Holland Township blends shopping, recreation and education
Holland Township offers a classic suburban environment and plenty to do in and around town. The sprawling township sits on the north side of the city and its vibrant downtown, and it's right next to Park Township, a Lake Michigan community with miles of sandy beaches. “There are also lots of year-round activities. You’ve got downtown Holland, which has a snowmelt system, and you’re close to Lake Michigan, Lake Macatawa and a lot of parks,” says Bradley Wisk, a Realtor with Keller Williams Harbortown who lives in the city of Holland. Although more suburban than its neighbors, Holland Township is home to a busy commercial corridor of its own, making it a go-to spot in the region for shopping and dining. Highly rated schools are also a major draw. “The schools are a strong point for why a lot of people move here,” Wisk says.
Homes less expensive than Park Township
The median home sale price is $350,000, just $10,000 more than the median in Holland yet $100,000 less than the median in Park Township. Single-family housing developments can be found all over Holland Township, most featuring midcentury ranch-style homes, split-level homes or large New Traditionals. The northeast side of town is more rural, with large lots surrounded by farmland.
Though there are many permanent residents in Holland Township, some treat the area as a second-home community, where they can rent out their homes to vacationers — an advantage of living here rather than Park Township, where homeowners are banned from hosting short-term rentals. “That’s kind of the whole point of West Michigan,” Wisk says. “It’s like a resort area, and people want to be able to rent out their homes when they’re away.”
Retailers and restaurants on U.S. 31 and local establishments downtown
Shopping centers with dozens of national retailers and grocery stores line U.S. 31. The area is also full of chain restaurants and a handful of local establishments, including lots of Mexican options, such as The Fat Burrito, where the specialty is in the name. At Crazy Horse Steak House, diners can enjoy prime rib, then pin some cash to the wall for a donation that goes toward local charities. Across the Macatawa River, downtown Holland is full of shops, restaurants and bars, featuring the largest snowmelt system in North America. “If there’s a blizzard, you can walk up and down the sidewalks of downtown Holland, so there’s always something to do.”
Two highly rated school districts
Most students are zoned to West Ottawa Public Schools, which receives an A grade from Niche. Students at West Ottawa High have the opportunity to take dual enrollment courses through five colleges and can graduate with an International Baccalaureate degree. Students on the east side of the township are served by Zeeland Public Schools, which also receives an A Niche grade. The district has two high schools, but those in Holland Township attend Zeeland West High School. The Zeeland West Dux are known for their powerhouse football program, which has won five state championships since 2011.
Two community parks, an ice rink and a private golf club
Helder Park and Quincy Park are the township’s two main spots for outdoor recreation. Quincy Park has a designated area for dogs to play and roam free. It also features a sports complex with baseball, softball and soccer fields used by local leagues, a playground and a picnic shelter that can be rented out for special occasions. Helder Park has similar amenities with the addition of tennis, pickleball and basketball courts and a winding trail that goes through woods and meadows.
Griff’s IceHouse West is an indoor ice skating rink, offering open skating, skate lessons and hockey leagues. Macatawa Golf Club features a private 18-hole course. Members also have access to private pools, a playground and tennis courts. Lake Michigan beaches are also within driving distance, including Holland State Park, about 8 miles away.
Celebrating heritage at Nelis' Dutch Village
Nelis’ Dutch Village is a major attraction in town, celebrating the area’s Netherlands roots. It features rides for kids, a petting zoo, clog dancing and Dutch food, including cheese tastings. The village’s old European design is enhanced with tulips planted all over the park. Every year, it participates in Tulip Time, a 10-day festival that involves planting millions of tulips around Holland, along with more clog dancing, a carnival and fireworks.
A 30-mile drive to Grand Rapids
U.S. 31, the main highway through town, can be taken 20 miles to Grand Haven. It connects to Interstate 196, leading 30 miles to Grand Rapids. Gerald R. Ford International Airport is in Grand Rapids, and there’s an Amtrak station in downtown Holland. Public buses are available in town through MAX Transit.
Written By
Nicolas Stuart
