Rockford Tops List of Best Places to Buy a Home in Western Michigan

A&D Mortgage took a good look at the best neighborhoods to buy a home in the Grand Rapids and Western Michigan area and Rockford leads the pack amongst other excellent choices.

Buying a home is the most important financial decision most Americans ever make. However, the decision isn’t all financial. So much goes into choosing the right home including access to modern amenities, school quality, infrastructure, and general quality of life to name just a few. A&D Mortgage believes in the American dream and values the importance of home ownership for families. We know what a difficult process it can be and the lasting impact your chosen neighborhood will have on you and your family going forward.

Therefore, we are working with our local partners, who are experts in the housing industry, to help highlight some of the best places to live within certain cities and regions. Grand Rapids, Michigan is our inaugural region, but we will continue to focus on different areas throughout the country and welcome suggestions for future locations.

Beyond Grand Rapids: West Michigan’s Hidden Gems

Grand Rapids receives most of the attention, but some of the best living in West Michigan can be found in its surrounding communities. These towns offer everything you love about the area: great schools, outdoor recreation, reasonable commutes, often with more space and stronger community connections.

A&D Mortgage reached out to our partners at Riverbank Finance LLC and local realtor Rachel Major to discover some of the top neighborhoods to buy a home. They provided an excellent list of hidden gems outside Grand Rapids.

Anthony Bird, broker and owner of Riverbank Finance, was quick to recommend what he sees as the best of the best in the area.

Rockford

‘Rockford leads my list for good reason. Twenty minutes north of Grand Rapids, but it might as well be a different world. The downtown area buzzes with local businesses, the schools are consistently top-rated, and the White Pine Trail connects you to miles of scenic walking and biking. The downtown area is also right next to the Rogue River and is tucked into treelined streets. It’s where small-town charm meets modern convenience,’ Bird shared.

Lowell

Lowell attracts visitors with its authentic small-town atmosphere. The historic downtown has character you can’t manufacture, home prices remain reasonable, and the school district has built a strong reputation over the years.

Ada Village

Next on our list is Ada Village, which has mastered the art of upscale suburban living. The well-planned downtown area is picture-perfect, the new construction is impressive, and the schools are excellent. If you want luxury with a family-friendly vibe, Ada delivers.

Caledonia

Rachel Major believes Caledonia belongs squarely on this list. She explains that it offers that semi-rural lifestyle many buyers crave. ‘Newer developments sit alongside open spaces, the schools are solid, and you get more land for your money compared to suburbs closer to downtown Grand Rapids.’

Byron Center

Byron Center gets an early mention. As Riverbank’s Gabrielle Nurenberg explains, ‘Byron Center is booming for families seeking newer homes and top-tier schools. The subdivisions here are well-designed, and there’s a clean, organized feel that appeals to buyers who want everything to be just right.’

Sparta

Sparta rounds out the list as an affordable option with real personality. The community events and local pride are evident, and for buyers willing to drive a bit further, the value proposition is compelling. Sparta is renowned for its orchards located outside the downtown area, and the landscape provides a slow-paced lifestyle.

Walker

Walker provides city convenience with suburban comfort. It’s technically separate from Grand Rapids but feels connected, making it ideal for commuters who want quieter neighborhoods and good value, but still a hop and a skip away from downtown.

Why Rockford Stands Apart

Among all these great options, Rockford consistently rises to the top for most buyers. The combination of factors is just hard to beat.

The downtown area feels alive and authentic, not manufactured or trying too hard. Local restaurants, boutique shops, and that beautiful river setting create a backdrop that residents genuinely enjoy rather than just endure.

The schools maintain their reputation year after year, which gives parents confidence and protects property values. The outdoor recreation opportunities, from the trail system to river activities, mean you don’t have to drive far for weekend adventures.

Major agrees stating, ‘Most importantly, there’s a sense of civic pride here that’s increasingly rare. The parks are well-maintained, local events are well-attended, and businesses invest in their storefronts. It’s the kind of place where the community actually functions as a community.’

Market Insights for Today’s Buyers

The suburban West Michigan market has found its rhythm after the wild swings of recent years. Competition exists, especially for the best properties in the most desirable areas, but buyers have more opportunity to be selective.

Interest rates have created some pause in the market, which actually benefits serious buyers who are ready to move. In communities like Rockford and Ada, inventory remains tight for quality homes, but the bidding wars have largely cooled.

School districts continue to drive demand, and outdoor recreation access remains a priority for many families. Properties that have both qualities tend to hold their value well regardless of broader market conditions.

The Bigger Picture

The growth pattern in these communities over the past five years tells a clear story. Families want space, good schools, and community connection, but they don’t want to sacrifice access to urban amenities entirely.

Bird points out that, ‘Rockford has navigated this balance particularly well. New development has been steady but not overwhelming, infrastructure improvements have kept pace with growth, and the community character has been preserved while adding modern conveniences.’

Looking ahead, expect to see continued steady growth rather than explosive development. These communities have learned from the mistakes of other areas and seem committed to maintaining what makes them special while accommodating new residents.

For buyers considering a move to West Michigan’s suburbs, the benefits remain strong. Good schools, outdoor recreation, reasonable commutes, and genuine community life aren’t going out of style anytime soon.

Local Professionals to Help You Achieve Your Dreams

If you’re looking for a home in Western Michigan, please reach out to Rachel Major and she’ll get you taken care of.

Additionally, Anthony Bird and Gabrielle Nurenberg at Riverbank Finance LLC can handle all your mortgage needs. Get in touch with them through Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or visit their website Riverbankfinance.com.

Editor’s Note

The Top Neighborhoods articles are centered on the evaluations of real housing professionals. We speak to housing experts who actually live and work in these areas. Their opinions are based on their experience, instead of using ‘modern tools’ to generate lists. This authentic approach is slower and more time-consuming, but buying a home is important and we believe advice should come from expert realtors and mortgage professionals – not from AI.