Forest Hills, Ada/Cascade
Ada Population: 7,600
Ada Size: 36 sq. miles
Cascade Population: 12,800
Cascade Size: 35 sq. miles
Miles to Grand Rapids: 11
County: Kent
Ada and Cascade are ideally located just 15 minutes from Grand Rapids, where the Thornapple River meets the Grand River. What began as a small, rural settlement has become a flourishing suburb for upscale city workers who seek refuge in the beauty of Michigan's rolling countryside. Forest Hills Public Schools provide excellent education to youngsters. Gerald R. Ford International Airport is located in Cascade Township. The Amway International Headquarters is located in Ada. Both communities offer small shops and short driving distances to Grand Rapids' largest malls. For recreation, there are fishing sites along the Grand River, public parks, cross-country ski areas, golf courses and horse farms.
Allendale
City Population: 4,500
Size: 35 sq. miles
Miles to Grand Rapids: 32
County: Ottawa
Allendale is a small, semi-rural town located 20 minutes from Grand Rapids. Education is provided by Allendale Public Schools which has an elementary, middle, and a high school. A private Christian school also serves the community. Although Allendale is a small town, it operates its own fire department, two medical facilities, Campustown Professionals and West Michigan Car Center, and has a local shopping mall. The Township Park offers a range of recreational activities. For golfers, there is the Grand Valley State Golf Course. Tree-lined, quiet neighborhoods offer a country atmosphere with affordable single-family homes.
Caledonia/Alto
Caledonia Population: 6,200
Caledonia Size: 36 sq. miles
Alto Population: 400
Alto Size: 1 sq. miles
Miles to Grand Rapids: 19
County: Kent
Caledonia and Alto lay on opposite sides of Campau Lake; Caledonia on the southwest, Alto on the northeast. Each is a 30-minute drive from Grand Rapids. Caledonia Community Schools provide the area with one high school, a middle school and three elementary schools. Alto's education is provided by Lowell Area Schools, with one elementary school located in Alto. Caledonia has two small malls and a larger mall within 10 miles. A golfer's haven, this small community boasts four golf courses. There are also two county parks. Township Park is located in Alto and has a beautiful gazebo for picnicking. Caledonia and Alto are charming villages with a country atmosphere and rural greenery. Residential neighborhoods offer mostly single-family homes in a variety of designs.
Cedar Springs
City Population: 2,800
City Size: 13 sq. miles
Miles to Grand Rapids: 20
County: Kent
Located off Highway 131, north of Grand Rapids, Cedar Springs is known locally for its rural surroundings and community spirit. Educational services are provided by Cedar Springs Public Schools with one high school, one middle school, and two elementary schools. Due to the recent growth, a new high school was built with completely refurbished middle and elementary schools. A medical clinic and medical offices meet medical needs, with regional hospitals at Greenville and Grand Rapids providing more extensive treatment. For shopping, there are stores downtown as well as Cedar Crossing Mall just outside the city on 17 Mile Road. Cedar Springs is proud of it Parks and Recreation Department which offers diverse activities for the community. Among them are facilities for basketball, baseball, shuffleboard, horseshoes and track. In addition to a selection of established homes, Cedar Springs has been working on many new developments. The area is quiet and the surrounding farmlands add to its greenery.
Comstock Park
City Population: 6,500
Size: 28 sq. miles
Miles to Grand Rapids: 5
County: Kent
Comstock Park is located just outside Grand Rapids and is often called a "bedroom community" since so many of its residents commute to the city for work each day. Education is provided by two elementary schools, a middle school, and a new high school. Hospitals and medical services are close by Grand Rapids. In addition to the small downtown shops, there is a major shopping center in town that has department stores as well as several small shops. Comstock Park is home to Grand Rapids' new baseball team and their stadium at Old Kent Park. A large local park has baseball diamonds, fishponds, and playground equipment. Residential neighborhoods include many new housing developments.
Coopersville
City Population: 3,910
Size: 45 sq. miles
Miles to Grand Rapids: 20
County: Ottawa
Coopersville is located midway between Grand Rapids and Grand Haven on Highway 96. Much of the community is built on farmland, hence the town has a country feel. In fact, several farms still surround the area. Residents enjoy the quiet, rural atmosphere that is only minutes from the city. Coopersville Schools consist of a high school, a junior high and an elementary school. The town operates its own emergency rescue unit and uses the hospitals of Grand Rapids and Grand Haven for most medical needs. Some shopping is available downtown. Coopersville has a park with new playground equipment. Residential neighborhoods offer many housing options. There are apartment and condominium complexes, plus a wide range of single-family homes.
East Grand Rapids
City Population: 10,800
Size: 3.4 sq. miles
Miles to Grand Rapids: 4
County: Kent
The City of East Grand Rapids is located only 10 minutes from downtown Grand Rapids. Excellent schools are within walking distance. The city provides public services such as a library, fire department and a police department. The heart of East Grand Rapids is Gaslight Village, which houses many businesses, shops and fishing. East Grand Rapids, with its tree-lined streets, boasts some of the finest homes in Grand Rapids. Architectural styles are diverse, offering quaint bungalows and modern condo to grand manors and estate-size parcels. The homes are older and stately with no new construction. East Grand Rapids residents will soon have their park back. Collins Park has been undergoing a $617,000 renovation throughout the summer. With the park nearing completion, the project promises to be worth the wait. The improvements will allow the park itself to be a more enjoyable place to relax and will also provide better access to the adjoining Reeds Lake. Additions to the park include brick walking paths, a plaza performance area, and permanent restrooms. A stone seawall was also added to preserve the park, as several feet of the shore have already been lost to Reeds Lake. Seven trees replaced those that were diseased or too old. Boaters will be able to benefit from a large "skid pier" that will be put into place during boating season. The East Grand Rapids High School crew team is pleased to have a new boathouse. Amenities that previously existed in the park, such as the memorial benches, will remain. The official grand opening of the park will occur in the spring of 2002.
Grandville
City Population: 15,600
Size: 18 sq. miles
Miles to Grand Rapids: 7
County: Kent
This community once rivaled Grand Rapids in size due to its mill, fur trading, and heavy steamboat traffic. However, unlike Grand Rapids, it remained a country village until the 1950's when it began evolving into a residential area. Due to its close proximity to the city of Wyoming, local students attend classes in several different school districts, including the Grandville School District. Several private schools are also located in the vicinity. Despite its rapid growth in the last two decades, Grandville has managed to maintain a small-town atmosphere through the community's active involvement in recreational and civic organizations. Grandville Medical Center provides health care to local residents, and many major hospitals are located in close proximity. Public buses (GRATA) serve the area. Residents of West Michigan flock to the new two-story Rivertown Crossings Mall offering over 80 stores. Known as "the city of churches and parks," the town is home to three golf courses, panoramic parks, and a multitude of tennis courts
Hudsonville
City Population: 7,000
Size: 4.5 sq. miles
Miles to Grand Rapids: 14
County: Ottawa
Scenic Hudsonville has become a popular retreat for those who want all the conveniences of a city without actually living in one. Located just 20 minutes southwest of Grand Rapids, Hudsonville residents enjoy a small-town atmosphere, knowing that goods and services are just a short drive away. However, the town is not strictly residential. A police department, volunteer fire department and exceptionally well-stocked library are just some of the public facilities located within Hudsonville. A mini shopping mall serves residents as well. Most medical needs are provided by Grand Rapids or Holland. Children attend the Hudsonville School District, comprised of two high schools, a middle school and six elementary schools. Situated between the lake and Grand Rapids, Hudsonville allows community members to choose from an abundance of recreational opportunities in the town's three parks, golf course, or its 73-acre Nature Center.
Jenison
City Population: 34,000
Size: 33.5 sq. miles
Miles to Grand Rapids: 9
County: Ottawa
Like so many local communities, Jenison began as a lumber settlement. Today, Jenison is an ever-growing community boasting quality housing and an excellent educational system. Elementary schools balance nurturing with high expectations; the junior high has received state recognition as an exemplary school. Local high school athletes excel in a variety of sports, consistently winning state championships. Immediate care centers provide comprehensive medical services to the area, and small malls and plazas offer a wide range of shopping. For entertainment, Jenison Community Education sponsors programs for individuals of all ages, from pre-school programs to senior activities. Recreational opportunities are endless. The town has several parks, including Hager County Park which has an arboretum with 400 species of trees, and a playground that is the product of 500 elementary school students' imaginations. The Grand River allows residents to boat, fish and swim in the warmer months. One of West Michigan's best-kept secrets, Jenison offers affordable housing situated along serene, tree-lined streets.
Kentwood
City Population: 47,800
Size: 22 sq. miles
Miles to Grand Rapids: 9
County: Kent
Kentwood is a convenient suburb of Grand Rapids, located 15 minutes from downtown, five minutes from the airport, and only a half hour away from scenic Lake Michigan. In addition to its own public schools, Caledonia, Forest Hills and Kellogsville Public Schools also provide quality education for Kentwood's youth. Medical offices and an Immediate Care Facility meet most of the community's health needs. Apart from many neighborhood shopping centers, there are two large shopping malls: Centerpointe Mall and Woodland Mall. Eight local parks and an extremely active recreation department provide a range of activities. Kentwood's housing options are numerous. Residential neighborhoods offer modern apartments, new condominium complexes and well-landscaped single-family homes.
Lowell
City Population: 4,000
Size: 3 sq. miles
Miles to Grand Rapids: 19
County: Kent
Lowell is situated 30 minutes from downtown Grand Rapids and only a 20-minute drive from Gerald R. Ford International Airport. Public schools consist of a high school, a middle school and three elementary schools. A private school also serves the community. A local clinic provides medical care. Lowell has a police department and a volunteer fire department. Main Street offers several charming shops. Creekside Park, Stoney Lake Side Park, Richard Park and Recreation Park offer residents space for sports or relaxation, and the local YMCA sponsors recreational programs as well. Lowell offers quaint, small-town living surrounded by rural greenery. Residential areas offer established homes and condominium complexes.
Plainfield Township
City Population: 25,000
Size: 36 sq. miles
Miles to Grand Rapids: 4
County: Kent
Plainfield Township is located only 10 minutes driving time from downtown Grand Rapids and 40 minutes from Lake Michigan. Three school districts serve Plainfield youngsters: Rockford Public, Northview Public and Comstock Public Schools. There are several medical offices in the immediate vicinity and hospitals are 10-20 minutes away. The county supplies police protection and the Township has its own fire department. For shopping, there is the North Kent Mall. In addition to the area's many cultural and recreational resources, Plainfield has its own public museum, nine parks and summer recreation programs. Residential neighborhoods offer modern apartment and condominium complexes and single family homes in a wide range of styles.
Rockford
Rockford Population: 4,626
Rockford Size: 34 sq. miles
Miles to Grand Rapids: 13
County: Kent
Rockford offers its citizens all the sophistication of urban America while refusing to give up its rural charm. This community set on the Rogue River was settled in 1843 as a mill town and is now corporate headquarters to Wolverine World Wide, which includes such companies as Coleman, Hush Puppies and Wolverine Wilderness. More than 6,000 students are served by Rockford's school district which has a high school, middle school, and seven elementary schools. The high school has a new $34 million complex with a telecommunications center at its core, including computer labs for grades K-12. Three private schools also serve the community. Rockford has a bus service, fire and police departments, and a variety of medical practices. Shoppers enjoy the Rockford Outlet Mall and Squires Street Square. Recreational opportunities abound in Rockford. Fishing for steelhead and salmon at the Rockford Dam on the Rogue River bring anglers from all over Michigan. Horse ranches dot the countryside offering lush trails and equestrian competitions. River canoeing and tubing are local favorites. Additionally there are seven city parks, nearby snow skiing and a community pool. True to its "best of both worlds" reputation, Rockford offers both rural and suburban housing to fit a range of budgets.
Sparta
City Population: 8,500
Size: 36 sq. miles
Miles to Grand Rapids: 15
County: Ottawa
Situated just north of Grand Rapids on Highway 37 is Sparta. To the east is Lake Long and to the west are some of the best fruit orchards in the state. Education is provided by two school districts, Sparta and Kent City, with the majority of the Township falling under the Sparta district. In Sparta there is a high school, a middle school and several elementary schools, one of which is a new building with state-of-the-art technology and facilities. The Village and Township share a fire department and there are medical centers located locally. The nearest hospital is in Grand Rapids. For shopping, department stores are eleven miles away. Community parks and local schools have many athletic facilities. Long Lake Park is nearby, offering swimming, boating and fishing in the summer, with ice fishing and ice-skating during the winter season. Economically, Sparta has shifted from its farming roots to an industrial base and offers a variety of housing options.
Wyoming
City Population: 63,900
Size: 25.6 sq. miles
Miles to Grand Rapids: 6
County: Kent
Wyoming, the 20th largest city in Michigan, is a flourishing urban community with a thriving economy. As one of the state's top producers of jobs, Wyoming is the largest employer in Kent County. Due to its size, six public school districts and several private schools serve the area. To service the community's health needs, numerous medical offices and a clinic provide outstanding professional health care. Two of Grand Rapids' regional hospitals are only 15 minutes away. Like many Michigan towns, Wyoming offers easy access to two of the Great Lakes. Recreation can also be found at the local parks, golf courses and public pools.
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