Dorr offers country living outside of Grand Rapids
Dorr is a country community with a small-town atmosphere in Allegan County. The township offers homes with large parcels of land, with hobby and active farms out in the countryside. The local recreation program has youth sports leagues and organizes community events at public parks. Residents can shop locally for food and groceries, or they may access Grand Rapids for more entertainment, dining and shopping options. “For the most part, people who are looking into Dorr are trying to find something affordable,” says Steven Hanson, founder of Hanson Real Estate Group with over 30 years of experience. “People are looking at homes in the outlying areas [of Grand Rapids] and are getting used to longer commutes to and from the city. Plus, there are all the lakes and the casino around.” The area’s CAP Index crime score is 1 out of 10, lower than the national average of 4.
Diverse housing styles in Allegan County's Dorr community
Single-family homes were built from the late 1800s to the present day. Dorr’s diverse housing stock ranges from smaller cottages, Minimal Traditional and Craftsman homes to ranch-styles, split-levels, Colonial Revivals, New Traditionals and farmhouses. Prices typically go from $180,000 to about $500,000, while hobby farms and properties with over 10 acres of land can reach over $800,000. Manufactured homes go between $200,000 and $300,000. “Prices are anywhere in the $200,000s and up,” Hanson says. “The location is great, and it’s convenient to outdoor places like the lakes and to Grand Rapids.”
Public school systems that serve Dorr
Dorr is served by both Hopkins Public Schools and Wayland Union Schools. Those attending Hopkins may start at Sycamore Elementary, which has an A-minus grade from Niche. Hopkins Middle School gets a B-minus, and Hopkins High School scores a B. Wayland Union Schools include Dorr Elementary and Wayland Union Middle School, each of which has an A-minus and a B. Wayland Union High School gets a B-minus and has performing arts programs in acting, production and theater.
Township parks offer disc golf, sports fields and trails
Dorr Township North Park has a disc golf course, and community events often take place at Dorr Township South Park, also known as Gries Memorial Park. The two parks are surrounded by sports fields, tennis courts and a skate park. Bysterveld Park has a play area and some hiking trails, and Lake Michigan, with many water recreation opportunities for swimming, boating and sailing, is less than 30 miles west.
Local shopping and dining options
Restaurants are concentrated along 42nd Avenue. One More Grill has traditional pub food, and the local pizzeria, Enza's Pizza, is known for its Chicago-style deep-dish pizza. People can get groceries at Leppinks Food Centers, and then head to Dairy Ranch for ice cream. Big-box stores and additional shopping and dining options are in Grand Rapids, about 20 miles north of the township. “People can always go to Grand Rapids for shopping and dining,” Hanson says. “But they can probably save a buck or tow by going local.”
Community events in Dorr
Dorr has a July 4th celebration with three days of festivities. The event has live entertainment, a craft market, a pancake breakfast, carnival rides, a flag-raising ceremony, a parade and fireworks.
Distance to Grand Rapids
U.S. Route 131 runs through the community, and Grand Rapids is about 20 miles away. Gerald R. Ford International Airport and University of Michigan Health-West are both in Grand Rapids.
