$359,558Average Value$190Average Price per Sq Ft27Homes 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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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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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.
Written By
Catherine Lashley
Photography Contributed By
Tyler Bolduc
Video By
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Agents Specializing in this Area
Keith King
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.
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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
3.0Niche User
5/2/2016Niche Review
The house was great for a family of 4.
5.0Niche User
11/1/2015Niche Review
I love living in Grand Rapids. It is always full of activities throughout the year and there is always something to do.
3.0Niche User
1/29/2015Niche Review
The level of housing completely depends on what area of Grand Rapids you are in. You can be in an upscale neighborhood and minutes later enter into the lower level of Grand Rapids. But in general, there are many opportunities of luxury housing.
5.0Niche User
5/2/2016Niche Review
The atmosphere is amazing, I wouldn't replace it for the world.
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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 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Westside Connection, Grand Rapids over the last 12 months is $330,000, up 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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