Rural charm and growth in Robinson Township
Robinson Township is a small community settled along the southern bank of the Grand River. The quiet area has a mix of long paved highways and sandy gravel roads that extend past large swaths of farmland. Many homes are situated near woodlands or cultivated fields. Shelley Witte, the Deputy Treasurer of Robinson Township, says that this is a farming community offering a slow-paced lifestyle. "We have a lot of agriculture, like blueberry fields, fruit trees and nurseries," Witte says. She adds that she and her husband relocated to the township a few years ago. "Robinson is growing," Witte says. "I think people are moving here for the space. We are near Grand Haven, and some people don't like living on top of each other."
Country homes with acreage and homesteads
Rural roadways extend past farmlands and residential properties zoned for agricultural use. Some lots have wild blackberry and raspberry bushes, while others contain outbuildings like pole barns and chicken coops. Many of these countryside homes rely on private wells and septic systems. Housing includes ranch styles, colonial-inspired bi-levels, and New Traditional homes. Buyers will also find parcels of land from one to over five acres on the market. Homes under 2,500 square feet can cost between $280,000 and $650,000; larger houses typically sell for $420,000 to just under $800,000.
Locals may attend several school districts
Most students are zoned for Grand Haven Area Public Schools, which earns an A-minus rating from Niche. Children can attend the local Robinson School from kindergarten to the end of fourth grade; the school has an A on Niche. White Pines Intermediate accepts students in fifth through eighth grade, and teens may enroll in Grand Haven High. Both schools have A-minus ratings. A few children are also zoned for Zeeland Public Schools, which earns an A. The Ottawa Area Independent School District oversees the many regional school systems and provides families with school choice options.
River access, parks and trails offer year-round recreation
The Grand River empties into Michigan Lake, and boaters can navigate to the lake from town. "We do have marinas and boat launches along the edge of the river. We have a couple of dedicated county parks that go out to [Connor Bayou and Stearns Bayou]. It has a nice walking trail," Witte says. The Bayou Segment of the Idema Explorers Trail was recently completed in the community; the path connects roughly two and a half miles of the trail through Robinson. Riverside Park provides additional room for fishing and boating. "We have [Robinson Township Park] across from the Town Hall. We have a premier soccer club that uses our field," Witte says. Bass River Recreation Area is a popular outdoor haven for fishing and hunting. The grounds contain winding trails suitable for cross-country skiing, mountain biking and horseback riding. "We do have a partnership with the Loutit District Library; they come out here and do hour-long presentations. They once brought in reptiles for a petting zoo. Now, every Monday, they have a story time, either in the park or in the town hall in the morning," Witte says. Pigeon Creek Golf Course has an 18-hole course that's open to the public.
Limited retail in town with stores in nearby cities
The area has a few businesses, including Spinner's Corner, a convenience store that houses a Subway restaurant. Embassy Bar & Grill has been in the area since 1951. Fox & Hen Winery offers a tasting room for wine and cider on Fridays and Saturdays. There is also Dollar General on the edge of town, off Mercury Drive. Locals often head to nearby cities for groceries. A Walmart Supercenter in Grand Haven and a Family Fare Supermarket in Allendale are both about 10 miles away.
Commutes to Grand Rapids and Muskegon
Robinson Township is car-dependent. Lake Michigan Drive connects to U.S. Highway 31 to the west. Trinity Health Muskegon Hospital is approximately 18 miles away. Commuters can reach Downtown Grand Rapids in roughly 25 miles. Gerald R. Ford International Airport offers daily flights about 35 miles from town. Robinson Township has a CAP Index Crime Score of 1 out of 10, well below the national average of 4.
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Written By
Ashley Kennedy
