$371,744Average Value$208Average Price per Sq Ft1Home For Sale
Chester Township is a peaceful farming community
Nestled among the apple farms of western Michigan, Chester Township is the least populated Ottawa County township. “It’s peaceful and beautiful out here,” says Betsy Ludwick, president of the Crockery Lake Association. “In the summer, you can drive down any country road and find little farm stands with fresh veggies and corn on the cob.” A 30-minute drive from downtown Grand Rapids to the south and the shores of Lake Michigan to the west, Chester nevertheless feels entirely removed from any hustle or bustle — the mark of a true agricultural community. Homebuyers who don’t mind a longer commute might consider Chester for its large yards and quiet lifestyle, plus a CAP Index Crime Score of 1 out of 10, the lowest possible score.
Development is centered around Conklin and Crockery Lake
Ranch-style homes and farmhouses are spread far apart among Chester's rural hills. The only concentrated development is located around the small community of Conklin and Crockery Lake. Conklin has an older, small-town feel with homes that date back to the early 1900s. Prices here typically stay between $200,000 to $350,000. Crockery Lake is more expensive, with the lakefront property ranging from $400,000 to $600,000, depending on age and size. “Living on the lake feels like living on a cul-de-sac,” Ludwick says. “When someone moves in, we bring them cookies and offer to take them out on our boats.” All homes outside Conklin have private septic systems, and the entire township uses well water. Some homes along the lakeshore or creeks have a slight flooding risk.
Lakeside access and Independence Day fireworks
For those who don’t live along the waterfront, Crockery Lake is accessible at Grose Park. This county-run green space has pavilions, fishing areas and a swimming beach. The Crockery Lake Association works to protect the lake and maintain the water quality. “There’s some run-off from the surrounding farms,” Ludwick says, “so we are several years into the process of a big clean-up.” The Crockery Lake Association also plans an annual Independence Day celebration with a boat parade and fireworks.
Small town community in Conklin
The community of Conklin is small, centered on a post office and a church. But in many ways, it’s a center point of the surrounding community. The Conklin Mini Market has grocery essentials in a vintage storefront, and the Conklin Bar is the only restaurant in Chester Township. The bar, with its live bands and Irish music jam sessions, is a reliable place to run into friendly faces. In a township as small as Chester, neighbors tend to know each other. “There’s a Facebook page called Conklin Informed, where people in this area will post things like 'I’ve got fresh eggs, come on over and get them,'” Ludwick says. Occasionally, visitors will stop by as they travel along the Musketawa Trail, a paved 25-mile route between Marne and East Muskegon. The popular biking trail runs right through the heart of Conklin.
Earn an associate degree at Coopersville High
Chester Township is split between several school districts, including Ravenna Public Schools, Sparta Area Schools and Coopersville Area Public School District. In Coopersville, younger kids are divided between East Elementary for first and second grade and South Elementary for third through fifth. Both schools receive a B grade from Niche. Older students go on to Coopersville Middle, rated B-plus and Coopersville High, rated B. At the high school, students can choose to stay for an extra year during the Early College Program to earn an associate degree from Muskegon Community College.
Thirty minutes to Grand Rapids or Muskegon
Chester is about 25 miles from downtown Grand Rapids and Muskegon. No major roads pass through Chester Township, and trips to the big city or Lake Michigan coast take about 30 minutes. Grand Rapids is the largest city in western Michigan, with several hospitals and the Gerald R. Ford International Airport. For a grocery store, locals don't have to travel quite as far. Ravenna, Coopersville and Sparta all have shopping options, and Sparta, in particular, is known for its lively downtown. “Sparta has so many things going on: car shows, the Apple Festival, the Celtic Festival,” Ludwick says. “It’s so close by that we think of it as part of our community.”
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Tammy Dykema-Halloran,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Grose Park
Transit
Airport
Gerald R Ford International
48 min drive
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Chester Township
US
Homicide
1
4
Sexual Assault
1
4
Assault with Weapon
1
4
Robbery
1
4
Burglary
1
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
1
4
Larceny
1
4
Crime Score
1
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Chester Township, Ravenna sell after 20 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Chester Township, Ravenna over the last 12 months is $343,371, up 1% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Great buildable 1.27 acre lot near beautiful Crockery Lake. Survey of property is in documents, lot lines are staked. There is a private road agreement for maintaining the road. Go to Grose Park and enjoy everything the park has to offer. Public swimming area, pavilion, volleyball courts, play equipment. Public boat launch for Crockery Lake nearby.
Welcome to your dream home! This charming 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom residence offers convenient one-floor living and has been beautifully updated with a modern kitchen, stylish bathrooms, and fresh flooring and paint throughout. NEW windows and Roof! Enjoy outdoor living on the spacious deck, perfect for entertaining. The insulated garage, equipped with electricity, provides ample storage or
Country Brick Ranch home set up for horses or livestock on 3.6 Acres. Check out this 3 Bedroom 2 Bath Ranch. Freshly painted Kitchen with appliances, coffee bar, Living room, Dining area with bay window. Finished basement with Family Room and fireplace, spacious laundry and large storage room. Attached Two stall garage. 28x40 Pole Barn with lean too, 16x28 barn and storage shed. Backyard patio
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Tammy Dykema-Halloran,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
1,928
Median Age
41
Population Density
1 person/acre
Population under 18
24.6%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
20.7%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$73,578
On par with the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$97,380
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
93.2%
College Graduates
24.4%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
9%
% Population in Labor Force
74.6%
Above the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
33''
Average Winter Low Temperature
15°F
Average Summer High Temperature
79°F
Annual Snowfall
40''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
27/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
0/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
