Finding the perfect home is more than just finding the right number of bedrooms and bathrooms. It’s also determining if the surrounding neighborhood is a place you can see yourself living. With experienced real estate agent Tim Van Stensel at your side, you are sure to find a house that feels like home.
The picturesque ‘west coast’ of Michigan offers an abundance of cities and towns fit for anybody. Whether you are searching for a cozy neighborhood perfect for growing families or you want a bustling city with an exciting nightlife, our realtor Tim Van Stensel knows how to match you with a home you love in a city you need.
Click on any of the links below to get a feel for these West Michigan communities:
- Rockford
- Sparta
- Cedar Springs
- Northview
- Comstock Park
- Greenville
- Belding
- Belmont
- East Grand Rapids
- Ada
- Kentwood
- Wyoming
Rockford
If you are searching for a cozy, but vibrant city, search no further. Just 15 minutes north of downtown Grand Rapids, the small town of Rockford offers an abundance of entertainment opportunities. Nestled against the bank of the Rogue River, this city is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, offering gorgeous scenery by the river, parks and trails.
Radiating a quaint, home-town feel, downtown Rockford is home to numerous restaurants and boutique shops, seeing a lot of foot traffic throughout the spring and summer months. For those looking for more indoor entertainment, Rockford is also home to its very own movie theater and bowling alley.
Sparta
Twenty minutes north of Grand Rapids, the village of Sparta features a walkable downtown area filled with businesses and diverse eateries. A quiet town of 4,500 people, this small farming community comes alive during the summer time with numerous family-friendly festivals. The tranquil town is only 15 minutes away from the commercial strip of Alpine — providing prime shopping opportunities whenever you need it.
Cedar Springs
Do you enjoy a Friday night out for family dinners? Then Cedar Springs is the place for you. Just 20 minutes north of downtown Grand Rapids, this small town is vibrant with fast food restaurants and numerous businesses both large and small. During the summer months, you have the opportunity to enjoy recreational areas of the town through nearby parks and lakes.
While the city only houses about 3,700 people, there are several hangouts for those looking to have a fun night on the town. Activities include a tavern which offers live performances, a popular fall festival and an old-fashioned movie theater.
Northview
If you are looking for a place to settle down with your family, consider Northview, Michigan. A northern suburb of Grand Rapids, this quiet town houses just over 15,000 residents. With a highly rated public school system, your kids are bound to thrive in this active community.
While the chances for entertainment aren’t as grand as a big city, you still have several nearby restaurants and parks to visit on those sunny summer days. If you are in need of something a little more vibrant, Grand Rapids is just a car ride away, offering diverse shopping, dining and nightlife opportunities.
Comstock Park
If you are craving life in the city, it’s time you visit Comstock Park. Housing just over 10,000 people, this lively town hugs the Grand River in the northern hemisphere of Grand Rapids. Offering endless opportunities for entertainment, you will have your pick of eateries from fast food when you’re on the go to sit down restaurants for those special occasions.
Family and friends can enjoy evenings together as they play mini golf, laser tag, go-karts and bumper boats at a nearby family fun center or unwind at the nearby White Pine Trail State Park. Providing access to 92 miles of trails, this outdoor gem runs through the heart of Comstock Park.
Greenville
Are you looking for a quiet town to settle down in? Greenville may be the place for you. Housing a little over 8,300 residents, this tight-knit community works toward its growth through various volunteer work and organized events. Providing the perfect balance of business, education and recreational opportunities, you can easily immerse yourself in the city’s historic downtown shopping district while enjoying the natural resources Greenville has to offer. From annual festivals to natural river trails, museums and outdoor ventures, there’s something for everyone in this quaint village.
Belding
With just under 6,000 residents, the small town of Belding offers a charming close-knit community surrounded by natural resources. If you enjoy your time outdoors, be sure to visit the local parks during the summer and take advantage of the kayaking, tubing and canoeing happening along the beautiful Flat River.
Living in a city like Belding offers you the luxury of enjoying a quaint community, while being only a short drive away from the bustling city of Grand Rapids and the entertainment activities it has to offer.
Belmont
Ten miles northeast of Grand Rapids, resides just over 10,600 people in the city of Belmont. Offering several tasty eateries for those Friday night dinners, this small town is primarily known for its rural setting and abundance of outdoor opportunities. From parks on the Rogue River to biking along the White Pine Trail, the adventure will never cease as you discover new ways to enjoy the outdoors in the city of Belmont. The town is especially popular during the winter as sporting fanatics visit the Cannonsburg Ski Area designed for both adults and children looking for a great time.
East Grand Rapids
Named one of America’s Top 10 “Best Places to Live for Suburbanites” and one of “10 Great Cities to Raise Your Kids,” East Grand Rapids is a thriving community four miles east of downtown. Filled with beautifully maintained homes, this charming area houses just under 12,000 people.
With its own set of unique shops, boutiques and restaurants, you will be bound to spend a few holidays or special occasions out on the town with friends. For those days you want to appreciate the outdoors, East Grand Rapids also offers opportunities for outdoor activities via their parks and nature areas.
Ada
Are you torn between a home in the city and a house near the countryside? You may discover the best of both worlds in Ada, Michigan. Just 13 minutes east of downtown Grand Rapids, Ada is nestled near the Grand and Thornapple Rivers, providing the perfect balance of gorgeous scenery and vibrant downtown.
With a population of just under 15,000 people, this town radiates a unique chance to explore the beauty of nearby waterways while immersing yourself in the quaint shops, galleries and restaurants.
Kentwood
Just 14 minutes away from downtown Grand Rapids, the city of Kentwood is considered one of the fastest-growing cities in the state of Michigan. Housing just over 52,000 people, this culturally diverse city carries a wide variety of shopping, dining, lodging and entertainment options, as well as family-friendly events.
Included just outside of the city limits is the Gerald R. Ford International Airport, welcoming new visitors and offering the perfect starting point for weekend getaways.
Wyoming
The 14th largest city in Michigan, Wyoming houses just over 75,000 people and an abundance of shopping opportunities lining a well-known stretch of 28th Street. As well as a variety of shopping outlets, Wyoming offers diverse eateries, parkland, golf and several family attractions — making this large slice of suburb Grand Rapids a popular destination.
For more information about Grand Rapids from real estate agent Tim Van Stensel, please contact Tim here or call him directly at 616.520.1859.