Do you prefer to live in a place that provides a more walkable community? Maybe you like to head out your front door and walk to grab a coffee on a Saturday morning instead of driving to the coffee shop. If you’ve been considering a move to West Michigan, today we’re going to be strolling through some of the most walkable communities in the Grand Rapids area.

Ada, Michigan

We’re starting in Ada, a favorite suburb of Grand Rapids. The area has undergone significant redevelopment to create a more walkable village center in recent years. Ada Village features a grocery store, many local restaurants, an array of boutiques, doctor’s offices, and green spaces, all connected by pedestrian pathways. If you live near downtown Ada, you have great access to almost anything you need. This community is sure to keep flourishing and become even more connected with loads of new commercial and residential developments planned. If you’re considering a move here, note that the average price for a home is around $631,000.

Downtown Grand Rapids

Our next walkable community is downtown Grand Rapids. This city has a bustling atmosphere, numerous restaurants, breweries, museums, and shopping options. The area is highly walkable, with pedestrian-friendly streets, parks, and the Grand River trails. Downtown is also highly bikeable, and offers public transportation options, making it easy to get around. If you’re interested in living downtown in the city, you’ll likely be living in a condo or an apartment, and the average home sale price is around $420,000.

Eastown

Eastown is up next on our walkable communities list. Eastown is a trendy neighborhood east of downtown Grand Rapids. It’s known for its eclectic shops, coffee houses, and local eateries. The community is walkable, with tree-lined streets, and has a strong sense of local culture. Eastown is the fifth most walkable neighborhood in Grand Rapids, just behind Midtown and Heritage Hill. This neighborhood has a range of historic home options, and the average home sale price is right around $435,000 in Eastown.

Holland, MI

Next up, we’re headed to the lakeshore to talk downtown Holland. Downtown Holland is known for its Dutch heritage and the annual Tulip Time festival. Downtown Holland is charming and very walkable. They have brick-paved streets, boutique shops, local restaurants, and attractions like the Windmill Island Gardens, that make it a popular destination for many. Downtown Holland residents typically only have to walk about five minutes to get to a local store or restaurant. Holland homes sell for an average price of $342,000 but expect those prices to increase the closer you get to the lakeshore.

Grand Haven, Michigan

Just north along the lakeshore lies another walkable community with Grand Haven. Grand Haven’s downtown is a favorite for its beach town charm, easy access to the lake, and the Coast Guard Festival that brings in many tourists all summer long. The area is highly walkable, with a boardwalk, marina, and access to the Grand Haven State Park. The average home sale price in Grand Haven lies around $361,000.

Rockford, MI

Our final walkable community is Rockford. Downtown Rockford is a small town with a charming downtown area. Rockford offers a walkable main street with local shops, restaurants, and access to the White Pine Trail, which is a popular biking and walking trail that runs throughout West Michigan. Adding to all the beauty downtown has to offer, Rockford also has gorgeous real estate options and has a highly-rated school district. The medium home price in Rockford is $430,000.

That wraps up our tour of some of the most walkable communities in Grand Rapids and the greater West Michigan area. If you’re interested in moving to any of these walkable communities, connect with our team to begin your search.