Caledonia Township is a Grand Rapids suburb with rural character
Located in Kent County just southeast of Grand Rapids, Caledonia Township offers a blend of rural charm and suburban convenience. In the 1970s, farms and forests covered nearly half of its area. Over the years, as demand for housing has risen, some of the farmland has been transformed into residential developments. “There's still lots of character, though, with rolling hills and woods,” says Steven Hanson, broker and owner of Hanson Real Estate Group, who has lived in the region for more than 35 years. “People also like that there’s a little more space than in the city.”
In the southwestern corner, the more densely populated village of Caledonia is home to locally owned restaurants and businesses that serve most of the community’s needs. With Grand Rapids nearby, residents have access to a wide range of services as well. “You’re close enough to the city that you can get to the hospital and any store you want relatively quickly,” Hanson says.
A mix of established homes and newer developments like Kraft Farms
While pastoral landscapes and native Michigan trees still line many roads, the area has become a patchwork of farms, village streets and suburban-style neighborhoods with cul-de-sacs and well-manicured lawns. Many homes were built in the 20th century, but newer developments have allowed the community to keep up with continuing demand. “We always get a lot of calls if we have listings out there,” Hanson says. “Many people are moving to be close to family.” Neighborhoods such as Kraft Farms and Snow Valley feature single-family homes with energy-efficient designs, and condo communities offer low-maintenance living.
The majority of houses range from $160,000 to $880,000, although custom homes on expansive, waterside properties can run as high as $2.1 million. Manufactured homes may range from $70,000 to $170,000, and condos typically sell between $160,000 and $570,000. Some condo and manufactured home communities charge additional monthly HOA fees, which tend to range from $400 to $800. Parts of the township are prone to flooding, so lenders may require flood insurance. The area's CAP Index Crime Score is 2 out of 10, below the national average of 4.
Caledonia's school district holds an overall A-minus Niche rating
Children can attend Caledonia Community Schools, a district that holds an overall A-minus rating from Niche. Depending on where they live, students are zoned for one of the district's A-rated elementary schools, which include Caledonia Elementary School. Kraft Meadows Intermediate School serves fifth and sixth grades, and Duncan Lake Middle School serves seventh and eighth. Both schools receive A ratings. Caledonia High School gets a B-plus, and it offers dual-enrollment courses through Grand Rapids Community College and other state schools. The nonprofit Caledonia Education Foundation supports the district and hosts Calapalooza, a homecoming pep rally and fundraiser.
Access to the Paul Henry Thornapple Trail and several lakes
Caledonia Township has a variety of green spaces and recreation. There are several bodies of water, including the connected Kettle and Campau lakes, which are stocked with muskellunge and are popular for boating and swimming. Caledonia Lakeside Park rests on the western edge of Emmons Lake, and it has a playground and a walking trail that links up with the multiuse Paul Henry Thornapple Trail. Across the lake is the Caledonia Community Green, with a splash pad, pickleball courts and a dog park. There are also two golf courses that are open to the public, Broadmoor Country Club and Saskatoon Golf Club. Members of the Cal Community Center YMCA can use the indoor pool, fitness areas and hot tub.
Locally owned restaurants and a grocery store in the village
The village of Caledonia is the community’s center for shopping and dining. Restaurants include Butcher Block Social, which specializes in barbecue, and Rossana’s Table, a modern eatery that serves authentic Italian dishes. Brink’s Ice Cream Express is a popular place to take the kids for a sundae. Locals can pick up groceries at D&W Fresh Market, but many people work and shop in Grand Rapids, where there are larger chains like Meijer and Whole Foods.
Caledonia Community Green and the village host concerts and events
Residents gather throughout the year for village and township events. During the summer, the Caledonia Community Green hosts a '50s-themed car show, as well as a movie night and a concert series. December brings the annual luminary walk beside the green, complete with carolers and hot chocolate. Santa makes his grand entrance each year during the village's Christmas parade down Main Street.
Grand Rapids, emergency care and the airport within a 20-mile drive
Ride Link provides limited on-demand transportation, but most residents rely on cars for travel. State Route 37 and 84th Street Southeast connect drivers to larger roads, such as state Route 6 and U.S. Route 131. Downtown Grand Rapids is about 20 miles northwest, and the Gerald R. Ford International Airport is less than 10 miles from most area homes. The Caledonia Health Center offers primary care and family medicine, and emergency services are available at the Corewell Health Grand Rapids Hospitals Blodgett Hospital, roughly 16 miles away.
