Lakeview Condo of Holland

You'll find yourself driving a bit more out here, but that's part of the appeal — this is where Grand Rapids starts to breathe. With generous lot sizes averaging nearly an acre, you get the space that's increasingly rare closer to downtown. Your nearest neighbor isn't going to hear your weekend barbecue, and you might actually have room for that garden you've been talking about for years.

The trade-off for all this elbow room is that you'll need to be intentional about your errands. There's one grocery store within a couple miles, so you'll get good at planning your shopping trips. The nearest coffee shop is about a 15-minute walk — perfect for a weekend stroll, though you'll probably drive during the week. What you lack in walkable density, you make up for in proximity to Lake Macatawa, just under two miles away, where locals spend summer weekends boating and swimming.

Families are drawn here partly for the schools — kids attend West Ottawa Public School District, which consistently ranks among the area's best. The four parks within a mile give you options for everything from morning jogs to little league practice, though if you're craving serious outdoor adventure, you'll want to venture a bit further toward the lakeshore or into the state recreation areas.

This area works best for people who value space over spontaneity. If you're the type who wants to walk to three different coffee shops on a whim, stay closer to downtown. But if you've been dreaming of a place where you can actually hear the birds in the morning, where your commute means a peaceful drive rather than hunting for parking, and where "the neighbors" means the people whose kids go to school with yours rather than whoever's playing music too loud upstairs — you'll understand why 63% of folks here own rather than rent.