Time to Explore the Muskegon Lakeshore

Get to know the 11 communities that make up this dynamic region along Lake Michigan.

By Livability on April 27, 2022

Jeff Adkins

A desirable destination for residents and businesses, the Muskegon Lakeshore region offers a wealth of advantages, including abundant water resources, pro-business local governments and year-round attractions. The region features a natural deep-water lake port and a host of communities that are as vibrant as they are scenic. If you are thinking about taking a vacation or moving to Muskegon, let’s take a tour of what each community has to offer.

Nathan Lambrecht

Muskegon | Population 38,318

The economic and recreational hub of west-central Michigan offers four seasons, quality schools, numerous parks and ample recreation along the Lake Michigan coastline.

The median home value is $180,000 (Redfin, February 2022). The community hosts several annual events, such as the Michigan Irish Music Festival, Muskegon Polish Festival and the Bright Lights Lighthouse Festival. Downtown Muskegon is the region’s central business district and offers a quality selection of restaurants, retail stores, and arts and cultural institutions.

April 2021 saw the grand opening of VanDyk Mortgage Convention Center, a $21 million, 64,000-square-foot facility located between the Delta Hotels by Marriott and Mercy Health Arena.

Muskegon Heights | Population: 9,900

With its motto “City of Friendly People,” Muskegon Heights is located about 10 minutes from Lake Michigan. The affordable community features median home values of around $60,000 (Redfin, February 2022). The community also features locally owned stores and restaurants along a walkable central business district.

A signature attraction is the James Jackson Museum of African American History, named for the physician and ardent civil rights activist who was a longtime resident.

North Muskegon | Population: 3,800

A popular vacation spot, North Muskegon is located on a scenic peninsula between Muskegon Lake and Bear Lake and is graced with beaches, bike trails and forestland. The average home value is $276,000 (Redfin, February 2022). Livability assets include high-ranking schools and recreation options, such as Lincoln Golf Club, Custer Park, Walker Community Center, Muskegon State Park, boat launches and the Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park.

Jeff Adkins

Montague | Population 2,600

Home to what is billed as the World’s Largest Weathervane, Montague is located along scenic White Lake. Attractions include breweries, galleries, marinas, fishing, golf and the Hart-Montague Bike Trail. Montague Area Public Schools is one of the top-rated districts in Michigan.

Norton Shores | Population: 25,030

With Lake Michigan at its front door and a slogan of “It’s in Our Nature,” Norton Shores is known for recreation and inspiring scenery, with natural attractions such as Black Lake, Mona Lake and Hoffmaster State Park. The community also boasts three high-quality school districts. Norton Shores has led Muskegon County in residential construction permits for several years, and the average home value is $196,000 (Redfin, February 2022).

Lakewood Club | Population: 1,200

Lakewood Club has small-town charm, with independent stores and restaurants. A major draw is Fox Lake, which features excellent fishing, boating, kayaking and swimming opportunities. An interesting historical note: In 1912, if you bought a subscription to the village’s newspaper, you also received two lots of real estate, all for $23.20.

White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce

Whitehall | Population: 2,749

The White River courses through Whitehall, and visitors flock to the White River Lighthouse, a popular spot for photos. This city was built on the lumber industry. Whitehall today has three Frank Lloyd Wright-designed cottages and a house that remain standing. Livability assets include Howmet Playhouse, Nuveen Community Center for the Arts, Duck Lake State Park and White Lake Golf Club.

Roosevelt Park | Population: 3,794

Roosevelt Park is a pretty bedroom community that borders Muskegon and Norton Shores. The median home value is about $206,000 (Zillow, February 2022). Nine parks are within the city’s boundaries. Each summer, the city hosts the Roosevelt Park Day, which includes food, music, a parade and carnival.

Ravenna | Population: 1,258

This popular visitor destination is located between Muskegon and Grand Rapids. The community features quaint stores and restaurants, and country estates. Ravenna Public Schools often earns awards. The median home value is around $275,000 (Redfin, February 2022). The village’s slogan is: “If you’re lucky enough to live in Ravenna, you’re lucky enough.”

Fruitport | Population: 1,200

Within Fruitport Charter Township is the village of Fruitport, whose high school athletic programs are often in the hunt for state titles. Originally named Crawville, Fruitport is situated in the middle of a fertile fruit-growing area. The village’s Sheringer Soccer Fields host a number of regional and statewide tournaments, and other popular attractions for residents and visitors include Spring Lake and Pomona Park. Just one square mile in size, the village is well positioned between two exits off Interstate 96. The average home value in Fruitport is around $297,000 (Redfin, February 2022).

Casnovia | Population: 323

Latin for “new home,” Casnovia is located in both Muskegon and Kent counties. The median home value is around $240,000 (Zillow, February 2022). The village is known for its cherry, peach and apple trees along with fields of corn, wheat, soybeans and hay. Outdoor enthusiasts flock to Casnovia during the warm-weather months to enjoy boating, swimming and fishing opportunities on Half Moon Lake, which is easily reachable off M-37.