Wayland offers small-town living near Grand Rapids
Wayland is a small city of about 4,500 people in Allegan County. The community has a vibrant downtown area with shops, restaurants and a local farmers market. Houses are spread across the country landscape, and locals live a small-town lifestyle, but the big city isn't too far away. “Wayland is in the outlying country area of Grand Rapids,” says Steven Hanson, founder of Hanson Real Estate Group with over 30 years of experience. “It’s about half an hour away from the city, but it’s expanding because people are looking for homes that are more affordable.” Public parks and schools are located within the community, and larger amenities like hospitals and an airport are nearby in Grand Rapids.
Different housing options in Wayland
Houses in Wayland are a mix of 1800s and 1900s Cape Cods, ranch-style homes and workers cottages, as well as recently-built New Traditional properties. Single-family homes start around $100,000 and can go up to around $500,000; properties with lots of acreage usually make up the higher end of the range. “The newer homes are going to be over $300,000, and lot sizes can vary and go over 10 acres,” Hanson says. “Another thing is homes with smaller lots are likely to have public water and sewer systems, and houses with the large parcels may have well water.” Duplex and fourplex houses can go between $200,000 and $500,000.
Public schools in Wayland Union Schools
The community is part of Wayland Union Schools. Baker Elementary has a B-minus grade from Niche and serves prekindergarten and first-grade students. Steeby Elementary teaches second and third graders and gets a B. Students in grades 4 and 5 go to Pine Street Elementary, which has a B-plus. Wayland Union Middle School scores a B, and Wayland Union High School has a B-minus. Wayland High offers fine and performing arts programs in advanced theater, production and acting.
City parks have many recreational amenities
Wayland has several sports fields and public parks. Wayland City Park has a playground, a splash pad and courts for basketball and tennis. Hikers can explore the Rabbit River Nature Trail, and anglers can go fishing along the Rabbit River. About 10 miles south, Gun Lake Park offers boating, swimming and fishing.
Shopping and dining options in Wayland's downtown area
Wayland Hotel Bar and Grill has classic pub food. Salvino's serves Italian-American fare and has locations in Wayland and Plainwell. Harding’s Market and Dollar General have groceries and essentials, and the local farmers market has fresh produce and artisan goods. Farmers can get farm supplies at Family Farm & Home. Located 20 miles away, Grand Rapids has more shopping and dining options.
Community festivals in Wayland
Wayland’s downtown hosts many community events, including a summer festival with a car show, an arts and crafts show, a cornhole tournament and family-fun activities. For Halloween, Monster Mash has games, local vendors and costume contests. Between the Buns is a sandwich competition that helps to combat food insecurity in the community.
Distance to Grand Rapids
Wayland is bordered by U.S. Route 131, which runs through the state. The community is about 20 miles away from Grand Rapids, which is home to Gerald R. Ford International Airport and University of Michigan Health-West.
