$344,090Average Value$224Average Price per Sq Ft15Homes For Sale
The doorway between downtown Grand Rapids and rural Michigan
Westside Connection is the suburban doorway between buzzing downtown Grand Rapids and the rural West Michigan countryside. Located at the western edge of the city limits, homeowners here can expect larger homes on spacious lots. With a nearby nature center and environmentally focused schools, it's easy to appreciate the great outdoors. But, situated just 5 miles out from downtown, Westside Connection still appeals to those working in the city. "It's a highly desirable spot for people who want proximity to downtown but don't want to live in an apartment," says Jill Westra, a real estate agent with RKM Realty who has experience selling in the neighborhood. "And employers out west like Grand Valley State University aren't too far away either." With a solidly suburban feel, Westside Connection appeals to Grand Rapids residents looking for a little more space to spread out.
There are several large apartments and condominium communities in Westside Connection.
Versluis Orchards stand offers residents of Westside Connection fresh apples.
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Diverse housing options and larger backyards
This large suburb has various home styles, with the most common options being low-slung ranch homes and quaint early-1900s bungalows. "Most of the neighborhood is pre-1980s, so it was built before those more cookie-cutter neighborhoods where people have a yard two feet larger than their house," Westra says. "You can get some really big lot sizes out there, which makes it unique from other Grand Rapids neighborhoods." Yards typically come with a minimum of a quarter acre. Some newer properties were built after 2000 and there are also a few condominium complexes, which kick off pricing with units at $200,000. Most single-family homes range from $250,000 to $550,000, depending on size and renovations.
Winter, Westside Conn, Homes
Winter, Westside Conn, Homes
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Outdoor immersion at Blandford Nature Center
Westside Connection has several pocket parks and green areas, including the Covell Dog Park and The Highlands nature area, which has a small network of trails. However, the main outdoor attraction on this side of the city is the Blandford Nature Center, a lush outdoor getaway where visitors can hike for miles or attend weekly events. Events include art workshops, bouquet-making workshops, and presentations featuring wildlife like falcons, turtles and rabbits. The onsite Blandford Farm offers Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), where locals can purchase a share of vegetable harvests for weekly, in-season pickup. Blandford regularly hosts visiting school trips, and the summer camps quickly fill up. For kids who can't get enough of the outdoors, Blanford has its own school, offering a whole nature immersion experience for sixth-grade students in partnership with Grand Rapids Public Schools.
The Blandford Nature Center is a nature preserve with beautiful walking trails throughout.
The Blandford Nature Center is an updated building with restrooms and a gift shop.
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Environmental learning at the application-only CA Frost Academy
Westside Connection is known for being home to the CA Frost Environmental Science Academy, where outdoor learning is built into the curriculum. CA Frost Elementary has a weekly environmental lab and encourages outdoor recreation, from sledding to overnight camping trips. CA Frost Middle High School continues the weekly environmental lab, and students pursue independent research projects in fields like green energy or animal habitats. Both schools get B grades from the website Niche, and families must submit a theme school application for admission. Zoning for regular elementary schools here varies depending on home location. Shawmut Hills is a common option for preschool through eighth grade, and all of the neighborhood's older kids are zoned for Union High School. Both schools get C ratings from Niche. There are also several faith-based private schools in the area, including St. Anthony Padua Catholic School and Grand Rapids Adventist Academy.
Winter, Westside Conn, C.A. Frost Academy
CA Frost Environmental Science Middle/High School in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
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Proximity to West Michigan attractions
One of the draws to the neighborhood is the easy access to Michigan's western edge, with the coast of Lake Michigan just about 30 minutes away. The town of Grand Haven is a popular day trip for sandy beaches and seasonal festivals. Plus, the large employer, Grand Valley State University, is 10 miles away. For those heading into Grand Rapids instead, the city center is a 5-mile trip. The Rapid bus lines run through the neighborhood, but most homeowners here rely on a car to run daily errands.
Long-standing classics and trendy new restaurants moving in
While less bustling than the city center, Westside Connection still has several restaurant options and a local grocery store. Family Fare Supermarket is less than a 10-minute drive from most homes, with some residents close enough to walk over. For early mornings, Sandy's Donuts is well-known across town as having some of the best fresh donuts. Mr. Burger, a West Michigan staple for classic diner fare, has a location here. And there's been an influx of new businesses in recent years. "Both businesses and homes are moving closer to the outskirts of the city," explains Angie Takens, Realtor at Sable Realty and regular local seller. "They're just running out of land downtown." Westside Social opened in 2018 and is now a hopping spot for dining out. Elevated pub classics can be enjoyed on a covered outdoor patio, which stays warm well into Michigan's winters. In 2020, Lost Art Brewhouse moved in, helping the west side live up to Grand Rapid's reputation as Beer City USA.
Westside Social is a popular local bar, great for comfort food and some beers.
Sandy's Donuts is the perfect spot for a morning coffee and made from scratch donut.
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Written By
Catherine Lashley
Photography Contributed By
Tyler Bolduc
Video By
Paris Lape
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Agents Specializing in this Area
Mark Brace
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Michigan Real Estate (Main)
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
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Mark Brace,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Richmond Park
Bike Trails
Picnic Area
Pool
Lincoln Park
Basketball
Grills
Picnic Area
Covell Dog Park
Dog Park
Parking Lot
Shawmut Park
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Playground
Baja Park
Multi-Purpose Field
Valley Fields Neighborhood Park
Picnic Area
Playground
Multi-Purpose Field
Blandford Nature Preserve
Trails
Nature Center
Parking Lot
Transit
Airport
Gerald R Ford International
27 min drive
Bus
Bridge & Lake Michigan (Wb)
Bus
Leonard & Covell (Wb)
Bus
Leonard & Brownwood (Eb)
Bus
Lake Michigan & Bona Vista (Eb)
Bus
Leonard & Parkhurst (Wb)
Bus
Lake Michigan & Fairfield (Wb)
Bus
Leonard & Collindale (Wb)
Reviews
Homes.com Reviews
2.01 Review
2.0Current Resident
4/15/2024Homes.com Review
West side going downhill..more and more rentals..including frat and sororities..street parking is dangerous, as 4-6 cars per household is getting the norm. Sad demise of a formerly great neighborhood, where I have lived all my life ..57 years.
Niche Reviews
4.118 Reviews
5.0Niche User
1/29/2015Niche Review
Grand Rapids is an area where whatever you are looking for is not far away. There are many original restaurants, many shopping malls, and thriving small companies along with chain companies. You can find everything you need within the area of Grand Rapids.
3.0Niche User
5/24/2016Niche Review
The general atmosphere is quiet. Many young families and older families. Not many kids in the area at all.
5.0Current Resident
6/8/2021Niche Review
I love loving on Woodrow Ave! Beatiful green spaces all around ! Close to Branford as well as downtown !
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Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Westside Connection
US
Homicide
3
4
Sexual Assault
3
4
Assault with Weapon
3
4
Robbery
3
4
Burglary
3
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
2
4
Larceny
3
4
Crime Score
3
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Westside Connection Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Westside Connection, Grand Rapids sell after 14 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Westside Connection, Grand Rapids over the last 12 months is $325,000, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to 1412 4th Street NW a beautifully restored and thoughtfully remodeled 2-bedroom, 1-bath brick Craftsman nestled in one of the most charming neighborhoods on Grand Rapids' West Side.This home seamlessly blends timeless character with modern updates. From the moment you step onto the inviting front porch, you'll notice the care and craftsmanship in every detail. Inside, you'll find an
This owner home is ready for its next chapter—and it could be yours! With 4 spacious bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms, the open-concept main level offers the perfect layout for everyday living and entertaining. Step out onto the upper deck or enjoy the separate patio area—ideal for summer gatherings or quiet evenings.You'll appreciate the fresh new flooring throughout, modern paint colors, and
Welcome to 647 Maynard! This updated NW-side 3-bed, 2-bath home sits on just over half an acre with mature landscaping. Enjoy a fully fenced backyard with a spacious deck and charming gazebo—perfect for quiet summer evenings. Despite the peaceful setting, you're only minutes from downtown. Inside, the main floor features a striking feature wall, open living/dining with sliders to the deck, and a
Step into timeless charm with this lovingly maintained 3-bedroom home nestled in a quiet, quaint neighborhood. From the moment you enter, you'll appreciate the special vintage touches that give this home its unique personality with its original details.Featuring a full basement with laundry, offering plenty of storage and potential for additional living space. The detached two-stall garage adds
Sought after neighborhood along Lake Michigan Drive with easy access to downtown, Standale, GVSU and more! You will love the sidewalks on both sides of the street and the cul-de-sac location of this home. White vinyl privacy fencing, newer deck plus a concrete patio, and mature trees and evergreens make the backyard a private retreat! Rare storage room with built-in shelving in the walkout lower
Turn-of-the-Century Charm with Endless Potential!This stately 5-bedroom, 4-bath home on Grand Rapids' West Side offers over 2,700 sq ft of historical elegance. Built in 1911, it features towering front pillars, a second-story balcony, and hardwood floors throughout. Situated on a corner lot with a fenced yard, an amazing in-ground pool with updated pump/filter, shed, and a newer roof (2021), this
North Hillburn Apartment Homes - Modern Living in a Prime Location.Completed in 2020, North Hillburn Apartment Homes offer stylish and affordable one-bedroom apartments designed for comfort and convenience. Our units include a dishwasher, air conditioning, a private balcony or patio, and a one-stall garage.Situated near Blandford Nature Center, this community is part of the Westside
Welcome to HoM Flats at MaynardVisit Our Leasing Office Today!LIVE WELL. EXPECT EXCELLENCE. FIND YOUR PLACE.At HoM Flats at Maynard, home is more than just a place to live — it’s where your lifestyle takes shape. Our pet-friendly community blends smart design, community-focused living, and thoughtful amenities that make every day more vibrant.SMART STYLE. REAL COMFORT.
We are excited that you are interested in Marsh Ridge Apartments! From the first time you visit our office through the years you live in the community, you will see that our residents are our top priority. Our main focus is what's important - you. Marsh Ridge Apartments offers a beautifully landscaped and professionally maintained community that you will be proud to call home.Our staff
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Mark Brace,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
13,536
Median Age
44
Population Density
4 ppl/acre
Population under 18
20.1%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
27.1%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$76,974
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$94,239
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
93.9%
On par with the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
40.1%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
12.2%
% Population in Labor Force
63.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
39''
Average Winter Low Temperature
19°F
Average Summer High Temperature
83°F
Annual Snowfall
119''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
30/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
23/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
25/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
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.
