Vergennes Township offers peaceful country living near Grand Rapids
Vergennes Township is conveniently situated 20 miles outside of Grand Rapids, and it's just north of the city of Lowell in Kent County. The picturesque community has a rural feel, with active farms, wooded landscapes and houses set on spacious land parcels. As more people seek the tranquility of suburban living, the township has grown in popularity for its peaceful setting and proximity to urban conveniences. “This is a rapidly growing suburb with lots of new housing developments,” says Mary Buckius, broker at Keller Williams Realty Grand Rapids with over 20 years of experience. “Families move here for the school district, and it’s an attractive bedroom community for people who are looking for more space. You're about 20 minutes to downtown Grand Rapids, but you're still out in the country living on acreage-sized land.”
Country homes on large lots range from historic to contemporary builds
Homes here are nestled among rolling hills, wooded lots, and quiet, winding roads. Houses are diverse, ranging from historical 1800s farmhouses and Craftsman bungalows to eclectic 20th-century ranch-style builds. Older homes typically start around $250,000, with renovated properties reaching up to $400,000. Newer homes in New Traditional styles can sell from $450,000 to $850,000, though some luxury country estates can go for closer to $1 million. Properties usually sit on half-acre to multiacre parcels, offering private driveways and lots of green space. According to Buckius, most homes use private septic systems and well water. The area has a CAP Index Crime Score of 1 out of 10, lower than the national average of 4.
Reputable public schools in Lowell
The township is served by Lowell Area Schools. Prospective primary schools include Murray Lake Elementary and Cherry Creek Elementary. Students may then attend Lowell Middle School, and continue to Lowell High School. Lowell High has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the top public high schools in the country, offering students agriculture and science education programs as well as Advanced Placement courses. Murray Lake Elementary earns an A grade from Niche, and all other schools have an A-minus.
Parks and trails offer year-round activities near the Flat River
There are plenty of parks and natural areas nearby. Set along the Flat River, Fallasburg Park features wooded trails, sports fields, playgrounds and an 18-hole disc golf course. The park has a segment of the North Country National Scenic Trail, which spans from New York to North Dakota, providing hikers access to one of the longest hiking trails in the country. Just a short drive away, the Wege Foundation Natural Area provides peaceful walking paths and cross-country skiing in the winter. The Flat River is popular with boaters and fishers, and the 18-hole Arrowhead Golf Course is open to the public. For hunting, the Lowell State Game Area spans over 1,500 acres of public land.
Shopping and dining options in downtown Lowell
While Vergennes Township itself is primarily residential, nearby Lowell offers a small downtown area with a handful of dining and shopping options. Area eateries are concentrated along Main Street, including the family-run Keiser's Kitchen, known for homestyle breakfast and comfort food. Flat River Grill is a cozy spot serving wood-fired American cuisine along the riverfront. Lowell’s farmers market runs from June to September. Meijer is on Fulton Street, and additional big-box stores like Walmart are about 15 miles west in Grand Rapids.
Community celebrations in Vergennes Township and Lowell
The annual Fallasburg Arts Festival takes place at Fallasburg Park each fall, featuring live performances and artists’ vendor booths. Other events are spread throughout the year. “This is a close-knit community, and we have events all the time,” Buckius says. “In summertime the area chamber has bands on Lowell Showboat performing concerts, and there’s a riverwalk festival right after July Fourth. Then Christmas Through Lowell is in November with a craft show.”
Distance to Grand Rapids, hospitals and airport
Interstate 96 is south of the township. Grand Rapids, the region’s main job and retail hub, is less than 20 miles away. Trinity Health Grand Rapids and Gerald R. Ford International Airport are also in Grand Rapids.
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Photography Contributed By
Tyler Bolduc
