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Gaines

Gaines

$462,050 Average Value

Gaines Township has lower property taxes and easy access to Grand Rapids

A few miles south of Grand Rapids, Gaines Township attracts homeowners with its convenient location, amenities and low cost of living. “Gaines has a fairly low property tax, which is a real draw,” says Dave Kooistra, a broker at Apex Realty Group. “There are some nice parks, the school districts are really good, and it’s got quick access to Grand Rapids.” With around 29,000 residents, this Kent County township encompasses many communities and neighborhoods, providing various housing and lifestyle options. And with steady construction, that doesn’t appear to be changing soon. “It’s getting pretty populated – lots of new neighborhoods,” says Kooistra. “Gaines is pretty friendly when it comes to development.”

Gaines Township’s planned neighborhoods offer modern amenities and a sense of community.
Gaines Township’s planned neighborhoods offer modern amenities and a sense of community.
Gaines Township homes feature spacious driveways and well-kept lawns.
Gaines Township homes feature spacious driveways and well-kept lawns.
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The area has 21st-century neo-traditional homes and midcentury designs

The newest homes in the area tend to be in the Corinth community. Based around the southwestern section of the township, 21st-century neo-traditional homes are arranged neatly in planned communities with modern amenities. Homes are priced between the mid-$420,000s to the low $690,000s. Cutlerville has traditional subdivisions filled with midcentury architecture, ranging from the low $210,000s to the mid-$420,000s. “You’re starting to see a lot of young families buying the older, dated houses and renovating them,” says Kooistra. Two-story condos are popular in Crystal Springs and generally sell between the mid-$320,000s and the low $420,000s.

Gaines Township’s homes offer modern designs and comfortable living spaces.
Gaines Township’s homes offer modern designs and comfortable living spaces.
Midcentury houses in this neighborhood are priced from the low $210,000s.
Midcentury houses in this neighborhood are priced from the low $210,000s.
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Caledonia High School employs 2025's Michigan Teacher of the Year

Most of the area is served by Caledonia Community Schools, which has six elementary schools, two middle schools and one high school. The district has an A-minus from Niche. In 2024, one of Caledonia High School’s social studies teachers was named Teacher of the Year by the Michigan Center for Civic Education. Smaller sections of Gaines Township are serviced by Bryon Center Public Schools, which has an A grade from Niche, and Kentwood Public Schools, which has an A-minus.

In Gaines Township, students attend Caledonia High School, one of Caledonia Community Schools.
In Gaines Township, students attend Caledonia High School, one of Caledonia Community Schools.
Byron Center High School receives an A grade from Niche.
Byron Center High School receives an A grade from Niche.
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Prairie Wolf Park is filled with apple blossoms

The trails of Prairie Wolf Park are known for the natural beauty that surrounds them. “It’s full of apple blossoms in the spring – the whole park smells like them,” says Kooistra. “Lots of wildlife around there, too.” Shadyside Park has traditional recreational amenities: a playground, public grills and a picnic pavilion. The Briarwood Golf Club is a public, 18-hole course.

Prairie Wolf Park Trail in Caledonia, Michigan.
Prairie Wolf Park Trail in Caledonia, Michigan.
Prairie Wolf Park Trail in Caledonia, Michigan.
Prairie Wolf Park Trail in Caledonia, Michigan.
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Railtown Brewing Company is literally a piece of the city

Railtown Brewing Company has been serving craft beer and upscale eats to the community since 2014. In fact, the locals like it so much that in 2025, they renamed a street in its honor. “There are a few local, standout restaurants,” says Kooistra. “But mostly, you’ve got a lot of commercial places and fast food.” Gaines Marketplace is a standard stop for retail like Target and grocery stores like Meijer.

Railtown Brewing Co is a local brewery popular for its on-site craft beers.
Railtown Brewing Co is a local brewery popular for its on-site craft beers.
Railtown Brewing Co is a great spot to meet up with friends for a cold craft beer.
Railtown Brewing Co is a great spot to meet up with friends for a cold craft beer.
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The city is convenient to Lake Michigan

Two of the main highways in the area are U.S. Route 131 and Michigan Highway 6. “M-6 runs right through the middle of town,” says Kooistra. “It gets you around fast, and there’s hardly any traffic.” Location is one of the best things about living in the area, Kooistra says. “You’re 15 minutes from the airport, 30 minutes from Lake Michigan and less than 20 minutes from the center of downtown Grand Rapids,” he says. Public transportation is provided by The Rapid bus line, which has several stops along Kalamazoo Avenue.

The Fall Heritage Festival is celebrated every October

Every October, the Fall Heritage Festival celebrates the turning of the leaves with a day of live performances, food trucks, hayrides and a farmers market. Every summer, the Gaines Community Rodeo invites the community for two days of roping, bull riding and steer wrestling.

Phil Keeling
Written By
Phil Keeling
Anne Sheridan
Photography Contributed By
Anne Sheridan
Austin Lewis
Video By
Austin Lewis

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Steven VanWyck, an experienced agent in this area.

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
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

Parks in this Area

Open Houses

  • Wednesday, May 27
    Open Wed 4PM - 6PM

    6623 Shoreside Ct SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49548

    $419,900

    • 1 Bed
    • 1.5 Baths
    • 1,224 Sq Ft
    • 6623 Shoreside Ct SE
    • New 11 days ago

    Here is a rare, brand new waterfront condo with zero step entry from both front & garage doors. With a certificate of occupancy now in hand you could be moving in a week after offer acceptance & enjoying the sunset views! We've included what our clients want the most with a step in pantry, 6 ft island, main floor laundry room, quartz counters with tile backsplash, ss kitchen appliances, luxury

    Christine VanEngen Condo Concepts of Michigan

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  • Wednesday, May 27
    Open Wed 3:30PM - 5PM

    7979 Cresswell Ct SE Unit 23, Caledonia, MI 49316

    $650,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 2,034 Sq Ft
    • 7979 Cresswell Ct SE
    • Unit 23

    Experience refined living in this beautifully appointed Redwood plan in Dutton Preserve, showcasing elevated design and curated finishes throughout. A striking exterior with black accents, stone detail, and upgraded garage doors sets the tone. Inside, wide-plank LVP flows through the main living areas, leading to a sophisticated kitchen featuring Charcoal Soapstone Suede counters, painted Arbor

    Connie Bennett Kensington Realty Group Inc.

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Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

Gaines Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
29,220
Median Age
38
Population under 18
26.6%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
16.4%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$76,342
On par with the national average
$79,597
Average Household Income
$95,926

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
94.1%
Above the national average
89%
College Graduates
33.4%
Advanced Degrees
10.8%
% Population in Labor Force
75.8%
Above the national average
64.9%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
39''
Average Winter Low Temperature
19°F
Average Summer High Temperature
83°F
Annual Snowfall
75''

Area Factors

Somewhat friendly

Bikeability®

20 / 100

Not friendly

Walkability®

10 / 100

Not friendly

Transit®

0 / 100
Source: Local Logic
Sources: Local Logic

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.
Gaines
Steven VanWyck
Rise Realty Group
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