$511,272Average Value$256Average Price per Sq Ft9Homes For Sale
Vergennes Township has a family friendly community in a rural setting
Vergennes Township was once uninterrupted farmland and forest but is now dotted with suburban neighborhoods and secluded luxury estates. The township’s convenient location — just 20 minutes outside of Grand Rapids and bordering the quaint city of Lowell — contributes to its growth. Vergennes has a more rural atmosphere and larger yards than suburbs like Forest Hills but still has a similar community vibe. “Residents value the parks, the trails and the family friendly feel,” says township clerk Shantell Ford. “Since we have a high school and elementary school within the township, there are a lot of young families here.” Plus, Vergennes has a CAP Index Crime Score of 1 out of 10, the lowest possible score compared to the national average of 4.
High prices, large yards and low taxes
Midcentury ranch-style homes with smaller yards start around $300,000 and can get up to $450,000 for fresh renovations or significant acreage. The township also sees a fair amount of new construction, mainly around Lowell. New homes can range in price from $500,000 to $800,000, though some luxury estates go for closer to $1 million. The average home value in Vergennes is higher than in Grand Rapids, but the township also enjoys some of the lowest tax rates in Kent County. Most homes use private septic systems and well water, with a few exceptions around Murray Lake and Lowell. Vergennes also still has open plots of residential land, which typically sell for $70,000 to $250,000. “Houses are sold as soon as they are put on the market, so there’s a lot of push for continued development,” Ford says. “But we won’t lose all of our farmland.”
Schools have nature-focused programs and a standout wrestling team
Kids can attend Murray Lake Elementary School, which gets an A grade from Niche. Then it’s on to Lowell Middle and Lowell High schools, both rated A-minus. The high school borders the Wittenback/Wege Agriscience & Environmental Education Center, which is an outdoor classroom for the school district. Elementary schools take field trips to the nature center twice a year, and high schoolers raise chickens there as part of the agriscience program. The high school is also known for its wrestling team, which has won the state championship title for 12 years running.
Riverside activity and a popular arts festival at Fallasburg Park
Fallasburg Park is the township’s busiest green space, with riverside fishing spots, playgrounds and a disc golf course. Kayakers can access the Flat River, and history buffs might enjoy exploring the standing structures of an early 19th-century village. The headline attraction is the historic Covered Bridge Road, an enclosed river crossing built in 1871 that still allows cars to pass through. “Every inch of that park is beautiful,” Ford says. Each year, the Fallasburg Festival of the Arts draws around 25,000 people for a weekend event with more than 100 artists, food booths and performances.
Lowell is a hub for shopping and community events
Lowell feels like a classic American small town, with vintage storefronts lining a bridge over the Flat River. The city has grown substantially in recent years, turning from a rural hub to a lively downtown district. Flat River Grill has a patio with river views, and Main Street Deli & Tavern's customers stayed loyal even when the establishment switched from serving barbecue to sandwiches. In addition to a public library and a movie theater, Lowell has the area’s only grocery store, Meijer. “The city’s businesses seem to be thriving,” Ford says. “And there are great events, especially in the summer. I have family in Grand Rapids who will come out to Lowell for the farmers market.”
Vergennes’ farmland is filled with trails and rural attractions
Although Vergennes has less of an agricultural community than other Kent County townships, it still has its fair share of farmland. Locals can head to The Orchards at Red Barn for seasonal attractions like pumpkin patches, petting zoos and apple-picking fields. Horse stables have riding competitions, and golfers can frequent the Arrowhead Golf Course. The Lowell State Game Area is open to hunters, hikers and campers, and it has an on-site shooting range for target practice. Three trails also run through the township, including the paved Fred Meijer Flat River Trail and the more rustic North Country Trail, which connects from New York to North Dakota.
Traffic through Lowell during Grand Rapids commutes
Vergennes Township is about 20 miles from downtown Grand Rapids, the largest city in Western Michigan. It’s home to several hospitals, major employers and the Gerald R. Ford International Airport. “Driving to Grand Rapids is no big deal; a lot of people go to the city every day,” Ford says. “But during rush hour, try to avoid going through Lowell — we have some great alternative routes further north.” Commuters can take a few different routes, including 5 Mile Road or 2 Mile Road. For those who want to avoid the city bustle altogether, Greenville is about 20 miles away and has more shopping options.
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
Rodney Brush,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Transit
Airport
Gerald R Ford International
37 min drive
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Vergennes Township
US
Homicide
1
4
Sexual Assault
1
4
Assault with Weapon
1
4
Robbery
1
4
Burglary
1
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
1
4
Larceny
1
4
Crime Score
1
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Vergennes Township, Ada sell after 30 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Vergennes Township, Ada over the last 12 months is $545,350, up 5% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Hard to find rural building site on 4.6 acres in Ada Township. Mature trees, slightly rolling terrain and small, natural pond. Convenient location just minutes from both downtown Ada and Lowell. Any future construction access is off 2 Mile Rd only.
Parcel 1 - Premier Residential Development In The Grand Rapids Area, This 28 Acre Tract Of Land Has over 1200 feet of Private Flat River Frontage With Fly Fishing And Kayaking Virtually Out Your Back Door. These Large, Executive Home Sites Range From 1 To 2.7 Acres and offer Heavily Wooded Topography, Panoramic Views, Gated Community, and a Nature Trail along the Flat River. Architectural,
Perfect Opportunity to own this beautiful 2020 built home in a Quiet and Private neighborhood sitting on a Large Lot. Home features 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath and large Open Floor Plan with Upgraded Features including but not limited to Granite Counter Tops, LVP Flooring, & a See-Through fireplace. Location is prime with downtown Lowell and Ada being near and offers easy access to dining, shopping,
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Rodney Brush,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
4,718
Median Age
40
Population Density
1 person/acre
Population under 18
26%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
17.6%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$102,924
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$121,646
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
98.1%
Above the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
43.6%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
19%
% Population in Labor Force
68.8%
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®
14/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
0/ 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.
