Formed in 1967, when it distinguished itself from Grand Rapids and Wyoming, Kentwood is a relatively new community. Though it is primarily known as a suburb of Grand Rapids, the city has made a name for itself as one of the most diverse spots in Kent County. In fact, Niche ranks Kentwood among the top ten most diverse suburbs in the state. In general, the city has the welcoming feel of a classic suburb. "There are a lot of people that really care about their area," says Realtor Paul Granzotto with Keller Williams Grand Rapids East, who grew up in Kentwood. "Anywhere that I went, the people were really friendly."
The Woodland Mall on 28th Street in Kentwood, MI.
Kentwood is unique in that it has sections of more suburban and equally rural areas.
Residents of Kentwood head to Horrocks for all their grocery needs.
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Affordable ranch styles and high demand for new construction
Kentwood has a large variety of housing, from large new homes to midcentury duplexes. Generally, streets are lined with sidewalks and homes with spacious yards. The median price in Kentwood is $335,000, higher than Grand Rapid's average of $300,000. But, Granzotto explains, Kentwood is one of the more affordable Grand Rapids suburbs. "I think you can get a really nice house in Kentwood for a lot less than other areas," he says. "A house that's $700,000 in Byron Center is only going to be about $550,000 in Kentwood. You get a really good area, but the price isn't as crazy." As a result, homes in Kentwood are in high demand. In August 2024, 45% of homes sold for above asking price and spent an average of 18 days on the market.
Smaller duplexes and ranch homes can start as low as $150,000, with newer construction and larger homes getting up to $600,000. Some of Kentwood's priciest neighborhoods are Princeton Estates and Bailey's Grove . "Those neighborhoods are two of the hottest spots in Kentwood," says Helena Rosenberger, a local Realtor with Premiere Group at Real Broker who lived in the city for 5 years. "Bailey's Grove has an HOA, and they both have that tight-knit, kids-on-bikes kind of feel where everybody loves their neighborhood."
Kentwood has several growing communities of newer and new built homes.
The majority of older homes in Kentwood are smaller and reside on smaller lots.
Bailey's Grove is a large HOA community in the center of Kentwood.
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The most diverse school district in the state
Kentwood Public Schools serves most of the city and has an A-minus overall grade on Niche. It is also ranked as the top-ranked district in Michigan for diversity and the fourth-best district in the state for athletes. The district only has one high school. East Kentwood High is split into a freshman campus and an adjacent main campus for 10th through 12th grades. The freshman campus has earned Blue Ribbon status from the Michigan Department of Education, and the main campus is among the top ten most diverse high schools in the country.
"It's really cool; the high school has a big, framed map on the wall with pins that show where everybody is from," says Shuyan Shi, a local Realtor with Success Realty West Michigan. "There are more than 80 different countries represented there." The high school is also known for its sports, with a track team that has won several state championships. It is also one of the only two high schools in the entire state to have an ice rink. Granzotto, who attended Kentwood Public Schools, says that he feels the system is so strong because of the opportunities it offers to students, including job shadowing at local businesses and organizations for high schoolers.
Bowen Elementary School near Kentwood averages a 15-1 student teacher ratio.
Challenger Elementary School in the Kentwood area has an overall B+ rating on Niche.com.
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International cuisine and a stand-out grocery
The dining scene in Kentwood is typical of a big-city suburb, with strip malls rather than any walkable downtown area. Most restaurants are chains, although the city's diversity means a wide selection of cuisines. Plus, there are several international grocery stores and markets. In Kentwood's East Paris neighborhood, the 28th Street corridor is pretty much the biggest retail hub in the Grand Rapids area. This bustling 5-lane thoroughfare rushes past Trader Joe's, Whole Foods and the Woodland Mall.
Perhaps the most well-loved business in Kentwood is Horrocks Market. "Horrocks is one of the best things about Kentwood," Rosenberger says. "It's like a Whole Foods but better. It's a whole family-run affair, and they've expanded to include a deli and a beer garden." After browsing groceries and a garden market, patrons can enjoy readymade food and freshly popped popcorn in the outdoor beer garden greenhouse. The greenhouse has plenty of tables, and occasionally, a live band takes to the stage.
The Woodland Mall on 28th Street in Kentwood, MI.
Strip malls and chain restaurants line 28th Street running through the center of Kentwood.
The main retail artery of Grand Rapids is on 28th Street in Kentwood.
Horrocks Market is a Kentwood staple for groceries, plants and gifts.
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A growing trail network and year-round recreation
One of Kentwood's biggest outdoor attractions is its trail network, which crisscrosses across the city. The paved Paul Henry trail spans 10 miles, going out to Caledonia. Plans are being made to extend the trail to Middleville and Hastings, over 30 miles away. The city uses its trail system for regular 5K races and bike relays.
Kentwood has 15 parks throughout the city, all slated for renovations as part of the city’s parks and recreation 5-year plan. Jaycee Park in Ridgebrook is popular for its 18-hole disc golf course, and in the summer, the splash pad at Pinewood Park and Veterans Memorial Park both get busy. From June to August, the weekly Kentwood Farmers Market features fresh produce and goods from local vendors. The sandy shores of Lake Michigan are also 36 miles away, about a 45-minute drive.
The city's winters are cloudy and cold, with temperatures dropping below freezing from November to March. The city has several options for indoor recreation. The Kentwood Activities Center offers regular classes and sports programs for all ages. The Kentwood Branch of the Kent District Library, built in 2010, has a modern facility and offers regular events, including kids' story time and a winter concert series.
The Kentwood Activity Center provides a place for the community to come together for events.
The Kentwood Public Library is a pinnacle of the Kentwood community.
The Paul Henry Trail is a long paved trail that stays busy year round with residents.
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Grand Rapids commutes
Downtown Grand Rapids is about 10 miles away, usually a 20-minute drive. The Rapid public bus serves Kentwood but only has two routes within the city. The Kalamazoo bus makes it to downtown Grand Rapids in about 25 minutes, and the 44th Street bus runs west to the RiverTown Crossings Mall.
Kentwood's largest employment sector is manufacturing, with one of its most notable companies being Steelcase, a furniture manufacturer. However, many working residents head to Grand Rapids, known for its higher education institutions and the "Medical Mile" sector of nationally renowned healthcare facilities. For those with a longer commute, Interstate 96 runs through the city.
The Gerald R. Ford Airport resides in Kentwood and provides close proximity to travel.
The Rapid Bus System has a main hub in Kentwood on 28th Street.
The Rapid Bus System runs all throughout Kentwood and connects to downtown Grand Rapids.
Highway 96 runs along the East edge of Kentwood and makes commuting easy to downtown GR.
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Noise from the nearby airport
The city contains the Gerald R. Ford International Airport, with some homes less than a short 5-minute drive away. Through a partnership with the Frey Foundation, Ford International regularly displays art and sculptures by local artists to welcome passengers with a taste of Western Michigan culture, whether they're visiting or coming back home. Being close to the airport can result in some ambient plane noise, especially for homes directly under the airport's flight paths.
Crime
According to the FBI Crime Data Explorer, Kentwood's property crime and violent crime rates are lower than in Grand Rapids. However, they are higher than the national average, and the city's violent crime has been slightly increasing since 2021.
Kentwood strives to live up to its motto, "A Community Effort," by providing resources to its residents. The city runs a 24-hour helpline to assist callers with childcare, housing, bills or food assistance. The local library and Kentwood Activities Center run a year-round Little Food Pantry. The Pantry is similar to a lending library; people leave what they can and can freely take what they need. "It's a very community-based city," Rosenberger says.
I am a REALTOR® because I love Michigan: the nature, the art, the culture, and especially the people! I look forward to helping you find a place to call home in our beautiful state!
I enjoy hiking with my family and dog in every season, especially in the winter when the snow seems like a magic carpet. When the weather is warm, my favorite place is Lake Michigan, I love walking along the beach picking up rocks, and listening to the waves. At home, I love working on projects, anything from home improvement to refinishing furniture. I volunteer as the Membership and Volunteer Coordinator for the Western Michigan Chapter of the North Country Trail Association.
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