Cannonsburg Ski Area, and take the mountain bike to nearby Luton Park or the Merrell Trail. Plus, the Meijer Sports Complex right down the road is a popular venue for youth baseball and softball.

• Unique draw: “It’s probably one of the coolest little downtowns we have in West Michigan and the recreational opportunities are as good as anywhere,” McGraw said. “It’s on the Rogue River, one of the best trout streams around here. And it’s got great festivals and events because of that classic downtown feel.” 

• What homes are available? There are several Move-In Homes in Rockford being built right now including single-family homes and condominiums at Autumn Trails and Courtyard Homes and townhomes at Town Square. There’s also a variety of homesites available in each Eastbrook community, although there’s only one lot left at Squire’s Corner.

Byron Center

• Where is it? Off U.S. 131 along M-6 about 10 miles south of downtown Grand Rapids

• Where can you find an Eastbrook community? Walnut Ridge, a couple miles west of U.S. 131 near downtown Byron Center, offers single-family homes, townhomes, and Courtyard Homes. “Because of that you get a good mix of ages and incomes in Walnut Ridge,” McGraw said. A couple miles east of U.S. 131 near Brewer Park, Cook’s Crossing has single-family homes, townhomes, and Courtyard Homes starting at $300,000. A couple miles south of Cook’s Crossing down Eastern Avenue, Preservation Lakes in the Caledonia school district is a community of single-family homes and condominiums built around lakes and between woods and wetlands.

• Local schools: Byron Center High School, which is one of the leading high schools in Michigan and among the top 5% nationally, is right next to Eastbrook’s Walnut Ridge community, as is Byron Center Christian School. Cook’s Crossing is near both South Christian High School and Cross Creek Charter Academy, the No. 3-ranked elementary charter school in the state. The neighboring Caledonia school district, where Preservation Lakes is located, is rapidly growing and has two elementary schools recognized with National Blue Ribbon status in the past three years.

• Recreational amenities: Douglas Walker Park west of U.S. 131 and Brewer Park east of the highway are both large county parks that are popular for picnicking and other outdoor activities. For example, Douglas Walker offers access to the Kent Trails network that connects to Millennium Park and to the Fred Meijer M-6 Trail, while Brewer Park has one of the state’s premier disc golf courses. Speaking of golf, the Byron Center area is home to several public courses as well as the private StoneWater Country Club.

• Unique draw: In addition to highly-ranked schools, Byron Center is close to the University of Michigan Health – West Hospital and is a short drive to attractions such as Tanger Outlet Mall and Gun Lake Casino. U.S. 131 provides fast north-south transportation while M-6 links to the lakeshore via I-196 and to the airport and beyond via I-96. “Byron Center has great connectivity,” McGraw said. With condos or townhomes available in each Eastbrook community, you can get both fast access to jobs and entertainment and the freedom of low-maintenance living at a lower price point than Grand Rapids condos.

• What homes are available? There are many Move-In Homes in Byron Center being built right now including single-family homes, townhomes, and Courtyard Homes at Cook’s Crossing, condominiums at Preservation Lakes, and single-family homes, Courtyard Homes, and townhomes at Walnut Ridge. Homesites are still available in each Eastbrook community, with only condominium sites remaining at Preservation Lakes. 

Jenison

• Where is it? Off I-196 about 8 miles west of downtown Grand Rapids

• Where can you find an Eastbrook community? Lowing Woods offers a broad spectrum of price points with single-family homes, townhomes, and condominiums just a few miles off the highway toward Grand Valley State University, which is only 5 minutes away.

• Local schools: Like Byron Center, Jenison High School is highly-regarded both statewide and nationally and is the top-ranked non-charter public school in Ottawa County. The high school and junior high campus including the spectacular Jenison Center for the Arts is just one mile from Lowing Woods. Some families living in Lowing Woods may prefer Hudsonville Public Schools, which has a middle school and elementary campus one mile away in the other direction. There also are many private school options including Jenison Christian School, Hudsonville Christian School, and Unity Christian High School.

• Recreational amenities: Located along the Grand River, Jenison has miles of waterfront trails and two of West Michigan’s most scenic county parks including Grand Ravines, which features an incredible dog park, and Grand River Park, which has a kayak launch and is popular for cross-country skiing in the winter. Meanwhile, Hager Park has nature trails through the woods and a gigantic wooden playground. You can also paddle and fish the river, go skating at Griff’s Ice Arena, and play golf at a number of area courses including The Meadows at GVSU.  

• Unique draw: Aside from nearby natural resources, Lowing Woods offers a community swimming pool with a clubhouse coveted by homeowners seeking a classic summer activity without the maintenance or cost. “It’s something that people are so attracted to,” said Kurt Suidinski, Eastbrook sales agent for the community. Combine that with one of the lowest property tax rates in West Michigan, and Lowing Woods offers a lot of bang for your buck. “It’s just a big difference when you start breaking down the dollars and cents,” Suidinski said.

• What homes are available? There are more than a dozen Move-In Homes in Lowing Woods that already are being built including single-family homes and townhomes. There also are homesites still available. Plus, at the end of this year “we’re going to have a whole new phase coming with a beautiful selection of lots,” Suidinski said. 

Nunica

• Where is it? Off I-96 and M-231 about 10 minutes from Grand Haven and 20 minutes from both Muskegon and Grand Rapids 

• Where can you find an Eastbrook community? Hathaway Lakes offers single-family homesites and condominiums off M-104 a few minutes west of the highway junction toward Spring Lake. 
• Local schools: Hathaway Lakes is in the Fruitport school district, where all students graduating with a 3.25 GPA or better receive tuition-free scholarships to Muskegon Community College or Baker College of Muskegon through the Muskegon Area Promise. Some families living in Hathaway Lakes may prefer Spring Lake schools, which ranks right alongside Jenison among the top schools in Ottawa County. Private school options include St. Mary’s School, St. John’s Lutheran School, Grand Haven Christian School, and Calvary Christian Schools. 
• Recreational amenities: It’s just a few miles from Nunica to Lake Michigan beaches including Grand Haven State Park, Grand Haven City Beach, Grand Haven Dog Beach, and P.J. Hoffmaster State Park. Even closer is the Crockery Creek Natural Area with miles of wooded hiking and cross-country ski trails along the Grand River. For bicyclists and rollerbladers, the North Bank Trail runs right through Hathaway Lakes and connects on the west to the Lakeside Trail around Spring Lake and on the east to the Nunica trailhead of the Spoonville Trail, which follows M-231 across the Grand River.

• Unique draw: The vibe of a historic farming community with destinations such as the iconic Turk’s Tavern and Magnum Coffee Roastery makes a great escape from the busyness of life. Yet, thanks to the close proximity of I-96, M-231, and U.S. 31, Nunica is close to all the action up and down the lakeshore and in downtown Grand Rapids and Muskegon, too. You can have the best of both worlds and your own little oasis at Hathaway Lakes, where there’s a community pool and fitness center right on site.

• What homes are available? There are Move-In Homes at Hathaway Lakes being built right now including single-family homes and condominiums, with many choice homesites still available, too.