Experience the Best of
Grand Haven, MI

Welcome to Grand Haven!

Welcome to Grand Haven! Tucked along the eastern shoreline of Lake Michigan, Grand Haven is a vibrant harbor town with a magnetic mix of natural beauty, waterfront charm, and small-town hospitality. Known for its historic boardwalk, iconic red lighthouse, and summer festivals, Grand Haven blends laid-back lake life with an active and engaging community.

Table of Contents
Visit Grand Haven
Life on the Lakeshore
Grand Haven Real Estate
Nearby Cities & Suburbs
FAQs

 

Your Visit to Grand Haven, MI: A Local’s Itinerary

The Perfect Day Trip
Start your day at Morning Star Café, a colorful downtown staple known for generous portions, friendly service, and scratch-made Southwest flair. The eggs benedict are a consistent favorite, but the best move is to take a chance on the rotating daily specials.

After breakfast, spend some time browsing the local shops just steps away. Tenden, Vintage Green Antiques, and The Book Cellar all offer unique finds, from locally designed apparel to rare vintage décor. The Book Cellar in particular is worth a stop for its mix of new and consignment reads — and the occasional greeting from a resident shop dog.

Then make your way closer to downtown and head over to Side Bar Artisan Coffee for an expertly crafted latte or indulgent chocolate drink. With coffee in hand, continue your shopping at Down to Earth, Marushka, and Pink Lemonade.

When lunch rolls around, stop into The Toasted Pickle, a playful sandwich shop with a knack for bold flavors. The Fried Chicken Sammie (nicknamed the “Nashville Hottie”) delivers a perfect blend of spice and crunch, while the Green Goddess veggie melt layers pesto and goat cheese for a fresh, indulgent bite.

Afterward, take in the beauty of Grand Haven from the water with Big Blue Boat Tours. Aboard this beautifully restored 1947 vessel, you’ll enjoy narrated tours across Lake Michigan, the Grand River, or Spring Lake, offering a perspective of the city you can’t get from shore.

If the sun gets too warm, step inside the Tri-Cities Historical Museum to explore exhibits on local heritage. For dinner, you can keep it cozy at the Paisley Grille or enjoy a lakeside sunset at Snug Harbor. Before calling it a night, grab a cone at Norm’s, a local favorite for ice cream on a summer evening.

As the day winds down, stroll the boardwalk from downtown out to the lighthouse, where the views at sunset are nothing short of spectacular. If you’re visiting in summer, plan to catch the Grand Haven Musical Fountain, a 20–30 minute light, water, and music show that’s been delighting visitors for decades. Cap off your night in the downtown Social District, where you can walk the designated zone with a to-go cocktail from local favorites like the Long Road Distiller’s bar cart or Odd Side Ales.

Visiting in Another Season?
While Grand Haven shines in summer, the lakeshore remains worth visiting year-round. In fall, the Historic River Road transforms into a scenic drive surrounded by vibrant foliage, and Bethke Farms Pumpkin Patch offers a seasonal corn maze perfect for families. Winter brings skiing and snowboarding at Mulligan’s Hollow Ski Bowl, along with cozy downtown shops and cafés to warm up in afterward. When spring arrives, the town comes alive with bike paths, outdoor patios, and shoreline trails like Rosy Mound Natural Area, making it an ideal time to watch the community wake up from its winter hush.

 

Living in Grand Haven:

Living in Grand Haven means being close to the water, the trails, and a community that feels like home. It’s a place where neighbors chat on downtown sidewalks, kids ride bikes to the beach, and each season brings a shift in rhythm. With easy access to Grand Rapids and highly rated schools, it’s an ideal setting for families, retirees, and remote workers alike.

Population
Grand Haven has a population of just under 11,000 residents. During the warmer months, that number grows significantly with visitors coming to enjoy the beaches, events, and waterfront views. Despite the seasonal buzz, the city maintains its laid-back, close-knit feel all year long.

Cost of Living
The cost of living in Grand Haven is slightly higher than the national average, largely due to demand for lakefront living and vacation homes. Housing tends to be the biggest driver, though many residents find the quality of life and access to nature well worth it. Compared to larger metro areas, Grand Haven still offers relative affordability with small-town charm.

Employment
Grand Haven offers a mix of career paths in healthcare, education, manufacturing, and tourism. Major employers include North Ottawa Community Health System, Grand Haven Area Public Schools, and Shape Corp, a global automotive manufacturer. In the summer, seasonal gigs pop up all over from local marinas to downtown favorites like The Kirby House and Snug Harbor. Remote work is also on the rise, as more people choose lake views over city commutes.

Education
Families in Grand Haven are served by Grand Haven Area Public Schools, which are known for strong academics and extracurricular options. There are also several nearby private and charter school options, along with access to higher education at institutions like Muskegon Community College and Grand Valley State University.

Lifestyle & Recreation
With its scenic shoreline, state parks, and endless trails, Grand Haven is built for outdoor living. Residents spend summers boating, biking, and enjoying lake days, while fall and winter bring hiking, skiing, and cozy downtown weekends. Annual events like the Coast Guard Festival and the Grand Haven Art Festival add to the city’s community spirit and cultural scene.

 

What to Know About Grand Haven’s Real Estate Market

As more people discover the beauty and lifestyle of Grand Haven, the local real estate market remains steady and competitive. Whether you’re eyeing a condo near downtown or a single-family home just steps from the water, there’s something for everyone. Grand Haven’s blend of vacation living and long-term roots makes it a compelling place to call home.

Grand Haven Market Stats Summer 2025*
Median Home Price — $312,500
Average Price Per Square Foot — $212
Average Days on Market — 24 days

Thinking about buying in Grand Haven? We’d love to help. Check out our Lakeshore Office to connect with local Loan Officers who know the market inside and out. They can walk you through the mortgage process, answer questions, and connect you with trusted Realtors in the area.

 

Nearby Cities & Suburbs

Spring Lake
Just across the Grand River, Spring Lake is a quiet, scenic village with a strong sense of community. It offers bike-friendly paths, cozy coffee shops, and beautiful waterfront parks. With an average home price around $395,000, it’s a popular spot for those who want small-town charm just minutes from downtown Grand Haven.

Ferrysburg
Tucked along the lakeshore just northwest of Grand Haven, Ferrysburg is known for its peaceful neighborhoods and easy access to Lake Michigan. It’s a favorite for those looking for a slower pace without being far from the action. Home prices here average around $330,000.

Holland
About 20 minutes south, Holland is a bustling city with a walkable downtown, year-round events, and the famous Tulip Time Festival. It’s larger than Grand Haven but still has a warm, lakeside feel. The average home price in Holland sits around $305,000, making it a solid option for families, professionals, and first-time buyers.

 

Grand Haven FAQ’s

How do I find a house in Grand Haven?
Want to live on the Lakeshore? We don’t blame you. At Treadstone, we love Grand Haven so much, we decided to put roots down ourselves. Get in touch with our Grand Haven location, and they’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the home buying process, the local real estate market, and can even get you connected with a Realtor!

Is Grand Haven only a summer destination?
While summer is peak season thanks to beaches, boating, and the Musical Fountain, Grand Haven is enjoyable year-round. Fall brings colorful River Road drives and pumpkin patches, winter invites skiing at Mulligan’s Hollow, and spring reveals blooming trails, outdoor patios, and trails like Rosy Mound coming alive again.

What is Grand Haven best known for?
Grand Haven is celebrated for its picturesque Lake Michigan beaches, iconic red lighthouse, and the captivating Grand Haven Musical Fountain. Often referred to as “Coast Guard City USA,” it also boasts a vibrant waterfront, walkable downtown, and rich maritime heritage confirmed by the annual, 10 day Coast Guard Festival.

*Source: Rockethomes.com as of July 2025
** Source: Niche.com as of July 2025