Welcome to Byron Center, also known as Byron Township. Located 13 miles south of Grand Rapids, Byron Center is a community-oriented township undergoing major growth as folks move away from the city for more elbow room. “People want to get around easier,” says Peggy Sattler, the Township Clerk and Byron resident of 28 years. “It’s not as congested here. We’ve got a lot of outdoor recreation. I love the parks. They’re a huge draw. Another draw is our low taxes. We’re blessed. We have some of the lowest taxes in Kent County.” Low on taxes, low on traffic and well-connected to major highways and thoroughfares, it makes sense that new construction is cropping up all over Byron Center. Still, the township maintains its small-town feel. From full stands at high school football games to packed church parking lots, a sense of togetherness is, perhaps, the biggest appeal of all in Byron Township. This is especially clear during the final full weekend of August when the Byron Days Festival takes the township by storm.
There are many new home subdivisions found throughout Byron Center.
There are several new communities of townhomes under construction in and around Byron Center.
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Byron Days Festival
“The Byron Days Festival has been going on for almost 90 years now,” Sattler says. “It’s one of the longest-running festivals in the state.” This three-day festival is an explosion of family fun. “On Friday, we’ll start the rides; churches do fun runs for kids; the library has a book sale… things like that,” Sattler says. “Saturday morning, we have a race, parade, more rides and music. Saturday night, there’s a big band playing live music and fireworks. Food trucks and vendors are everywhere, too.” The festival ends on Sunday with a community church service involving several local churches.
From midcentury to New Traditional
Quite a variety of homes can be found throughout Byron Center. The median year built is 2014, so many homes on the market joined the community in the early 2000s and later. These newer single-family homes typically have four to six bedrooms, a driveway and a two-car garage. They also adhere to New Traditional or Minimal Traditional architecture, costing upwards of the mid $600,000s. Streamlined midcentury ranch-style homes, on average, are smaller than their newly constructed neighbors, typically featuring two to three bedrooms. Prices for these properties start around the mid $200,000s. Townhouses can also be found in Byron Center, ranging from $200,000 to over $500,000, depending on the year built and square footage.
Byron Center has numerous newer communities of larger traditional style homes.
The older homes around downtown Byron Center are mostly ranch style homes.
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Byron Center Public Schools
Byron Center Public Schools and each school within it have an A-rating on Niche. Additionally, this district is ranked No. 5 on Niche’s list of best school districts in the Grand Rapids area. Students can begin their studies at one of the district’s elementary schools, such as Brown Elementary, before going to Nickels Intermediate for grades 5 and 6. They can then attend Byron Center West Middle before finishing up their K-12 journeys at Byron Center High. “School sports are huge here,” Sattler says. “There’s hockey, lacrosse, football. They’re even pushing to try and get pickleball as a school sport. Kids don’t even have to play through the school; the recreation center has a lot of youth athletic programs, too.”
Byron Center High School in Byron Center.
Brown Elementary School in Byron Center.
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Byron Center has parks galore
Folks can catch a baseball or softball game at Whistlestop Park, home to several ballfields and athletic amenities. Those who prefer a more serene afternoon may enjoy the park’s 2.5-acre catch-and-release fishing pond. Bicentennial Park is the place to break out a racket and practice serving aces on tennis or pickleball courts. Natural ambiance awaits at Douglas Walker Park and the nearby Kent Trails, a 15-mile regional trail system built along an abandoned railway.
Bicentennial Park has new tennis and pickleball courts that are always busy.
Whistle Stop park in Byron Center has a several dog parks for small and larger dogs.
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Tanger Outlets
Byron Center’s proximity to the popular Tanger Outlets is another draw. It’s about 3 miles outside Byron Center, with over 80 shops and outlets, including Fossil, Nike and Ralph Lauren. However, folks don’t have to leave Byron Center to run errands or even find a good restaurant. Family Fare is right in the township. Byron Family Restaurant is a tried-and-true staple for breakfast and lunch. One block over, Pete's Grill & Tavern is a low-key dinner spot with good drinks and good company.
Right along highway 131 you can find Tanger Outlet to do some shopping.
Just a few minutes east of Byron Center is Tanger Outlets, a popular shopping destination.
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U.S. 131 and the M-6
Easily accessible from major expressways, U.S. 131 and the M-6, and located about 14 miles from Downtown Grand Rapids, Byron Center keeps residents well-connected.
Written By
Michelle Goshen
Video By
Brandon Flash Craigie
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Byron Center, MI sell after 41 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Byron Center, MI over the last 12 months is $449,251, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This property has it all with several outbuildings, 5+ acres, a pond, and its location in the Blue-Ribbon Byron Center school district makes it an excellent opportunity for a hobby farm or home business. The detached oversized 2 stall garage is insulated and heated, and there is also a 30x50 pole barn that is insulated and heated with 220 power, cement floors, and 10- and 12-foot doors. The big
Beautiful end-unit condo, private driveway, original but pristine, surrounded by mature trees and perennial landscaping, filled with natural light. Ideally located within close distance to Kent Trails and downtown Byron Center. The finished two-stall garage includes water. Inside, a welcoming foyer opens to a versatile front office that could serve as a non-conforming bedroom. The open layout
Julie BaysBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices Michigan Real Estate (South)
Why spend $500K on a new condo in Byron Center when you can have one that feels brand new for under $380K? This meticulously maintained and updated home offers over 1,900 sq. ft. of living space, featuring 2 bedrooms, 2 full baths, dual laundry rooms, a home office, and so much more.The main floor showcases a fully remodeled kitchen with glowing white cabinetry, farmhouse sink, luxury vinyl
This property has it all with several outbuildings, 5+ acres, a pond, and its location in the Blue-Ribbon Byron Center school district makes it an excellent opportunity for a hobby farm or home business. The detached oversized 2 stall garage is insulated and heated, and there is also a 30x50 pole barn that is insulated and heated with 220 power, cement floors, and 10- and 12-foot doors. The big
Mid-century charm meets modern ease in this Byron Center ranch with large back yard. Tucked on a quiet street with mature trees and beautiful gardens, this 1970s 3-bedroom rambler offers simple, solid living with room to grow. Step inside to find a classic floorplan with warm natural light, clean finishes, and easy flow between living, dining, sunroom and kitchen spaces. Downstairs, a freshly
Welcome to this beautifully updated 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath home tucked at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac, just steps from the walking path to Whistlestop Park. The updated kitchen features custom cabinetry, granite countertops, and a vented hood, flowing into a bright dining area with French doors to the backyard. New Pergo vinyl flooring extends throughout the main level, which also offers a
***Offering Newly Renovated Apartments!***Nestled in a picturesque setting that blends small-town charm with urban convenience, Byron Lakes Apartments is proud to welcome you home. We used our over 100 years of experience in managing communities to offer you thoughtful support, unmatched amenities and features, and a willingness to listen to our residents needs. Our pet-friendly community keeps
Come see this well maintained 3 bedroom 1 bath home in Byron Center. It has a large oversized lot with 2 detached garage parking spots. Laundry is located on the main floor. The kitchen offers plenty of cupboard space for hosting get togethers. The 3 bedrooms are upstairs and there is a large full bath. Mowing, landscape work and trash service are included in the rent. The home is located in
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