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
Jamie Rodriguez,
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
An address that commands attention. Set behind the gates of one of Forest Hills' most coveted enclaves, this all-brick executive estate offers over 6,200 square feet of finished living space on nearly two private acres of mature, wooded grounds -- where seclusion and sophistication arrive together.Six bedrooms, four full baths, and two half baths unfold across a floor plan built for grand
Discover the perfect blend of elegance, craftsmanship, and comfort in this new-construction home near completion in the Forest Hills School District. Thoughtfully designed with meticulous detail and various upgrades throughout, this 4-bed, 2.5-bath home sits on a spacious, nearly one-acre lot surrounded by natural beauty. Enjoy peaceful mornings in the vaulted sunroom overlooking the backyard and
Welcome to a rare Ada opportunity where privacy, scenery, and convenience come together in one highly desirable setting. With approximately 800 feet of Grand River Drive frontage, this move-in-ready 5-bedroom, 2.5-bath retreat sits on nearly 2.5 private acres with distant Grand River views, rolling countryside, open skies, and a beautiful maple-and-oak backdrop-just minutes from downtown Ada,
MOTIVATED SELLERS. This home was taken down to the studs, foundation reinforced, roof raised and dramatically remodeled entirely in 2020 and an addition finished in 2022. Enjoy wooded views of your almost 5 acres from 2 decks with over 350 sq. ft. overlooking wooded views. The open kitchen with custom cabinets, quartz counter tops, and butler's pantry flows into a great room ideal for dining and
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
Discover an exciting opportunity to create your dream home in the heart of Cascade with rare frontage on the prestigious Watermark Golf Course. This exceptional homesite features views of the 2nd fairway, 9th green, and a tranquil private pond--a true showpiece location offering both beauty and privacy. Nestled at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac, this is the last available lot on the Watermark
Exclusive Forest Hills School District custom home site within BDR's Bridle Trail neighborhood. Enjoy convenient living near Ada Village including an array of shopping and dining options. Stay active at the Ada Township Park across the street and benefit from walking/bike paths surrounding the neighborhood. Build with BDR and enjoy creative design, impeccable finishes, all constructed with the
Opportunity awaits in Forest Hills! This 3 bedroom 2 1/2 bath Ranch home is ready for a new owner. Redwood sided home with natural stain, freshly painted exterior doors, garage doors and window trim. Primary bedroom with a renovated primary bath. Additional bedrooms both have hardwood floors and share the second full bath. Updated kitchen with eating area. Main floor family room with cathedral
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
An address that commands attention. Set behind the gates of one of Forest Hills' most coveted enclaves, this all-brick executive estate offers over 6,200 square feet of finished living space on nearly two private acres of mature, wooded grounds -- where seclusion and sophistication arrive together.Six bedrooms, four full baths, and two half baths unfold across a floor plan built for grand
Create the custom home you've always envisioned on this exceptional approximately 0.9-acre homesite, ideally situated at the end of a peaceful cul-de-sac in one of Ada's most sought-after neighborhoods. Surrounded by beautiful homes and offering ample space for your dream residence, this rare lot provides the perfect blend of privacy, tranquility, and convenience. Enjoy easy access to the Village
Timeless architecture, exceptional craftsmanship, and a private wooded setting come together beautifully in this distinguished brick residence in the Forest Hills Central School District. Set on nearly an acre of mature landscaping, this 5-bedroom, 4 1/2-bath home offers nearly 5,900 square feet of finished living space designed for both everyday living and entertaining. At the heart of the home
Rare opportunity to own a beautiful five-bedroom home with private shared access to the Thornapple River and shared dock slips! Nestled along a peaceful pond and surrounded by a stunning wooded backyard, this home offers incredible views and year-round recreation. From the moment you step inside, you'll fall in love with the character, vaulted ceilings, and inviting living room featuring a
One of THE BEST $/sq foot values in Forest Hills! To build this home today would cost so much more! This well-cared for executive home abounds in natural light & is surrounded by nature's glory! Spacious rooms, chef's delight kitchen, main floor living & family rooms with two-sided stone fireplace. Main floor office (could be 6th bedroom) + main floor bonus room perfect for studies/hobbies! Large
Tucked away on a quiet cul-de-sac, this exceptional ranch home offers 6 beds, 3.5 baths and a 3-stall garage. The main level features a primary ensuite, additional bedroom and bath, office, main-floor laundry, and generous living and dining areas. The lower level includes a large recreation space, 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, large workroom, and walk-out access to backyard. Enjoy a beautifully
Meadowbrooke Apartment Homes has been recognized as one of the top 1% in Best Overall Community, Best in Tours, Best in Move-In and Best in Maintenance in the Opiniion Resident Choice Awards, demonstrating our dedication to providing exceptional living experiences and outstanding service to our residents. Meadowbrooke Apartment Homes is a new luxury community designed with you in mind.
Ridges of Cascade is Grand Rapids' premier luxury apartment community, offering one, two, and three-bedroom apartments with first-class amenities. Located just seven minutes from downtown off the I-96 and 28th Street intersection, our community sits within Cascade Township's Forest Hills School District - ranked as the top school district in Michigan and among the best in the nation.Each
$2,732 per month
Redwood Grand Rapids
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,366+ Sq Ft
Redwood Grand Rapids is where you'll 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 stone's throw away. You can even commute to downtown Grand Rapids in just 15 minutes! But more than that, you can feel
Redwood Cascade Township is where you'll find the single-story apartment you've been looking for. Live in a two-bedroom, two-bathroom, pet-friendly home with an attached garage. Located just minutes from Gerald R. Ford International Airport, you can enjoy charming greenery, with all the amenities of the Grand Rapids community just a stone's throw away. You can even get to downtown Grand Rapids in
Beautifully updated 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home in desirable Forest Hills. Situated on nearly ¾ of an acre with a park-like setting, this home offers over 1,600 square feet of finished living space. Inside, you will find hardwood floors, an open-concept layout, stainless steel appliances and modern finishes. There is also a two car attached garage and a shed for additional storage. Ideally
This home has been updated with fresh paint throughout, new windows and nice hard wood flooring. This charming home is move in ready and will give you that out our town feel well leaving you close to everything Cascade has to offer. Unfinished basement with room for storage and washer/dryer includedLarge fenced in backyardOne stall garage Tenant pays all utilities
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.
