Solon Township offers peaceful living in Kent County
Solon Township abuts Cedar Springs and is minutes from Grand Rapids, offering a tranquil, rural lifestyle. Surrounded by farms and woodlands, the township has a peaceful setting and offers many outdoor recreation opportunities. Residents are also drawn to the community’s spacious properties and parcels, as well as easy access to major highways and nearby cities, making it a sought-after bedroom community for families and commuters. “It’s a nice little rural community that’s close to many city amenities,” says Jon Stout, a local resident and owner of Stout Group with over 30 years of experience. “Grand Rapids is about 25 minutes away. Within the township, there are public lakes in the area to swim or row boats, and you can go to a county park with your family.” The area's CAP Index crime score is 1 out of 10, lower than the national average of 4.
Homes with spacious lots and wooded views make up Solon Township
Solon Township sits on green rolling hills, and houses are often tucked behind mature trees and winding roads. The township’s housing stock is a mix of modest cottages and classic ranch-styles with larger Colonial Revivals and split-levels. Newer builds also take up a portion of the housing landscape, and many have New Traditional architecture. Houses sit on generous lots ranging around one to two acres, offering privacy, open lawns and hillside views. Prices start at around $160,000 and most houses fall between $250,000 and $550,000, with newer homes often taking up the higher end of the price range. Manufactured homes can go between $90,000 and $300,000. “Many people live in the township because the city has higher taxes,” Stout says. “Even though home prices are increasing, it’s still going to be more affordable than Cedar Springs or Rockford. Our average home sale is around $275,000, and new developments are going to be around $300,000 to $350,000.” Stout also said residents use private septic tanks and well water.
Schools and districts servicing Solon Township
The township is served by several school districts, including Cedar Springs Public Schools and Kent City Community Schools. For primary education, Cedar Springs Elementary Schools include Cedar Trails Elementary, which covers kindergarten and first grade, Beach Elementary for second and third grade, and Cedar View Elementary for fourth and fifth graders. Students may then continue to Cedar Springs Middle School and go on to Cedar Springs High School. High school students may also apply to Kent Career Tech Center for career programs in business, engineering, agriscience and criminal justice. Cedar View Elementary has a B-minus grade from Niche, and all other schools earn a B.
Public parks and lakes offer plenty of outdoor fun
Fisk Knob Park is a local spot for picnics, and residents also come here to sled in the winter. Long Lake Park offers many water recreation opportunities around the lake. There is a public beach, picnic spots and areas for fishing and boating. Rogue River State Game Area is west of the township, and hikers can explore the looped trail at the Ingraham Preserve at Cedar River Preserve.
Shopping and dining in Cedar Springs, Greenville and the local area
Restaurants and businesses are in the adjacent city of Cedar Springs. Nonno's Homestyle Italian & Pizzeria uses family recipes, and Classic Kelly's Family Restaurant has breakfast eats and comfort food. Residents can get local beer and German food at Cedar Springs Brewing Company. Dollar General covers daily essentials, and grocery options include Aldi and Meijer. Walmart is about 20 miles east in Greenville.
Distance to airport, colleges and medical centers in Grand Rapids
U.S. Route 131 and state Route 46 pass through the township. Grand Rapids, the region’s main metropolitan area, is approximately 25 miles away via U.S. Route 131. Gerald R. Ford International Airport is farther south, about 35 miles away. Medical Mile in downtown Grand Rapids is dotted with clinical and academic institutions, including Corewell Health, Van Andel Institute and Michigan State University, College of Human Medicine.
Community celebrations around Kent County
The Kent County North Community Fest takes place in Cedar Springs, a small city that abuts Solon Township, featuring family-fun activities, food trucks and free ice cream.
Photography Contributed By
Jonathan Fairfield
