$353,153Average Value$197Average Price per Sq Ft6Homes For Sale
Living on the edge of city life in Westside Connection
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, the area is known for its larger homes on spacious lots. With a nearby nature center and environmentally focused schools, it's easy to appreciate the great outdoors. However, the neighborhood is also conveniently situated just 5 miles from Downtown Grand Rapids, so it still appeals to those working in the city. With a solidly suburban feel, Westside Connection attracts buyers seeking a family-friendly community and a bit more space to spread out.
Homes for sale come with larger yards
This large suburb has various home styles, with the most common options being low-slung ranch homes and quaint early-1900s bungalows. Yards typically come with a minimum of a quarter-acre. "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," says Jill Westra, a real estate agent with RKM Realty who has experience in the area. "You can get some really big lot sizes out there, which makes it unique from other Grand Rapids neighborhoods."
Sidewalk and mature tree lined streets are the norm in residential Westside Connection.
The North end of Westside Connection has several large communities of newer homes.
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A popular housing market
The average home here tends to be more expensive than nearby West Grand, thanks to Westside Connection’s spacious lots and family friendly feel. However, prices are still lower than the upscale properties found out in Walker. Most single-family homes range from the mid-$200,000s to the mid-$500,000s, depending on size and level of renovations. A few condominium complexes have units starting in the low $200,000s, reaching up to the high $400,000s. “People love this area, it’s honestly one of the hottest places to live in Grand Rapids right now,” says Melissa Perrine, a Realtor with Bellabay Realty who has sold several homes in the neighborhood. “You don’t see as many homes come available, but when they do, they typically get gobbled up,” she adds.
Outdoor activities and pet-friendly amenities
Westside Connection has several pocket parks and hiking areas, but the standout spot is Blandford Nature Center, a lush outdoor getaway where visitors can hike for miles. Weekly events at the nature center include art classes, bouquet-making workshops and wildlife presentations. The onsite Blandford Farm offers Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), where you can purchase a share of local vegetable harvests for weekly pickup. The summer camps held at Blanford fill up quickly when registration opens in the fall.
Large yards and sidewalks also make Westside Connection a popular spot for dog walkers. “You see people get out in the neighborhood walking dogs and pushing kids in strollers,” Perrine says. Plus, the neighborhood’s Covell Dog Park has a fenced-in area for large and small dogs, as well as running water and kiddie pools to let your pet cool off in the summertime.
The Blandford Nature Center is a nature preserve with scenic walking trails.
Many of the local schools make a trip to Blandford Nature Center to get students in nature.
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Local schools offer nature-focused learning
Westside Connection is part of Grand Rapids Public Schools and is home to several of the district’s theme schools, which require an application for admission. All three of these nature-focused schools receive some of the highest ratings in the district:
Blanford Nature Center offers its own school for sixth graders only, providing a nature immersion experience with regular outdoor classes.
CA Frost Elementary encourages outdoor recreation, from sledding to overnight camping trips.
CA Frost Middle High School has a weekly environmental lab, and students can pursue independent research projects in fields like green energy or animal habitats.
Families can also apply out of district through Michigan’s school of choice program.
C.A. Frost Academy serves the community with its focus on environmental sciences.
CA Frost Environmental Science Middle/High School encourages its students to engage in communal learning.
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Access to downtown Grand Rapids and Lake Michigan
Westside Connection is located about 5 miles from downtown Grand Rapids. Although bus lines run into the city, most residents rely on a car to run daily errands, especially because there’s a lot to offer in the surrounding suburbs. “There’s so much growth in Standale, heading out to Allendale. You’ve got access to everything — Chick-fil-A, Meijer, local restaurants, bars, all of the fast-food options,” Perrine says. “There’s just no shortage of access to things that you need to live daily life.” Residents also have an easy 10-mile commute to Grand Valley State University, a large employer, and can hop on Lake Michigan Drive to reach the great lake in about 30 minutes.
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
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
4.119 Reviews
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.
4.0Niche User
4/27/2016Niche Review
Overall, a quiet, suburban neighborhood with everything you need.
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 !
5.0Niche User
1/29/2015Niche Review
There are very few areas to eat that are unsatisfying. Many areas have the best food for reasonable prices.
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Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Westside Connection
US
Homicide
3
4
Sexual Assault
2
4
Assault with Weapon
3
4
Robbery
3
4
Burglary
3
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
3
4
Larceny
3
4
Crime Score
2
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Westside Connection Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Westside Connection, Grand Rapids sell after 19 days on the market compared to the national average of 57 days. The median sale price for homes in Westside Connection, Grand Rapids over the last 12 months is $330,000, up 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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