Lanterns of Cascade

You'll want to catch this place in early evening, when the light hits the landscaping just right and you can actually see why someone chose to build here. Lanterns of Cascade sits on 12 acres in the 36th Street corridor, and the condos run around $175K — which means you're looking at solid, straightforward ownership without the constant upkeep of a full lot. The community feeds into Forest Hills Public Schools, and you're about 17 minutes into downtown Grand Rapids or 11 or so minutes out to Gerald R. Ford airport, so you're close enough to move around the city without feeling like you live in it. There are roughly 60 restaurants within a mile, a grocery within a 12-minute walk, and two parks practically on your doorstep — Leslie E. Tassell Park is a quick 15-minute walk if you want to stretch your legs.