Less noise and light pollution than the city
About 10 miles from Grand Rapids, Tallmadge offers an entirely different atmosphere from other neighborhoods within the curve of the Grand River. Dirt roads replace city blocks and bike lanes, and corn fields replace busy shopping centers. With one person per acre of land and an overall CAP Index crime score of 2 out of 10, Tallmadge offers its residents a slice of rural living and some of the best schools in Ottawa County without sacrificing proximity to the city. "When we first moved here, we were so surprised at how dark and quiet it was at night," says Amy Jo Weller, an associate broker at Keller Williams Realty Rivertown. "You can see every star in the sky." The neighborhood has seen slow but steady development, with new houses coming onto the market within the past 20 years. However, Tallmadge is one of the last places just west of the city where residents can leave their windows open at night to hear crickets and the subtle lapping of river waters.
A wide range of sizes and styles
Cottages from the late 1800s and ranch-style homes from the middle of the 20th century sit on multiple acres, often with farm plots surrounding them. Starting at around $300,000 and reaching upwards of $500,000, they offer slightly more approachable prices than houses in new developments. "A lot of farmland is being sold to build new housing. But even with new developments, there still aren't enough homes for everyone who wants to move here," Weller says. These homes in new cluster neighborhoods, built in the past 15 years, boast over 3,000 square feet and regularly sell between $450,000 and $700,000. The Craftsman homes with attached garages and multi-pitched roofs offer smaller yards. However, plenty of room remains for sheds, patios and inground pools. In the middle of the neighborhood, Leonard Gardens Mobile Home Village and Rowell Mobile Homes take care of the lawn work for residents. The manufactured single-wide houses range between $65,000 and $150,000 and are part of a community with planned events and a clubhouse.
A-level schools, among the best in the county
Tallmadge falls under the Grandville Public Schools district, one of the highest-rated districts in the county, according to Niche. Students can begin learning at Grandville Central Elementary School before moving to Grandville Middle. Both schools are south of the Grand River and are rated an A by Niche. Grandville High School is also rated an A. In operation for over 140 years, the school is in the top 15% of high schools nationwide, according to U.S. News.
Hiking and playing pickleball
Behind Tallmadge Township offices is Tallmadge Township Park, the only nearby park with an updated play area, tennis courts and basketball court. Those who have recently picked up pickleball can play on the courts while kids practice baseball after school on the diamonds. With over 100 acres of wooded land, Aman Park has the best hiking trails and waterside views in town. Families and dog walkers can walk across wooded bridges or pick wildflowers from overflowing patches tucked underneath the shady trees.
Shopping along Lake Michigan Drive
Tallmadge is almost entirely residential, with few spots to shop and dine. However, Meijer and Aldi are just east of the neighborhood on Wilson Ave. Sharing the same intersection is Stan's Tacos. The surf and beach-themed restaurant has three locations in the area and is popular for its margaritas, tacos and heaping plates of nachos. Chain restaurants are along Lake Michigan Drive, which heads east 8 miles to Downtown Grand Rapids. "It only takes 15 minutes to get to the city and all the restaurants and events there," Weller says. On the same street, but heading opposite towards Lake Michigan, is Mug Shots, a burger and beer spot with comically named menu items. Appetizers are called "Misdemeanors," while the kid's menu is listed under the header "Juvenile Hall."
Driving is the only option
No buses stop in the neighborhood, but those willing to drive to the intersection of Wilson Ave and Lake Michigan Drive can hop on one of the lines leading downtown or north toward Marne. Gerald R. Ford International Airport is 22 miles east, and the nearest major hospital is Corewell Health in Downtown Grand Rapids.
