$584,649Average Value$255Average Price per Sq Ft15Homes For Sale
Some of Grand Rapids' most expensive homes with family-friendly appeal
Aptly named Cascade, this West Michigan township is made up of rolling hills and the winding Thornapple River. Just outside Grand Rapids city limits, Cascade Township is known for its top-rated school districts, large homes, and lower taxes. It's not a place with much nightlife or a walkable downtown. But there's outdoor recreation on the river and plenty of nearby shopping malls. "It's a quintessential place to raise a family and enjoy the beauty of West Michigan," says Jessica Tucker, a Realtor at Keller Williams Grand Rapids and regular local seller. However, with an average property value of almost $800,000, Cascade has some of the most expensive homes in the Grand Rapids area.
Cascade Township is known for its quiet and friendly residential communities.
The Thornapple River lazily runs all through the center of Cascade Township.
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Modern homes on Cascade's rolling hills
A few Cascade Township properties date back to the 1950s, but most are more modern, from the 1980s to present day. Home prices average around $800,000, typically for a floor plan of 2,500 to 4,000 square feet. Some smaller homes drop as low as $400,000, and large, one-of-a-kind gated estates can reach $1.2 million or above. Condos start at around $300,000 and can reach up to $600,000 for units in gated communities. Detached luxury condo units get up to $1.2 million. Regardless of property price, homebuyers are likely to get more land than anywhere closer to the city. Many homes have nearly an acre of land, so neighborhoods have a secluded, natural feel. "I think the most unique thing about Cascade is the large yards, which really fit in with the contours of the land," says Cheryl Grant, a Realtor with Re/Max Grand Rapids who has sold several homes in the area. "A lot of West Michigan is really flat — but Cascade has hills, valleys, mature trees and the river."
Cascade Township has several large new residential communities under construction.
The median home cost, as of 2023, in Cascade Township is just over $500,000.
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Outdoor recreation along the river and at local parks
Although much of the Thornapple River's banks are private property, several pocket parks and boat launches allow public access. The river is often used for kayaking, paddleboarding and fishing — mainly to catch some sizable smallmouth bass. Parts of the Thornapple River banks or its off-shoot creeks are at a slight risk of flooding. Some federal lenders may require flood insurance for properties in those areas.
Cascade Township Park offers a fenced dog park, disc golf course, playgrounds and picnic pavilions. The township's parks & recreation department uses the park to host youth sports leagues, including soccer, baseball, softball and lacrosse. In Michigan's long winters, it's a go-to spot for sledding. Golfers might consider a membership at the nearby Watermark Country Club, which offers its own golf course and access to five other clubs across West Michigan. Cascade is also home to the public Thornapple Pointe golf course, which has panoramic views of the river.
Cascade Township Park provides plenty of green space for people and pets alike.
Leslie E. Tassell Park features the Cascade Dam, a local landmark in Cascade Township.
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Township schools rank higher than Grand Rapids city schools
The majority of Cascade Township is served by Forest Hills Public Schools. The district gets an A on Niche, and is higher rated than Grand Rapids Public Schools' C-plus. As a result, Cascade is popular with families that have young kids. Young students will likely attend Thornapple Elementary School for prekindergarten through fourth grade before moving on to Central Woodlands for fifth and sixth grade. Then it's on to Central Middle and Central High. All four schools get A ratings. Central High has a broad academic selection, with specialty courses including computer game design, sculpture and ceramics.
Thornapple Elementary School in Cascade Township earns an A grade on Niche.com.
Central Middle School near Cascade Township earns an A grade on Niche.com.
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An active local government plans festivals and youth programs
Cascade Township's government provides residents with resources, events and community programs. They run biannual community cleanup days, offer yard waste disposal services and maintain local parks. The historical society preserves the township's long history and plans the Cascade Heritage Festival. This annual fall event features local artisans and has a competitive cornhole tournament. The township parks & recreation department plans year-round youth sports and summer camps. At the Cascade Branch of the Kent District Library, there are also regular events, including toddler story times and movie nights. Kids enjoy a program incentivizing summer reading with rewards like tickets to the Grand Rapids Griffins minor league hockey games or a free pass at the Millenium Park Splash Pad. But by far, Cascade's most popular event is the Independence Day parade — a full-day event that starts with a book sale, carnival rides and live music and ends with fireworks at dusk.
Cascade Township is close to Ada and can enjoy all the year-round events they are home to.
Cascade Township residents can enjoy events year-round in nearby Ada.
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Quick trips to the airport, 15 minutes to get downtown
For most homes in Cascade, the Gerald R. Ford International Airport is less than 7 miles away. "I hear people who live in Cascade say all the time how convenient it is to zip over to the airport," Grant says. This can mean some ambient plane noise for those who live along the airport's flight path. The airport travels non-stop to 32 destinations across the country. International flights usually require a connection.
Interstate 96 runs through Cascade, a convenient nearby thoroughfare for those with longer commutes. For workers heading into the city, downtown Grand Rapids is about 13 miles away. The trip takes about 15 minutes without traffic. The township is not served by city’s bus system, The Rapid, so it's a very car-dependent area.
Bordering the biggest shopping hub in Grand Rapids
The stretch of 28th Street that heads into Cascade is pretty much the biggest shopping hub in Grand Rapids. It is packed with big-box stores like Walmart and Target, as well as grocery stores like Trader Joe's, Whole Foods and Costco. The retail strip is also home to the Woodland Mall, which has over 125 retailers. There are also some locally owned restaurants that stand out. When it opened in 2017, Thornapple Brewing Company was the first brewpub in Cascade, offering a wide selection of drinks, rustic comfort food and a wall of dart boards. PT's Pizza has been family-owned since it opened in 1975 and is known for making all its authentic Italian food entirely from scratch. Cascade Roadhouse serves classic American fare with a bustling bar and quaint cobblestone patio.
Cascade Township has access to all the major big-box stores, like Costco, just minutes away.
Harvest Health Foods in Cascade Township is your organic produce and health supplements stop.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Tammy Dykema-Halloran,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Leslie E Tassell Park & Cascade Dam
Cascade Township Park
Transit
Airport
Gerald R Ford International
12 min drive
Bus
28th & Northern (Wb)
Bus
Airport & Amway (Eb)
Bus
28th & Hotel (Eb)
Bus
28th & Jacksmith (Eb)
Bus
28th & Patterson (Eb)
Bus
28th & Charlevoix (Eb)
Bus
28th & Thornhills (Eb)
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Cascade Township
US
Homicide
1
4
Sexual Assault
1
4
Assault with Weapon
1
4
Robbery
1
4
Burglary
3
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
2
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
3
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Cascade Township Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Cascade Township, Ada sell after 45 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Cascade Township, Ada over the last 12 months is $570,000, consistent with the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to a rare opportunity on the Thornapple River - An extraordinary luxury estate offering 283 feet of pristine river frontage and unparalleled lifestyle features. Nestled at the end of a private cul-de-sac behind gated entry, this sprawling property combines privacy, elegance, and recreation in one stunning package. At the heart of the estate lies a remarkable 1,800 sq. ft. boathouse with
Check out this View! Built in 2023 and located in the Forest Hills School District, this stunning McKinley home sits high above the Thornapple River with picturesque views year-round. Step into a dramatic 2-story foyer with angled walls and elegant lighting. The open-concept Great Room flows seamlessly into a spacious kitchen—ideal for entertaining. Upstairs, enjoy a luxurious owner's suite with
Elegant One-Owner Residence in award winning Forest Hills. Discover timeless sophistication in this meticulously maintained, one-owner estate, nestled in one of Forest Hills most desirable and well-established neighborhoods. Offering a harmonious blend of classic design and modern comfort, this 4-bedroom, 3 bathroom home is a rare opportunity for the discerning buyer. From the moment you arrive,
Boasting almost 4000 square feet this spacious 5-bedroom, 2.5-bath home is located in the highly sought-after Forest Ridge Estates. Nestled on a serene 0.7-acre wooded lot, this property offers both privacy and natural beauty, creating a peaceful retreat just minutes from the conveniences of Cascade. Inside, you'll find a warm and inviting layout perfect for both everyday living and entertaining,
WOWExperience the perfect balance of luxury and tranquility in this thoughtfully designed 2023-built home, nestled on nearly 2 acres in one of Cascade Township's most desirable settings. Located in the top-rated Caledonia School District and just minutes from downtown Grand Rapids, this residence offers the best of both worlds - peaceful surroundings with exceptional convenience. Step inside to
Meadowbrooke Apartment Homes is a brand-new luxury community designed with you in mind. State-of-the-art smart homes, flexible leases, and an enticing collection of amenities set the scene for the upscale living experience you want and deserve. Add in the mix our proximity to Downtown, and it will be easy to see what makes our apartments in southeast Grand Rapids stand out from the rest At
#1 Best in State ORA 2024 AwardTOP 100 Winner of the 2023 ORA Elite 1% Award.Remarkable Apartment Features:- Gas stove in each apartment.- Attached one- or two-stall garage.- Private entrance--a MUST!- Condo-like fixtures including quartz countertops.- Full-sized washer and dryer.- Spacious, spacious, spacious!Notable Community Features:- Sparkling
Property Id: 1200263Freshly-painted and carpeted, pleasant tri-level townhouse style condominium with oversized single-car garage and large laundry and storage room on lower level. Main level has newly installed hard flooring and features kitchen, living and dining areas and 1/2 bath.Upper level has master bedroom with en-suite bath, two additional bedrooms and an additional
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Tammy Dykema-Halloran,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
6,000
Median Age
43
Population Density
1 person/acre
Population under 18
25%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
22.1%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$113,199
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$143,401
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
97.8%
Above the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
59.8%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
20.8%
% Population in Labor Force
68.5%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
39''
Average Winter Low Temperature
19°F
Average Summer High Temperature
83°F
Annual Snowfall
46''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
9/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
1/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
