Grand Rapids is a great place to live. There is plenty to do in Grand Rapids, including great concert venues, museums, and restaurants. It’s also close to the shores of Lake Michigan. But Grand Rapids is also the second-largest city in Michigan, which means that it isn’t the right fit for everyone.
If you’d like a more laid-back lifestyle, you might consider one of Grand Rapids’ many great suburbs. From Grandville to East Grand Rapids, there are plenty of incredibly small towns and communities that dot Western Michigan. These suburbs also happen to be the perfect place to build a new custom home.
Based in Grandville, Snowden Builders constructs custom homes throughout Western Michigan. We specialize in luxurious custom builds, taking a client-centered approach with a focus on customer service. If you’re considering building a custom home in a Grand Rapids suburb, reach out to talk to our design and construction team about our work.
Best Suburbs in Grand Rapids
The greater Grand Rapids area is experiencing a lot of growth in recent years. For many people, Western Michigan is the perfect place to live. While you do have to endure harsh winters, the summers more than make up for it. In the Grand Rapids region, you have access to city life as well as to many lakes, rivers, and beaches (including, of course, Lake Michigan).
Of course, city life isn’t for everyone. While Grand Rapids is a smaller city, it is still densely populated. If you want to live near Grand Rapids while not being right in the city, there are many wonderful suburbs for you to consider. Many of these towns have plenty of land, which makes them a great place to build a custom home.
Rockford
Located north of the city, Rockford is a smaller town of around 7,000 people. It’s just a few miles from downtown Grand Rapids, which makes for an easy 15-minute commute on 131 and the East BeltLine. The Rogue River runs right through the center of Rockford. You can also check out the White Pine Trail State Park.
Rockford is 3.29 square miles in size, which gives you plenty of options when it comes to choosing a lot for building a new custom house. There is also great shopping within Rockford, including a weekly farmer’s market in the summer. Rockford is also known for its Start of Summer Celebration each June and a Fall Harvest Festival.
Benefits of Living In Rockford
- Charming Downtown: Offers a walkable village feel with shops, restaurants, and access to the White Pine Trail.
- Top-Rated Schools: Rockford Public Schools consistently rank among the best in the state.
- Community Events: Regular events like the Rockford Farmers Market and summer concerts make it family-friendly.
- Natural Beauty: Located along the Rogue River, great for kayaking, fishing, and scenic views.
Forest Hills
Located in Kent County, Forest Hills is situated east of Grand Rapids. It is a larger community of roughly 30,000 residents. As a census-designated place, Forest Hills’ 50 square miles also incorporates the village of Ada and part of Cascade Township.
Forest Hills is known for its great public schools, making it a great place for families to settle. The Grand River runs through the community, offering beautiful vistas and the chance to enjoy the river. I-96, M-11, and M-21 all run through or around Forest Hills, which means that it’s easy to get to Grand Rapids or to one of Western Michigan’s many beautiful lake towns.
Benefits of Living In Forest Hills
- Affluent Suburb: Known for upscale homes, quiet neighborhoods, and a suburban feel with access to amenities.
- Excellent Schools: Forest Hills Public Schools are some of the highest-rated in Michigan.
- Proximity to Grand Rapids: Less than a 15-minute drive to downtown GR, offering the best of suburban and urban living.
- Recreational Opportunities: Near parks, golf courses, and the Grand River for outdoor activities.
East Grand Rapids
East Grand Rapids is a small city of approximately 12,000 people located (unsurprisingly) on the east side of Grand Rapids. It is part of the Grand Rapids metropolitan area, but is its own city. East Grand Rapids was also the home of President Gerald Ford.
East Grand Rapids is known for Reeds Lake, a large lake with beautiful beaches. There are also trails that go around Reeds Lake, which makes it a perfect place for anyone who is into biking, running, or walking outside.
East Grand Rapids is home to a great school district. It is also a very walkable community, with plenty of parks plus access to Reeds Lake. It also has plenty of green space for anyone who wants to build a custom home, including a lakefront home on Reeds Lake or Fisk Lake.
Benefits of Living In East Grand Rapids
- Prestigious Community: Offers historic homes and a strong sense of identity.
- Highly Rated Schools: East Grand Rapids Public Schools are among the best in the state.
- Access to Reeds Lake: Popular for boating, jogging, and scenic views, adding to the quality of life.
- Walkable and Active Downtown: Gaslight Village provides boutique shopping, dining, and a pedestrian-friendly environment.
Kentwood
South of Grand Rapids, Kentwood is a larger suburb of approximately 55,000 people. It offers easy access to I-96, M-11, and M-37, which allows for easy access to the city and the airport.
Kentwood is known for its great restaurants and shopping, plus its access to outdoor recreation, with the Paul Henry Rail Trail and the East-West Trail running through town. There is a mix of housing styles in Kentwood, ranging from older homes to new construction. With a larger size of around 20 square miles, it is also possible to buy vacant land in Kentwood to build your own custom home.
Benefits of Living In Kentwood
- Cultural Diversity: A more diverse population brings a variety of cultural events, food, and community perspectives.
- Strong Amenities: Offers ample parks, shopping centers, and access to major highways and the airport.
- Good Schools: Kentwood Public Schools are well-regarded and offer unique programs like language immersion.
Byron Center
With about 8,000 residents, Byron Center is a small but growing suburb of Grand Rapids. It is located right off of 131 and M-6, which allows for an easy commute. Byron Center is more rural than many other Grand Rapids suburbs, which is great for anyone who wants to live in a less densely populated area.
Byron Center is also home to the Tanger Mall Outlets, which means that it’s easy to get a great deal in this town. As Bryon Center is becoming more popular as a suburb, there are more new houses being built in the area. There are still plenty of great plots of land in the region for building a custom home.
Benefits of Living In Byron Center
- Family-Friendly Suburb: Known for its strong sense of community and safe neighborhoods.
- Great Schools: Byron Center Public Schools are consistently praised for academic and extracurricular excellence.
- Convenient Location: Offers quick access to Grand Rapids and major highways (US-131 and M-6) for commuters.
Grandville
We may be a bit biased on this one, but we believe Grandville is an amazing community to live in. Part of the Grand Rapids metropolitan area, Grandville is located just southwest of the city. With a population of over 15,000, Grandville is a popular suburb due to its location. When you live in Grandville, it’s an easy drive to both Lake Michigan and Grand Rapids.
Grandville is a great community if you love to spend time outside, with Wyoming Parks and the Grand River. It also has a great, highly-rated school system. Grandville is also known for its excellent shopping, with the Rivertown Crossings Mall and plenty of great restaurants.
Benefits of Living In Grandville
- Retail Hub: Home to Rivertown Crossings Mall and numerous dining and entertainment options.
- Good Schools: Grandville Public Schools are well-rated and have strong athletics and music programs.
- Family-Oriented: Quiet neighborhoods, parks, and annual community events.
Allendale
Home to Grand Valley State University, Allendale is a bit farther out from Grand Rapids, located about 15 miles west of the city in Ottawa County. It is also a quick 15 to 20 minute drive to the Lakeshore.
Allendale is a large college community with roughly 20,000 residents. The student population has helped the community grow and thrive. It has highly rated schools, plus great shopping. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Grand River runs through the town. It also has numerous parks, including the Allendale Community Park, the Bass River State Recreation Area, Placid Wake Park, and the Grand River Park.
Benefits of Living In Allendale
- Strong Economy: Allendale is home to Grand Valley State University, which adds vibrancy and economic opportunity to the area.
- Growing Community: Rapid development with new neighborhoods, businesses, and infrastructure.
- Proximity to Nature: Close to Lake Michigan, Grand River, and recreational trails at the Grand Ravines North County Park.
Build a Custom Home in a Grand Rapids Suburb with Snowden Builders
The greater Grand Rapids area is an absolutely beautiful place to live. Not only do you have access to some of the most beautiful lakefront beaches in the country, but there are also great schools, gorgeous scenery, and no shortage of things to see and do. Whether your ideal suburb is on our list or not, if you’re looking to build a luxury custom home in Kent County or beyond, we can help.
For more than 25 years, Snowden Builders has worked with homeowners in Western Michigan to design and build premium-quality homes. Our houses are designed to be timeless and to withstand the test of time. If you’re looking to build a new home, we can help you find land and build a stunning custom home for you. To learn more or to schedule a consultation with our team, give us a call at 616-532-1800 or fill out our online contact form.
