Hess Lake
Surrounded by nature
Median $437K·Walkability 3.5/10·Schools 4.7/10
This lakefront community spans 1,410 acres in Kent County, offering residents a peaceful retreat with generous lot sizes averaging just over a quarter-acre. The area centers around lake living, with many properties featuring walkout designs that take advantage of the natural topography and water views. Residents enjoy a relaxed atmosphere where homes serve as year-round residences, seasonal retreats, or weekend getaways.
Why people love it here
Lake life
- Hess Lake within walking distance
- 5 parks within 1 mile
- Hess Lake: 0 min walk
- Hess Lake Boating Access Site: 11 min bike
$437K median
- 8 sales in last 12mo
Lake facts
MI DNRMortgage Calculator
Median home price in Hess Lake
Estimated Monthly Payment
$2,970/mo
The interest rate shown is not an annual percentage rate (APR). Rate displayed is the current average 30-year fixed rate from the Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey and is subject to change without notice. This is not a commitment to lend or an offer of credit. Your actual rate, payment, and costs may vary. Contact a loan officer for a personalized quote.
Guild Mortgage NMLS #3274. Equal Housing Lender. NMLS Consumer Access
8 homes sold in Hess Lake this year. Thinking of selling?
See what your home is worthFlood Risk
None
Not in flood zone
Nearest Park
Hess Lake Boating Access Site
0.9 mi
Parks Nearby
5
within 1 mile
Based on 3 rated schools nearby
Range: 4/10 to 5/10
School District: Newaygo Public School District
Walkability
Limited
Overall walkability score out of 10
Based on actual walk/bike/drive times to nearby amenities via Mapbox
Save-A-Lot
Subway
+1 more
Biggby Coffee
Sportsman's Bar
Hess Lake Boating Access Site
Hess Lake
+1 more
Beach in Drummond's Add. Area
Newaygo Area District Library
Crime in Hess Lake is reported at the city level, not the neighborhood level. The FBI doesn't publish reliable crime rates for individual neighborhoods, and within any community crime varies street to street. For an accurate, comparable picture, see the jurisdiction-wide figures for Newaygo County.
Newaygo County crime & safety stats →To buy a median-priced Hess Lake home (around $437,450) at today's 6.43% 30-year fixed rate with 20% down, you'd need roughly $77k/year in household income to qualify — an estimated monthly payment of $2,896 (principal, interest, property tax est., and insurance).
| Down payment | Monthly payment | Income needed |
|---|---|---|
| 20% | $2,896/mo | $77,222 |
| 10% (+PMI) | $3,334/mo | $88,916 |
| 5% (+PMI) | $3,481/mo | $92,819 |
Estimates use a 6.43% 30-year fixed rate (current Freddie Mac average), an aggressive ~45% housing-to-income ratio (roughly what FHA underwriting can allow for a buyer with no other monthly debts — your number depends on your debts and credit), this area's median sale price, plus estimated insurance and PMI below 20% down. Not an APR or a commitment to lend — your actual rate and payment will vary.
Local Government · area-wide
Brooks Township
Source: brookstownshipmi.gov · unconfirmed
Association and local-government details are compiled from public records, municipal sites, and state registries, and can change. Confirm directly with the association or municipality before relying on them.
Solar potential
~$909/yr in electricity from a typical rooftop solar system
Produces ~6,360 kWh/yr · offsets ~61% of a typical home's use
Private well
Rural township; private wells typical outside any utility district.
Chain of Lakes Area Utility Authority (COLA)
Brooks is a constituent of COLA, which provides sewer to the area (5546 S Evergreen, Newaygo).
Resident-arranged private hauler
Residents arrange private trash haulers.
Consumers Energy Co|Great Lakes Energy Coop · ~14.3¢/kWh
Regional IOU.
Confirm by addressNewaygo Fire District covers all of Brooks Twp, ~60% of Garfield Twp, and City of Newaygo (~56 sq mi).
Services for Brooks · Source: brookstownshipmi.gov
Utility, solar, and service details for Hess Lake are compiled from public records, municipal sites, and NREL / U.S. data.gov, and can change. Electric/gas can vary by address — confirm with the provider before relying on them.
🛒 Grocery(3)
Grocery Store
Leppinks Food Centers
Grocery Store
Gene's Family Market
Grocery Store
🍕 Restaurants(8)
+3 more within 5 miles
🍺 Bars(4)
Sportsman's Bar
Bar
Riverstop Saloon and Grill
Bar
Newaygo Brewing Company
Pub
+1 more within 5 miles
🏫 Schools(6)
Salem School
School
School
Lambson School
+1 more within 5 miles
🌳 Parks(8)
+5 more within 5 miles
🚴 Trails(4)
Bike Path
Bike Path
Unnamed bike_path
Bike Path
Cycleway from Linden Ave to Mason Dr
Bike Path
+1 more within 5 miles
📚 Libraries(1)
Newaygo Area District Library
Frequently asked about Hess Lake
- What do homes cost in Hess Lake?
- The median home value in Hess Lake is about $437,450. Individual prices vary by street, size, and condition.
- How active is the Hess Lake housing market?
- there are 2 homes for sale in Hess Lake right now, and 8 homes sold here in the last 12 months. Listings refresh throughout the day from the MichRIC MLS.
- What schools serve Hess Lake?
- Hess Lake is served by Newaygo Public School District. Its highest-rated assigned school is Newaygo Middle School (5/10).
- Is Hess Lake walkable?
- Hess Lake scores 3.5/10 for walkability — a measure of walking, biking, and driving access to groceries, dining, parks, schools, and transit.
Top contributors in Hess Lake
Detailed statistics are being computed for this location. Demographics, home values, schools, flood risk, and more will appear here automatically.