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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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
Shuyan Shi,
an experienced agent in this area.
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
On average, homes in Byron Center, MI sell after 35 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Byron Center, MI over the last 12 months is $466,000, up 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
You have to see this beautiful Eagle Creek Home in Alden Grove, a stunning new development backing up to Whistlestop Park and conveniently located near M-6 and shopping, and served by award-winning Byron Center Schools. This Taylor floor plan model showcases exceptional design and finishes throughout. Features include a striking tray ceiling in the primary bedroom, tile shower in the primary
Move-In Ready | Trevino by Bosgraaf Homes A spacious, thoughtfully designed home in a premier golf-course community. The details: 4 bedrooms | 3 full baths 2,500 sq. ft. open-concept layout Private Main-Floor Owners Suite Chef's kitchen with large island, quartz countertops & GE stainless steel appliances Fireplace-filled living area opening to a large deck Finished daylight lower level with 2
Move-In Ready | Trevino by Bosgraaf Homes A spacious, thoughtfully designed home in a premier golf-course community. The details: 4 bedrooms | 3 full baths 2,500 sq. ft. open-concept layout Main-floor owner's suite with tile shower + Euro glass door Chef's kitchen with large island, quartz countertops & GE stainless steel appliances Fireplace-filled living area opening to a bright sunroom
Welcome to The Commons of Sierrafield. This condo stands out offering 1,443 total square feet, 2 bedrooms, 2-baths and features an easy-living layout with an updated kitchen, refreshed flooring, and neutral paint throughout. The main floor is filled with natural light and includes a comfortable living area with fireplace and a walkout to the deck—perfect for morning coffee or relaxing evenings
Buildable Home Plan – Photos Are Representational The Balsam, named after the most fragrant fir tree, evokes freshness and a feeling of open spaces. The Balsam is our latest ranch plan, featuring 1773 of flexible living space. Enter the Balsam home through your front porch or through the two-car garage, immediately finding the mudroom to your left. The conveniently located mudroom includes a coat
Buildable Home Plan – Photos are Representational Welcome to this newly improved, Americana Series home plan, the Grayson! Enter your new Grayson home from the front porch into the main entryway, or through the two-car garage into the mudroom. The conveniently located mudroom includes a coat closet and an optional bench and connects with the entryway in the hall. The front hall opens into the
Beautiful ranch style home that offers a front entry leading into a spacious living room, dining area and kitchen with cathedral ceilings. Kitchen has large center island and walk-in pantry, perfect for entertaining! Private primary suite has bath with large vanity and large walk-in closet. Two more large bedrooms and full bathroom, laundry, and mudroom off of two stall garage round out this
Stunning two-story home with a welcoming porch that opens to a great size foyer. Continue into a spacious living area, with full view of the large kitchen and dining room, complete with large island and pantry. This plan also offers a main floor primary bedroom suite complete with large walk-in closet and large vanity in the private bath. A powder bath and mudroom with laundry complete the first
Welcoming ranch style home with an entry foyer leading into the open-concept great room, dining area and kitchen complete with large snack ledge on the island and a suitable corner pantry. The primary bedroom suite and guest rooms are separated to create privacy. The primary suite features a private bath with dual-sink vanity and over-sized walk-in closet. Optional downstairs bedroom, bathroom
Buildable Home Plan - Photos are Representational Stately and contemporary, the Preston home plan is a two-story design offering 2344 square feet of living space, four bedrooms, and two and a half baths. Step from your new Preston home’s porch into the front entryway with its coat closet and optional bench. From the entryway, the front room offers a flexible space for formal dining or a sitting
Buildable Home Plan - Photos are Representational The Fitzgerald home plan is an elegant, contemporary ranch style home with three bedrooms, two full baths, one half bathroom and 2220 finished square feet. Walk into your new Fitzgerald home from the pillared front porch to the main entryway. The formal dining area is positioned just off the front hall and can be transformed into an office with
Captivating open-concept two-story home with two-story foyer encompasses a spacious living area, additional flex room and large kitchen complete with snack ledge in the island and pantry. Generous primary suite includes a vast walk-in closet, and private bath complete with dual-sink vanity and linen closet. Conveniently located second floor laundry and linen closet. Mud room contains bench with
Inviting two-story home with open-concept great room, den, dining area, and kitchen features ample cabinet storage, a kitchen island and walk-in corner pantry. The second floor primary suite includes a private bath with dual-sink vanity and attached walk-in closet. The laundry is conveniently located on the second floor with an over-sized folding space.
Buildable Home Plan – Photos are Representational The Marley is a two-story home plan, offering three bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, with the option to add a fourth and fifth bedroom and additional bathroom. This popular home plan is known for its main floor owner's suite and two-story great room. Step into your new Marley home from the elegant front porch. The entryway takes you past a coat closet,
Buildable Home Plan – Photos are Representational The Hearthside design is an inviting two-story home with ample space and lots of opportunity for personalization and expansion. This plan includes 2244 square feet of finished space includes four bedrooms and two and a half baths, offering you plenty of flexible living space. The elegant pillared porch and two-story foyer leads to a flex room that
***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
Stunning 4-bed, 4-bath two-story home with 3,070 sq ft of stylish, functional space! Enjoy a grand foyer, mudroom off the garage, den/office, formal dining, and powder room. The kitchen features quartz counters, castled cabinets, tile backsplash, slate appliances, large island, and breakfast nook, all tied together with wood laminate flooring. The great room is perfect for entertaining. Upstairs
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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.
