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Allendale is a small charter township in Ottawa County, Michigan, located about 12 miles west of downtown Grand Rapids. The township exists primarily as the home of Grand Valley State University's main Allendale Campus, and its character is shaped almost entirely by the university's roughly 25,000 students. Without GVSU, Allendale would be a quiet agricultural community; with it, the township hosts a dense ring of student-oriented apartment complexes, a handful of dining and retail options catering to students, and an active campus social scene. Students choosing to live in Allendale trade urban amenities for convenience to the main campus, with most off-campus housing options within a 10-minute walk or bike ride of class buildings. For students whose academic programs are centered on Allendale, the tradeoff is often worth it, particularly in the first year or two. However, many GVSU upperclassmen and students enrolled at GVSU's Pew Campus in downtown Grand Rapids choose to live in Grand Rapids instead, taking advantage of the city's diverse neighborhoods, restaurants, craft breweries, and cultural offerings, while commuting to Allendale by car or GVSU shuttle when needed.
The cluster of large student apartment complexes immediately surrounding the Allendale campus forms the primary off-campus housing market for GVSU students who want to stay close to classes. These complexes offer a range of floor plans, on-site amenities, and lease structures, and they fill up quickly each fall leasing season.
Beyond the apartment complexes, Allendale Township has scattered single-family rental homes and smaller multi-unit buildings that can offer more space at lower per-person costs. A car is essential in these areas, as they are not walkable to campus or to everyday services.
Many GVSU students, especially upperclassmen and those spending significant time at Pew Campus, choose to live in Grand Rapids neighborhoods such as Midtown, Heritage Hill, or Eastown. These areas offer walkable streets, diverse restaurants and coffee shops, and a vibrant urban lifestyle that Allendale cannot match.
Here's what you need to know about getting around Allendale.
Allendale has very limited public transit service given its rural and suburban character. The Rapid, Grand Rapids' regional transit authority, operates a limited-stop route that connects the Allendale campus to downtown Grand Rapids, making it possible for car-free students to travel between the two campuses and into the city. Service frequency is limited compared to urban bus systems, so students should check The Rapid's schedule carefully before relying on it for daily commuting. GVSU also operates its own free connector shuttle between Allendale and the Pew Grand Rapids Campus, which is a reliable option for students traveling between campuses.
The area immediately surrounding GVSU's Allendale campus is walkable for students who live in the adjacent apartment complexes, with paved paths connecting housing to academic buildings and the campus recreation center. Biking is a practical option for getting around campus and reaching the closest off-campus businesses. Beyond the immediate campus area, however, Allendale Township is spread out with limited sidewalks and high-speed roadways that make walking and biking less practical for reaching services. Students who confine their daily activity to the campus core and adjacent complexes can manage well without a car for most class-day needs.
Parking in Allendale is generally straightforward and affordable compared to urban campuses. Most student apartment complexes include free parking with the rental unit, and campus lots require a GVSU parking permit. Students who commute between Allendale and Grand Rapids will need to be aware of parking regulations at both the Allendale and Pew campuses, as demand can be high during peak class hours. Overall, parking is far less stressful in Allendale than in most urban university settings.
Common questions from students searching for housing.
Student apartment complexes adjacent to GVSU's Allendale campus typically charge $650 to $900 per bedroom per month, with some variation based on unit size, furnishing, and included utilities. Complexes that include internet or water in the rent can offer good overall value. Grand Rapids rentals vary more widely, from about $700 to $1,200 per bedroom depending on the neighborhood.
Browse student housing near each Allendale-area university.