Caledonia is a quiet and mostly rural city just south of Grand Rapids.
A scenic lake surrounded by houses in Caledonia.
Caledonia and the surrounding area have beautiful farmland and scenic landscape views.
Emmons Lake is mostly surrounded by Caledonia Lakeside Park and North Shore Park.
Amphitheatre at Caledonia Community Green during the Winter.

Caledonia, MI

Area Guide

Avg Rent

$1,478

Population

1,896

Renter Mix

25% Rent

West Michigan's newest hotspot

Up-and-Coming Fast-Growing Lake

Tucked about 20 miles southeast of Grand Rapids, Caledonia is a small Michigan village that has quietly grown into one of West Michigan's most sought-after places to call home. Situated within Caledonia Township in Kent County, the village sits near Emmons Lake and carries an unhurried, grounded atmosphere that larger cities nearby simply can't replicate. Its location makes Grand Rapids, with its expanding job market, healthcare sector, and arts scene, easily accessible for anyone who works or studies there. Davenport University and Gerald R. Ford International Airport are both within a short drive, adding practical appeal for commuters and travelers alike.

The housing mix in Caledonia reflects its growth without losing its smaller-scale character. Renters can find well-maintained apartment communities alongside townhome-style rentals and single-family homes, offering real variety within a compact footprint. The residential streets feel settled and connected, with a pace that rewards those who prefer quieter surroundings over downtown density. Cherry Valley Avenue serves as the commercial spine of town, while the broader neighborhood fabric stays largely residential. Caledonia was incorporated as a village in 1888, and that deep-rooted sense of community still shapes how the area feels today—established, steady, and continuing to grow on its own terms.

Explore the City

Caledonia and the surrounding area have beautiful farmland and scenic landscape views.

Emmons Lake is mostly surrounded by Caledonia Lakeside Park and North Shore Park.

Amphitheatre at Caledonia Community Green during the Winter.

Caledonia Lakeside Park has long paved paths that can be utilized year-round.

The Caledonia Valley Centre has a variety of small retail spaces restaurants.

Davenport University is just a few minutes north of Caledonia.

Demographics

Median Household Income

$102,526

Average: $115,730

Education

617

Residents Have a Degree

Job Market

1,054

Workers Employed

Age Distribution
Get a sense of this area's population profile.

Median Age

36 Years

Largest Age Group

10-19 Years

Approximately 18% of Residents

Under 20

30%

Over 65

11%

Housing Distribution

Caledonia has more homeowners than renters.

Renters
25%
Non-Renters
75%

Education Distribution

Review this city's overall education levels.

Bachelor's or Higher
28%
Other Education
72%

Rent Trends

As of June 2026, the average apartment rent in Caledonia, MI is $1,001 for a studio, $1,478 for one bedroom, $1,803 for two bedrooms, and $2,028 for three bedrooms. Apartment rent in Caledonia has increased by 0.9% in the past year.

Property Type
Average Rent
Average Sq Ft
Apartment
$1,478/month
903 Sq Ft
See Rental Market Trends in Caledonia, MI

Getting Around

Somewhat Walkable

Walkability

20 / 100

Exceptionally Drivable

Drivability

100 / 100

Fairly Bikeable

Bikeability

40 / 100

Schools

Explorer Elementary

Public

Grades K-5

549 Students

Caledonia Elementary School

Public

Grades K-5

366 Students

Emmons Lake Elementary School

Public

Grades K-5

346 Students

Dutton Elementary School

Public

Grades PK-5

336 Students

Paris Ridge Elementary

Public

Grades K-5

297 Students

Duncan Lake Middle School

Public

Grades 6-8

736 Students

Caledonia High School

Public

Grades 9-12

1,382 Students

Points of Interest

Top Apartments in Caledonia

Houses for Rent in Caledonia

Living in Caledonia

History

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Caledonia traces its roots to the early 19th century, when Scottish settlers arrived in the area and named the village after their homeland. The community developed along the Thornapple River, which powered mills and supported agricultural commerce throughout the 1800s. Today, the downtown district preserves several historic buildings that reflect this early settlement period, including structures that have been thoughtfully repurposed for local shops and restaurants. The village maintains its small-town character while honoring its heritage through preserved storefronts and tree-lined streets that echo its past. Caledonia's connection to its agricultural foundations remains visible in the surrounding landscape, and residents appreciate the area's commitment to maintaining historic architecture alongside newer development. The community celebrates its history through local events and festivals that bring neighbors together to recognize the pioneers who established this corner of western Michigan.

Transportation

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Caledonia is a township and community in Kent County, Michigan, situated just south of Grand Rapids along the US-131 corridor. Most residents rely on personal vehicles for daily commuting, with US-131 providing a direct route north into Grand Rapids in about 15 to 20 minutes. M-37 and 84th Street serve as key local connectors for reaching nearby shopping, schools, and employment centers. While Caledonia lacks a formal public transit system, the Rapid bus service in Grand Rapids is accessible for those commuting into the city. Sidewalks and paved paths are found in newer residential developments, and the area's suburban character makes cycling more recreational than practical for most daily trips. Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids is roughly 20 minutes away, offering convenient regional and national air travel connections.

Parks

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Caledonia, Michigan offers residents a welcoming mix of green spaces and outdoor recreation. Caledonia Township Park serves as a community hub with open fields, playgrounds, and picnic areas ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts. The nearby Coldwater River and its surrounding natural areas provide peaceful settings for fishing and nature walks. Just a short drive away, residents can explore the expansive trails and wooded landscapes of the Yankee Springs Recreation Area, a popular destination for hiking, mountain biking, and seasonal activities. The area's natural beauty and well-maintained parks make outdoor living a key part of the Caledonia lifestyle.

Highlights

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Caledonia, Michigan, is a charming township in Kent County, nestled just south of Grand Rapids, offering residents a peaceful, small-town atmosphere with easy access to a major metro area. The area is known for its scenic landscapes, outdoor recreation, and a strong sense of community, with nearby parks, trails, and the Thornapple River providing plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. With well-regarded local schools, a growing mix of shopping and dining, and a convenient location along US-131, Caledonia combines suburban comfort with natural beauty in one appealing package.

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Methodology

† Our analysis of utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, home prices, and other goods and services is sourced from the Cost of Living Index, a respected benchmark published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) that provides a thorough overview of living expenses across different regions.

Rent data is provided by CoStar Group’s Market Trend reports. As the industry leader in commercial real estate information, analytics, and news, CoStar conducts extensive research to produce and maintain a comprehensive database of commercial real estate information. We combine this data with public record to provide the most up-to-date rental information available.

Consumer goods, services, and home prices are sourced from the Cost of Living Index published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER). The data on this page is updated quarterly. It was last published in June 2026.

Demographic information comes from Neustar and combines detailed address data with U.S. Census and American Community Survey statistics to produce reliable local estimates.