Alward Estates West No 4

Early morning light hits best here, when the neighborhood still feels like yours alone before the day gets going. You're looking at a car-dependent subdivision where everything—groceries, coffee, dinner out—requires a drive, so don't come here expecting to walk to much of anything. That said, downtown Grand Rapids is about 23 minutes away, the airport's under 35, and if you need the Medical Mile, you're looking at roughly 25 minutes, which keeps you connected without feeling hemmed in. Rush Creek Park is close enough for a walk if you want some green space, and there are a couple of grocery stores within a couple miles when you do need to run out.