Fruitport offers an eclectic mix of residential settings in western Michigan
The Muskegon County township of Fruitport offers residents a combination of small-town charm, modern amenities and rural living. This area, anchored by a village of the same name, was founded as peach orchards in 1866 but has grown into a community that offers the benefits of both urban and country living. “It’s a cool community that offers a little bit of everything,” says Brock Carlston of Nexes Realty Muskegon, who sells homes throughout the region.
Waterfront homes along Spring Lake stand out among a variety of housing options
Colonial-style and ranch-style homes are common here, though a mix of older homes and contemporary model homes can be found in walkable residential settings on the west side. “There are a lot of new neighborhoods being built, because the land is affordable,” says Brian Klingel of Klingel Homes, who has sold several homes in the township. A variety of homes are spread out in more rural settings elsewhere. Modern condominiums with driveways and attached garages are available in the Stillwater Springs community. The most expensive options are concentrated in Fruitport Village, which sits along Spring Lake, but overall prices range from around $200,000 to $700,000-plus. The area’s climate is affected by its proximity to Lake Michigan. Summers are humid, and winters are cold and snowy.
Pomona Park is a local waterfront attraction; Lake Michigan is nearby
Pomona Park has been around almost as long as the township itself. “It’s a local attraction with a rich history,” Carlston says. The waterfront green space on the shores of Spring Lake has been a featured recreational destination since 1871. Today, it hosts events such as Fruitport Old Fashioned Days, a weeklong celebration each May that includes a carnival, a parade, a 5K run and a car show. Kayakers enjoy the lake, and boaters have public access to the Grand River and Lake Michigan. Speaking of Lake Michigan, its shores are dotted with nearby attractions such as P.J. Hoffmaster State Park, Dune Harbor Park and Muskegon Beach. Golfers can hone their game on the 18-hole public layout at West Wind Golf Course.
Norm's Ice Cream is a seasonal favorite
Dining and shopping options are concentrated in the Village of Fruitport and along a pair of commercial corridors on the community’s western edge. The village features popular destinations such as Norm’s Ice Cream, Fruitport Village Diner and Ye Old Tavern. “Norms Ice Cream,” says Carlston, “you order a small, and I don’t know what a small is like where you live, but it’s enough for a grown man. A large, you need two hands just to hold the cone.” Fruitport Orchard Market and Hooligan’s Artisan Meats offer dining and shopping. The Lakes Mall, which features dozens of stores, is the center of commercial activity near U.S. Route 31. The shopping center is surrounded by an array of big-box retailers and restaurants.
Recently renovated high school is a highlight of the township's school district
Students are served by Fruitport Community Schools, a district that earns a B-minus from Niche. Older students can attend Fruitport Middle School and Fruitport High School, both also rated B-minus. Students at the high school, which was rebuilt in 2021, can apply for one- or two-year placements in the Muskegon Area Career Tech Center. The district includes three elementary schools.
Easy access to Muskegon, Grand Rapids
The Muskegon Area Transit System offers fixed-route bus service to local points of interest, including Trinity Health Muskegon Hospital. I-96 provides a direct route to Grand Rapids, about 30 miles away, and the Gerald R. Ford International Airport. “Grand Rapids is the biggest player in the area, so Fruitport is a nice spot to commute to work,” Carlston says. Residents are just 7 miles from Muskegon County Airport, which offers service to Chicago on small prop planes.
Written By
Matt Pallister
