Georgetown Township has a community feel and highway access
Georgetown Township is a Grand Rapids suburb offering quiet neighborhoods, well-rated schools and the lower taxes of a township. Like many places surrounding the city, it has been booming with new construction since the 1990s. However, the established community of Jenison serves as an anchor for the newer neighborhoods, with centrally located shopping options and events. "I think a big part of why people love living here is our tight sense of community and belonging," says Caleb Henderson, a Realtor with Century 21 Affiliated. Henderson grew up in the area and chose to stay. "I don't know if I would ever leave. Friday night football games are really special here, community events are special here…and it's a great mix of age groups," he says. According to him, another draw is the proximity to Interstate 196: "You're maybe 15 minutes to downtown Grand Rapids and 30 minutes to the beaches of Lake Michigan."
Older homes, new subdivisions and condo communities
Georgetown Township has a variety of neighborhoods. Some are older and established, featuring ranch-style homes from the 1970s and 1980s. Others were added in the late 1990s and onwards, with uniform rows of New Traditional houses and monthly HOA fees. Across the board, Henderson says that "the neighborhood values for housing are on the rise."
Older homes start around $220,000 to $360,000, and newer properties range from $360,000 to $800,000. Some custom-built homes or places with acreage can reach up to $1.2 million. There are plenty of condo communities too, with units from $160,000 to $500,000. Detached luxury condos are priced up to $870,000.
Well-rated schools with music programs and sports facilities
The eastern side of the township is served by Jenison Public School, which earns an A grade from Niche. The district is particularly known for its high school marching band, which performed at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2023. Students in music and theater programs also get to perform at the Jenison Center for the Arts, the district's 1,200-seat auditorium, built in 2011.
The western side is served by Hudsonville Public Schools, which also receives an A. The district's high school campus was expanded in the 2023 to 2024 school year, adding an indoor fieldhouse with a track, sports courts and fitness rooms, plus seating with a capacity for more than 3,500 people.
Riverside industry and recreation, with plenty of nearby parks
Georgetown Township's industry has historically been tied to the Grand River, from lumber milling to gravel mining. Today, gravel companies like Huizenga Ready Mix still occupy much of the riverbanks, and defunct mines have turned into scenic lakes. In the case of Rosewood Park, a former gravel pit is now a beloved sledding hill. Henderson explains that the park is affectionally called "Charlie's Dump," after the man who once owned the gravel pit in the mid-1900s and allowed kids to come over and sled on it.
Along the riverbank, Grand River Park has boat launches and a trail network connecting over 2 miles to the Grand Ravines, a green space known for its expansive dog park. Neighborhood parks throughout the township have sports courts, splash pads and playgrounds. Golfers can play at the public Gleneagle Golf Club and Wallinwood Springs Golf Club or invest in a membership at the private Sunnybrook Country Club.
Strip malls in Jenison have a mix of big stores and local restaurants
Most shopping options are in Jenison, where strip malls are anchored by large grocery stores like Meijer and Aldi. There are several chain restaurants, and Tacos El Cuñado has authentic Mexican food, which Henderson says is "just incredible — it's one of my favorite places to eat." Farther down Baldwin Street, The Win Tavern 33 is a go-to to grab a burger and watch a sports game, and Licari's Sicilian Pizza Kitchen was a finalist for the best pizza in Grand Rapids award by Grand Rapids Magazine. "We have the major stores and then some smaller family-owned spots, so the mix is really good," Henderson says.
Community gathers at a public library and holiday parades
The Georgetown Township Public Library was fully renovated in 2019 to transform it into a multipurpose community hub. Some of the largest events held there include Fall Fest, with pumpkin decorating and Trunk or Treat, and the Community Tree Lighting & Holiday Market in December. From June to August, there's a farmers market held right outside the library. Henderson says the local parades are always a favorite, too. "Our holiday parades are a lot of fun," Henderson says. "I think the Memorial Day parade in Georgetown Township is one of the best in the area."
Quick trips to Grand Rapids and Grand Valley State University
By connecting with Interstate 196, locals can reach downtown Grand Rapids in about 10 miles. The city's downtown has several hospitals, including Trinity Health and Corewell Health. Henderson says another draw to the area is being just 5 miles south of Grand Valley State University, a major employer in the region. To get out of town, Gerald R. Ford International Airport is 20 miles away. To reach the sandy shores of Lake Michigan, it's about a 25-mile trip.
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Written By
Catherine Lashley
