Ionia, Michigan, a small city with a rich history dating back to its settlement in 1833, is now home to over 13,000 residents. The city offers a variety of things to do, including exploring its 12 parks and the Fred Meijer Grand River Trail, which provides opportunities for biking, walking, picnicking, fishing, and boating. Downtown Ionia features local shops, a café, an American diner, and a Mexican grill and bar, along with the historic Ionia Theatre and the John C. Blanchard House museum. The Ionia Free Fair, the world's largest free fair, is a significant annual event, along with the Ionia Farm Power Show and seasonal celebrations like the Autumn Celebration and Christmas Tree Lighting. Housing in Ionia ranges from late 19th-century homes to modern constructions, with popular styles including colonial revival, modern craftsman, and ranch-style homes. The median home price is about $200,000, significantly lower than the national median. Ionia Public Schools serve over 2,800 students with a student-teacher ratio of 22:1. The city is safer than the national average, with most crime rates below state and national levels. Ionia experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers and cold winters, but snow has minimal impact on daily life. Located 32 miles from Grand Rapids and about 130 miles from Detroit, Ionia is accessible via Interstate 96, with the Gerald Ford International Airport being the nearest major airport.
