COMMUNITY PROFILES / KENT COUNTY

County Offices
300 Monroe Avenue NW
Grand Rapids 616-632-7590
https://www.accesskent.com/

Chamber of Commerce
111 Pearl Street
Grand Rapids 616-771-0300
https://www.grandrapids.org/

Services
Kent County combines a healthy economy with low taxes, affordable housing, and Midwestern and hospitality. The exciting county seat of Grand Rapids serves as a cosmopolitan center of amenities, from world-class cultural venues to major universities and health-care facilities. Kent County International Airport is no more than a 30-minute drive from any point in the county, and an excellent network of state and interstate highways serves the region. Leading-edge health care is available in a number of respected hospitals, including Blodgett Memorial, Butterworth, Metropolitan, and St. Mary’s.

Kent County planners and residents cooperate in developing the most precious natural resource: the children. Educational institutions and programs are abundant and outstanding, from preschool through high school and beyond. Independent and parochial schools expand the educational choices on all attainment levels, while a cluster of private and public institutions including Western Michigan University offer programs and degrees in every imaginable field.

Lifestyle
With Grand Rapids forming the hub of the county, the region enjoys an exceptionally rich quality of life. Metropolitan Grand Rapids has been ranked among the nation’s top recreational destinations, but it also appears on Industry Week’s World Class Community survey. Small-town friendliness and Michigan’s natural beauty combines with spectacular festivals and celebrations, stunning performing arts venues, professional and collegiate sports, wonderful restaurants, and a vibrant nightlife.

Four-season adventure includes nature centers and preserves, skiing and snowmobiling, golfing, tennis, hiking, biking, swimming, boating, canoeing fishing, hunting, camping and backpacking. An active YMCA combines with city programs for sports play and activities for all ages. Kent County is also home to unique farmland dotted by picturesque orchards. Unique topography and a climatic relationship to Lake Michigan enables this area to produce a large portion of Michigan’s apple crop. Whether you settle in one of the verdant townships, a bustling urban neighborhood or a suburban haven, you’ll discover the blend of sophistication with casual friendliness that makes Kent County so desirable as a place to live, work, and play.

Caledonia Village, Alto

Town Hall
616-891-9384
www.villageofcaledonia.org

Chamber of Commerce
616-771-0300
https://www.grandrapids.org/

The small Village of Caledonia and the unincorporated community of Alto are situated on the opposite sides of Campau Lake, sharing the scenic backdrop of this natural attraction. Both communities enjoy a location within a 30-minute drive from Grand Rapids city center. Caledonia maintains its own school system through 12th grade, while Alto youth attend schools in the Lowell area. Local shopping is available in a small mall in Caledonia, although a regional center is 10 miles away. This golfer’s haven has lush fairways that combine with two county parks to offer a wealth of opportunity for outdoor recreation. The entire area has a charming village atmosphere, a country flavor, lush greenery, and beautiful residential developments.

Cedar Springs

City Offices
616-696-1330
http://cityofcedarsprings.org/

Chamber of Commerce
616-771-0300
https://www.grandrapids.org/

Just 20 minutes from Grand Rapids is the small, picturesque, and growing community of Cedar Springs — named for the springs that are bordered by a cedar grove. This quality residential haven has retained its original charm and identity in the midst of significant expansion. Community celebrations are colorful and abundant, including one of the state’s oldest festivals, Red Flannel Day. Located off High 131, Cedar Springs offers quick and easy connections to regional destinations. A new high school, local medical clinic and offices, local shopping and Cedar Crossing Mall, and an active parks & recreation department ensure a high quality of life. Surrounding farmland adds to the rural beauty.

Cutlerville, Byron Township, Gaines Township

Byron Township
616-878-9066
https://www.byrontownship.org/

Gaines Township
616-698-6640
https://www.gainestownship.org/

Chamber of Commerce
616-771-0300
https://www.grandrapids.org/

The unincorporated community of Cutlerville and the surrounding townships of Byron and Gaines are home to a collective population of nearly 55,000. In addition to excellent public education opportunities that include some National Blue Ribbon Schools, the area is home to private schools from elementary through high school. Both townships and the population center of Cutlerville provide a family oriented atmosphere with friendly neighborhoods, attractive housing, league sports, vast parkland, organized recreational activities, and a welcoming sense of community.

East Grand Rapids

City Offices
616-949-2110
https://www.eastgr.org/

Chamber of Commerce
616-771-0300
https://www.grandrapids.org/

Located just 10 minutes from downtown Grand Rapids, the City of East Grand Rapids boasts some of the metropolitan area’s finest homes. Diverse architectural styles in everything from modest bungalows and modern condominiums to grand manors and estates grace the tree-shaded lanes. Gaslight Village is home to a cluster of businesses and shops, forming the heart of the city. The 640-acre recreational attraction of Reeds Lake features a wonderful, newly renovated park with abundant amenities.

Forest Hills, Cascade Township, Ada Township

Ada Township
616-676-9191
www.ada.mi.us

Cascade Township
616-949-1500
https://www.cascadetwp.com/

Chamber of Commerce
616-771-0300
https://www.grandrapids.org/

The townships of Ada and Cascade are ideally located just 15 minutes from Grand Rapids near the junction of the Thornapple and Grand Rivers. From its roots as a rural settlement, this area has emerged as a scenic and upscale suburban retreat. Excellent schools serve this area, which also includes the unincorporated community of Forest Hills. Cascade Township is home to Kent County International Airport, and both communities offer a scattering of commercial conveniences. Grand Rapids’ impressive array of advantages and amenities are just minutes from home. Attractive and diverse is a hallmark of this executive suburb. Recreational opportunities are abundant with fishing sites, golf course, and horse farms.

Grand Rapids

City Offices
616-456-3000
https://www.grandrapidsmi.gov/Home

Township Offices
616-361-7391
www.grandrapidstwp.org

Chamber of Commerce
616-771-0300
www.grandrapids.org

Even though the “grand rapids” of the river are no longer a part of the landscape, the City of Grand Rapids stands tall as a vibrant metropolis. Culturally and economically diverse resources serve residents and visitors with handsome hotels, lush parks, wonderful museums, fine galleries, first-rate performing arts, and professional sports.

Downtown living in luxury condominiums has grown in popularity in recent years, particularly in handsome high rises that offer first-rate amenities and river views. Heritage Hill is the downtown district’s closest neighborhood, providing a variety of housing options that include historic homes graced by magnificent architecture. Built by yesterday’s most prestigious and wealthy residents, these homes are a showcase of elegance.

Recreational facilities are available throughout the city in community centers, private clubs, and well-maintained parks. The new $20 million 1,500-acre city park scheduled for completion in 2010 will add a wealth of water sports and other outdoor activities. Serving as a regional center for the arts, Grand Rapids is home to exquisite venues like DeVos Hall where the calendar is filled with symphony, ballet, opera, theatre, Broadway hits, and concerts. Grand Rapids draws over a half-million visitors to the annual autumn Celebration on the Grand, a multi-cultural extravaganza of fun, food and music.

The surrounding Township of Grand Rapids, just east of the city, is primarily residential and dominated by single-family homes. Interstate 96 cuts diagonally through the township and M-21 offers a convenient east/west thoroughfare. Township youth attend schools in the Forest Hills, Northview, and East Grand Rapids district.

Grandville City

City Offices
616-530-3030
https://www.cityofgrandville.com/

Chamber of Commerce
616-531-8890
http://grandjen.com

Grandville is located approximately 10 miles southwest of Grand Rapids on the Grand River. This suburb for commuters is proud of its beautiful neighborhoods and tree-lined streets. In spite of recent growth, Grandville offers an appealing small-town atmosphere enhanced by the dedication of many volunteers. Civic pride is strong, and the community gathers for well-planned festivities like the 4th of July celebration and the holiday tree-lighting ceremony. Excellent public and private schools, Grandville Medical Center, and major highway access combine with a wealth of recreational amenities from golf courses and parks to tennis and sports courts.

Kentwood

City Offices
616-698-9610
https://www.kentwood.us/

Chamber of Commerce
616-531-5990
https://www.southkent.org/

Another convenient suburb of Grand Rapids, Kentwood is just 15 minutes from downtown and 5 minutes from the airport. Lake Michigan’s wealth of recreational opportunities is a 30-minute drive. Medical offices and an urgent-care facility meet routine healthcare needs, while neighborhood commercial centers and two large malls provide goods and services. An abundance of local parks and an active recreation department fill leisure hours with quality activity in every season. Housing options range from modest bungalows to beautiful older homes or new construction in single-family dwellings or condominiums.

Lowell City, Lowell Township

City Offices
616-897-8457
http://www.lowellmi.gov/

Township Offices
616-897-7600
www.twp.lowell.mi.us

Chamber of Commerce
616-897-9161
https://www.discoverlowell.org/

Located 30 minutes from city center Grand Rapids, the community of Lowell and the surrounding township are just a 20-minute drive from Gerald R. Ford International Airport. A private school joins outstanding public schools to ensure a quality education for local youth. Routine medical care is available from a clinic in town, although major hospitals are nearby for specialized needs. Lush local parks offer green space and sports facilities for relaxation and exercise. The local YMCA also sponsors activities and offers recreational programs. Those who cherish quaint small towns and the intimate, friendly atmosphere they offer will feel immediately at home in the Lowell area.

Comstock Park, Belmont, Plainfield Township, Alpine Township

Belmont/Plainfield
616-364-8466
https://plainfieldmi.org/

Comstock Park/Alpine
616-784-1262
www.alpinetwp.org

Chamber of Commerce
616-771-0300
https://www.grandrapids.org/

Located just outside Grand Rapids, the small communities of Belmont and Comstock Park — as well as the surrounding townships of Plainfield and Alpine — are home to many commuters. Area youth enjoy a quality education in local schools, including a new high school. First-rate medical services and major medical centers and hospitals are close by in Grand Rapids. Locally, residents can choose from downtown shops or the specialty boutiques and department stores of the modern shopping center. Alpine Avenue in Alpine Township serves as another commercial district with restaurants, services, and shops. Old Kent Park in Comstock Park has welcomed Grand Rapids’ new baseball team. An expansive local park offers sports facilities and fishponds. Many new residential communities have sprung up in this area, which has also developed local parks and recreation programs. The Alpine Sports Complex boasts 20 acres of diverse facilities.

Rockford City, Cannon Township

City of Rockford
616-866-1537
www.rockford.mi.us

Cannon Township
616-874-6966
https://www.cannontwp.org/

Chamber of Commerce
616-866-2000
https://rockfordmichamber.com/

Harmonizing the sophistication of an urban center with rural charm is the City of Rockford, a community along the banks of the Rogue River. Rockford is home to the headquarters for Wolverine World Wide, a multi-faceted corporation that includes such well-known names as Coleman, Hush Puppies, and Wolverine Wilderness. Outstanding schools enjoy state-of-the-art resources like the high school’s $34 million complex with advanced telecommunications and computer labs. Private schools, local bus service, and historic and modern shopping areas add to the quality of life. Recreational opportunities include fishing, swimming, nearby skiing, hiking, and canoeing. Nearby Cannon Township expands the options for residential development.

Sparta Village, Sparta Township

Village of Sparta
616-887-8251
https://spartami.org/

Sparta Township
616-887-8863
https://spartatownship.org/

Chamber of Commerce
616-887-2454
https://www.spartachamber.com/

North of Grand Rapids on Highway 37 lies the Sparta area, west of Lake Long and east of some of the state’s finest fruit orchards. Sparta and Kent City school districts serve this area, with the township primarily served by Sparta Public Schools. The village and township share some vital services including the fire department. Expanded shopping and department stores are approximately 10 miles from home, and hospitals are available in nearby Grand Rapids. Community parks and schools provide many recreational facilities, while Long Lake Park offers swimming, boating, and fishing. Sparta is moving away from its agricultural roots and welcoming an influx of industry and new housing developments.

Walker City

City Offices
616-453-6311
www.walker.city

Chamber of Commerce
616-771-0300
https://www.grandrapids.org/

Lovely tree-shaded streets combine with abundant open space and parks in Walker. In spite of the relative low tax base, schools are excellent in this diverse area. Residents boast a rich variety of backgrounds including English, Irish, German, Dutch, and Polish. Shopping is available in small boutiques or sprawling malls with major department stores. The stretch of Lake Michigan Drive known as Standale is another popular retail strip. Highlights of the community include the Walker Ice Arena and athletic facility. Walker is proud of its strong, deeply rooted spirit and the balance between neighborhoods, schools, churches, and businesses.

Wyoming City

City Offices
616-530-7226
www.wyomingmi.gov

Chamber of Commerce
616-531-5990
https://www.southkent.org/

The thriving urban community of Wyoming boasts a strong economy and stands among the state’s top producers of jobs. The city also leads Kent County and western Michigan in employment. Seven public school districts and several private schools provide a quality education to area youth, while several large medical office complexes and clinics ensure state-of-the-art health care. Wyoming is home to a Kent County district library and provides a wide variety of cultural attractions and events. More than 600 acres of parkland combine with access to two of the Great Lakes for virtually unlimited water sports. Housing options blend beautiful older homes with new construction.

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