Holland

Holland, Michigan Real Estate Guide

If you're searching for homes for sale in Holland, Michigan, you're looking at one of the best lakeside communities on the west coast of the state. Holland sits on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan and the banks of Lake Macatawa, offering residents white-sand beaches, a walkable downtown, top-rated schools, and a cost of living that makes waterfront life actually attainable. Forbes named it one of "America's Prettiest Towns," and ABC News ranked it among the country's happiest. For buyers considering West Michigan real estate, Holland delivers on every front.

What to Love About Holland

• Sugar-sand beaches at Holland State Park, Tunnel Park, and Kirk Park, all within minutes of downtown
• A vibrant, walkable downtown along 8th Street with over 100 locally owned shops and restaurants
• Heated, snow-free sidewalks in the downtown core that keep the city accessible year-round
• The annual Tulip Time Festival, which draws over a million visitors each May to see six million tulips in bloom
• 150+ miles of paved bike paths and 23 city parks, most within a 10-minute walk of residential neighborhoods
• Windmill Island Gardens, home to De Zwaan, the only authentic Dutch windmill operating in America
• Proximity to Lake Michigan, Lake Macatawa, and an easy commute to Grand Rapids

Real Estate and Homes

Holland's real estate market covers a wide range of property types. You'll find everything from starter homes near downtown to sprawling country estates on the outskirts of the city. Lakefront homes and waterfront properties are among the most sought-after listings in the area, thanks to Holland's proximity to Lake Michigan and Lake Macatawa. Large single-family homes are the most common property type, but there's also a strong condominium market, including waterfront condos with stunning lake views, and steady new construction, with many new builds offering lakefront living and private water access.

Macatawa Hills sits on the south side of Holland and is often called the Cape Cod of the Midwest. This area features premium lakefront properties with views of both Lake Michigan and Lake Macatawa.

Castle Park borders the Lake Michigan shoreline near Macatawa Hills. It's a historic lakeside neighborhood with deep roots (this is where the inspiration for The Wizard of Oz was found, according to local lore).

Park Township (North Side) is home to Holland State Park and the iconic Big Red Lighthouse. Tunnel Park is a short drive north, and homes here range from established family neighborhoods to newer subdivisions.

Downtown / Historic District features older homes with architectural character. You're walking distance to 8th Street, Centennial Park, and the farmers market.

Local Tip: Holland is split between Ottawa and Allegan Counties. Township taxes in Holland Township and Park Township are often lower than city taxes, so buyers should pay attention to the municipal boundary when comparing properties.

What does that mean for buyers? Holland serves first-time buyers, families looking for top-rated schools, retirees (Money Magazine ranked it one of the best places to retire), and investors interested in vacation rental income near the lake. Waterfront properties along Lake Macatawa offer private docks and direct water access, while homes further inland provide more space at a lower cost.

Lifestyle and Local Highlights

Holland's food scene has grown well beyond its Dutch heritage (though you should absolutely try a plate of Dutch sugar bread from deBoer's Bakkerij). The downtown restaurant lineup now includes everything from craft breweries to farm-to-table dining.

A few standouts worth knowing:

• New Holland Brewing on 8th Street, one of Michigan's pioneering craft breweries
• Big Lake Brewing, known for its soft pretzels with beer cheese and Dutch bitterballen
• Waverly Stone Gastropub, a father-son operation with a menu inspired by culinary hubs across the country
• Crazy Horse Steak House, voted Holland's best restaurant for over 15 consecutive years
• Crust 54, the local favorite for Chicago-style deep-dish pizza

For outdoor recreation, residents have easy access to the Outdoor Discovery Center Macatawa Greenway, DeGraaf Nature Center, and the Upper Macatawa Natural Area. Mt. Pisgah, a towering sand dune at Holland State Park, rewards climbers with panoramic views of the lake, the channel, and Big Red Lighthouse from the top of its 230 steps.

Holland Public Schools operates seven schools in the district. The community is also home to Hope College, Grand Valley State University (nearby campus), and Western Theological Seminary.

Beyond Tulip Time, the community calendar stays full. Art in the Park brings 300+ artists every August. The Tulipanes Art and Film Festival runs in September. Dutch WinterFest kicks off after Thanksgiving, and the Street Performer Series fills 8th Street with live entertainment all summer long.