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If you're looking to live and work in a fast-growing city, then Kentwood, Michigan is this the place to be. This city may be fast-paced, but it is also mid-size, family friendly and offers a wide variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment options, many of which are located just a few minutes from downtown Grand Rapids. Enjoy the Woodland Mall, cuisine from all over the world, a mini water park called Castaway Bay that has a 180 ft slide, the Sky Zone Trampoline Park, outdoor movies and concerts, an African Market, and more.

Best Neighborhoods Near Kentwood

• Brenton Preserve
• City Center
• East Paris
• Forest Hill/Cedar Mill

Kentwood's population is 51,747 and there are only ten constituent neighborhoods in the city. Overall, the community is an equal mix of white collar and blue-collar workers, both of whom drive the economy. As for education, Kentwood is excellent. In fact, this city has an education level that is much higher than the U.S. average. The community is also ethnically diverse, and although English is the most important language spoken in Kentwood, some residents also speak Serbo-Croatian and Spanish. Other statistics include:

• Per Capita Income: $26,126
• Crime Rate: Safer than 21 percent of U.S. cities

Ready to learn more about Kentwood and which neighborhoods are on the top of the list for families?

1. Brenton Preserve

There are so many reasons to live in Brenton Preserve; being part of a fast growing area, being close to nature, and being close to amenities. The neighborhood is close to The Gaines Marketplace where you can find franchises like Target and Applebees. There's a cinema nearby and if you want more variety in shopping, head 12 miles to the Tanger Outlet Mall. For nature lovers, there are miles of walking trails along 32 lush acres that connects with the Paul Henry Trail.

This neighborhood is in the Kentwood Public School District with many schools close by, including Discovery Elementary School, Pinewood Middle School, East Kentwood High School, and Kentwood PSD. For commuters, you'll have easy access to the expressway. You're just a short distance from the M-6 and US 131. Homes are three to four bedrooms, one to two and half baths, a two car garage, range from 1,526 to 2,735 Square Feet, and start at $239,900.

2. City Center

This is another great neighborhood for families. It's affordable, with the median home price at $151,380 ,and most homes are in excellent condition. This makes City Center the perfect neighborhood for young families who are also first time home buyers. The average rent, however, is $1,224. Many families choose to live here because there's a lot to do and it's in the suburbs. These two elements are a hot commodity in Kentwood. Another reason people want to live in City Center is for the historical architecture. Fun Fact: There are more people of Dutch and Yugoslav descent living in City Center than in any other area of the U.S.

Crime rates are low in this middle-income neighborhood. Workers tend to be in the manufacturing and labor occupations. There are also many executives, managers, and other professional occupations present. For commuters, getting to work is easy. On average, the residents of City Center spend about twenty to thirty minutes commuting to and from work each day. You also have access to the train and bus.

3. East Paris

The community of East Paris has an affordable median home price of $109,443. It's a nice, family friendly suburban neighborhood made up of mostly apartments. In fact, East Paris has more high rise apartment buildings than 96 percent of the U.S., but there are also single family homes for sale. In fact, home have been being built in this neighborhood since 1970, so you're sure to find the perfect style for your family. East Paris is also the perfect spot to rent an apartment as you get to know the area of Kentwood better before deciding on the perfect house in the perfect neighborhood. Overall, the neighborhood is lower to middle income. For the commuter, you can expect to spend about fifteen to thirty minutes each way on the road.

4. Forest Hill/Cedar Mill

This neighborhood is more expensive than those listed above, with a median home price of $300,881. The neighborhood is long established, having been built between 1970 and 1999. However, the properties are in excellent condition and many are upgraded to modern decor. As another great family neighborhood, you won't see houses come up for sale too often, and when they do, they're snatched up right way. In fact, it has one of the lowest vacancy rates in the U.S. Mostly wealthy families live here with school age children so there will be plenty of friends to make and play with. As for safety, Forest Hill/Cedar Mill is a family friendly community with a very low crime rate. For the commuter, the average morning and afternoon commute is between fifteen and thirty minutes.

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