Cascade
Suburban living with airport access
Township · Kent County
Cascade at a glance
Cascade Charter Township sits southeast of Grand Rapids along the Thornapple River, with Forest Hills schools, airport proximity, and 17 miles of trails.
- Median Price
- $573,000
- Median $/sqft
- $195
- Median DOM
- 40 days
- Walk Score
- 18
- Population
- 19,667
- Median Income
- $133,401
- School District
- Forest Hills Public Schools
- Tax Millage
- 29.1
Market data as of 2025-03. Population: U.S. Census Bureau, 2020 Decennial Census.
Overview
Overview
Cascade Charter Township runs along the Thornapple River southeast of Grand Rapids, covering roughly 34 square miles between I-96, 28th Street SE, and the Gerald R. Ford International Airport. With a population of approximately 19,700, it is one of the larger townships in Kent County and one of the most practical suburban communities in the Grand Rapids metro for buyers who need a short commute, airport access, and strong schools.
The Thornapple River divides the township into east and west halves, with residential neighborhoods, parks, and green corridors running along both banks. The commercial spine of the township is 28th Street SE, a major east-west arterial with restaurants, retail, grocery, and services. Cascade Road runs north-south and provides access to a second cluster of shops and dining near the township's center.
Cascade strikes a balance between suburban convenience and natural setting. The township maintains eight parks, approximately 17 miles of pedestrian pathways, and significant wooded and wetland areas. At the same time, I-96 runs east-west through the center of the township, and the airport sits at its southern boundary, giving residents highway and air-travel access that few other east-side suburbs can match.
Real Estate
Real Estate
Cascade's median sale price has been running around $573,000 based on recent listing data, with a wide range depending on property type and location. Individual sales have landed anywhere from the low $200s for smaller condos and townhomes up to seven figures for riverfront estates and newer custom builds. The township offers one of the broadest mixes of housing types on the east side of the metro.
What to expect:
- Single-family homes: The majority of the housing stock. Most are three- to four-bedroom homes on quarter-acre to half-acre lots, built between the 1960s and 2010s. Expect 1,800 to 3,500 sq ft in established neighborhoods
- New construction: Active development continues, particularly on the eastern edges and former agricultural parcels. New builds commonly list above $600,000
- Riverfront properties: Parcels along the Thornapple command premium pricing and represent some of the most desirable inventory in the township
- Condos and townhomes: More available here than in Ada. Several condominium communities serve downsizers, empty-nesters, and first-time buyers looking for the Forest Hills district at a lower entry point
- HOA prevalence: Common in newer subdivisions and condominium developments; less common in older neighborhoods
Cascade's real estate market benefits from the Forest Hills school district premium. Sub-$400,000 homes within the district are rare and tend to move within a week of listing. The condo and townhome segment provides the primary entry point for buyers who want the school district at a lower price than a detached single-family home.
Architecture
Architecture
Cascade's residential architecture spans roughly seven decades of suburban development, with no single defining style. The oldest homes in the township include a handful of Greek Revival farmhouses and historic structures from the mid-1800s, most notably the Whitney Tavern Stand, constructed in the early 1850s by Ezra Whitney, which served as an inn and local gathering place.
The bulk of Cascade's housing stock dates from the 1960s through the 2000s. Mid-century ranches, split-levels, and raised ranches from the 1960s and 1970s are common in the established neighborhoods west of Cascade Road. Colonial and Cape Cod styles appear in subdivisions from the 1980s and 1990s. Newer construction from the 2000s and 2010s tends toward transitional and open-concept floor plans with higher ceilings, larger kitchens, and attached three-car garages.
Recent builds in Cascade lean toward modern farmhouse, Craftsman, and contemporary styles, with an emphasis on main-floor living, outdoor entertaining spaces, and energy-efficient construction. Custom homes on larger lots often incorporate natural materials and designs oriented toward wooded or river views.
The 28th Street corridor features standard commercial architecture typical of suburban retail corridors. The township's community vision plan emphasizes improving the visual character of commercial areas and encouraging more pedestrian-oriented design in future development.
Schools
Schools
Most of Cascade falls within Forest Hills Public Schools (FHPS), one of the highest-ranked districts in Michigan. FHPS serves approximately 9,000 students across 18 schools, including three high schools (Central, Northern, and Eastern), six middle schools, and eight elementary schools. The district consistently ranks in the top 15 statewide.
Cascade residents are served by several FHPS elementary schools depending on location, including Collins Elementary, Meadow Brook Elementary, and Pine Ridge Elementary. Forest Hills Central High School is located in Cascade Township and is ranked 9th among all Michigan high schools. Academic proficiency rates across the district run at approximately 66% in math and 74% in reading.
Small portions of the township near the airport and southern boundary may fall within the Caledonia Community Schools or Kentwood Public Schools districts. As with all east-side communities, buyers should verify the exact school district boundary for any property before making an offer.
Private school options accessible from Cascade include Grand Rapids Christian Schools, West Catholic High School, and several parochial elementary schools within a 10- to 20-minute drive.
Dining
Dining
Cascade's dining scene is anchored by the 28th Street SE corridor and the Cascade Road commercial area, offering a mix of local restaurants and regional chains.
Noto's Old World Italian Dining (6600 28th St SE) has been a West Michigan institution since 1982, serving old-world family recipes with one of the region's largest wine collections. The restaurant includes a lounge, outdoor cafe, bocce ball court, and an on-site salon and spa. Thornapple Brewing Co. (6262 28th St SE) combines a craft brewery with a full food menu and cocktails in a family-friendly taproom setting with private event space.
Cascade Roadhouse is a popular neighborhood spot for American fare in a comfortable pub atmosphere. Sundance Grill and Bar, located on 28th Street, is known for generous breakfast and lunch portions. Cascade New Beginnings serves affordable breakfast and lunch with multiple West Michigan locations.
Osaka (4977 28th St SE) offers Japanese cuisine with a sushi bar and hibachi grill stations. First Wok (6740 Old 28th St SE) is a longtime local Chinese restaurant. JT's Pizza and Spirits (6716 Old 28th St SE) is a neighborhood sports bar known for specialty pies, pasta, and subs. The Pit Stop serves counter-style barbecue plates with classic sides.
Grocery and specialty food options along 28th Street include major chains and local markets, making Cascade one of the most self-contained communities in the metro for everyday shopping and dining.
Parks
Parks and Recreation
Cascade Township maintains eight parks covering hundreds of acres, plus approximately 17 miles of pedestrian pathways that connect neighborhoods year-round.
Cascade Peace Park (8900 Grand River Ave) is the township's premier nature preserve, featuring nearly four miles of trails through extensive old-growth hardwood forest, floodplain, meadows, and wetlands that feed the Grand River. The mature closed-canopy forest is rare for the Grand Rapids metro and supports warblers, hawks, owls, and other wildlife. The park is managed in partnership with the Land Conservancy of West Michigan.
Cascade Township Park, the main recreation complex, covers 55 acres and offers a one-mile paved pedestrian loop, two baseball and softball diamonds, a multi-purpose field for soccer and football, four tennis courts, four horseshoe pits, a sand volleyball court, an 18-hole disc golf course, a playground, and a dog park. The park is located near the airport approach path, making it a popular spot for plane-watching.
Burton Park spans 80 acres of meadows and wooded areas with looping walking and hiking trails. It is located just east of Cascade Road at the end of Burton Street and offers a quieter, more natural experience than the township park.
Friendship Park, completed adjacent to the Cascade Township Branch Library, is a native-plant park with a fountain, outdoor instruments, walking paths, and a green-roofed pavilion that hosts library events and pop-up concerts.
The Thornapple River corridor provides additional kayak and canoe access, fishing, and scenic overlooks throughout the township.
Getting Around
Transportation
Cascade Township is one of the best-connected suburbs in the Grand Rapids metro for highway and air travel. I-96 runs east-west through the center of the township, and the M-6 expressway (Paul B. Henry Freeway) provides a direct connection south and west.
Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) sits at the southern boundary of the township. The airport is served by seven airlines offering 30 nonstop destinations and set an all-time record in 2025 with over 4.3 million passengers. For buyers who travel frequently for work, Cascade offers the shortest drive to the terminal of any community in the metro.
Commute times: Downtown Grand Rapids is approximately 12 to 15 minutes west via I-96 or 28th Street. East-west travel is straightforward via I-96 and 28th Street. North-south access via Cascade Road connects to the broader network.
Public transit: The Rapid bus system currently provides limited service along 28th Street. The township has been working to extend service to Cascade Village and strengthen transit connections. Long-range planning includes a potential commuter rail connection between Lansing, Grand Rapids, Cascade, and Holland, though this remains in early stages.
Pedestrian and cycling: The township's 17 miles of pedestrian pathways provide internal connectivity for walking and recreational cycling. Dedicated bike infrastructure along major roads is limited, but park trails offer off-road options.
Community
Community
Cascade Charter Township operates under a charter township form of government with an elected Board of Trustees. The township offices are located at 2865 Thornhills Ave SE. With a population of approximately 19,700, Cascade is one of Kent County's most populated townships while maintaining a suburban residential character.
The Cascade Township Branch Library (2870 Jack Smith Ave SE) is part of the Kent District Library (KDL) system. The library occupies a 20,000-square-foot building with community meeting rooms, private study rooms, a local history room, teen spaces, and public computers. It hosts regular programming including storytime, babytime, homeschool hangouts, used book sales, and adult education events. The adjacent Friendship Park extends the library's role as a community gathering space.
The Friends of the Cascade Library is a volunteer organization of approximately 50 members that raises funds through used book sales to support library programming. The Cascade Business Association supports local commerce along the 28th Street and Cascade Road corridors.
Community events in Cascade center around the parks and library. The township's parks department organizes seasonal programs, and the Thornapple River corridor draws kayakers, anglers, and trail users throughout the warmer months. The township's Community Vision plan, developed through resident input, emphasizes preserving green space, improving walkability, and strengthening neighborhood connections.
History
History
Cascade Township was originally part of Ada Township. Residents sought separation in 1848, and the first town meeting was held on April 3, 1848, at Ezra Whitney's Public House. The township was initially platted in 1845 by D.S.T. Weller and maintained a post office from 1854 until 1910.
Early settlers established farms along both sides of the Thornapple River and maintained a peaceable coexistence with the Ottawa and Potawatomi communities who had long inhabited the area. The Grand River Band of Ottawa, led by Nebawnaygezhick, had a village at the mouth of the Thornapple prior to European-American settlement.
The Thornapple River was central to the township's early economy. In 1845, the Ferry House hotel was built at the northwest corner of Cascade Road and what is now Thornapple River Drive, and the first ferry service was established to cross the river. The first dam, built in 1853 for milling purposes, stood at the site of the present-day dam. The Whitney Tavern Stand, constructed in the early 1850s by Ezra Whitney, served as an inn and gathering place and remains one of the township's oldest surviving structures.
Cascade's modern development accelerated in the post-war decades as suburban growth expanded eastward from Grand Rapids. The Gerald R. Ford International Airport, which sits at the township's southern boundary, has been a defining feature of the community since it opened. The airport has grown steadily, reaching a record 4.3 million passengers in 2025, and its presence shapes land use, noise considerations, and commercial development patterns in the southern portion of the township.
Investment
Investment Potential
Cascade offers a more diverse investment profile than some of the neighboring east-side communities. The combination of the Forest Hills school district, airport proximity, major commercial corridors, and a range of housing types creates multiple entry points for different investment strategies.
For buy-and-hold investors, the condo and townhome segment provides the most accessible entry point. Properties in the $200,000 to $350,000 range, particularly condos near 28th Street or the airport corridor, attract renters who want the Forest Hills school district and suburban conveniences at a rent that is competitive with Grand Rapids.
Single-family rentals are less common but present. Steady rental demand is supported by proximity to the airport, the Forest Hills school district, and nearby employment centers. Rental prices in Cascade are competitive compared to Grand Rapids, and the school district premium helps maintain strong tenant interest.
The renovation-and-resale opportunity is strongest with the 1960s to 1980s housing stock. Dated ranches and split-levels in desirable locations can be purchased at a meaningful discount to newer construction, and the spread between unrenovated and updated comparables supports forced appreciation through strategic renovation.
New construction on the eastern edges of the township continues to attract builder-investors targeting the $600,000+ price point. Land availability is more constrained than it was a decade ago, and the township's community vision plan emphasizes balanced development.
Airport noise consideration: Properties near the airport's approach path, particularly in the southern portion of the township, may be subject to aircraft noise. This affects resale values and rental desirability in those specific areas. Buyers should visit properties at different times of day to assess noise levels before committing.
Nathan's Take
The local read.
Cascade is the most practical of the east-side communities if airport access or a short I-96 commute is non-negotiable. Fifteen minutes to downtown, five minutes to the terminal, Forest Hills schools, and a 28th Street corridor that handles nearly every errand without leaving the township. That combination of convenience is hard to match elsewhere.
The Forest Hills district premium is most visible at the lower end here. Sub-$400,000 homes in-district are rare and tend to move within a week. If you are trying to get into Forest Hills at the lowest possible price point, Cascade's condo and townhome inventory is where to look. Expect competition at that price range.
Something to be aware of: the southern portion of the township, closer to the airport, does get aircraft noise. It does not affect every property, but it is worth visiting at different times of day before making a decision. Properties directly under the approach path will price lower than comparable homes a mile north, and that is by design.
For buyers who want a suburban community with genuine convenience, good schools, and access to parks and the Thornapple River corridor, Cascade delivers. It is not the most scenic or walkable of the east-side options, but it is the most functionally efficient.
Location
Cascade on the map
Boundary of the Cascade area. Drag to explore the surrounding neighborhoods and commute corridors.
Listings
Browse homes in Cascade.
See what is currently listed in Cascade and the surrounding area.
Resources
Helpful links
Official township government site with parks, zoning, community development, and meeting schedules
District homepage with enrollment, school directory, attendance boundaries, and academic information
Parks directory with maps, facilities, reservations, and pathway information
Library hours, programs, event calendar, and community meeting room information
Flight information, airlines, terminal maps, and parking for GRR airport
Trail maps, habitat information, and visitor guide for the old-growth forest preserve
Township long-range planning with land use, transportation, and neighborhood goals
River conservation, water quality monitoring, and community events along the Thornapple
Visitor guide covering Cascade dining, parks, and things to do
Millage rates, property assessment data, and tax information for Kent County
Questions about Cascade?
Ask Nathan.
Send a note with what you are looking for in Cascade, price range, timeline, school or commute priorities, and Nathan will follow up.
Contact
Get in touch
Send a message and Nathan will get back to you within one business day.
Message received
Thank you. Nathan will be in touch soon.
Nathan typically responds within one business day.
— Nathan Strodtbeck, REALTOR®