Grand Haven Township offers lakeshore living, with more land
Just south of the city of Grand Haven, Grand Haven Township offers 7 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline with public beaches and waterfront homes. While the township has a few stores and restaurants in town, locals frequently drive to the city to shop, dine and celebrate community events. Homes are more dispersed in the township than in the city, offering a blend of suburban and rural living. The extra space and acreage means spending a bit more on a home.
Housing prices rise closer to Lake Michigan, west of U.S. 31
The median home sale price in Grand Haven Township is $435,000 compared to Grand Haven’s median of $390,000. Prices vary based on which side of U.S. 31 the house sits. “The west side of U.S. 31 is more desirable and expensive because it’s closer to Lake Michigan. The east side is going to be more of your midrange homes,” says Bradley Wisk, a Realtor with Keller Williams Harbortown who sells homes in the region. Homes on the west side include multimillion-dollar lakefront houses with steps down to the beach as well as homeowners association developments with single-family homes, including one in American Dunes Golf Club. The east side also has HOAs, and there are many homes on both sides that are privately tucked away in acres of woods.
Public beaches and dunes line the Lake Michigan shore
The township has a few public beaches along Lake Michigan, including Rosy Mount Natural Area and Kirk Park. “A lot of people go to Kirk Park because it's one of the only parks that allows dogs,” Wisk says. Kirk Park also has a playground, and Rosy Mount Natural Area features trails through forested dunes that lead to the beach. American Dunes Golf Club is open to the public. Golf legend Jack Nicklaus created the course, and proceeds from each round of golf are donated to Folds of Honor, a nonprofit organization that provides scholarships for family members of fallen service members and first responders.
Highly rated schools and a competitive Science Olympiad team
Three elementary schools serve students in Grand Haven Township, including Rosy Mound School, which receives an A grade from Niche. For grades 5 and 6, all students go on to White Pines Intermediate School, rated A-minus. Lakeshore Middle School and Grand Haven High School also receive A-minus grades. The high school’s Science Olympiad team has historically been a top competitor, winning 19 state championships since 1995.
A few stores and restaurants, more businesses in Grand Haven
Stores and restaurants are dispersed along U.S. 31. Stable Inn is a community staple known for its Wild West theme and weekly all-you-can-eat prime rib. Mancino’s specializes in pizza and grinders, and it’s right next to Rock ‘N’ Thai Café. West Michigan is known for its blueberry production, and it's evident in Grand Haven Township with places like Reenders Blueberry Farm and Crossroads Blueberry Farm. Both have markets and blueberry picking. Green Acres Farm Market sells locally grown fruits, vegetables, flowers and other products. West Michigan Antique Mall features a large collection of vintage items through local vendors. Walmart and Meijer are on the north side of the township, close to Grand Haven, where there are even more big-box retailers and restaurants.
Coast Guard Festival, a kite festival and Winterfest
Locals head to Grand Haven for the city’s annual events, such as the 10-day Coast Guard Festival, where thousands of fairgoers partake in parades, carnival rides and fireworks, all to honor West Michigan’s Coast Guard. In May, the beach is full of flying kites during the Grand Haven Kite Festival, and in January, Winterfest features cardboard sled races, snow volleyball, a family dog pull and other winter activities.
Less than one hour to Grand Rapids
U.S. 31 connects to other West Michigan towns, including Muskegon and Holland, both less than 20 miles away. It takes about 30 to 45 minutes to drive to Grand Rapids, about 30 miles away. Grand Rapids is home to Gerald R. Ford International Airport, which offers flights to several U.S. cities, Mexico, Canada and Europe.
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Written By
Nicolas Stuart
