Benton Township is midway between Chicago and Grand Rapids
Lake Michigan comes to the edge of Benton Township, a collection of communities in southwest Michigan. Families have access to some of the most highly rated schools in the state, while golf courses and lakeside parks give residents plenty to do. “We’re not exactly a small town, but more of a ‘medium town,’ where you have what you need but you get that sense of quietness,” says Cathy Yates, supervisor for Benton Township. Proximity to big cities is a major pull as well. “It’s a short trip to Chicago and all the food and shopping there, and to Grand Rapids for the art scene and breweries," says area native Debra Patterson, broker and co-owner of Active Realtors.
Top-rated St. Joseph Public Schools
The St. Joseph Public Schools District receives a rare A-plus grade from Niche. is a top draw for families. STEM-minded students can join the St. Joe Robotics program as early as kindergarten. Depending on their address, some kids might instead attend schools in the Coloma Community Schools district, which receives a Niche grade of B-minus.
Multiacre properties and access to Lake Michigan
In some of the township’s rural areas, homes are so far apart that it’s hard for residents to spot their closest neighbors. Even in the more densely populated sections west of Interstate 94, lots can measure up to a third of an acre, though smaller parcels are more common. Fixer-uppers start at $50,000 to $100,000, and starter homes in good condition fetch prices from $100,000 to $200,000. Larger ranch-style and split-level homes might cost $250,000 to $350,000. Luxury builds start in the $1 million to $3 million range, but they can fetch prices up to $8 million if they include extensive acreage or lake frontage.
Lakeside parks and golf in Benton Township
The sandy beach and observation deck at Rocky Gap County Park offer splendid views of the sunsets over Lake Michigan. With over 1100 feet of lake frontage, the park is a great spot for swimming, picnicking or chilling out on the beach. Potential swimmers should note that the current can be strong, and no lifeguards are on duty. The park is open from April through October. North of the beach, the Lakeview Bike Trail gives mountain bikers the opportunity to take in the scenery. Nature lovers can spot birds and turtles in the marsh at Sarett’s Brown Sanctuary preserve.
Several 18-hole golf courses are scattered throughout the township. Point O’ Woods Golf & Country Club and Blossom Trails Golf Club are private, but the Jack Nicklaus Signature Course at Harbor Shores Resort is open to the public. Lake Michigan Hills Golf Club is semi-private; anyone can book tee times, but club members are given priority.
Retail and restaurants line the I-94 corridor
Most commercial activity takes place in the southern part of the township. Meijer and Aldi supermarkets, Lowe’s Home Improvement, The Home Depot, and department stores like Kohl’s and T.J. Maxx occupy the shopping centers near the I-94 corridor. Numerous chain restaurants can also be found here, from Applebee’s to Domino’s to IHOP. Farther north, wineries pour vintages from grapes grown in nearby vineyards. Lake Michigan Vintners welcomes guests for private tours as well as public tasting hours, and 12 Corners Vineyards hosts a Wine Run 5K in July and a Music in the Vineyard concert series throughout the summer.
Interstate 94 paves the way to Chicago and Grand Rapids
With I-94 and U.S. Route 31 connecting in the center of the township, it’s easy for residents to make their way around the region. The interstate connects with I-196 to the north, paving the way for the 80-mile trip to Grand Rapids. Chicago and its two major airports, O’Hare International and Midway, are about 100 miles away via I-94. St. Joseph Hospital is about 5 miles away and provides hundreds of jobs in healthcare. Benton Township is also home to Whirlpool Corporation Global Headquarters, another major employer.
Seasonal events and live music at Harbor Shores Resort
Seasonal events keep things lively at Harbor Shores Resort. Offerings vary from year to year, but live music sessions usually rock the dock on weekends from Memorial Day through Labor Day. When the resort hosted a Harbor Bash with cocktails, burgers and island-inspired tunes from a live band, a portion of the proceeds went toward harbor dredging efforts to ensure smooth sailing for local boaters.
Close to the Southwest Michigan Regional Airport
Southwest Michigan Regional Airport is a small airfield that serves privately owned aircraft. While not many residents use the airport, nearby homes could be subject to noise from planes taking off and landing. Additionally, traffic noise can affect homes near the major highways, and properties near the Paw Paw River might be at risk of flooding.
