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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/4
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Corey Dean,
an experienced agent in this area.
Agents Specializing in this Area
Pamela Foster
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Michigan Real Estate (Cascade)
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
Lanterns of Cascade delivers -- and this DeHaan-built stand-alone condo is proof. Four bedrooms, 3.5 baths, and a layout that lives like a single-family home with none of the maintenance. Oversized Pella windows flood every room with natural light, and the kitchen anchors the main level with a large island and quartz countertops. The details set this one apart: Sub-Zero refrigerator, steam
Welcome home to 7290 Crossridge Drive. This beautiful, like new Craftsman style home is located in the highly desireable Caledonia School District. This lovely home is perfectly situated at the end of a a quiet cul-de-sac lot with peaceful wooded views. As you approach the front of the home, you will be greeted by the welcoming front porch. Inside you will find 5 bedrooms 3.5 baths, a stunning
Susan RingBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices Michigan Real Estate (Main)
Chic and contemporary townhome with a prime location in Caledonia Schools. This stunning residence offers over 1500 SF of finished living space in an open-concept design, 9ft ceilings on the main floor, and floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the space with natural light, highlighting the sleek, modern finishes throughout. Experience the spacious living area, dining area, and open-concept kitchen
Lanterns of Cascade delivers -- and this DeHaan-built stand-alone condo is proof. Four bedrooms, 3.5 baths, and a layout that lives like a single-family home with none of the maintenance. Oversized Pella windows flood every room with natural light, and the kitchen anchors the main level with a large island and quartz countertops. The details set this one apart: Sub-Zero refrigerator, steam
Hard-to-find family home set on a private 2-acre blend of lawn and woods in a highly sought-after area. This spacious and thoughtfully updated home offers the perfect balance of character, function, and modern improvements--while being conveniently located near trails, downtown Ada, parks, schools, and major commuting highways.The main level welcomes you with a tiled foyer, leading into a
Everything new in 2020 and an addition in 2022, this move-in ready home sits on nearly 5 private acres just minutes from downtown Ada and sits next to the Ada Nature Preserve. Enjoy wooded views and a 2 decks with over 350 sq. ft. overlooking a tended lawn edged in native plants. The open kitchen with custom cabinets, quartz counter tops, and butler's pantry flows into a great room ideal for
Chic and contemporary townhome with a prime location in Caledonia Schools. This stunning residence offers over 1500 SF of finished living space in an open-concept design, 9ft ceilings on the main floor, and floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the space with natural light, highlighting the sleek, modern finishes throughout. Experience the spacious living area, dining area, and open-concept kitchen
Buildable Home Plan - Photos are Representational As part of the Designer Series, the Jamestown is characterized by its charming design and architectural flair. The foyer is open to the formal dining room, with its stately tray ceiling, and the front parlor with optional French doors. The foyer leads past the large study and out into the great room with its two-story ceiling and elegant
Buildable Home Plan – Photos are Representational Welcome home to the Sebastian, part of our Designer Series. With the most diverse range of options in any home plan, the Sebastian is a generous and attractive home design. With 2681 square feet, the plan includes five bedrooms and three and half baths. The Sebastian’s foyer entry way is open to the front flex room, and leads into the two story
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 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 The Maxwell home plan is a contemporary ranch style home. Walk into your new Maxwell home from the front porch to the main entryway. The dining area is positioned just off the front hall and can be transformed into an office with stylish French doors. The dining room and entryway lead into the family room, which can be further enhanced with one of
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
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
Meadowbrooke Apartment Homes is a new luxury community designed with you in mind. State-of-the-art smart homes, flexible leases, and an enticing collection of amenities set the scene for the upscale living experience you want and deserve. Add in the mix our proximity to Downtown, and it will be easy to see what makes our apartments in southeast Grand Rapids stand out from the rest At
Proud winner of the #1 Best in State ORA 2024 Award and a Top 100 ORA Elite 1% community (2023), our luxury apartment homes offer unmatched comfort and style. Enjoy private entrances, attached garages, quartz countertops, full-size washers and dryers, and spacious layouts. Community highlights include a heated pool and hot tub, 24-hour fitness center, pet spa, business center, and home package
Redwood Grand Rapids is where youll find the single-story apartment you've been looking for. Live in a two-bedroom, two-bathroom, pet-friendly home with an attached garage. Enjoy being surrounded by charming greenery, with all the amenities of the Grand Rapids community just a stones throw away. You can even commute to downtown Grand Rapids in just 15 minutes! But more than that, you can feel at
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and 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.
