Fremont is a tight-knit lakeside community
Fremont is a western Michigan town with a population of just over 4,500. It is situated on the banks of a small lake and is defined by one of the most famous babies in the nation. “We’re the home of Gerber,” says Realtor Pamela Derks of Five Star Real Estate Fremont, an area resident of nearly 30 years. “You could say it’s very family-oriented, since our biggest industry is baby food. It really is a homey town, small and quaint and very relaxing.” The town is self-contained – healthcare services are available at the Corewell Health Gerber Hospital, and most shopping needs can be met along Main Street. Fremont remains an isolated and community-oriented small town, though it is also the site of the annual Baby Food Festival, which draws visitors from all over the state.
Baby Food Festival brings thousands of visitors to this small town
Fremont’s premiere three-day event is the National Baby Food Festival, held annually in July near the Gerber Products Company headquarters. For over 30 years, this celebration has drawn more than 100,000 visitors to Fremont. The event includes live music, a carnival, a vendor fair and a parade.
Manufactured and stick-built homes with lakefront options
Mobile and manufactured homes in Fremont can cost between $30,000 and $335,000, depending on the build year and square footage. Stick-built homes in town come in a variety of styles, sitting on closely-packed lots and shaded by tall, leafy trees in the summer. “It’s a pretty good mix of homes. There are some ranch-styles, which the older residents and retirees prefer, but there are also midcentury bungalows, farmhouses and Cape Cods,” says Derks. “We have some new subdivisions being built in town, which is good because we need more housing. There are also lakeside homes around Fremont Lake, but those are very difficult to come by.” Prices typically range from $85,000 to $710,000, varying based on lot size, proximity to the lake, and number of bedrooms. Residents should also be aware of the potential for snowy winters. Lake effect weather patterns from Lake Michigan can cause annual snowfall of 62 inches.
Main Street is Fremont’s main throughway
Healthcare services are available at the Corewell Health Gerber Hospital. No major highways pass through Fremont. Main Street is the major thoroughfare of the town, home to most of its businesses. It connects the community east to Michigan state Route 37, the most direct way to reach Newaygo. Traveling south on Stewart Avenue is the quickest way to Grand Rapids, a trip which takes roughly an hour.
Groceries, retailers and local restaurants available in town
Residents do not need to leave Fremont to stock up on daily household items. “We have a Meijer supermarket and a Walmart for all your necessities,” Derks says. Main Street is a hub of local eateries and businesses. “One of the most popular restaurants in town is Spanky’s Pizza. They’re well-known for their breadsticks.” Other popular options on Main Street include Moon Dance Café.
Outdoor recreation centered on Fremont Lake and public golf courses
Summertime in Fremont means trips to the community’s namesake lake. “There’s the beach at Fremont Lake, which has a city park and a boat launch,” Derks says. “People take their kids down for ice cream or to go fishing during the summer. Otherwise, golf is very popular here. Lots of people come from all over to play these courses.” Summer Breeze, Waters Edge and Northwood Family Traditions Golf Courses are all nearby, each offering public tee times.
Public schools earn B-range ratings and offer career support
Fremont children begin at Pathfinder Elementary, which earns an A-minus and serves students from kindergarten through grade 2. Daisy Brook Elementary, which children attend from grades 3 to 5, receives a B. Fremont Middle scores a B-plus, and Fremont High School is rated B. At-risk students can attend QUEST High, which provides them with a curriculum focused on career and post-secondary pathways.
