Wright Township is a quiet farming community near Grand Rapids
Wright Township, in Western Michigan, is a peaceful, rural community with family-run farms along sandy dirt roads. "It's very close to Grand Rapids, and it's 15 or 30 minutes from downtown," says Taylor McGough, who lives in the area and works at the local St. Joseph's Catholic Church. "We have young children, and we wanted to join an active school, so we moved here from Grand Rapids." Some locals turn their residential lots into homesteads, while others enjoy seclusion on wooded properties. The township includes the unincorporated community of Marne to the south. The area's CAP Index Crime Score is 1 out of 10, which is significantly lower than the national average of 4.
Private rural houses and homesteads
Wright Township contains agricultural fields, grassy meadows and woodlands. Some houses are situated away from the main roads and have extended driveways passing through clusters of trees. Buyers will find farmhouses, ranch-style homes and a few New Traditional dwellings. Some properties include outbuildings, such as storage sheds and pole barns. Many locals have on-site chicken coops and raise livestock. Some residential driveways lead past trees towards homes that are tucked away from the main roads. Housing prices range from around $225,000 to $600,000.
The area can experience tornadoes and severe storms that can impact homes and detached buildings.
Many students attend schools in Coopersville
Most families are zoned for the Coopersville Area Public Schools, which earns a B-plus rating on Niche. Students can start at Coopersville East Elementary. Coopersville South Elementary accepts children in grades three to five. Both schools have B-minus ratings. Coopersville Middle and Coopersville High receive B ratings. The school system hosts musical performances at the Centerstage Theatre in Coopersville. Ottawa Area Intermediate School District oversees multiple districts in the region and provides school choice options. A handful of families also attend the Kenowa Hills Public Schools, which has a B-minus. McGough says that St. Joseph's Catholic Church operates the private Divine Providence Academy, which accepts students through the end of eighth grade.
A long-standing fair and Berlin Raceway are mainstays
The Berlin Raceway and Entertainment Complex has been a major attraction in the community for over 75 years. During the racing season, cheering fans can gather weekly for lively events. The complex is home to the longest-running fair in the state. The Berlin Fair has been an annual summertime tradition since 1855. Boaters can find a boat ramp to explore Cranberry Lake on the southern end of the shoreline. The Musketawa Trail is open to bicyclists, hikers, equestrians and snowmobiles. A section of the trail passing through the township, with a trailhead in Marne, is currently under construction. The Western Greens Golf Course sits to the south.
Local farms, bars and cafés serve the township area
Wright Township doesn't have a large commercial presence, but businesses are scattered throughout the community. The rural area contains several local farms that sell seasonal fruits and vegetables. Residents gather at Wright Tavern to watch sporting events and enjoy live music performances. The establishment also hosts gatherings, such as bike nights and an annual Craft Show. The Marne section of the township has more dining options, including the Interurban Depot Café and a local bar, The Pickle Back. “[St. Joseph's Catholic Church has] a free baby pantry for families that are expecting or have a small child. They can come and get supplies and get through tough times," McGough says. Residents can reach the nearest grocery store in about 5 to 10 miles. There is a Family Fare Supermarket in Coopersville as well as Sparta.
Access to Interstate 96 and nearby Grand Rapids
St. Joseph Catholic Church, located off Eighth Avenue, has an active congregation. Wright Township is car-dependent, and drivers have access to Interstate 96 to the south. The thoroughfare brings locals to the outskirts of Grand Rapids. Commuters can reach the city's downtown and the Corewell Health Grand Rapids Hospitals – Butterworth in around 15 miles. Gerald R. Ford International Airport, located approximately 25 miles away, provides multiple daily flights.
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Written By
Ashley Kennedy
