good lakes to ski on? what's Byron Center like? (Grand Rapids: homes, catholic schools)

[cheftobe]

1. We are relocating to Grand Rapids and are thinking of Byron Center in particular b/c of its proximity to my new workplace. Can anyone tell me what that suburb is like? I see so much regarding Cascade v. EGR and Forest Hills/Ada, but Byron Center seems to be left out. My son in elementary school really enjoys his soccer team here and we would be looking for a community that has a strong youth sports program.

2. Also, we are a big boating/waterski family. What are some of your favorite lakes to ski on?

3. We would like to look at some Catholic elementary schools in that area as well. Does anyone have experience with those schools?

[magellan]

Byron Center is OK, although it does have a "small town" mentality. The high school is fairly new and a lot smaller than some of the others that have been listed, so that could be a plus.

I think there may even be some lakes in Byron Center you can ski on. Otherwise, there's Gun Lake in Wayland. We go up North most summer weekends so honestly I don't know where people water ski around GR. Lake Macatawa in Holland?

[mich2fla]

The lakes I've water skied on: Gun Lake, Green Lake, Reeds Lake, Bostwick Lake, Lake Macatawa, Spring Lake, Gull Lake, Pentwater Lake, and of course Lake Michigan when its calm. etc. Plenty of lakes, just got to find your preferences.

I don't think there's catholic schools in the Byron Center area (but I could be wrong though).

[dutchinnd]

The Catholic schools are mostly on the North and West sides of GR--the areas that were home to Polish immigrants originally. There are private Christian (Reformed or non-denominational) schools in the SW areas, but not Catholic.

[shoes4birds]

St. John Vianney is a Catholic school (K-8) that is just north of Byron Center. I'm off 68th street in Byron Center and it's less than 5 miles from my house. My nephews and nieces all went there - spectacular school with great spirit, sports, teachers, etc. The Priest there is new and has been received quite well.

Byron Center is a nice smaller town. We recently spoke w/our realtor who said that homes in BC are selling better than many other areas in GR and have held their value very well.

The nice thing about BC in comparison to the other areas you mentioned is that you get much more for your money in BC. It's a very up and coming town as it's right near the new mall in Grandville and a lot of new things are spreading out toward BC, including a new hospital which recently opened on Byron Center Avenue.

Good luck with your decision.