Nelson Township is on the edge of Grand Rapids' expansion
Nelson Township is on the north side of Kent County, where stretches of uninterrupted farmland surround the small community of Cedar Springs. Grand Rapids is 30 minutes south along the highway, but the major city's growth has yet to reach this far north. "Cedar Springs is what Rockford was 10 years ago," says Curtis Gross, a local Realtor with Re/Max United. "This area is the next step for development as Grand Rapids runs out of space to grow." But for now, Nelson residents enjoy large yards, a small-town community and a CAP Index Crime Score of 2 out of 10, lower than the national average of 4. With preservation guidelines in place to protect the area's farmland, it's unlikely that large-scale developments will fully pave over this rural way of life anytime soon.
Larger, newer homes are beginning to mix in amongst the older ones along the water.
The majority of the area is covered in farms, most of which grow corn.
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Most homes are far apart, with large yards and waterfront views
With the exception of some compact communities clustering around Cedar Springs and Sand Lake, homes in Nelson Township are spread far apart, often on several acres of land. There are also several lakes within the township, offering properties with private docks and waterfront views. "It's a more easily obtainable market than the Rockford area," Gross says. "You can still find a home in the $200,000 to $300,000 range." There are primarily rustic ranch styles from the mid to late 1900s in that price range. From $300,000 to $400,000, there's a mix of modern construction and large older farmhouses. Once prices get up to $500,000 to $600,000, homes are custom-built and set back on private driveways. All properties use well water and private septic systems. Internet broadband coverage can be limited.
You can find large and ranch-style homes mixed in throughout the area.
There are a few newer home communities being built in the area near Highway 131.
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City amenities and plenty of red flannel shirts in Cedar Springs
The city of Cedar Springs is located at the southwest corner of the township and is a regional hub for the area. A walkable downtown has a movie theater, boutiques and local restaurants. The popular Cedar Springs Brewing Company makes beers in the traditional Bavarian style, complemented by generous portions of German pub food. The city also has a public library, a Meijer and the Cedar Springs Health Center. For over 85 years, the community around Cedar Springs has come together for the annual Red Flannel Festival, when everyone dons their favorite red shirt for a weekend of parades, live music and food vendors.
Cedar Springs Brewing Company is a great place for Nelson Township folks to meet up for a drink.
Nelson Township residents head to downtown Cedar Springs and the Kent Theatre for entertainment.
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Small-town community in Sand Lake known for Fourth of July activities
Sand Lake is a much smaller community on the north side of Nelson. It has a few restaurants, a Family Dollar and the Nelson Township Public Library. The namesake lake is open for boating and fishing but is mainly used by those who live along the shore, with only one small public boat launch. Sand Lake is best known for its Fourth of July festival.
Cedar Springs schools are located on one main campus
Cedar Springs Public Schools serves most of the township. Kindergarten to first graders attend Cedar Trails Elementary, and second to third graders attend Beach Elementary. Both schools receive a B grade from Niche. Fourth and fifth graders attend Cedar View Elementary, which is rated B-minus. Cedar Springs Middle and Cedar Springs High schools both receive a B grade. Most of the school buildings are located on one campus, making it convenient for parents to pick up kids of different ages. The district partners with Kent ISD, a regional education agency that offers college courses, career internships and student support.
Cedar Trails Elementary in Cedar Springs is an above-average rated school on niche.com.
Cedar Springs High School has a student-to-teacher ratio of 23 to 1.
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The paved White Pine Trail connects the community
The White Pine Trail runs through Nelson Township, passing Sand Lake and Cedar Springs. This paved pathway stretched 92 miles from the outskirts of Grand Rapids north to Cadillac. Gordon Park is a local White Pine trailhead with a playground and bathrooms. Around Cedar Springs, youth sports leagues use soccer fields and baseball diamonds. Sharpshooters can practice their shot at the Red Flannel Rod & Gun Club, and golfers can tee off at the 18-hole Cedar Chase Golf Club.
Crossing right through the area is the 92 mile long White Pine Trail.
Salisbury Park in Nelson Township has a lot of green space and play areas for local kids.
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Thirty minutes to Grand Rapids, less than an hour to Big Rapids
Nelson Township is just over 25 miles from downtown Grand Rapids via U.S. Route 131. The trip typically takes 30 minutes but can get up to 45 minutes with rush hour traffic. To get to the Grand Rapids International Airport, residents must pass through Grand Rapids, about a 35-mile trip. The smaller city of Greenville is about 20 miles away, offering grocery stores and a hospital. When heading north, Nelson Township is 35 miles from Big Rapids, a common launch point to explore the lakes, forests and hunting grounds of rural West Michigan.
Photography Contributed By
Tyler Bolduc
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