Nestled among the apple farms of western Michigan, Chester Township is the least populated Ottawa County township. “It’s peaceful and beautiful out here,” says Betsy Ludwick, president of the Crockery Lake Association. “In the summer, you can drive down any country road and find little farm stands with fresh veggies and corn on the cob.” A 30-minute drive from downtown Grand Rapids to the south and the shores of Lake Michigan to the west, Chester nevertheless feels entirely removed from any hustle or bustle — the mark of a true agricultural community. Homebuyers who don’t mind a longer commute might consider Chester for its large yards and quiet lifestyle, plus a CAP Index crime score of 1 out of 10, compared to the national average of 4.
Chester Township is characterized, in part, by its rural farmland and agricultural community.
Crockery Lake in Chester Township is surrounded by homes with beautiful lake views.
Chester Township Hall holds the township offices and a community room available for rent.
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Development is centered around Conklin and Crockery Lake
Ranch-style homes and farmhouses are spread far apart among Chester's rural hills, set back on large lots with long driveways. The only concentrated development is located around the small community of Conklin and Crockery Lake, where properties are spaced more closely together. Conklin has an older, small-town feel with homes that date back to the early 1900s. Prices here typically stay between $200,000 and $350,000. Crockery Lake tends to be more expensive, but lakefront property with private docks can range from $380,000 to $600,000, depending on age and size. “Living on the lake feels like living on a cul-de-sac,” Ludwick says. “When someone moves in, we bring them cookies and offer to take them out on our boats.” All homes outside Conklin have private septic systems, and the entire township uses well water. Some homes along the lakeshore or creeks have a slight flooding risk.
Chester Township has a variety of single and multi-story homes in a small town setting.
Farmhouses can be found spread far apart among the rural areas in Chester Township.
Chester Township has some newly-built homes on Crockery Lake.
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Lakeside access and Independence Day fireworks
For those who don’t live along the waterfront, Crockery Lake is accessible at Grose Park. This county-run green space has pavilions, fishing areas and a swimming beach. The Crockery Lake Association works to protect the lake and maintain the water quality. “There’s some run-off from the surrounding farms,” Ludwick says, “so we are several years into the process of a big clean-up.” The Crockery Lake Association also plans an annual Independence Day celebration with a boat parade and fireworks.
Chester Township's Grose Park has a small swimming beach.
Grose Park has a picnic pavilion for Chester Township family gatherings.
Moore County Park is a great place for boating and fishing near Chester Township.
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Small town community in Conklin
The community of Conklin is small, centered on a post office and a church. But in many ways, it’s a focal point of the surrounding community. The Conklin Mini Market has grocery essentials in a vintage corner store, and Conklin Bar is the only restaurant in the whole township. The bar, with its live bands and Irish music jam sessions, is a reliable place to run into friendly faces. In a township as small as Chester, neighbors tend to know each other. “There’s a Facebook page called Conklin Informed, where people in this area will post things like 'I’ve got fresh eggs, come on over and get them,'” Ludwick says. Occasionally, visitors will stop by as they travel along the Musketawa Trail, a paved 25-mile route between Marne and East Muskegon. The popular biking trail runs right through the heart of Conklin.
The Conklin Mini Market is a convenient option for food and household items in Chester Township.
Chester Township friends can meet up for a drink and some bar food at Conklin Bar.
Chester Township dogs love getting groomed at The Barkery in nearby Sparta.
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Earn an associate degree at Coopersville High
Chester Township is split between several school districts, including Ravenna Public Schools, Sparta Area Schools and Coopersville Area Public School District. In Coopersville, younger kids can start at West Early Childhood Center for preschool and first grade. Niche rates the school with a B-minus. East Elementary serves second and third grade and South Elementary serves fourth through fifth. Both schools receive a B grade from Niche. Older students go on to Coopersville Middle, rated B-plus and Coopersville High, rated B. At the high school, students can choose to stay for an extra year during the Early College Program to earn an associate degree from Muskegon Community College.
Coopersville East Elementary School serves the younger students of Chester Township.
Coopersville South Elementary serves grades 3-5, and provides excellent educational opportunities.
Coopersville Middle School is a public school rated B-plus on Niche.com.
Coopersville High School near Chester Township is where older students continue their education.
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Thirty minutes to Grand Rapids or Muskegon
No major roads pass through Chester Township, so to make it 25 miles into Grand Rapids, locals usually head south to connect with Interstate 96. Grand Rapids is the largest city in western Michigan, with several hospitals and the Gerald R. Ford International Airport. To make it out to Muskegon, along the Lake Michigan coast, it's about 25 miles along state Route 46. Grocery stores are a bit closer, about 10 miles to reach a Family Fare Supermarket in Sparta or Coopersville. Sparta is also known for its lively downtown. “Sparta has so many things going on: car shows, the Apple Festival, the Celtic Festival,” Ludwick says. “It’s so close by that we think of it as part of our community.”
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**OPEN HOUSE 11/8 11:30am- 1pm** Charming updated farmhouse on 5 acres in the desirable Fruit Ridge area offering privacy with no close neighbors. Enjoy abundant wildlife, including deer and turkey, plus a small stream running through the property. The historic barn is ideal for 4-H animals or generating extra income with seasonal storage for cars or boats. A 32x64 pole barn garage includes a
Welcome to your completely remodelled cottage on the beautiful all Sports, Crockery Lake! This home has undergone a complete transformation and was taken down to the studs for a full remodel. Home features a Brand New Well, Septic System, All Plumbing, Electrical, new flooring, new kitchen, new bathroom, mostly new windows / Slider, brand new furnace and so much more! Home was transformed to
**OPEN HOUSE 11/8 11:30am- 1pm** Charming updated farmhouse on 5 acres in the desirable Fruit Ridge area offering privacy with no close neighbors. Enjoy abundant wildlife, including deer and turkey, plus a small stream running through the property. The historic barn is ideal for 4-H animals or generating extra income with seasonal storage for cars or boats. A 32x64 pole barn garage includes a
DEEDED PRIVATE ACCESS TO LAKE LOUISE!If you're looking for the perfect place to camp or build, welcome home! Owners are entitled to Lake Louise access year round. Call to grab this property before someone else does!
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