Tyrone Township’s rural land offers space to spread out
Located 30 minutes north of Grand Rapids, in rapidly growing Kent County, Tyrone Township has remained relatively unchanged over the last 100 years. As one of Michigan’s top apple producers, the township’s rolling farmland is likely to stay preserved, even as demand for housing rises this far north. With quiet privacy and a CAP Index crime score of 1 out of 10, Tyrone Township appeals to homebuyers who want a rural setting. “This area definitely attracts people who want more space,” says Leslie Ruppel, a Realtor with Five Star Real Estate who has over 10 years of experience in the industry. “You might be looking for a nice backyard for your dogs or just want to enjoy the peacefulness of owning a couple of acres of land.”
Tyrone Township residents love visiting the quaint village of Kent City.
Subdivisions have been built in recent years in Tyrone Township.
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Get “more house for your money” just outside Grand Rapids
One-story ranch homes, historic farmhouses and modern construction are scattered between the township's farmland. Most properties that hit the market are newer builds, clustering around Kent City and 17 Mile Road. There are also open plots of land available for development. Older homes range from $150,000 to $300,000, while modern construction can cost between $400,000 and $600,000. “It’s still close to Grand Rapids, but properties tend to be less expensive per square foot,” Ruppel says. “I’ve had 5 young buyers move out to that area recently because they could get more house for their money.” All properties typically have 2 acres or more, and many sit back from the country roads on unpaved driveways. Because homes are spaced far apart, they use private septic systems and well water. Areas around the Rouge River and Ball Creek have a slight risk of flooding.
The vast rural landscape of Tyrone Township provides its residents with large plots of land.
Ranch homes are popular with Tyrone Township residents.
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Kent City is a growing town center
Despite its name, Kent City is actually a small village. It has a few restaurants, including authentic Mexican options, homestyle breakfasts at Red Rock Grill and the dive bar atmosphere at Kent City Lounge. There’s also a Dollar General for picking up basics. The Tyrone Township Branch of the Kent District Library is a community centerpiece, with children’s story time and free after-school programs for teens. “Kent City is not as developed as Cedar Springs or Sparta, but it’s likely there will be more restaurants and shops coming there in the future,” Ruppel says. “I think it’s going to be the next little rural town to get popular.”
Red Rock Grille serves delicious breakfast and lunch to Tyrone Township.
El Tulteco serves Tyrone Township patrons authentic Mexican food.
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A gateway to rural West Michigan
Tyrone Township encompasses large stretches of preserved woodland from the 6,000-acre Rogue River State Game Area. The state woods contain miles of hiking trails, and during hunting season, they are a popular spot to pursue deer and wild turkeys. Also nestled in the woods, the Howard Christensen Nature Center hosts outdoorsy youth camps and Long Lake Park’s sandy beach is popular in the summer for swimming and fishing. The Falls at Barber Creek was named one of the best-value golf courses in West Michigan by the local publication MLive. In addition, living in Tyrone comes with easy access to larger outdoor attractions. Within a 30-minute drive, residents can reach Lake Michigan, campgrounds and nature preserves.
Tyrone Township has some quiet trails at Howard Christensen Nature Park.
Several beautiful and slow-moving creeks criss-cross across Tyrone Township.
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Earn college credit at Kent City schools
Students can head to Kent City to attend the local public schools. Across Kent City Elementary, Kent City Middle and Kent City High, there are approximately 1,300 students, making this the smallest school district in the county. Niche rates all three schools with a B-minus grade. Kent City High offers courses taught by Grand Rapids Community College faculty, allowing students to earn college credit. Within the township, Algoma Christian School is a private alternative for kindergarten through 12th grade. Niche gives the school a C grade.
Kent City High School serves local students in Kent City, Michigan.
Kent City Middle School serves grades 6–8 in Kent City, Michigan.
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Tyrone Township folks go to Sparta's Family Fare, providing all the groceries locals need.
Groceries in Sparta and commutes to Grand Rapids
Tyrone residents have to hop in the car to reach city amenities. About 7 miles south, Sparta has walkable downtown shops and a Family Fare Supermarket. Sparta is known for its quaint celebrations, notably the Michigan Apple Festival. The bustle of downtown Grand Rapids is about 20 miles away via State Route 37 and U.S. Route 131. “The commute into the city isn’t too bad with traffic since there are several ways to go,” Ruppel says. “And with more people working hybrid or remote, this is an attractive location.” In addition to large festivals and entertainment venues, the big city has the closest hospitals and the Gerald R. Ford International Airport.
Photography Contributed By
Tyler Bolduc
Video By
Melinda Anselmo
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