Top 5 Golf-Friendly Places to Live on Michigan’s Westside

Michigan is quickly becoming a golf destination because of it’s amazing scenery and courses. There are 650 golf courses in Michigan with a number of them designed by famous golfers and architects like Jack Nicklaus, Jerry Matthews, Tom Fazio, and many others. Several Michigan courses make Golf Digest’s list of top courses in the nation every year. I’ve been recently getting back into golfing, and it’s a great way to hang out with friends and enjoy the outdoors. If you’re an avid golfer, here are some of the best places to live in Michigan.

Arcadia Bluffs

Traverse City

Known for gorgeous scenery, small-town vibes, and cherries, Traverse City is home to some of the best golf courses in Michigan and in reach of other great courses like Arcadia Bluffs and Crystal Downs. Top public courses in and around Traverse City include Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, The Crown Golf Club, Elmbrook Golf Course, Mistwood Golf Course, and The Kingsley Club. Housing in Traverse City is in the mid to higher range and there are job opportunities in the area as well since the city has seen an economic boost.

Thornapple Pointe

Grand Rapids

There are 38 golf courses within 20 miles of Grand Rapids with tons of variety of length, play difficulty, and scenery. Some of the top courses include Thornapple Pointe Golf Club, Thousand Oaks Golf Club, The Mines, The Meadows, Blythefield Country Club, and Egypt Valley Country Club. Grand Rapids is one of the fastest-growing cities in Michigan and offers housing at every price point across the board with a variety of neighborhoods to live in. There’s a great opportunity in the healthcare, tech, creative, and financial fields. There is even an LPGA event hosted in Grand Rapids giving you access to the professional golf world.

Muskegon Country Club

Muskegon

You may not think of Muskegon when you think of golfing, but there are a number of courses in Muskegon with dozens of other courses within easy reach of the city. Two of the top-rated courses in Muskegon include the private Muskegon Country Club and the public Chase Hammond Golf Club. The Muskegon Country Club is even rated in Golf Digest’s top 35 courses in Michigan. Other nearby courses include Thoroughbred at Double JJ in Rothbury and American Dunes in Grand Haven. It’s also not that far of a drive to Grand Rapids for a round either. The median home price in Muskegon County is $225k making it a very affordable place to live.

Macatawa Legends

Holland

Holland is another great town for golfers. With private courses like Macatawa Legends Golf and Country Club and Wuskowhan Players Club, which is in Golf Digest’s top 35 Michigan courses. There also other fun public courses like par 3 courses, The Links at Rolling Meadows and Three Fires Golf Course. Holland continues to be a growing city with strong manufacturing, agricultural, health, and engineering job sectors. Median home price in Holland is around $300k making it a highly desirable place to live.

Hawkshead Links

Saugatuck

Just a short ways from Holland, Saugatuck is a beautiful town with flourishing arts, tourism, hospitality, and retail job opportunities. It also boasts some fantastic golf courses! Three of the most well-known courses in and around Saugatuck include Hawkshead Links Golf Course, The Ravines (built by Arnold Palmer), and Clearbrook. Saugatuck median price is a bit higher at $716k, as this town is known for a high amount of waterfront properties.

These Michigan cities provide not only unparalleled golfing experiences but also great places to live in for job opportunities and housing. With tons of golf courses in the West Michigan area, you’re sure to find a favorite! Looking to move closer to your favorite course or even buy a vacation home by it? We can help you find a home anywhere in West Michigan and have connections all over Michigan to help you move to any area. Contact us to get started on your home-buying journey.

Mark Deering