Holland rests along the shores of Lake Macatawa and Lake Michigan, and is home to more than 34,000 residents. Originally inhabited by the Ottawa tribe of Native Americans, Dutch pioneers settled here in the mid-1800s, naming the city after a Netherlands province. Holland continues to have a strong Dutch influence celebrated in the spring with the Tulip Time Festival when thousands of tourists flood the town to experience the blooming fields.
Though tourism is a significant part of the city, Holland has a quieter small-town feel outside of tulip season. Midwest Living's 2023 "Best of" list named Holland the Best Small Town, largely thanks to its walkable downtown and regular events. "I hear over and over again from my clients what a fantastic place this is to live," says Holland native Doug Klaasen, a Realtor with Keller Williams who has over 27 years of experience selling in the city. "People come here as visitors and then end up moving here later in life, drawn to the quaint lifestyle and the beaches."
The city of Holland sits on the banks of Lake Michigan, offering a little bit of everything.
Street performers entertain visitors during Holland's 4th of July program.
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Diverse home styles in a growing market
Holland's properties range from luxury lakeside estates to starter homes. Most of the city was built in the early half of the 1900s, though some neighborhoods at the edges of town were built in the 1980s and '90s. There are only a few opportunities for new construction within city limits, mostly condo units. According to 2023 data from The Council for Community and Economic Research, Holland's cost of living is 10% below the national average, and housing costs are almost 30% below the average.
Appreciation rates are strong in Holland, with the city showing a 134% increase in property values in the past 10 years. Over 900 properties were sold in 2023, and the median home price is $350,000. Smaller ranch styles start around $250,000, and luxury condos in downtown get over $1 million. Waterfront property rarely hits the market, but these large estates are typically $1.5 million and above. "It's a pretty high demand area, and there's low inventory, so a lot of homes sell within a week," says Larry Kleinheksel, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Woodland Schmidt who has lived in Holland for over 70 years. "We often see multiple offers, especially homes under $500,000."
There are many waterfront properties surrounding Holland's Lake Macatawa.
Updated traditional homes are dotted throughout older Holland neighborhoods.
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A walkable downtown, even in the wintertime
With cobblestone sidewalks and eclectic storefronts, downtown Holland epitomizes the city's small-town charm. The streets are home to more than 100 locally owned boutiques, breweries and gift shops. Downtown functions as a social district, meaning visitors can enjoy alcoholic beverages outside. Amidst a global selection of cuisines, Holland is known for its authentic Mexican food, craft beer selection and its breakfast spots. Businesses tend to close early — there aren't many places to stay out past 11 p.m., and many are closed all day on Sunday.
In the winter, a snowmelt system keeps downtown streets and sidewalks clear of ice and snow. By pumping hot water underneath the roads, downtown is always open for business, even when it's 20 degrees outside.
Bowman's on 8th is a bakery and cafe operated by Bowman's Blueberry Farm in Holland.
Holland has several breweries, including famed New Holland Brewing Co., located downtown.
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Tulip Time and other cultural offerings
Holland has become a destination for Dutch arts and culture in Western Michigan, most notably for the Tulip Time Festival in May. This century-old tradition was named Best Flower Festival in the country by USA Today and involves the cultivation of millions of blooms throughout the city. The festival has a variety of events, such as traditional Dutch dancing demonstrations, parades, carnival rides and walking tours. Tulip Time is the city's busiest event, attracting tourists and traffic.
The city plans a wide range of events — aimed at visiting tourists and local residents. Parks come alive with outdoor concerts, local theaters put on performances, and breweries host trivia nights. Autumn is full of fall-themed festivities, and in the wintertime, LED tulips and visits from Sinterklaas — the Dutch version of Santa Claus — brighten up the city. One of the most popular events is the local farmers market, held twice weekly from May to December.
Another significant part of Holland's culture is religion. When the Dutch first settled here in the 1800s, many fled from religious persecution in the Netherlands. Holland was the founding place of the Christian Reformed Church in North America, a denomination that now has over 100,000 members. Today, the greater Holland area is home to 140 churches, many with ties to Reformed denominations.
People gather in Kollen Park to watch fireworks on the 4th of July.
Windmill Island Garden prepares for Tulip Time with their flowers in full bloom.
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Beaches, park development and a historic Dutch windmill
The most popular summer attraction in Holland is the coasts of Lake Michigan. Located 5 miles from downtown, Holland State Park draws thousands of visitors to its white sand beaches and is home to Michigan's most photographed lighthouse, Big Red. "The beaches definitely get crowded in mid-summer if you don't get there early," Klaasen says. Holland also borders the smaller Lake Macatawa, which has marinas for boat storage and a canal connecting to Lake Michigan.
Holland has 23 public parks, including a nature center, live music stages and sledding hills. Parks along Lake Macatawa and Macatawa River are popular year-round but really come to life during the tulip season. One of the most iconic spots in Holland is the De Zwaan Windmill, the oldest functioning Dutch windmill in the United States. “My favorite aspect of living in Holland is the intentionality in the way that the community takes care of where we all live,” says Linda Hart, executive director of the Holland Area Visitor Bureau. “The parks department plants flowers in every single park in the spring, they maintain 150 miles of bike paths, and they really focus on keeping downtown beautiful in every season. The top things that visitors say to me is how clean, friendly and beautiful our community is.”
The city's waterfront is facing an upcoming renovation, which will connect downtown to the coast of Lake Macatawa. Although it is still in its early stages, the renovation will include new green spaces, mixed-use developments and a multi-million dollar ice rink. “The waterfront is a project that has been in the works for a long time,” Hart says. “If there are new projects like that, where there might be a tax charge, the city really wants the public to get involved. We are going to get an ice rink thanks in large part to private donations. Last year, we voted yes on a project that brought fiber internet access to all residents. There aren’t many municipalities that have the capacity to do that.”
Big Red, the most photographed lighthouse in Michigan is near Holland State Park.
Centennial Park includes a Wizard of Oz sculpture; the book was written in Holland.
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Major employers and transportation
Holland's primary industry is tourism, though it also has manufacturing, education and healthcare opportunities. Some of the area's leading employers are Hope College, Holland Hospital and manufacturing companies like Gentex and Herman Miller. "Even though we are a small town, we have a strong economy, thanks to the global industries headquartered here and the high tourism," Klaasen says. The Heinz factory on the edge of Lake Macatawa is another major employer and one of the world's largest pickle processing plants. Occasionally, the parks around the factory have a distinctive smell of pickles.
The greater Holland area has 68 miles of sidewalks and trails, as well as more than 150 miles of bike paths. For public transportation, the Macatawa Area Express Bus has multiple routes serving Holland and the next-door city of Zeeland.
For bigger city amenities, Grand Rapids is about 30 miles away, typically a 35-minute drive. The larger city is home to the Gerald R. Ford International Airport, the closest option for commercial flights. The airport flies direct to more than 20 destinations across the country. Holland is also home to an Amtrak station, with trains that get to Grand Rapids in about an hour and Chicago in about 3 hours.
Hope College, a private college operated by the Reformed Church was founded in 1866.
Holland Hospital is a large hospital in Holland with branches in surrounding communities.
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Several school districts and a historic religious college
The Holland City School District serves most of the city. It earns a B-plus from Niche and is ranked as Michigan's ninth most diverse district out of the state's 522 school systems. The city's southeast edge is zoned for Hamilton Community Schools, which receive an overall A-minus grade. Since Michigan's school-of-choice laws allow families to apply to other districts, the nearby Zeeland Public Schools and West Ottawa Public School Districts, both rated A, are also common choices. Several private options are available, including Holland Christian, which has its own elementary, middle and high school.
The city is also home to Hope College, a liberal arts school serving over 3,200 students yearly. It is affiliated with the Reformed Church of America and offers a faith-based education. The college's first building, built by early Dutch settlers in 1857, is an impressive structure that still stands today. “Hope College is a big draw,” Kleinheksel says. “You can go see plays and sports games there and the campus is very walkable as part of downtown.”
Holland High School
Holland Heights Elementary is located in the Holland Heights neighborhood.
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Important to know
Holland experiences four seasons, though winter can be long and cold. According to U.S. Climate Data, temperatures drop below freezing from November to March, and the average annual snowfall is 70 inches. The city provides snowplowing for streets and offers a sidewalk plowing service.
According to FBI crime statistics in 2023, the crime rates in Holland were 29% lower than the national average and slightly lower than Michigan's average. “There isn’t anywhere in Holland I couldn’t walk around and feel completely safe,” Hart says. Holland's Fire and Police Departments are combined to form a Public Safety Unit, offering 24-hour service to city residents.
Written By
Catherine Lashley
Photography Contributed By
Christopher Shires
Video By
Mike Dunleavy
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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On average, homes in Holland, MI sell after 27 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Holland, MI over the last 12 months is $373,000, up 7% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Positioned in one of the most sought after locations in Spyglass, this original model unit features panoramic views of iconic Big Red and the Lake Michigan shoreline. Designed as the showcase for the development, the layout was created to maximize natural light and capture the water views from the main living spaces. Offering true zero entry living with 2 bedrooms, 2 full baths, everything on one
Offered for sale by only its second owner, this well maintained ranch home is located on Holland's desirable north side. The home features a spacious living room, convenient main-floor laundry, and a cozy finished family room in the basement, Hardwood flooring is available beneath the living room and bedroom carpeting, offering future potential. Large breezeway to attached garage. Outside, the
Modern 4-Story Home with Macatawa River Views and access- Flexible Multi-Level Living in HollandThis distinctive 4-story home sits elevated above the Macatawa River, offering sweeping views of the water, wetlands, and downtown Holland. Blending modern design with natural surroundings, it features seamless indoor-outdoor spaces, including a main-level 12-ft sliding glass wall that opens to
Ground-level Crystal Waters condo offering true walk-right-in convenience—no stairs or elevators. This 2-bedroom, 2-bath home features an easy-flowing floor plan with excellent storage throughout. The primary bedroom includes a large walk-in closet with built-in organizers and an attached full bath. The second bedroom offers two closets and quick access to the second full bath. A dedicated
Lake Macatawa Family EstateDiscover a luxurious lifestyle at this extraordinary gated family estate on the serene shores of Lake Macatawa's Pine Creek Bay. This breathtaking property combines impeccable landscaping, stunning lake views, and premium features for an unrivaled living experience.Main ResidenceThe main residence is a showcase of sophistication, offering 5 elegantly
This 2-acre parcel offers a wide-open setting that begins at the road and extends back 356 feet--creating a sense of space, depth, and opportunity that's hard to find. As you move through the property, it naturally opens up, giving you flexibility in how and where you design your future home. With plenty of room to create your ideal layout--whether it's a home set further back, open green space,
Just north of Saugatuck Dunes State Park, this is a once in a lifetime property!21+ acres of Lake Michigan property! 330 feet of rare beach frontage could be yours! Enjoy your own natural wonderland; dunes, water, waves, sand, woods, and wildlife all with gorgeous lake views, and sunsets all in your own back (or front) yard!
Just over 18 acres in desirable Laketown Township, this buildable and splittable parcel is tucked away at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac. Whether you're looking to build your dream home, invest, or hold for the future, the possibilities are endless. Contact us today for more information!
Welcome to the good life! This is the Holland retreat you've been waiting for. Just steps from Kouw Park and Lake Michigan beaches, down a dune grass-flanked driveway, and privately situated on nearly five acres, sits 5484 Lakeshore Avenue. Custom built by Bouwkamp Builders, the home exudes timeless charm with subtle nods to European design. There is over 5,000 square feet of living space, and
Welcome to 333 E Lakewood Blvd #69 in the desirable Windmill Estates community of Holland! This one-owner, 2022-built home offers 2 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms and is in excellent, move-in-ready condition. The home features a bright and functional layout with kitchen appliances included, making your transition seamless. Located in the West Ottawa School District, you'll enjoy convenient access
Welcome to Laketown Living. Tucked away on 6.12 wooded acres in highly sought-afterLaketown Township, this property offers the rare combination of privacy, nature, andproximity to West Michigan's most beloved lakeshore destinations.Perfectly situated between Holland and Saugatuck, you're just minutes from Laketown Beach, Saugatuck Dunes State Park, Goshorn Lake, and endless outdoor
Welcome to the good life!Space, flexibility, and location--this North Holland home checks every box.Just 5 minutes from Holland State Park, 221 Foxdown Road offers nearly 4,000 square feet of living space on a quiet, established street in Marigold Woods.With 6 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms, this home gives you options--whether you need dedicated work-from-home space, room for guests, or
Welcome to the good life! Tucked into the hills of Macatawa, with association beach access, this striking home feels like a private retreat in the trees, complete with a tram that adds a touch of whimsy. Its elevated setting and unique architectural design create a dramatic presence, with incredible views from every level. The entry level offers a private guest suite with 2 bedrooms, a full bath,
Welcome to a home where every season brings something special. Perfectly positioned on a peaceful cove along Lake Macatawa, 46 Counts Cove Court is a fully updated waterfront retreat that has been lovingly enjoyed as a family getaway--blending adventure, relaxation, and everyday comfort into one unforgettable setting. With every room upgraded, this move-in-ready home offers an exceptional
Welcome to the good life! This is a truly golden opportunity on the shores of Lake Macatawa. This distinguished estate sits on an oversized nearly 1.5 acre lot, and has one of the few remaining boathouses in the area-it signals back to a time of enduring elegance and luxury lakefront living. Inside, the formal living and dining rooms are spacious enough to entertain on a grand scale. A dedicated
Welcome to Meadow Springs Apartments Comfort and Convenience Along the West Michigan LakeshoreExperience the best of lakeshore living at Meadow Springs Apartments! Nestled among beautiful, tree-lined streets in Holland, our community offers easy access to local transportation, shopping, dining, and entertainment.Choose from a variety of spacious floor plans designed for your
Available now, this freshly renovated 3-bedroom, 2-bath lower-level apartment in Holland offers clean, modern living in a convenient location. The home features brand-new flooring, a modern kitchen with updated appliances, and fresh paint throughout, creating a bright and welcoming space from the moment you step inside. A private 1-car garage is included for added convenience, and on-site laundry
Boasting a charming location, resort-style amenities, and a variety of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments for rent in Holland, Shoreline Flats offers an all-inclusive living experience with modern comforts and resort-style conveniences designed for your lifestyle. Our pet-friendly community features modern kitchens with stainless-steel appliances, open-concept living areas with wood-style
Our apartments have just been newly renovated, offering fresh updates and modern finishes you'll love. Choose the layout that fits your lifestyle: 1 bed / 1 bath 2 bed / 1 bath 3 bed / 2 bath Enjoy comfortable living in a great location with move-in ready homes that feel brand new. New flooring and appliances, fresh paint and whole new vibe! No smoking or pets. Laundry on site.
So much to love about Fairlake Apartments. Brand New Beautiful apartment homes that include all the upgrades.Stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops, modern cabinets, central air conditioning, washer and dryer and garage is included with rent. A definite must see! Call today to schedule your tour!
Discover a new standard of living in Holland, MI where comfort, style, and fresh beginnings come together.This brand-new apartment community offers thoughtfully designed one- and two-bedroom apartment homes, along with spacious three-bedroom townhomes each crafted with modern living in mind. From open-concept floor plans to carefully selected finishes, every detail is designed to elevate
Welcome to HoM Flats at 24 East - NOW LEASING!Live Well in Holland, MILIVE VIBRANTLY. EXPECT EXCELLENCE. FIND YOUR PLACE.HoM Flats at 24 East is a place where design, comfort, and community meet. Located in Holland, our pet-friendly apartments are made for people who live well and value connection, convenience, and style.SMART DESIGN MEETS EFFORTLESS COMFORTOur spaces
Be the First to Call Black River Flats Home New Luxury Apartments in Holland, MIIntroducing Black River Flats, a brand-new construction community designed with comfort, style, and convenience in mind. Centrally located between M-40 and I-196, commuting or enjoying a night out in Holland or beyond has never been easier.Our spacious apartments feature open floor plans, large bedrooms, ample
Welcome to HoM Flats at FelchLive Well in Holland, MILIVE VIBRANTLY. EXPECT EXCELLENCE. FIND YOUR PLACE.HoM Flats at Felch is a place where design, comfort, and community meet. Located in Holland, our pet-friendly apartments are made for people who live well and value connection, convenience, and style.SMART DESIGN MEETS EFFORTLESS COMFORTOur spaces are built with both
Windmill Lakes Apartments is an inviting community offering one and two-bedroom apartments for rent in Holland, MI, that answer your need for a comfortable, convenient, and beautiful home. Everything from the spacious floor plans to the finely manicured lawns has been designed to give you the relaxation you deserve. Pets allowed! Rediscover what it feels like to indulge in the relaxing views of a
Located in Holland, MI, Cascade Apartments offers an impressive selection of two and three-bedroom floor plans for any lifestyle. Conveniently located just minutes from Holland State Park, Lake Michigan, and other local attractions, Cascade is the area's ultimate living destination. You can look forward to our outstanding management team, spacious apartment homes, and relaxing community
Redwood Holland is where you'll find the single-story apartment you've been looking for. Live in a two-bedroom, two-bathroom, pet-friendly apartment rental home with an attached garage. Enjoy being surrounded by charming greenery, with all the amenities of Holland and Zeeland just a stones throw away. Plus, you can get to the arts, entertainment, dining and attractions of Grand Rapids in just
Holland Heights puts a suburban spin on downtown Holland’s energetic lifestyle. “Holland Heights is very easy to move into,” says Vaughn Greathouse, a Grand Rapids local and a Realtor with Five Star Real Estate, who has sold more than 100 homes in West Michigan. “You’re close to downtown, you’re close to the highway, and you’re close to Zeeland,” making Holland Heights an accessible area for commuters. The park-filled community sits only a few miles away from all the window shopping, restaurants and cultural attractions downtown, blending quiet natural spaces with proximity to exciting annual events and major employment centers. Employees can easily reach major offices 30 miles away in Grand Rapids, while beachgoers enjoy a quick 10-mile trip west to Ottawa Beach on the shores of Lake Michigan. “Holland is a special place,” Greathouse says. “I’m a little biased, having grown up in Holland, but I’ve traveled quite a bit, and there’s something about Holland that just feels like home.”<br><br>One of Holland’s most notable events is the Tulip Time Festival, which honors the community’s Dutch history with elaborate tulip displays, parades and a carnival each spring. “There are different parades, a kids’ parade and a big parade, and local schools and bands play,” says Kristen Carini, a lifetime local and agent at family-owned Carini Realtors. “There’s kind of always something to do,” she says, noting the many seasonal markets, outdoor summer concerts and Art in the Park, a local arts fair held in the center of the city at Centennial Park. <br><br>Holland Heights’ suburban appeal is highlighted by wide residential streets lined with neat sidewalks. Brick ranch-style homes with midcentury modern touches give a nod to the community’s original 1950s developments, while newer construction often includes traditional split-levels and charming colonial builds. Most properties offer three bedrooms and around 2,000 square feet of living space along with spacious lots that accommodate private pools and large outdoor patios, something buyers won’t typically find along downtown Holland’s densely packed streets. Buyers can expect homes to sell in the $250,000 to $350,000 range, although a few standout properties with additional bedrooms and square footage can tip the scales closer to $400,000. <br><br>Whether it’s hiking the Macatawa Greenway Trail and playing disc golf or fishing and kayaking on the Macatawa River, residents of Holland Heights know they can do just about anything outdoorsy at 172-acre Paw Paw Park. Great Blue Herons are often spotted amid the wetlands in spring, while winter brings a flock of cross-country skiers to the snowy slopes. Centered on an 1872 farmhouse, the 160-acre Van Raalte Farm Park offers space for spring picnics, summer gatherings, fall hikes and winter sledding. The park is also home to a sugar shack offering demonstrations and maple syrup tastings and a spacious dog park. Down the street from Holland Heights Elementary, residents also have access to a community playground and tennis courts. <br><br>As part of the Holland City School District, many students will attend Holland Heights Elementary, which maintains a grade of B on Niche and connects students to nature with an outdoor education model that includes exploring local parks and environmental literacy. After spending two years at Holland Middle, which maintains a grade of B-minus on Niche, students can move on to Holland High, which maintains a grade of B-plus. Here, students can prepare for a future career by enrolling in the Cooperative Training school-to-work program. To continue their education close to home, students can apply to attend Grand Valley State University’s Frederik Meijer Campus. <br><br>With downtown Holland’s Eighth Street shopping district less than 5 miles west, some of the city’s best dining experiences are just a short drive away, including longstanding staples like Windmill, which has operated since 1983. New Holland Brewing’s Holland Brewpub is also a popular spot for hearty American comfort food in a laid-back environment. Closer to home, locals have enjoyed classic brunch fare at The Wooden Shoe Restaurant for more than 60 years. Groceries are also easy to grab right across the street at Meijer. <br><br>Macatawa Area Express, often referred to as MAX, operates several buses in Holland and offers a handful of local stops close to Holland Heights. Commuters also enjoy easy access to the Holland Amtrak station and major highways like Interstate 196, both of which make getting to downtown Grand Rapids a breeze. For extended travel, West Michigan Regional Airport is about 6 miles southwest. <br><br>Holland Heights receives a 3 from the CAP Index, which is lower than both the national average and downtown Holland.
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