Woods, lakes and home prices attract homebuyers to Newaygo
With the Muskegon River running through the dense woods of Newaygo, this small city offered the ideal landscape for the former 19th-century lumber town. Today, the river, woods and surrounding lakes give this West Michigan community a sense of living in Northern Michigan, known regionally as Up North. “The lakes and all the outdoor recreation are among the biggest draws. They really give you that Up North feel, while still being close to Grand Rapids,” says Caleb Henderson, a Realtor with Century 21 Affiliated, who has lived in the Grand Rapids region his whole life. “A majority of my clients choose to live there for the seclusion and are willing to drive to the city for work.” Henderson adds that Newaygo’s home prices are also a significant draw for those moving out of the city. The median home sale price is $210,000, compared to $320,000 in Grand Rapids.
Historic and newer homes with prices below Grand Rapids
Homes dating back to the late 1800s and early 1900s range from small bungalows to larger Colonial Revivals, selling for around $100,000 to $280,000. Ranch-style homes and split-levels built between the mid-1900s and early 2000s range from $140,000 to $340,000. One and two-story New Traditional homes from the 2020s go for around $215,000 to $415,000. Manufactured homes are also available, selling for around $45,000 to $225,000. “There’s a lot of vacant land and that’s a big draw for people in Michigan, to have private hunting land,” Henderson says. In recent years, 7-to-10-acre lots on the outskirts of town have sold between $45,000 and $170,000.
Boating, fishing and hunting are a way of life
The Muskegon River runs directly through town, attracting tubers from all over the region. “Tubing is really popular in Newaygo,” Henderson says. “They even have two tube rental businesses in town.” There are also several lakes within a few miles of the city. Hess Lake is one of the closest options and has a public boat ramp available to explore the 755 acres of water. “I’ve seen everything out there — speed boats, fishing boats, kayaks, canoes. There’s a lot of space for everyone,” Henderson says. Newaygo Riverfront Park has two sections along the Muskegon River. Both have playgrounds and a walking path by the water. Henning County Park offers similar amenities, along with ball fields, pickleball courts and a sand volleyball court. Newaygo State Park is about 15 miles from town. The 400-acre park provides access to Hardy Dam, a popular fishing spot that feeds into the Muskegon River. The park also offers trails for hiking and snowshoeing. It’s right next to Manistee National Forest, where locals go to hunt. According to Henderson, deer and turkey hunting are the most common.
Small businesses serve both sides of town
Newaygo has two primary shopping and dining areas: downtown on the north side of Newaygo and the commercial corridor on the south side of town. Downtown’s State Road features a quarter-mile strip of small businesses. While street parking is an option, parking lots are also available. At River Stop Café, locals stop by in the morning for breakfast and coffee and for dinner, drinks and live music at night. Sportsman’s Bar is another popular spot decked out with taxidermy décor, known for its all-you-can-eat shrimp and perch. Locals can also hit up several downtown shops, whether it be Jerkies Jerky Factory for gourmet groceries and jerky products or Parsley’s Sport Shop for fishing and hunting gear. State Road transitions to Adams Street, running south to many more stores and restaurants, including Leppinks, the town’s primary grocery store.
Small student body at Newaygo Public Schools
Students may attend Newaygo Elementary School, which receives a C-plus grade from Niche. Newaygo Middle School is graded a C, and Newaygo High School earns a C-plus. The school district serves students beyond the city limits and into the countryside. Because of the rural nature of the community, the high school has fewer than 500 students.
Logging traditions celebrated through festival and museum exhibits
The annual Logging Festival has been a tradition since 1959. The event is typically held around late August and early September and features professional and amateur lumberjack competitions, a pancake breakfast with the fire department and a parade. Locals also look forward to the Newaygo County Fair, which is held every year in Fremont, about 10 miles away. The area's history is displayed downtown at The Heritage Museum of Newaygo County. Exhibits tell the stories of the community’s logging and farming history, among other topics.
A 45-minute drive to Grand Rapids
Michigan Route 37 is the main highway that runs through town, and is what commuters take to drive 35 miles to Grand Rapids. The trip takes about 45 minutes. Travelers can fly out of Grand Rapids at Gerald R. Ford International Airport.
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Written By
Nicolas Stuart
