Some of Grand Rapids' most expensive homes with family-friendly appeal
Aptly named Cascade Township, this West Michigan township is made up of rolling hills and the winding Thornapple River. Just outside Grand Rapids city limits, The place is known for its top-rated school districts, large homes, and lower taxes. It's not a place with much nightlife or a walkable downtown. But there's outdoor recreation on the river and plenty of nearby shopping malls. "It's a quintessential place to raise a family and enjoy the beauty of West Michigan," says Jessica Tucker, a Realtor at Keller Williams Grand Rapids and regular local seller. However, with an average property value of almost $800,000, Cascade has some of the most expensive homes in the Grand Rapids area.
Cascade residents enjoy easy access to the busy 28th Street corridor.
The Thornapple River flows through the heart of Cascade, shaping its rolling landscape.
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Modern homes on Cascade's rolling hills
A few Cascade Township properties date back to the 1950s, but most are more modern, from the 1980s to present day. Home prices average around $800,000, typically for a floor plan of 2,500 to 4,000 square feet. Some smaller homes drop as low as $400,000, and large, one-of-a-kind gated estates can reach $1.2 million or above. Condos start at around $300,000 and can reach up to $600,000 for units in gated communities. Detached luxury condo units get up to $1.2 million. Regardless of property price, homebuyers are likely to get more land than anywhere closer to the city. Many homes have nearly an acre of land, so neighborhoods have a secluded, natural feel. "I think the most unique thing about Cascade is the large yards, which really fit in with the contours of the land," says Cheryl Grant, a Realtor with Re/Max Grand Rapids who has sold several homes in the area. "A lot of West Michigan is really flat — but Cascade has hills, valleys, mature trees and the river."
Several large-scale residential developments continue to expand housing options in Cascade.
Cascade includes many updated ranch-style homes in established residential areas.
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Township schools rank higher than Grand Rapids city schools
The majority of Cascade Township is served by Forest Hills Public Schools. The district gets an A on Niche, and is higher rated than Grand Rapids Public Schools' C-plus. As a result, Cascade is popular with families that have young kids. Young students will likely attend Thornapple Elementary School for prekindergarten through fourth grade before moving on to Central Woodlands for fifth and sixth grade. Then it's on to Central Middle and Central High. All four schools get A ratings. Central High has a broad academic selection, with specialty courses including computer game design, sculpture and ceramics.
Thornapple Elementary near Cascade is highly rated and popular with local families.
Central Middle School near Cascade earns strong academic marks and family interest.
Central High School near Cascade offers top-rated academics and diverse course options.
Cascade Township families are served by Central Woodlands School for fifth and sixth grade.
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Outdoor recreation along the river and at local parks
Although much of the Thornapple River's banks are private property, several pocket parks and boat launches allow public access. The river is often used for kayaking, paddleboarding and fishing — mainly to catch some sizable smallmouth bass. Parts of the Thornapple River banks or its off-shoot creeks are at a slight risk of flooding. Some federal lenders may require flood insurance for properties in those areas.
Cascade Township Park offers a fenced dog park, disc golf course, playgrounds and picnic pavilions. The township's parks & recreation department uses the park to host youth sports leagues, including soccer, baseball, softball and lacrosse. In Michigan's long winters, it's a go-to spot for sledding. Golfers might consider a membership at the nearby Watermark Country Club, which offers its own golf course and access to five other clubs across West Michigan. Cascade is also home to the public Thornapple Pointe golf course, which has panoramic views of the river.
Cascade Township Park provides open greenspace, trails, and amenities for residents.
Thornapple Pointe Golf Club in Cascade offers river views and a scenic public course.
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An active local government plans festivals and youth programs
Cascade Township's government provides residents with resources, events and community programs. They run biannual community cleanup days, offer yard waste disposal services and maintain local parks. The historical society preserves the township's long history and plans the Cascade Heritage Festival. This annual fall event features local artisans and has a competitive cornhole tournament. The township parks & recreation department plans year-round youth sports and summer camps. At the Cascade Branch of the Kent District Library, there are also regular events, including toddler story times and movie nights. Kids enjoy a program incentivizing summer reading with rewards like tickets to the Grand Rapids Griffins minor league hockey games or a free pass at the Millenium Park Splash Pad. But by far, Cascade's most popular event is the Independence Day parade — a full-day event that starts with a book sale, carnival rides and live music and ends with fireworks at dusk.
Bordering the biggest shopping hub in Grand Rapids
The stretch of 28th Street that heads into Cascade is pretty much the biggest shopping hub in Grand Rapids. It is packed with big-box stores like Walmart and Target, as well as grocery stores like Trader Joe's, Whole Foods and Costco. The retail strip is also home to the Woodland Mall, which has over 125 retailers. There are also some locally owned restaurants that stand out. When it opened in 2017, Thornapple Brewing Company was the first brewpub in Cascade, offering a wide selection of drinks, rustic comfort food and a wall of dart boards. PT's Pizza has been family-owned since it opened in 1975 and is known for making all its authentic Italian food entirely from scratch. Cascade Roadhouse serves classic American fare with a bustling bar and quaint cobblestone patio.
The Thornapple Brewery is a popular Cascade gathering spot for craft drinks and comfort food.
The Cascade Roadhouse draws residents for casual dining and an active social atmosphere.
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Quick trips to the airport, 15 minutes to get downtown
For most homes in Cascade, the Gerald R. Ford International Airport is less than 7 miles away. "I hear people who live in Cascade say all the time how convenient it is to zip over to the airport," Grant says. This can mean some ambient plane noise for those who live along the airport's flight path. The airport travels non-stop to 32 destinations across the country. International flights usually require a connection.
Interstate 96 runs through Cascade, a convenient nearby thoroughfare for those with longer commutes. For workers heading into the city, downtown Grand Rapids is about 13 miles away. The trip takes about 15 minutes without traffic. The township is not served by city’s bus system, The Rapid, so it's a very car-dependent area.
Photography Contributed By
Tyler Bolduc
Video By
Luke Basinger
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