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Jenison

Jenison

Located in Ottawa County

$347,609 Average Value
$186 Average Price per Sq Ft
14 Homes For Sale

Grand Rapids’ amenities, Ottawa County’s property taxes

Originally a lumber settlement on the banks of the Grand River, Jenison is a census-designated place named after a prominent 19th-century sawmill family. Over the last century, midcentury homes and growing subdivisions have since replaced the area’s native trees, historic mills and gravel pits. Today, Jenison’s lakes, golf courses and community parks attract homebuyers looking for comfortable bedroom communities within 10 miles of Grand Rapids.

“Jenison is a great community to live in with low property taxes,” says Amy Jo Weller, a longtime local and associate broker with Keller Williams Realty Rivertown. Located at the border of Ottawa and Kent Counties, Jenison residents have access to the grandeur of Grand Rapids without the added expenses. “Grand Rapids is Beer City USA. They have the restaurants and the art galleries, which is great. But in Jenison, you’re close to all those things with the benefit of affordability and a great community.”

Jenison has several areas of newer traditional style homes with larger lots.
Jenison has several areas of newer traditional style homes with larger lots.
Jenison has several small lakes and large ponds perfect for fishing in the summer.
Jenison has several small lakes and large ponds perfect for fishing in the summer.
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Growing subdivisions around Jenison’s lakes & golf courses

Jenison’s residential streets typically branch off central roads like Cottonwood Drive and Baldwin Street. The city offers various styles, price ranges and ages, from modern waterfront homes surrounding Cedar Lake East to the midcentury ranch-style homes and bilevels of Rosewood. Many subdivisions, like Georgetown Shores and the Gleneagle Golf Club, orient around community recreation. Meanwhile, brand-new townhome developments, like Lowing Woods, occupy subdivisions farther north. Altogether, the median price sits around $345,000 – higher than nearby Grand Rapids. “The market is still increasing, which is good,” Weller says. “But you’ll rarely see anything under $300,000.”

Jenison has a growing number of newer traditional style homes surrounding large ponds.
Jenison has a growing number of newer traditional style homes surrounding large ponds.
Long rows of brick ranch homes is a common sight on the quiet streets of Jenison.
Long rows of brick ranch homes is a common sight on the quiet streets of Jenison.
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Jenison High’s Wildcats are state champions

With an A on Niche, the Jenison Public School system dates back over 50 years. “Every one of my grandkids attends the school district,” Weller says, herself a graduate of Jenison High School. “They have great programs, including the music program, which brings a lot of people to the area.” Jenison Senior High School’s marching band has won the state championships 13 times in the last 25 years, performing at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2023. Located on campus, the Jenison Center for the Arts offers programming for students throughout the district. “Bar none, the schools are far and above,” she says.

Jenison Junior High has an overall rating of A on Niche.com.
Jenison Junior High has an overall rating of A on Niche.com.
Pinewood Elementary School has an overall rating of A on Niche.com.
Pinewood Elementary School has an overall rating of A on Niche.com.
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Jenison is 25 miles from Lake Michigan’s beaches

Jenison residents make the most of Michigan’s warm, humid summers with waterfront recreation throughout the region. “We have a great location between Lake Michigan and Grand Rapids,” Weller says, noting the 25-mile drive west to the great lake’s beaches. Hiking and biking trails outline the Grand River as it flows east through Jenison and onward to Grand Rapids. “Millenium Park is a nice spot along the river that draws crowds in the summer,” she continues. “Mostly, people like the big lake there for the paddle boarding and trails.” Jenison’s neighborhood parks and facilities offer year-round recreation back home – even in the icy winter months. “When I was a kid, Hager Park was the place to go,” Weller adds. “And we used to call Rosewood Park ‘Charlie’s Dump’ because it actually was a gravel pit. But now it’s a sled hill – and a popular one, at that.”

Parks and sidewalks in Jenison are always active with joggers, bicyclists and dog walkers.
Parks and sidewalks in Jenison are always active with joggers, bicyclists and dog walkers.
Dale E. Wagner Park in Jenison, MI.
Dale E. Wagner Park in Jenison, MI.
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Heading into Grandville for shops & eats on Interstate 196

Jenison doesn’t offer a downtown area, but Weller shares that many residents head north into Grand Rapids for locally-owned restaurants and small businesses. “We have the Win Tavern 33, which is a cute little bar, and we’ve got Mexican, stir fry, pizza, ice cream and fast food. But if you’re looking for real dining, you’ll go to Grandville or Grand Rapids.” Beyond the Meijer on Baldwin Street, locals often head 2 miles south into Grandville for standard amenities. There, chain grocers and retailers like Walmart Supercenter, Lowe’s and Costco line Interstate 196. Those heading into Grand Rapids take the interstate 8 miles north instead. Local travelers often make the commute to fly commercially from Gerald R. Ford International Airport.

Sprinkles Donut shop is a Jenison staple for a sweet treat and a hot coffee.
Sprinkles Donut shop is a Jenison staple for a sweet treat and a hot coffee.
Maggie's Be Cafe is a great spot in Jenison for a morning coffee with friendly staff.
Maggie's Be Cafe is a great spot in Jenison for a morning coffee with friendly staff.
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From sawmills & gravel pits to Grand Rapids’ Medical Mile

Jenison’s historic gravel pits sit just north of its residential streets, where companies like Huizenga have mined gravel for nearly a century. “Jenison is built along this big gravel pit. They mined it for years and years, but now developers are building nice neighborhoods around the inland lakes they create.” While Huizenga continues to mine, the Ottawa County parks system has since converted the Jenison Gravel Pit into a sprawling community park. “I think the big draw now is the medical field,” Weller continues, referring to the Jenison Health Center and Grand Rapids Medical Mile. “The hospitals are bringing in a lot of people, so those are the kinds of jobs that are coming into this area,” she concludes.

The median household income of Jenison, as of 2022, is just over 61,000.
The median household income of Jenison, as of 2022, is just over 61,000.
Jenison has several large active gravel pits on the edges of the Grand River.
Jenison has several large active gravel pits on the edges of the Grand River.
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Crime rates are declining in Ottawa County

As a census-designated place, Jenison does not provide its own police department. According to FBI crime data and information sourced from the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office, the region’s property crime rate has steadily decreased since 2016. Violent crime rates have similarly declined since 2021, on par with nearby Grand Rapids.

Dana Chesser
Written By
Dana Chesser
Tyler Bolduc
Photography Contributed By
Tyler Bolduc
Maurice Boone
Video By
Maurice Boone

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Pamela Merriman, an experienced agent in this area.

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Jenison Housing Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$344,900
Median Sale Price
$345,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$345,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$236,287
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Last 12 months Home Sales
177
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
4%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$186

Area Facts

Number of Homes
3,751
Number of Homes for Sale
14
Median Year Built
2009
Months of Supply
0.90
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,823
Below the national average
1,926
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,428
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
10,672

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Oct 4

    7107 Westwood Dr, Jenison, MI 49428

    $343,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 1.5 Baths
    • 1,792 Sq Ft
    • 7107 Westwood Dr
    • New 9 days ago

    Back on market-previous buyer financing fell through. Seller is selling this property 'AS IS' Step inside this beautifully maintained, 3-bedroom tri-level in Jenison and imagine your life unfolding in each thoughtfully designed space. Sunlight floods the spacious main living room through picture windows, while the bright kitchen flows seamlessly into the dining area, where glass sliders invite

    Agent Photo
    Larry Martin
    Keller Williams Realty Rivertown
    (616) 935-6584
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  • Saturday, Oct 4

    6724 28th Ave, Hudsonville, MI 49426

    $310,000

    • 2 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 2,048 Sq Ft
    • 6724 28th Ave
    • New 10 days ago

    Hudsonville ranch offering key updates and a functional layout. This 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom home sits on nearly half an acre with a spacious backyard and detached 19x19 garage/workshop. Major exterior upgrades include a 50-year roof installed in 2021, updated siding, and windows. Inside, you'll find hardwood floors under the bedroom carpet, a full basement with potential for additional living

    Agent Photo
    Kerri Bosma
    City2Shore Real Estate
    (616) 208-5466
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  • Saturday, Oct 4

    7165 Keystone Ct, Jenison, MI 49428

    $450,000

    • 5 Beds
    • 3.5 Baths
    • 2,981 Sq Ft
    • 7165 Keystone Ct
    • New 3 days ago

    Perfectly positioned at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac in Jenison, this stunning 5-bedroom, 3.5-bath home is the one you have been waiting for. Step inside and feel the warmth of two inviting living areas, one highlighted by a striking stone fireplace that makes every evening feel special. The open kitchen and dining area lead to glass sliders that open to a deck overlooking the backyard, creating

    Agent Photo
    Larry Martin
    Keller Williams Realty Rivertown
    (616) 739-3862
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Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

Jenison Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
16,503
Median Age
39
Population under 18
26.2%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
22%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$77,951
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$91,219

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
95.1%
Above the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
29.7%
Advanced Degrees
6%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
67.2%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
39''
Average Winter Low Temperature
19°F
Average Summer High Temperature
83°F
Annual Snowfall
46''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®®

39 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®®

42 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.

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.
Jenison