$455,370Average Value$237Average Price per Sq Ft3Homes For Sale
Bowne Township is the least populated area in Kent County
Bowne Township is located in the rural southeast corner of Kent County, the least populated of the county’s townships. Although it’s only 25 minutes from Grand Rapids, Bowne feels worlds apart from the bustling city. “We have always been primarily a farming community, and we will always remember that, even as development pushes this way,” says township clerk Karen Hendrick. Bowne Township’s homes tend to have acres of land in between them, and the only community hub is Alto — a village so small that it doesn’t have a stoplight. “There’s a close-knit feeling here,” Hendrick says. “There are people who play games every week at the library, there are knitting circles, and I know one group of ladies who have been getting together for a cup of coffee every Monday since the late 1950s.” The area’s CAP Index Crime Score is a 1 out of 10, the lowest possible score compared to the national average of 4.
Most of the land area in Bowne Township is covered by rolling farmland, dotted by farmhouses.
The Kent District Library has a branch in downtown Alto, centralized in Bowne Township.
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Homes through the decades sit on large plots of land
Bowne Township was first settled in the early 1800s, and modern construction is still happening today, so there are homes from a variety of decades. Most construction is clustered around the small community of Alto, and some empty lots are still open for development. “There’s always a house or two going up, and we are ready for that,” Hendrick says. “Our biggest goal is to maintain a balance between development and preservation so that our farm operations can remain active.”
In the price range from $250,000 to $400,000, there are typically older ranch styles or new construction with small yards. From $400,000 to $650,000, homes are freshly renovated or entirely brand new, and many come with more than 2 acres of land. A few properties in the $700,000 to $1 million range are custom-built estates with private driveways. All homes use private septic systems and well water. Broadband coverage can be limited. “One of the only downsides to living here is that we don’t have very good internet,” Hendrick says. “The library has hotspots that residents can check out.”
Aside from farmhouses, ranch-style homes are the most common in Bowne Township.
Bowne Township has some newer home builds on large lots that are starting to pop up.
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Wrestling and renovations at Lowell Area Schools
Bowne Township is split between several school districts, but the majority of homes are zoned for Lowell Area Schools. Alto Elementary is located within the township and gets an A grade from Niche. From there, kids can head north to Lowell Middle and Lowell High, both rated A-minus. The high school is known for its standout wrestling team, which has been the reigning state champions for more than 10 years straight. In 2024, voters approved a $104 million bond for the district, which will go towards various renovations, including an expanded arts wing in the high school.
Lowell Middle School has an A rating overall on Niche.com.
Lowell Senior High School has an overall A- rating on Niche.com.
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Rural attractions include fishing spots and a family-run zoo
There’s a small playground in Alto, but most of Bowne Township’s green space has a more rural feel. Nature preserves have hiking trails, and the Coldwater River County Park is a popular fishing spot. Golfers can head out onto the greens at the nearby Saskatoon Golf Course or Tyler Creek Golf Course, which turns into a campground when the sun goes down. A few family farms are open to the public with produce stands or petting zoos. One of Bowne Township's most notable attractions is the Boulder Ridge Wild Animal Park, a zoo and wildlife conservation center. “It’s an amazing attraction for visitors, and those of us who live get to drive by on a daily basis and catch a glimpse of rhinos or zebras,” Hendrick says.
Visitors of Boulder Ridge Zoo, in Bowne Township, can feed giraffes and goats.
The Flat River and the Grand River provide tons of water activities for Bowne Township.
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Small town community in Alto
The community of Alto is small, but it functions as a hub for the township. The Alto Branch of the Kent District Library has regular events like book clubs or kids’ story times and partners with community organizations to plan holiday celebrations. One of the town's biggest events is the Alto Harvest Festival and Car Show, which has a petting zoo, local vendors and live music.
The Alto Bar was featured in Grand Rapids Magazine for having the best bourbon selection in West Michigan. On Friday nights, the sleepy community fills up with visitors coming into town for the bar's steak dinner special. It’s nearly impossible to snag a seat without a reservation on those evenings. In the summer, the Ice Cream Caboose opens for business, offering soft-serve ice cream out of a real train caboose. But for a large grocery store or a walkable downtown, locals must drive 7 miles into Lowell, which has a Meijer.
Downtown Lowell is the closest major town to residents of Bowne Township.
The Swisslane Farms in Bowne Township offers tours of their dairy facility.
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Interstate 96 connects right into the heart of Grand Rapids
For big city amenities, like major hospitals, upscale shopping and sports games, Grand Rapids is a 20-mile drive. The city is accessible by hopping on Interstate 96 just north of the township. “We are able to live in the country and still be 25 minutes from the Van Andel Arena,” Hendrick says. “Someone who lives in the city might take 25 minutes to get across town, but we can do it just as quickly because the expressway is right there.”
The Gerald R. Ford International Airport is located on the southeast side of Grand Rapids, just 15 miles from Bowne Township. Lansing is also 50 miles west, about an hour-long drive.
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.
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Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
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Parks in this Area
Coldwater River County Park
Transit
Airport
Gerald R Ford International
27 min drive
Bowne Township Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Bowne Township, Caledonia Township sell after 18 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Bowne Township, Caledonia Township over the last 12 months is $335,000, down 7% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Interra Homes presents the Cascade plan in the Kettle Preserve neighborhood in the desirable Caledonia school district. This stunning two-story plan greets you with a large open living style family room and kitchen with large center island and pantry. Enjoy the electric fireplace in the living room. A spacious mudroom and flex room offer flexibility and additional space. The second floor features
Don't miss out on this move in ready home. Rural living but only three miles to I-96. Thirty minutes to Grand Rapids and 45 minutes to Lansing. Come check out this 3 bedroom 2 bath home located in Lowell School District. Alto Elementary is a mile away. The private primary suite has a spacious bedroom with a walk in closet. The back yard is set up for relaxing whether you are just watching the
Own a Piece of History: The Alto Bar & Grill! This isn't just a restaurant; it's a legacy. The historic Alto Bar & Grill, a beloved fixture in Alto, Michigan, is now for sale. This legendary establishment has been serving patrons since 1900, blending the timeless allure of the wild west with a modern, upscale dining experience. Known for its top-notch steaks and an extensive bourbon collection,
Just under three acres in Caledonia schools right across from the Saskatoon Golf Club. Drive your cart right over for your round! Initial split proposal has been approved by the township, and the property had a successful perc test! The owners have cleared a good deal of brush already so that the next owner will have plenty of useable land with paths through the woods down to the cattails. They
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Pamela Merriman,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
3,111
Median Age
40
Population Density
1 person/acre
Population under 18
26%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
17.9%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$89,570
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$112,150
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
96.9%
Above the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
32.7%
Advanced Degrees
9.9%
% Population in Labor Force
75.4%
Above the national average
65.1%
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®
25/ 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.
